wheretheroadtakesus

We’re just starting to plan a last minute August trip with a 10 yo and 8 yo. They love museums, especially science museums, old sites, and desserts! We’ll have 4 nights and 5 days. Please share ideas on what we should see and do in each place and how many days in each spot. Thanks!!

Southam

Quebec City is the continent's only walled city and pretty scenic for kids and adults alike. The associated Citadel, object of the British attack on the French colony atop the Plains of Abraham, is still a military base. It has a new museum and some tours of the barracks. In the summer the morning flag-raising ceremony is rousing, with the regimental colours trouped by scarlet-coated guards in bearskin hats. They are the Royal 22nd, known by their French nickname of Les VanDoos, the most renowned French-speaking regiment. They keep step to Canada's most rousing regimental march, and also try to keep their mascot, a magnificent and rowdy billy goat, in check. No show when rain threatens; the hats don't like the wet.
An aside: Some historians consider the water-borne attack a key battle in extending British rule, which at that time included what are now the eastern United States. Some extra info for the young scholars.

Much simpler, there is a glass elevator from the boardwalk adjacent to the towering Chateau Frontenac hotel down to the river's edge. https://www.quebecregion.com/en/busi...lle-de-quebec/
The ferry across the river provides wonderful views at low cost, although there's not a lot to do on the opposite shore.

The market in a new (ish) building in the harbour might interest young folks to see foods identified in French; local produce is emphasized and should be abundant in August.
https://www.quebecregion.com/en/busi...public-market/

zootsi

Since Montreal is much bigger, you probably want to spend more time there. In Montreal, there is a fairly new science museum on the waterfront. The waterfront also has bike, pedal cart and rollerblade rentals on the prominade. There are also boat rides. The Notre Dame basillica is also pretty impressive. They might also enjoy Jean Talon market, a sprawling indoor-outdoor farmers market with lots of free samples, cheese and food shops, etc. Montreal is also a cyclist's dream with safe trails a over the city and along the Lachine canal. Bikes are readily rentable everywhere.. In Quebec City, the museum of civilization is a fun multi media science and history musuem. The changing of the guard is another must see. There is an observatory in one of the skyscrapers right outside the old city. Just outside the city is Montmorency waterfalls, which is higher than Niagara.

ericleader

You can always watch the expos play

carnalismocc

Quebec City is the continent's only walled city NORTH OF MEXICO (just to correct the above statement.) It is indeed a very beautiful city and there is much to see and do for both adults and children. My wife and I recently took our kids (ages 17 and 9) there early this month for a 5 day/4 night stay, and we had a wonderful time. One day can be dedicated to the Citadel (changing of the guard at 10am, museum and guided tour) and then the Plains of Abraham Museum after lunch (which includes a guided bus tour as well.)

Another day can be spent just walking around the old city and admiring the architecture, shopping and trying out some good restaurants, bakeries and candy/ice cream shops. An entire day can easily fly by and there is no shortage of photo opportunities.

A visit out to Montmorency Falls is also recommended. Since we didn't have a car, we simply had our Uber driver drop us off at the top of the falls, then we made our way down the steps and could've been picked back up at the bottom, but we instead opted to take the cable car back to the top and got picked up in the same spot.

The Museum of Civilization is also a great way to spend several hours with the kids.

It was our first time in Quebec City, so there was plenty to keep us busy for the days that we were there. We would like to visit Montreal next time, but with it being a larger city, I'm sure that one could easily be kept busy for even more days. If you plan on visiting both cities in one trip, then just plan out accordingly depending on your family's tastes and interests. I'd imagine that you'll have a wonderful time in either or both cities!

amara1305

Quebec to me was like a small European City ( and drive up to the Isle for some rural fun about a hour north of Quebec, there is a huge waterfall on the way as well.), and Montreal more urbane. People were friendly (IMO) and helpful. It is required for any one in public service to speak english & french so it was not an issue, but I am sure no one would "mind" your practicing. Both have old towns, great restaurants & street scenes. Montreal also has a very funky section (like an old hippy part) that is great especialy for "poutine" fries with gravy. I would gooogle around a bit or get a small guide book as both have quite a bit to see.

Vttraveler

The Biosphere in Montreal is a very good science museum and has the added bonus of great views of the city from the top floors. (Note this is not the Biodome which is more zoo-like and which is closed for renovations)
Biosphère, Environment Museum - Parc Jean-Drapeau

The Pointe-à-Callière archeology museum might be of interest if they like history. There are quite a few interactive exhibits and the museum is built on an actual archeological site that you can explore.

Not sure where you are from, but if your kids are not near a city with a chinatown they'd probably enjoy seeing and eating at the one in Montreal. There are a lot of Vietnamese restaurants there now

In Montreal you can take walks and admire the views in the Park Mont Royal. The tam tams on Sundays are fun to watch.
https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/fe...-du-mont-royal