PORT OF QUÉBEC WELCOMES RECORD VISITOR NUMBERS AND A WIDER VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES THAN EVER BEFORE
Québec City, September 17, 2026 – The 2026 summer season allowed the Port of Québec to solidify its role as an economic driver, cultural hub, and tourist destination in the Capitale-Nationale region. A diverse lineup brought hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors to the Port’s sites and partner events this summer, breaking several attendance records along the way.
This summer, the Port of Québec came alive more than ever before. Between the record number of visitors, the diverse lineup of free events and activities, and the incredible popularity of our sites, the public responded with an enthusiasm that truly exceeded our expectations. It goes to show that our efforts to make our area more vibrant and accessible are paying off.
Record attendance
Several sites set new visitor records. The Baie de Beauport, whose management returned to the Port of Québec this year, saw an impressive 125,000 visitors in summer 2026, obliterating the previous record of 93,500 that was set 5 years ago, in 2021. Admission to the site and all of its events was free for the first time; the site’s weekly yoga classes, country nights, and singer-songwriter nights were joined by new Pilates classes, sunset paddleboard excursions, and musical brunches on the beach.
La Cale du Port de Québec also had a historic summer, with 135,000 visitors between its May 16 opening and September 1, up 6.23% from 2025. Broadcasts of the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff games and World Cup soccer matches were particularly popular.
More highlights
This season truly was exceptional, with major events being held across all of the Port of Québec’s sites:
- The international cruise season, which runs until November 1, saw the Port’s 3 millionth cruise passenger with the arrival of the Sapphire Princess on September 13. By the time the season ends, some 30 cruise ships will have called in Québec City.
- More than 10,000 people enjoyed the lanes and open swimming area at the Oasis, which also offered activities every day of the week and a number of regular events at its bar and patio.
- The Rendez-vous naval de Québec brought in more than 200,000 visitors over 3 days, who came to see 8 ships from around the world.
- The Port of Québec Agora hosted more than 15 events and shows between June and September, including the SuperFrancoFête, Envol et Macadam, Polo & Pan, Kaleo, BUNT., Jonathan Roy, and Dominique Hudson.
- The Grands Feux Loto-Québec celebrated their 30th anniversary this year, bringing in around 1.3 million visitors for its 8 nights of fireworks over the Port of Québec’s wharves.
- Athletes from around the world took part in the third Challenge Cap Québec triathlon, whose swim leg took place in the Bassin Louise while crowds watched from the wharves, the Oasis, and the Marina.
- Speaking of the Port of Québec Marina, it welcomed 340 regular members and nearly 600 visiting boats in the Bassin Louise.
About the Port of Québec
The Port of Québec has a 15-metre water depth and is strategically located in the heart of the Great Lakes market, allowing Canadian businesses to maximize their economies of scale for their imports and exports.
It has links to more than 40 countries and supports nearly 12,000 jobs nationwide. It also handles over 26 million tonnes of goods annually, representing more than $15 billion in commercial value. It ranks 4th among Canada’s 17 port authorities in terms of revenue and is recognized as a leading cruise port on the St. Lawrence.
The Port of Québec also has a solid reputation for community support and proudly makes 26% of its property available to the public at exceptional sites like the Agora, the Oasis, La Cale, and the Baie de Beauport.
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Source and information
Frédéric Lagacé
Director, Public Relations and Communications
418 929-5031 | [email protected]