27 Jul Free Family Activities to Enjoy in Quebec Before the End of Summer 2026
Summer always goes by too quickly… but there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season without emptying your wallet!
The good news is that Quebec is filled with free activities that allow families to create wonderful memories, whether they live in the city or in a more rural area.
Here are some ideas for ending the summer on a high note while sticking to your budget.
Explore a National Park on a Free Admission Day
On September 6, some Sépaq national parks will offer free admission or special activities.
Even outside these special days, several outdoor areas remain accessible free of charge or at a low cost.
Discover Municipal Walking Trails
Hundreds of municipalities have beautiful walking trails that are completely free to explore.
A few favourites include:
- Parc des Sommets in Bromont
- Mont-Bellevue Park in Sherbrooke
- Coaticook Gorge Park’s outdoor trails
- Michel-Chartrand Park in Longueuil
- Accessible areas of Mont-Saint-Bruno Park
Plan a Picnic in the Park
Sometimes, the best memories are the simplest ones.
Prepare a homemade lunch, bring a blanket and a few games, and enjoy a meal outdoors together.
Attend an Outdoor Movie or Show
Many cities present free movies and performances in local parks throughout the summer.
Bring:
- Folding chairs
- Blankets
- Homemade popcorn
It is the perfect activity for both children and adults.
Useful resources include:
Visit Public Markets
Even without buying anything, public markets make for a wonderful family outing.
You may be able to:
- Listen to musicians
- Discover local producers
- Enjoy a few samples
- Take in the lively atmosphere
Where Can You Find a Market Near You?
The Association des marchés publics du Québec provides an interactive map that makes it easy to find a market in your area, as well as a calendar of summer activities and events.
Organize a Photo Scavenger Hunt
Prepare a list of things to photograph, such as:
- A yellow flower
- A squirrel
- A fountain
- A red car
- A bridge
- A duck
Children love this type of challenge!
Go Stargazing
Move away from the city lights and spend an evening observing the night sky.
Download a free app such as Sky Map or Stellarium to help your family identify the constellations.
Discover a City’s Murals
Turn an ordinary walk into a search for urban artwork.
Here are some of the best places to admire murals in Quebec:
Montreal
Montreal is a mural lover’s paradise!
Things to see include:
- The murals along Saint-Laurent Boulevard, particularly those associated with the MURAL Festival
- The two enormous Leonard Cohen murals
- The many works of art throughout the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood
- The City of Montreal’s official mural route, featuring more than 100 works
Quebec City
Old Quebec is home to several magnificent historical frescoes.
Some of the must-see works include:
- La Fresque des Québécois
- La Fresque des Piliers
- La Fresque BMO de la Capitale-Nationale
- The mural honouring Black Quebecers
- Several works located in the Saint-Roch neighbourhood
Sherbrooke
Downtown Sherbrooke features several colourful murals created through local artistic projects. A walk along Wellington Street North and King Street will allow you to discover several of them.
Trois-Rivières
The downtown area features various historical and contemporary murals highlighting the city’s heritage.
Gatineau
The Old Hull district is home to several urban artworks and murals created by local artists.
Saguenay
Downtown Chicoutimi features several murals celebrating the region’s history and culture.
Drummondville
Several public artworks and murals are located throughout the downtown area, making it an ideal place for a walk.
Explore a Bike Path
You do not need to travel very far.
Quebec has thousands of kilometres of bike paths that can be accessed free of charge.
How Can You Save Even More During Your Outings?
Even when an activity is free, certain expenses can quickly add up, including sunscreen, coolers, clothing, bicycles, hiking shoes, outdoor toys and camping equipment.
Before making a purchase, take a few minutes to compare current promotions on allsales.ca.
You will find flyers and discounts from major Quebec and Canadian retailers gathered in one place, which could help you save tens or even hundreds of dollars on your summer purchases.
After all, the best summer memories are not necessarily the ones that cost the most… they are the ones you share as a family.