A picnic in Quebec City takes five minutes to pack and a whole afternoon to enjoy. Quebec City has urban parks, green spaces along the St. Lawrence River and national parks less than an hour’s drive away. Spring brings back the flowers. On the first warm days, locals head outside to enjoy the sunshine, and every park becomes an open-air dining room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We picked 11 of the best picnic spots, from the Jardin de Saint-Roch, right next to the hotel, to the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. Each one has its own view, trails and atmosphere. Free or nearly free, a picnic is still the simplest way to discover Quebec City like a local.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Saint-Roch neighbourhood is made for an improvised picnic: bakeries, delis and cheese shops are a few streets from H\u00f4tel Le Saint-\u00c9douard, at 330, rue de la Couronne. Our guide to what to do in Quebec City<\/a> covers the area’s highlights. You can buy your lunch, walk five minutes and spread the blanket without taking the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Jardin de Saint-Roch, now named Jardin Jean-Paul-L’Allier, was laid out by the City of Qu\u00e9bec in 1993. It sits at the foot of the cliff, near rue du Parvis and the M\u00e9duse complex, a few steps from rue de la Couronne. Its waterfall, ornamental plantings and shaded benches make it ideal for a quick meal between two visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The garden is small. It suits a sandwich and a coffee better than a big family blanket. Local office workers eat here at noon, then the park turns quiet again in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Parc lin\u00e9aire de la Rivi\u00e8re-Saint-Charles follows the river for dozens of kilometres, and one of its access points is just north of Saint-Roch, near Pointe-aux-Li\u00e8vres. The trails are flat, paved in places, and the lawns along the river offer several quiet spots for a picnic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The linear park<\/strong> also suits cyclists: the bike path links the Lower Town to Limoilou and beyond. Bring a blanket, a bottle of water and some crudit\u00e9s. The walk back helps the lunch settle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep steps from the Jardin de Saint-Roch and the river.<\/strong> The best rate is always on our website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book Direct<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The St. Lawrence River<\/strong> gives Quebec City its most beautiful picnic settings. Upper Town parks offer breathtaking views of the South Shore and L\u00e9vis, while Lower Town parks put the blanket almost at the water’s edge. For a romantic picnic, aim for late afternoon, when the light falls on the Ch\u00e2teau Frontenac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Plains of Abraham form the largest park in Quebec City. Its lawns, mature trees and lookouts over the river make it a classic picnic spot, steeped in history. The Mus\u00e9e national des beaux-arts du Qu\u00e9bec stands at the edge of the park: a museum visit in the morning, a meal on the grass in the afternoon. The National Battlefields Commission<\/a> manages the site and posts each season’s activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Closer to the fortifications, Parc de l’Esplanade faces the Parliament Building, a few steps from Old Qu\u00e9bec. You can see the rooftops of the old city and the Citadelle from here. If you like exploring the Upper Town on foot, our page on our hotel near Old Quebec<\/a> explains how to get there from Saint-Roch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parks Canada maintains the fortifications that border the Esplanade. For picnics with a view, here are our favourite Upper Town lookouts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Located to the west in Sainte-Foy, near the bridges, it offers picnic tables, a stony shore and views of the South Shore. Few tourists make it out here. The Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, further east, adds kilometres of riverside trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Old Port, Place des Canotiers spreads its lawns along the river, at the foot of Petit-Champlain. The scenery changes with the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At sunset, the Ch\u00e2teau Frontenac lights up just above your blanket.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A family picnic needs space, nearby washrooms and something to keep the kids busy. These three parks pair the classic blanket with a playground, a beach or gardens. Our family room<\/a> sleeps up to six, which makes the trip easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge occupies the former estate of Quebec’s lieutenant governors, in Sillery. Its gardens hold thousands of flowers, an arboretum and wooded trails that lead down toward the river. The Commission de la capitale nationale du Qu\u00e9bec<\/a> welcomes leashed dogs there, except inside the buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bois-de-Coulonge is perfect for a family picnic<\/strong>: kids run across the lawns while adults enjoy the sunshine. The gardens are at their best in early summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Domaine de Maizerets<\/a> stretches across Limoilou, about ten minutes by car from Saint-Roch. The park offers picnic tables, an arboretum, a pond and trails through the marshes. The bike path runs right through the estate, so you can arrive by bike with the basket on the rack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Families love its wide green spaces. The heritage buildings host exhibitions in season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baie de Beauport<\/a> is Quebec City’s urban beach, right on the St. Lawrence River. It offers a picnic area, sand, splash pads and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The site fills up fast on summer weekends. Arrive early, pick a table near the water and keep the cooler in the shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breakfast is included for every guest in the room before your day at the park.<\/strong> A good way to leave well fed for the beach or the gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See the Breakfast Included Offer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nature starts 30 minutes from town. To the north, the boreal forest, rivers and waterfalls offer wilder picnic spots than the city parks. Our page on on-site parking and hotel services<\/a> explains how to leave the car with us the night before and head out early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parc des Marais du Nord protects a wetland on the shore of Lac Delage, about 20 km from downtown. Its interpretation trails cross the marshes on boardwalks, with stops for birdwatching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The site has a few tables. Bring a light lunch and binoculars: it’s a calm picnic, far from the crowds of Old Qu\u00e9bec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier<\/a>, run by the S\u00e9paq<\/strong>, carves a deep valley about thirty minutes north of Quebec City. The Jacques-Cartier River runs along the valley floor, between wooded mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The park offers picnic areas by the water, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. A daily access fee applies, as in all S\u00e9paq parks. Plan a full day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The perfect picnic fits in a well-packed bag. A good cheese, fresh bread, a few salads and a dessert are all you need. A local cider or beer goes well too if the park allows it; always check the rules on site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grand March\u00e9 de Qu\u00e9bec<\/a>, at ExpoCit\u00e9 in Limoilou, brings together regional producers year-round. You’ll find cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruit and artisan breads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shops of Saint-Roch work too. Their bakeries and delis sell everything you need for a meal on the grass. For a sit-down dinner the night before, see our list of original restaurants to try in Quebec City<\/a>. And to taste the local cuisine, our list of foods to try in Quebec City<\/a> can inspire the menu: cretons, sugar pie and cheese curds travel well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good planning avoids unpleasant surprises. Here is the checklist before you head out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave the park as clean as you found it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bringing your dog? Several of these parks allow leashed pets, and our pet-friendly hotel<\/a> welcomes your companion too. Our article on things to do with your dog in Quebec City<\/a> rounds out the day. In the morning, grab a coffee and pastries at Le 330 restaurant<\/a> before you leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Book direct and get our best rate guaranteed.<\/strong> Saint-Roch, the river and the parks are minutes from your room.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJardin de Saint-Roch: A Lunch Break Steps From the Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parc lin\u00e9aire de la Rivi\u00e8re-Saint-Charles: Trails and a Picnic by the Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Book Your Picnic Getaway in the Heart of Saint-Roch<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Picnic With a View of the St. Lawrence River<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plains of Abraham and Parc de l’Esplanade<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier and Place des Canotiers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Best Parks for a Family Picnic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge: Gardens, Arboretum and Picnic Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Domaine de Maizerets: Picnic Tables and a Bike Path in Limoilou<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Baie de Beauport: Beach, Sand and Picnic Area<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Head Out as a Family With Breakfast Included<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Picnic in Nature Around Quebec City<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Marais du Nord: Interpretation Trails and Birdwatching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier: A Picnic in the Valley<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Pack the Perfect Picnic<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where to Buy Your Lunch: Grand March\u00e9 de Qu\u00e9bec and Saint-Roch Shops<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cooler, Blanket and Zero Waste: What to Bring<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Book Your Picnic Getaway in Quebec City<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n