Out-of-the-ordinary spouse program experiences in Québec City
Keeping spouses busy while their partners attend conferences or meetings is easy in Québec City. We’ve rounded up just a handful of unique experiences to entertain guests and groups of all sizes.
While these activities are perfect for your spouse program, they’re also great for incentive travel and conference-goers looking to enjoy all the city has to offer while they’re here.
Authentic Québec terroir on Île d’Orléans
The idyllic Île d’Orléans is the perfect day trip for spouse program groups looking to savour the province’s local flavours. Québec Bus Tours offers a Taste Trail tour that leaves twice a day, year-round, from the Château Frontenac. Guests can indulge in handmade confections at Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans, enjoy apple picking and cider at Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau, try the incredible blackcurrant ice cream and preserves at Cassis Monna & Filles, and get the vine-to-glass experience at Vignoble Isle de Bacchus.
Spectacular views at Montmorency Falls
A 15-minute drive from Old Québec brings you to the top of Montmorency Falls, one of Canada’s most impressive cascades at 83 m (276’) high. Spouse program groups can take a daring walk across the bridge on the brink, scale the panoramic staircase, and enjoy a picnic in the sprawling Montmorency Falls Park. They can also find culinary delights at the park’s restaurant and snack bars in the warmer months or the sandwicherie at the base of the falls year-round. There’s an all-seasons cable car and a summertime zip line for more adrenaline-fueled ways to experience the falls.
Indigenous heritage in a Wendake Huron-Wendat Nation tour
The Huron-Wendat Nation has called Wendake home since 1697. The vibrant borough offers many arts, culture, and culinary experiences including the Huron-Wendat Museum, Restaurant La Traite, and the Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse. There are plenty of guided tours, an intimate “Myths and Legends” storytelling performance, and traditional craft workshops. When dusk falls, Onhwa' Lumina lights up the forest, immersing guests in the Nation’s heritage through beautiful projections and soundscapes.
Creativity and culture at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec or Musée de la civilisation
At the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), spouse program group members will be greeted by awe-inspiring modern architecture and an immersive, zen atmosphere. Guests can wander through the museum’s permanent collections of evocative Inuit sculpture, quirky modernist furniture, and contemporary and historical work from an eclectic mix of Québecois artists. The museum also features a rotation of special exhibitions featuring renowned artists from Canada and worldwide.
The Musée de la civilisation brings the past to life, illuminating the current cultural moment through engaging multimedia exhibitions. From natural history and Indigenous culture to contemporary music, art, science, and politics, the museum showcases a range of diverse perspectives and inspiring ideas. Guests will find their time here equally thought-provoking and fun. It’s an experience that’s sure to leave visitors with a renewed sense of connection, wonder, and curiosity.
A scenic guided cruise on the Saint Lawrence River
From May to October, spouses can hop aboard Croisières AML’s charming AML Louis Jolliet for a guided cruise from Québec’s Old Port at the foot of Old Québec to Montmorency Falls. The boat boasts window-lined dining rooms and outdoor decks for unmatched views of the Château Frontenac and Île d’Orléans. Guests can enjoy an easy meal from the bistro or a drink at the bar while listening along to the history of Canada’s second-oldest city. Throughout the year, Croisières AML also offers several brunch and dinner cruise options and groups can book out the boat for events with catering from the kitchen on board.
Outdoor adventures at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
Sun or snow, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground and a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can grab gear like snowshoes, kayaks and paddle boards, skis, and more at the park’s rental centre, so it’s okay if you forgot to pack your spare canoe. The park is a 50-minute drive from Old Québec but spouse program groups can also take the shuttle buses offered by Quatre Natures and join one of their year-round guided tours of the park. Those more inclined to enjoy the wilderness from the comfort of a fluffy robe can take a detour to one of the Nordic spas on the way out of town.
Cooking, mixology, and wine tasting at Ateliers & Saveurs
Spouse program groups looking to spend quality time creating food and drinks in someone else’s kitchen can head over to Ateliers & Saveurs in Sainte-Foy. Gourmands can sharpen their culinary skills at cooking and cocktail mixology classes or sip back and relax at a guided wine tasting with a seasoned sommelier. Individuals can drop in on an upcoming class by registering online and organizers can get in touch with the team to organize a group event.
Book your group culinary event
Get local insights and more ideas for unique spouse program experiences in Québec City from a destination management company (DMC) like our partners Inscript and JPdL. They can coordinate transportation, booking, and accommodation for conference attendees and their spouses.
Need help organizing your conference or finding the right DMC to fit your needs?
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Jeff Frenette -
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Sépaq - Parc de la Chute-Montmorency -
