If you have an extended layover at the Quebec City Airport or staying in town, why not consider getting out with some fun activities? We list a few here and there are many more on Quebec-City.LayoverIdeas.com.

Quebec City Airport is 11 kilometres from downtown Quebec City and the RTC bus 78 into the city makes it an easy place to visit on a layover at this airport. There are plenty of things to do in Quebec city so to narrow down your choices here are some ideas.

Parc de la Jacques-Cartier

Just 20 minutes drive from downtown Quebec City is a place known locally as Quebec City’s Great Outdoors. With lakes, recreational areas, spas and restaurants in the Parc, there will undoubtedly be plenty to keep you busy while in transit in this city. In summer you can try kayaking, pedal boating and sailing, while winter activities such as ice fishing, dog sledding and skating are sure to get your pulse racing. There are a huge variety of eateries, all sporting stunning vistas, at which you can while away a few happy hours while enjoying some gourmet food. So many activities will surely see you through a layover, just make sure you leave enough time to get back to the airport.

Centre d’art Maison Blanchette

If you fancy combining history with some local art, head on to the Centre d’art Maison Blanchette. One of the oldest houses in Cap-Rouge, this building was destroyed by fire in 1988 and then, since it has a very interesting history, it was carefully restored. Originally the home of Onésime Blanchette, hence the name, in the 19th century it served as a hotel and a grocery store, it later became a post office. Maison Blanchette now houses the “Mouvement d'animation artistique de Cap-Rouge", which is an organization that gives art classes. Two artists' workshops are located on the upper floor. The art gallery, the "Galerie d'art du tracel", is also worth a visit.

Traditional Huron Site

You could make the most of your transit city by learning about the different cultures of the area. The Traditional Huron Site is an authentic recreation of a Quebec Indian Village. Visitors can watch a traditional dance before wandering through living scenes depicting Huron life as it was in the past as well as it is today. You can meet a Clan Mother and stop off for a visit at a Giant Tee Pee. Try dining Huron style at the restaurant where you will be presented with the menu, according to the “NEK8ARRE” ritual, on which you will find choices such as buffalo and caribou as well as a selection of traditional vegetables.

Les Galeries de la Capitale

This mall houses the only IMAX movie theatre in the region so if you want to watch a movie larger than life this is the palce to go. If shopping is your transit treat, Les Galeries de la Capitale offers 280 shops and freestanding retailers, 35 restaurants at which to satisfy your hunger and, if you prefer movies on a smaller scale, 6 Fortune movie theatres. If you are looking for a little excitement then the Méga Parc, which is the second largest in North America with 20 major attractions for children of all ages as well as a 17,000 square foot skating rink, should keep you busy until your onward flight.

As always, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to YQB Quebec City International Airport in time for your connecting flight. Enjoy your transit city rather than whiling away the time leaning up against your luggage in the departures lounge.

More Quebec City Airport Transfer & Airport Connection Options

Last Updated: 4 Jan 2025

By Roberta Westwood

While we strive to keep our information current, prices do go up and schedules and operators change.
If you have an update, then please email us to help make this page even better for all travellers.
Are you a YQB Quebec City International Airport ground transportation or tour operator?