Visit Quebec During the Construction Holiday

By Mathieu Villeneuve, owner — here is the local's secret. During the Construction Holiday the whole province travels at once: families pour south to the Maine beaches or north into the Laurentians. The island, fifteen minutes from the city, stays remarkably quiet — and that quiet falls exactly when the strawberries and the first apples are both ready. For a visitor coming from Ontario or the US, it is the best two weeks of the summer to have Quebec City almost to yourself.

Updated June 22, 2026.

Why the locals' two weeks off are your opening

Quebec is the only place in North America where an entire industry takes the same fortnight off by law. From July 19 to August 1, around 200,000 construction workers — and many other Quebecers who line up their own vacation to match — are away. The province moves as one, mostly outward and southward. That is precisely why a traveler arriving from Toronto, Boston or New York should aim for this window rather than avoid it: the crowds you would compete with are leaving the region, not flooding it.

The rare overlap: strawberries and the first apples together

Late July is the one stretch of the year when the island's two seasons meet. The summer strawberries and raspberries are still being picked at the Chemin Royal farms, and at the same time the earliest apples begin coming off the trees — the start of a harvest the island is known for. Add the black currants (cassis) at their peak at Cassis Monna & filles, the corn and tomatoes filling the roadside stands, and you have terroir most visitors only read about.

• Pick your own — late strawberries and raspberries, plus the first early apples, at the family farms along the Chemin Royal
• Cider houses and vineyards — open with their terraces; the apple season is just beginning
• Cassis Monna & filles — the island's black-currant estate, a tasting stop with a view of the river
• Cycle the island — the 67 km loop around Île d'Orléans, a classic summer ride
• Quebec City in 15 minutes — Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls (10 min), an evening on a terrace, then back to the island's calm
• Evenings — a fire in the hearth, the St. Lawrence in front of you, and a sunset over the water

Frequently asked questions

When exactly is the 2026 Construction Holiday?

Sunday July 19 to Saturday August 1, 2026, inclusive (official CCQ dates). It is Quebec's province-wide construction shutdown, and many other Quebecers time their vacation to match.

Why come to Quebec City during it rather than avoid it?

Because the local crowds leave the region. Île d'Orléans stays calm 15 minutes from the city, the farm season peaks, and Old Quebec feels open instead of packed.

What is in season on the island then?

A rare overlap: late strawberries and raspberries alongside the first early apples, plus black currants at their peak, corn and tomatoes at the farm stands, and cider houses open.

How do I book for these dates?

Direct at 581-999-1555 (best rate, no fees) or online. The house sleeps 6: full kitchen, fireplace, free parking, river view. These two weeks fill early — reserve ahead.

Day trip: Quebec City to Île d'Orléans · The island's cider tasting route · Summer on Île d'Orléans · A group road trip to the island
Bonus charm: La Petite École is a one-room country schoolhouse from 1839, carefully restored — a touch of heritage once you have settled on where to sleep near Quebec City.
La Petite École de l'Île d'Orléans · 6225 Chemin Royal, Saint-Laurent-de-l'Île-d'Orléans · CITQ 307404 · managed by Initial Location