Is spring break expensive? Not necessarily. It is possible to find several free or low-cost activities. Here are seven to do in Quebec City and the surrounding area.
With inflation, prices for many family outings and activities have increased in recent years. Sure, some activities are expensive, but others are not.
For a budget-friendly break, there are a few tips: find out in advance about the activities offered in your neighborhood or nearby, plan the necessary equipment if needed (you can borrow it from friends) and book when the number of places is limited. So, without further ado, let's plan your break without delay!
Outdoor skating
Quebec City is the perfect place to go skating, in the heart of the city or in nature. Many of the rinks are even free to access . Among our favorites where you can skate for free, we visit the Plains of Abraham ring or the unmissable Place d'Youville skating rink (at dusk, it's magical!).
To do like the pros, head to the Intact Insurance Ice Center (access is free for Quebec residents upon reservation).
When the weather is mild, another favorite is the skating rink set up at Quai Paquet in Lévis, which offers a breathtaking view of Quebec City. Get your skates on!
The Plains of Abraham ring is freely accessible.
Spend a Sunday at the museum
Every first Sunday of the month, access to the museum is free for Quebecers (proof of residence is required). The good news is that this initiative by the Quebec government continues even during spring break. So we're planning a trip to the museum on March 3, to start spring break off right.
What to see? The exhibition Voir la nuit at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec will intrigue your teens with its mysterious sounds and darkness that invite them to discover the works in a new light. The exhibition ends on March 17.
For the little ones, head to the Museum of Civilization, where My House awaits them. They will be able to touch, play and scream without even being scolded!
Slide into town
Where to slide without spending a fortune? At the Myrand sliding center! Five slopes are available: just book a period two days in advance. Two areas are also set up on the Plains of Abraham or on the Pointe-aux-Lièvres site.
The trick: you combine two activities, like sliding and skating, by taking everything you need in the car.
The Myrand ski center is always popular with families.
Go hiking in Jacques-Cartier
Moving is good for your health! In fact, there's nothing better than getting out into nature to enjoy all its benefits. That's why Sépaq is opening the doors (!) to its national parks this winter. Access is free three days a week until March 13. However, you must reserve your access in advance (numbers are limited).
Please note that access to national parks is always free for children under 17 accompanied by an adult.
An idea: in addition to hiking in the Jacques-Cartier National Park, several activities are offered, including inner tube sliding, snow scootering and forest rallies.
Visit the new Gabrielle-Roy library
It's finally the big day! After several months of renovations, the Gabrielle-Roy library in the Saint-Roch district is finally reopening its doors to the public. A special program is planned from March 1 to 3. Spring break is the perfect time for families to reclaim this completely transformed library.
*Editor's note: Please note that due to the strike in Quebec libraries, the activities planned at Gabrielle-Roy are cancelled.
We will take advantage of this opportunity to read and relax on site, but also to borrow comics and video games for spring break days at home. Do your children have a subscription to the libraries of Quebec City? It's free for residents.
Swimming at the municipal swimming pool
Want to take a break from the cold and winter? Put on your swimsuit and enjoy the open swim sessions, which are free for residents of Quebec City. The schedule for indoor municipal pools is online!
The pleasure of being bored
What if we spent a day doing nothing? Being bored from time to time is normal for a child, reminds the site Naître et grandir. It allows him to stimulate his creativity and to listen to his desires and tastes.
Playing outside freely, observing nature and getting away from screens are often children's favorite activities since they are done without pressure and with family. Because spring break is also about relaxing!
Happy spring break!
Main photo credits: Charlotte Bouvier
Photo Sépaq: Steve Deschênes
Photos Myrand Center and swimming pool: Quebec City
