12 FUN Things to Do in Quebec City at Night (Updated in 2025)

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I’ve been to Quebec City three times over the years, and it’s hands-down my favorite city in North America. While most travelers focus on the daytime charm—fairytale streets, French flair, historic vibes—it’s the nights that really hooked me. The nightlife isn’t wild like Montreal or Toronto, but it’s cool in that low-key, locals-in-the-know kind of way.

One night I found myself sipping cider at a bar inside a 300-year-old stone house. Another, I caught an outdoor circus performance under twinkling lights in Place Royale. From late-night poutine runs in Saint-Roch to jazz sets in candlelit basements near Rue Saint-Jean, the city offers a mix of culture, food, and just the right amount of buzz. If you’re planning a trip in 2025, here are 12 amazing things to do in Quebec City at night…tried, tested, and totally worth staying up for.

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this food tour through Old Quebec! They take you to local gems for authentic poutine and Quebecois specialties, plus craft gin and wine pairings at each amazing spot. You also discover hidden foodie secrets in the UNESCO old town between epic tastings. This food tour is a must-do on a Quebec City itinerary in my opinion.

Best Things to Do in Quebec at Night (Updated 2025)

Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Quebec in the nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Quebec after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Quebec at night!

1. Hit the bars and clubs on Grande Allée

Grande Allée is where you go when you actually want to party in Quebec City. I’ve spent more nights here than I can count, and honestly, it never gets old. This tree-lined street turns into party central after dark, with bars and clubs packed shoulder to shoulder for several blocks.

Start at L’Atelier if you want craft cocktails that don’t suck. They’ve been doing the upscale bar thing since way before it was trendy, and their bartenders actually know what they’re doing. If you’re more of a beer person, 3 Brasseurs is your spot – it’s this local brewery chain that does solid flammekueche (think thin-crust pizza) and their house beers are way better than you’d expect from a chain.

When you’re ready to dance, Le Dagobert is the place everyone ends up at. Locals just call it “Le Dag,” and it’s been the go-to club for over 40 years. Yeah, it’s touristy, but there’s a reason it’s still packed every weekend. The music’s good, the energy’s high, and you’ll probably make friends with random people from Montreal.

Pro tip: Grande Allée gets absolutely wild during summer weekends when they close it to cars. The whole street becomes one giant party, and honestly, it’s pretty awesome.

• Read next: Favorite Things to Do in Eastern Canada

2. Walk through Old Quebec’s lit-up cobblestone streets

Old Quebec at night is something else entirely. I’m not usually one for touristy stuff, but walking these cobblestone streets after dark actually feels magical. The whole place lights up like some kind of fairy tale, and suddenly you’re not just another tourist – you’re part of this centuries-old story.

Château Frontenac looks incredible when it’s all lit up at night. I know it’s the most photographed hotel in the world or whatever, but seriously, seeing it glowing against the dark sky is pretty spectacular. The stone walls throughout the old city catch the light in this amazing way that makes everything look like a movie set.

The street performers here are the real deal. I’ve seen everything from jazz trios to fire dancers, and they’re not just doing it for tips – these people are genuinely talented. There’s this one guy who plays violin near Place Royale who’s absolutely incredible.

What I love most is just wandering without a plan. You’ll stumble across hidden courtyards, cozy cafés still serving late, and these tiny streets that feel like secret passages. The sound of your footsteps on cobblestone, the warm glow from restaurant windows – it’s one of those experiences that makes you fall in love with travel all over again.

3. Try traditional Quebec food at Érablière le Chemin du Roy sugar shack

Érablière le Chemin du Roy is about 30 minutes outside Quebec City, but it’s totally worth the drive for an authentic sugar shack experience. I’ll be honest – I was skeptical at first because it seemed touristy, but this place is the real deal. They’ve been family-owned since forever, and you can taste the difference.

The traditional meal here is exactly what you’d expect – thick pancakes, baked beans, meat pies, and obviously maple syrup on everything. I’m talking real maple syrup they make right there, not that fake stuff. The portions are huge, so come hungry. They often have live folk music, which adds to the whole authentic Quebec vibe.

What makes this place special is the atmosphere. You’re sitting in this rustic cabin, sharing long tables with other families, everyone laughing and talking. It feels like you’re at someone’s family dinner, except better because you don’t have to do dishes.

The best part? They’re open year-round, so you can experience it in winter with snow all around, or in spring when they’re actually making the maple syrup. I went in March during sugaring season, and watching them tap the trees and boil the sap was honestly fascinating. Just don’t expect fine dining – this is comfort food at its most comforting.

4. Go night skiing at Mont-Sainte-Anne

Night skiing at Mont-Sainte-Anne is hands down one of the coolest things you can do in Quebec during winter. I’m not exaggerating when I say this mountain has some of the best night skiing in Canada – 19 trails are lit up, giving you the highest vertical for evening skiing in the country.

The mountain is about 25 minutes from Quebec City, and night skiing runs from 4pm to 9pm Thursday through Saturday. Day passes are around $135-145 CAD, but you can get night-only tickets for way less. I always buy mine online in advance because you can save up to 25% that way.

Here’s what makes it special: skiing under the lights with the St. Lawrence River sparkling in the distance is incredible. The groomed runs are perfect, and there’s something about flying down a mountain in the dark that feels like pure freedom. Even if you’re not an expert skier, they have plenty of easier trails that are lit up.

After your runs, the base lodge has this cozy bar called Owl Resto-Bar where you can warm up with hot chocolate or something stronger. The atmosphere is exactly what you want after a few hours on the mountain – warm, friendly, and full of people who are just as stoked as you are about skiing in the dark.

5. Take a ghost tour through Old Quebec with Les Promenades Fantômes

Les Promenades Fantômes does ghost tours that are actually entertaining, not just cheesy tourist traps. I’ve done ghost tours in probably a dozen cities, and these guys know what they’re doing. The guides dress up as historical characters – usually Marie Rivière (the executioner’s wife) or Jean Rattier (the actual executioner) – and they’re genuinely good actors.

Tours run nightly and cost around $20 CAD for adults. They meet at the Morrin Centre on Rue Sainte-Anne, and you’ll recognize your guide immediately because they’re carrying a lantern and look like they stepped out of the 1600s.

What I love about these tours is they mix real history with the spooky stuff. You’ll learn about actual crimes, executions, and punishments from New France while walking through the dimly lit streets. It’s not just “boo!” scares – it’s fascinating historical stories that happen to be pretty dark.

The tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers a good chunk of Old Quebec. Fair warning: they don’t cancel for weather, so bring a jacket if it’s cold. But honestly, doing this tour in the snow or rain just makes it more atmospheric. I went during a light snowfall, and it was perfect – like being in a horror movie, but fun.

• Read next: Instagram-Worthy Airbnbs in Québec

6. Soak in hot springs at a Nordic spa

Siberia Spa is about 15 minutes from downtown Quebec City, and it’s the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about the whole “Nordic spa” thing at first – paying to sit in hot water seemed overpriced. But after spending an afternoon here, I totally get why people are obsessed.

The concept is simple: alternate between hot pools, cold plunges, and rest areas. Day passes are around $39 CAD and they’re open 9am-9pm daily (until 10pm on weekends). The whole place is outdoors, surrounded by forest, with heated walkways connecting everything.

Here’s what makes it work: after you soak in one of their hot pools (they have eight different ones), you dip into cold water or stand under a freezing waterfall. It sounds terrible, but your body goes into this weird tingly state that’s actually incredible. Then you relax in one of their rest areas – there’s a Mongolian yurt with hammocks around a fireplace that’s absolutely perfect.

I spent about three hours there and left feeling more relaxed than I had in months. They also have massages if you want to go all out, and their café serves decent food if you get hungry. Just bring a water bottle and prepare to disconnect – most areas are quiet zones, which is honestly refreshing.

7. Take an evening cruise on the St. Lawrence River

Evening cruises on the St. Lawrence River give you a completely different perspective of Quebec City. AML Louis Jolliet does dinner cruises that are actually pretty good – I was expecting tourist trap food, but they use local ingredients and the kitchen knows what it’s doing.

The real draw is seeing the city from the water as the sun sets. Château Frontenac, the Parliament Building, and the old city walls all look incredible when they’re lit up and reflecting on the water. I’ve taken a lot of boat tours in different cities, and this one’s genuinely beautiful.

Cruises usually run 2-3 hours and cost around $80-120 CAD depending on whether you add dinner. They operate from May through October, with evening departures around 7pm. Book ahead during summer because they sell out, especially on weekends.

What surprised me was how peaceful it is once you’re out on the water. Quebec City looks amazing from street level, but seeing it from the river gives you this sense of how impressive the old fortifications really are. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife along the shores – I saw a family of deer during one trip.

• Read next: Breathtaking Places to Explore in Canada

8. Visit Montmorency Falls after dark

Montmorency Falls at night is surprisingly beautiful. The falls are about 15 minutes outside Quebec City, and they light them up after dark, which creates this dramatic effect against the night sky. I wasn’t expecting much – waterfalls are waterfalls, right? But seeing this 83-meter cascade illuminated is genuinely impressive.

You can view the falls from the bottom or take the cable car up to the suspension bridge for $16.50 CAD. I recommend the bridge because walking across it at night, with the lit-up falls thundering below you, is pretty thrilling. They also have a zip line that runs over the falls, but it’s seasonal and honestly, I wasn’t brave enough to try it in the dark.

The park stays open until 10pm during summer months, and admission to the grounds is free – you only pay for the cable car or zip line. There’s a decent restaurant at the top if you want to grab dinner with a view, though it’s nothing special.

What makes this worth doing at night is the atmosphere. During the day, it’s packed with tour buses and families. After dark, it’s much quieter, and the lighting makes everything feel more dramatic. I spent about an hour there, taking photos and just enjoying the sound of the water. It’s one of those simple pleasures that reminds you why you travel.

9. Go ice skating at D’Youville Square

D’Youville Square turns into this charming outdoor ice rink during winter, and it’s exactly as cute as it sounds. The rink is right in the heart of Old Quebec, surrounded by 19th-century architecture, with twinkling lights overhead. I’m not much of a skater, but even I had fun wobbling around for an hour.

Skating is free, but you’ll need to rent skates for about $5 CAD if you don’t have your own. The rink is open daily from December through March, usually 10am-10pm depending on weather conditions. They play background music, and the atmosphere is festive without being overwhelming.

What I love about this rink is how local it feels. Yes, there are tourists, but you’ll also see Quebec City residents here with their kids, couples on dates, and teenagers showing off their hockey skills. It’s not polished or fancy – just a simple ice rink in a beautiful setting.

After skating, there are plenty of cafés nearby where you can warm up with hot chocolate or coffee. Café de la Paix is right around the corner and has excellent pastries. The whole experience feels like something out of a Christmas movie, especially if you’re there when it’s snowing lightly.

10. Bar hop along Rue Saint-Jean

Rue Saint-Jean is where locals actually go to drink, as opposed to the more touristy Grande Allée. This street has character – we’re talking dive bars, craft beer spots, and places that have been serving drinks since before you were born. I always end up having better conversations here than anywhere else in the city.

Start at Pub Saint-Alexandre, which has one of the best beer selections in Quebec City. They’ve got local brews you won’t find anywhere else, and the bartenders actually know their stuff. Bar Les Yeux Bleus is this hidden gem you access through an alley – they have DJs every night and a cool underground vibe.

Ninkasi Saint-Jean is perfect if you want something more upbeat. They brew their own beer and often have live music. The crowd skews younger, but not in an annoying way. Le Clap is where you go if you want to end the night listening to live jazz in a intimate setting.

What makes Rue Saint-Jean special is the mix. You’ll find university students, working locals, and the occasional tourist who wandered off the beaten path. Prices are reasonable – expect to pay $6-8 CAD for a decent beer, which is way better than tourist areas. I usually spend 3-4 hours bar hopping here, and it never feels rushed or forced.

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11. Join a local trivia night in Saint-Roch or Limoilou

If you’re in Quebec City on a Monday night, skip the tourist bars and head straight to La Souche Limoilou for pub trivia with a local crowd. They run their quiz nights every Monday at 7pm, and the place fills up fast. I grabbed a seat at the bar with a smoked meat poutine and one of their house IPAs, and by round two, I was somehow on a team with two Quebecois guys and a woman visiting from Montreal. Most of the questions are in French, but it’s super laid-back—and honestly, struggling through answers just makes it more fun.

For a midweek option, Louks Pub in Saint-Roch hosts trivia every other Wednesday. It’s a smaller crowd, more intimate vibe, and their cocktails are surprisingly great for a neighborhood pub. If you’re looking for a genuinely local evening that involves good drinks, a bit of brainpower, and easy conversation with strangers, this is it. It’s how I accidentally learned the French word for “platypus.” Worth it!

12. Listen to live jazz at Le Clap

Le Clap is this tiny jazz club that feels like a secret. It’s tucked away on a side street, holds maybe 50 people, and books some surprisingly good musicians. I stumbled across it by accident one night and ended up staying until closing – that’s how good the music was.

The space is intimate in the best way possible. You’re sitting close enough to the musicians that you can see their expressions change with the music. They book both local talent and touring acts, with shows usually starting around 9pm. Cover charges are minimal – maybe $10-15 CAD depending on who’s playing.

What makes Le Clap special is the authenticity. This isn’t jazz for tourists; it’s jazz for people who actually love the music. The audience listens respectfully, the musicians take it seriously, and the whole experience feels genuine. I’ve been to famous jazz clubs in New York that felt more artificial than this little place in Quebec City.

The drinks are reasonably priced, the staff knows their regular customers, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a jazz club – dim lighting, comfortable seating, and music that makes you forget about everything else. It’s the perfect way to end a night in Quebec City, especially if you’re staying somewhere nearby and can just walk back to your hotel afterward.