A Family Getaway Starting in Quebec City

Whatever the season, but especially in summer, Plage-Jacques-Cartier park is a perfect spot to spend time with the family. Enjoy 2.6 kilometres of beachfront along the Saint Lawrence River. Bring your picnic, beach gear and good vibes! Free parking is available from June to October.

In the afternoon, head to the Aquarium du Québec to discover over 300 species of marine life. Outdoors, you’ll meet polar bears, walruses, seals, and other marine mammals. Indoors, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of fish, jellyfish, seahorses, rays and more. It’s the perfect destination for animal-loving children.

Spend the night at the Auberge de l’Ouest inn in Deschambault-Grondines to be ready to explore the region the next day. For families, the inn offers a large room with four single beds and a king bed, or a private apartment with a closed room featuring a queen bed and a sofa bed. Either way, you’ll also have access to the shared kitchen (with local breakfast available in summer), the backyard, spa and more. Check availability online here.

As the region is well known for its gourmet discoveries, start your day with a guided tour of the Fromagerie des Grondines cheese shop. Your guide will take you to see the cows in the barn and the milking area, explain the cheese-making process, show you the production room, and lead you down to the aging cellars. You and your children will learn about each step of the organic cheese-making journey. The tour ends with a tasting of their delicious local cheeses. It is important to book your guided tour in advance.

Immerse yourself in the region's history - and give your stomach a break - with a visit to the Moulin à vent de Grondines windmill. This historic mill was built in 1674 and is one of the oldest in the province. Inside, you'll have access to a permanent exhibition recounting the history of the mill and its functions as a flour mill and marine signal station.

For lunch, take the kids to the Casse-Croûte du Roy, a typical Quebec village snack bar. The menu features hot dogs, poutine, hamburgers and other fast-food classics. Part of the outdoor terrace is covered, so you can enjoy your meal sheltered from the blazing sun or inclement weather.

You’re not done eating just yet! Your final stop of the day is at Julie Vachon Chocolats et Crèmerie Artisanale chocolate shop. This artisanal shop is known for its high-quality sweets that the whole family will love. Stock up on delicious chocolates for dessert (or to bring home) and don’t forget to try one of their ice creams. It’s the perfect afternoon treat on a sunny day.

End the day with a stroll along the river or a soak in the spa at the Auberge de l’Ouest inn, your accommodation for a second night. The lounge is equipped for family fun, with board games, music, an arcade and more. Outside, relax by the fire pit with a glass of microbrewery beer while the kids play in the sandbox.

After your local breakfast at the inn, drive to Trois-Rivières and begin your day with a visit to the Musée POP and the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières. With around a dozen exhibits on display - some long-term, others rotating - you’ll find themes ranging from toys and music to Quebec culture and provincial history. Check out the current exhibitions here and reserve your tickets online.

Are your children over 8 and curious about prison life? Take advantage of the package combining the museum with a visit to the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières. Dating back to 1815, this former prison is now a museum that tells the stories of past inmates. A guided tour includes sound and lighting effects and chilling true stories.

Afterward, the whole family will enjoy a hearty meal at the Manoir du Spaghetti restaurant. On the menu, you'll find a varied selection of pizzas, pasta dishes, salads and meats. Before leaving, pick up some of their freshly made sauces to take home.

Finish your family getaway at the Île Saint-Quentin Island. Kids will love the beach, the pool, paddling pool and the playground. The park also offers an interpretive walkway, a bike path, outdoor cardio sessions, street trucks and other cultural and sporting activities, depending on the season. Campsites are available on site, so you can opt to spend the night or head home to end your family outing. And this is just a small sample of what you can do with your family along the King’s Road from Quebec City. Feel free to follow our itinerary as-is, or adjust it to suit your family’s interests. What matters most is having fun right here with us!