July 19 to August 1, 2026: hikes, beaches, camping and family activities — plus our strategies for avoiding the crowds.
The 2026 construction holiday runs from Sunday, July 19 to Saturday, August 1, 2026. Two weeks when all of Quebec goes on vacation at once — here is how to make the most of it without the crowds.
The dates
The construction industry shuts down July 19 to August 1, 2026. Roads are busiest on the two transition weekends (July 18-19 and August 1-2), campgrounds sell out months ahead, and popular attractions overflow at midday.
Hikes to discover
- Grands-Jardins National Park (Charlevoix) — taiga 2 hours from Quebec City.
- Hautes-Gorges National Park (Charlevoix) — start the Acropole-des-Draveurs before 8 am.
- Vallée Bras-du-Nord (Portneuf) — glacial valley and waterfalls, less crowded than Sépaq parks.
- Browse all hiking trails by region on the map.
Beaches and swimming
- Saint-Zotique municipal beach (Montérégie) — big family beach 45 minutes from Montreal.
- Îles-de-Saint-Timothée regional park (Valleyfield) — supervised swimming and shade.
- Verdun beach (Montreal) — the free urban beach, by metro.
- Plage Major (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts) — the Laurentians classic.
- All Quebec beaches are on the map with photos and practical info.
Camping and getaways
Sold out? Not necessarily. Last-minute cancellations are common: check booking platforms around 7 am daily. Otherwise aim for quieter regions: Abitibi-Témiscamingue, inland Bas-Saint-Laurent, the Matapédia valley, the North Shore beyond Tadoussac. Browse our camping and glamping listings.
Water activities
- Kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding: lakes are at their best late in the day when winds drop.
- Surfing and wakeboarding for thrill-seekers.
- Whale cruises: book now, late-July departures fill fast.
Family activities
- Sunflower fields start blooming in late July — perfect for family photos.
- Botanical gardens, historic villages and open-air museums: day trips for all ages.
- Our Around me tool finds the closest activities.
Free activities
- Iconic lookouts and monuments are free to visit.
- Public waterfalls like Chutes-de-la-Chaudière park.
- Public markets and birdwatching.
Beating the crowds
- Start early: on trails before 8 am, at beaches before 10 am.
- Shift by a day: Mondays and Tuesdays are far quieter than weekends.
- Pick week 2 (July 26 to August 1): historically less busy than week 1.
- Explore nearby regions: every region has hidden gems — use the map to find them.
FAQ
What are the exact 2026 construction holiday dates? Sunday, July 19 to Saturday, August 1, 2026 inclusive.
Where should I go to avoid crowds? Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the North Shore beyond Tadoussac, the Matapédia valley and inland Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Is everything really sold out? Flagship lodging, yes. But last-minute cancellations are common and many municipal and private campgrounds keep first-come sites.
Best free activity? Lookouts, public waterfalls and free municipal beaches — and most sunflower fields cost under $10.
