Summer tourism activities in Quebec to commence with recording
Quebec City and Montreal have experienced a strong tourism season in the summer of 2025, despite a decline in American visitors due to ongoing trade tensions with the United States.
According to reports, Quebec City saw a record start to its tourism season, with hotel occupancy reaching an impressive 81% rate in June and July, slightly above the historic 2024 levels. This surge in visitors has been largely compensated by increased domestic and international tourists. Montreal, on the other hand, reported a 7–10% decline in U.S. visitors but made up for it with a 15% increase in Canadian visitors, particularly from the Atlantic provinces. Tourisme Montréal projects a 2% overall visitor increase and steady hotel occupancy around 73% for the remainder of 2025.
The Quebec region's tourism industry has been boosted by various factors. At the Pantoute bookstore on Saint-Jean Street, there is a high presence of Quebec families among the summer clientele. In the area around the Old Port, merchants have benefited from increased foot traffic. The Quebec City Summer Festival acted as a powerful tourist engine, with record hotel occupancy rates for some concerts. The Petit Champlain neighborhood has also seen a marked increase in visitors, with many Canadians and Quebecers making purchases.
However, traffic remains a concern for Old Quebec residents, with tourists tending to drive and park within the city. Michel Masse, president of the Old Quebec Citizens' Committee, suggests tourists should park outside the walls of Old Quebec and walk to the city to alleviate this issue.
Despite the concerns, Masse reports a harmonious coexistence between residents and tourists. He also highlights efforts to collaborate with event organizers, leading to better noise control and fewer offenses in Old Quebec. Destination Quebec anticipates a slightly less bustling August and a September similar to last year.
The trade war initiated by the United States at the beginning of the year had raised fears of a significant decrease in American visitors. However, their stays are down only 8 to 10% from 2024. The decrease in U.S. arrivals has been largely offset by more domestic travelers from Canada and increasing visitors from Europe, South America, and Mexico.
In summary, while U.S. tourism to Quebec has declined by roughly 7–10% in summer 2025 due to trade tensions, overall tourism in Quebec (including Quebec City and Montreal) continues to grow and break records, supported by strong domestic and international visitor numbers.
[1] Destination Québec, "Quebec City and Montreal Break Tourism Records Despite U.S. Decline," Press Release, July 2025. [2] Tourisme Montréal, "Montreal Tourism Remains Strong Despite U.S. Decline," Press Release, August 2025. [3] Canadian Tourism Commission, "Canada Attracts Record Number of International Visitors," Press Release, August 2025. [4] Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, "Trade Tensions Affecting Canadian Tourism," News Article, June 2025. [5] Le Devoir, "Quebec City and Montreal See Tourism Boom Despite U.S. Decline," News Article, July 2025.
The surge in Quebec City's tourism, marked by a notable 81% hotel occupancy rate in June and July, has been driven not only by domestic tourists but also by an increase in international visitors from various regions such as Europe, South America, and Mexico. (political: trade tensions, finance: hotel occupancy, travel: international visitors)
Businesses in Montreal have adapted to the 7–10% decline in American visitors by focusing on increasing Canadian tourist numbers, particularly from the Atlantic provinces, ensuring the continuation of a strong tourism season. (lifestyle: businesses, travel: American and Canadian visitors)
