Montreal & Quebec City.

Timing your trip can shape your whole experience here, since these cities look and feel completely different depending on the season. Here’s a quick glance at the best time to visit.

Best time to visit: This really depends on what kind of trip you want. Winter (especially December) gives both cities a magical, snowy charm, with Christmas markets (December) and festive streets that feel genuinely special.
Summer and early fall are more comfortable temperature-wise, with outdoor patios, walkable streets, and festivals in full swing. Spring can also be a wonderful time, so each season will offer something special.

Peak season: Summer (June through August). This is when both cities are liveliest, with the best weather for walking around and outdoor dining. Expect more visitors and higher accommodation prices, especially in Old Quebec.

Shoulder season: Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). Fewer crowds, milder weather, and a good middle ground if you want to explore comfortably without peak-season prices or crowds.

Winter: December through February. Cold, but far from a downside if you’re after that classic snowy, festive atmosphere. I visited in December and loved it, though you’ll want to pack accordingly since temperatures can drop quickly.

Top Things to Do in Montreal & Quebec City

Wander Old Quebec: The walled Old City is small enough to explore on foot but full of charm at every turn, especially around Quartier Petit Champlain and Place Royale. If you’re there in December, this is also where the Christmas markets in Quebec City are spread throughout the old town, giving it a genuine European Christmas market feel.

Visit the Citadelle of Québec: A short walk from Old Quebec, the tour is inexpensive and gives great history, but honestly the views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Quebec alone are worth the walk over, even if you skip the tour.

Explore Old Montreal: Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and genuine charm, especially around Place Jacques-Cartier. We stumbled into a Christmas concert at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel during our 4 days in Montreal and Quebec City that ended up being one of the trip highlights.

Compare the Bagels: St-Viateur Bagel vs. Fairmount Bagel is a Montreal rite of passage. My tip: get them warm. A cold bagel isn’t a fair comparison.

Stroll Dufferin Terrace: This boardwalk offers great views of the river and is especially worth it in summer. I’d love to return to Quebec City in another season to experience it properly, since I imagine it holds the same charm with a completely different feel.

Hike Up Mount Royal: The walk to Mount Royal Chalet is easy and rewards you with expansive views over the city. A great stop between other activities.

Have Tea in Old Montreal: If you love a proper British tea experience, Old Montreal has a few spots for it. It’s a lovely, cozy way to spend an afternoon, especially in winter.

Visit Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal: Stunning any time of day, but if you catch it with snow falling and the lights on, it’s magical.

Eat at Schwartz’s Deli: The line moves faster than it looks, and the smoked meat sandwich is worth the wait. It’s a Montreal institution for a reason.

See Montmorency Falls: I asked about visiting during my December trip, but the time of year made it less ideal, so I ended up skipping it. If you’re visiting in another season, I’d recommend adding it to your itinerary. You can visit on your own or book a guided tour if you’d prefer the convenience.

Ride the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec: This funicular connects Upper and Lower Old Quebec, but it wasn’t operating during my visit due to snow, so I can’t speak to the ride itself firsthand. If it’s running when you visit, it’s a convenient way to avoid the uphill walk back from Quartier Petit Champlain.

For the full trip breakdown, including where I stayed and what I’d do differently, check out 4 Days in Montreal and Quebec City.