With Good Friday falling on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6, this year's long weekend is the perfect excuse for an early-spring getaway to Quebec City. The snow is melting, the days are stretching longer, and the entire region is waking up after a beautiful but bracing winter. Whether you are travelling solo, with a partner, or bringing the whole family, here is how to make the most of four glorious days in one of North America's most charming cities.
Hit the Sugar Shacks Before the Season Ends
Easter weekend marks the tail end of maple sugar season in Quebec, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a traditional visit to a cabane a sucre. Just outside the city, you will find dozens of sugar shacks serving the classic spread: pea soup, tourtiere, oreilles de crisse (deep-fried pork rinds), baked beans, and of course tire sur la neige — hot maple taffy poured over fresh snow that you roll up on a wooden stick. Most sugar shacks in the Beauport, Beaupre, and Ile d'Orleans areas welcome English-speaking visitors warmly. Book ahead, as the final weekends of the season tend to fill up fast.
Explore Quebec City's Chocolate Trail
Easter and chocolate go hand in hand, and Quebec City is home to some truly exceptional chocolatiers. Start at Champagne Chocolatier on Rue du Petit-Champlain, where artisan truffles and seasonal Easter creations are almost too beautiful to eat. Continue to Eddy Laurent in Saint-Roch for bold, inventive flavours, and finish at Arnold Chocolats on Cartier Avenue for rich hot chocolate and handmade pralines. Many shops put together special Easter collections, so it is a great time to pick up edible souvenirs for friends back home.
Spring Skiing and Snowboarding
Believe it or not, the slopes at Mont-Sainte-Anne and Stoneham are typically still open over Easter, weather permitting. Spring skiing in Quebec is a unique experience — bright sunshine, softer snow, and noticeably fewer crowds than the winter peak. If you have never tried it, Easter weekend is a fantastic introduction. Both resorts are less than 30 minutes from downtown Quebec City, making it easy to squeeze in a half-day on the mountain and still have time for a leisurely dinner in Old Quebec afterwards.
Unwind at a Nordic Spa
After months of winter, Easter weekend is the ideal time to treat yourself to a Nordic spa experience. The Quebec City region has several world-class options, including Strom Spa Nordique on the banks of the St. Lawrence and Siberia Station Spa near Stoneham. The tradition is simple: alternate between hot pools, cold plunges, and relaxation areas, letting the thermal cycle melt away every ounce of tension. Many visitors pair a spa morning with a massage or body treatment, making for an indulgent start to the long weekend.
Discover Old Quebec on Foot
With spring temperatures hovering around five to ten degrees and the streets less crowded than summer, Easter weekend is one of the best times to wander Old Quebec at a relaxed pace. Visit the magnificent Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral, which holds special Easter services throughout the weekend. Stroll along the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk for sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, peek into the galleries and artisan shops of Quartier Petit-Champlain, and take the famous funicular between Upper and Lower Town. The light is gorgeous this time of year, making it ideal for photography.
Easter Brunch and Special Dining
Quebec City's restaurant scene is booming, and many top spots put together special Easter menus for the weekend. Look for festive brunch offerings at favourites like Cochon Dingue, Le Clocher Penche, and Le Lapin Saute. For a more upscale experience, check whether fine-dining destinations like Taniere3 or Legende par la Taniere are running seasonal tasting menus. Reservations fill up quickly over the holiday weekend, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Cruise the St. Lawrence with AML
As the ice clears from the St. Lawrence River, AML Cruises gears up for another spectacular season of sightseeing and dining cruises. While the full summer schedule launches a little later, early spring is the perfect time to start planning your on-the-water experience. A cruise past the imposing cliffs of Cap Diamant with the Chateau Frontenac glowing above is something you will never forget. Check the latest schedules and early-bird offers at voyagesaml.com or croisieresaml.com.
Easter weekend in Quebec City offers that rare combination of seasonal charm, fewer crowds, and an incredible lineup of things to do. Whether you are tasting tire sur la neige at a sugar shack, carving spring turns on the slopes, or simply wandering the cobblestone streets with a hot chocolate in hand, this long weekend is one of the most rewarding times to visit. Start planning your trip with our full activities guide and make this Easter truly unforgettable.