The Best Things To Do In Winter In Quebec City, Canada

If you’re searching for that magical winter wonderland experience, with cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights and snow-covered buildings, then Quebec City, Canada is the perfect destination for you. Located in Eastern Canada, Quebec City experiences a true winter season with temperatures dropping well below freezing and heavy snowfall and it is awesome!

As the temperature drops and the snow begins to blanket the ground, Quebec City turns into a winter wonderland and it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit during the winter season. Quebecois (people from Quebec) embrace the winter and make the most of it, with an array of activities and experiences that will leave you feeling like a child again.

So grab your mittens, and scarf (maybe two!), and let’s explore the best things to do in Quebec City during winter.

Things To Do In Winter In Quebec City

As a Canadian, I can get pretty excited about winter, and Quebec is one of my favorite places to visit. The province has a unique charm, with its French-Canadian culture, stunning architecture, and insanely good food. Poutine, anyone??

But it’s the winter season that truly brings out the beauty and magic of this province, and I’m pumped to show you all the things you can do in Quebec during your visit.

Explore Old Quebec City

It doesn’t get much better than starting right in the center of the province’s capital, Quebec City. Walking through Old Quebec during winter is like stepping into a fairytale. The quaint cobblestone streets are adorned with lights and decorations, and the historic buildings are covered in snow giving you that magical feeling you had as a child.

It’s truly wild how different the architecture is here than in Toronto. It feels like you’re stepping into a European city and it’s perfect for wandering around with a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand. The buildings are absolutely massive and beautiful, with some dating back to the 17th century. The city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and it’s not hard to see why.

You can go on a walking tour, visit the iconic Château Frontenac hotel, or simply explore on your own. Some must-see spots include Place Royale, Dufferin Terrace, and Quartier Petit Champlain. Personally, we love going on walking tours, you’ll learn so much more about the city’s history and hidden gems.

Skiing And Snowboarding

Quebec City is a dream destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With 4 major ski resorts located within an hour’s drive from the city, you’ll have plenty of options to hit the slopes.

Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the oldest and most popular ski resorts in Quebec, offering breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. It has over 70 trails suitable for all levels, as well as night skiing and cross-country skiing options.

Less than an hour away is Le Massif de Charlevoix, known for its steep terrain and challenging runs. It also offers a unique experience of skiing down to the frozen shores of the St. Lawrence River.

For those looking for a more family-friendly option, Stoneham Mountain Resort has over 40 trails and a snow park for beginners and experts alike. And if you want to try something different, head to Valcartier Vacation Village, where you can go snow tubing, ice skating, or even dog sledding. (More on this one later!)

And if you aren’t staying in Quebec City, but are instead visiting Montreal, you can make a day trip out to one of the most popular ski areas in Quebec, Mont-Tremblant. This little resort town seriously looks like a European village and has some of the best skiing in the province.

Experience The Quebec Winter Carnival

One of the things we love about Quebec in the Winter is that all the fun doesn’t just stop after the holidays. In most places, all the festivities are from the beginning of December to New Year’s Day, but in Quebec, the best is yet to come. The highlight of Quebec City winters is definitely the Quebec City Winter Carnival or Carnaval de Québec.

Held annually since 1955, this festival lasts for 10 days and is full of activities and events for all ages. It usually takes place from late January to mid-February, making it a perfect time to visit and experience true Québécois culture.

Some popular activities at the carnival include snow sculptures, ice skating, parades with Bonhomme (the mascot—he kind of looks like a snowman, but not really), live music performances, and delicious food trucks serving traditional winter treats. Our favorite was the maple taffy on snow, which is sticky, sweet maple syrup poured onto fresh snow and then rolled up on a stick for a delicious treat. We were hopped up on sugar the entire day!

Some fun activities during the day are also offered, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. One of the most thrilling activities of the carnival is the annual snow bath…yes, you read that right. Participants get down to their skivvies and take a dip in the snow for a chance to win some great prizes and somehow I ended up shirtless, cold, and having the best time! Check out my full chilly experience in this post here!

But the main highlight of the carnival is the famous night parade. It’s held two different nights during the festival and features enormous floats, colorful costumes, and music. The parade starts at nightfall and goes through the streets of Old Quebec City, lighting up the dark winter night.

The Quebec Winter Carnival is an event not to be missed if you’re visiting Quebec in the winter. It truly showcases the spirit of Quebecois culture and their love for all things winter. Just make sure to bundle up, because once the sun is gone, it’s really cold out there!

Take A Dog Sledding Adventure

One of the coolest things you can do in Quebec in winter is to mush your own team of huskies on a dog sledding adventure. There are many companies that offer this unique experience, where you get to ride through the snowy wilderness and see breathtaking views.

There are several companies around the city that offer different packages for dog sledding. One being Chenil la Poursuite (Passion Husky), which is only about a 20 minute drive outside Quebec City. The tours offered through this company are only about an hour long, giving you plenty of time to get back to the city for other activities. You also have the option to spend as much time with the dogs after your guided tour, so if you’re in no hurry you might as well get some furry snugs in!

I was one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to go with Entre Chien et loup in Saguenay Lac St. Jean, which isn’t exactly close to the city, but their passion for dog sledding was contagious. They taught me how to steer the sled, and I even got to take breaks and cuddle with the adorable huskies.

You can choose from half-day or full-day tours, with some including a stop for lunch at a cozy lodge. Not only is this an exciting activity, but it also allows you to connect with nature and these amazing animals. And trust me when I say, this isn’t a walk in the park. It takes real skill and teamwork to control a dog sled team.

Plus the dogs are so fluffy and cute, that it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. And if this little blurb hasn’t convinced you, I know these 5 reasons to go dog sledding in Quebec will!

Visit The Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace)

Who says artwork has to be on canvas or paper? At the Ice Hotel, you can experience art in a unique and unforgettable way. Each year, this hotel is built entirely from snow and ice, with different themed rooms that are intricately carved and illuminated.

But it’s not just about admiring the stunning sculptures and designs, visitors can also spend the night in one of their suites with a cozy sleeping bag on top of a block of ice. Crazy, we know! But hey, it’s just one night. And most of them have a fireplace, so you won’t be completely frozen. You’ll also have access to the spa and sauna to warm up after a chilly night’s sleep.

For those who are not brave enough to stay the night (me!), you can still visit the hotel during the day for a tour and enjoy a drink at their ice bar, which literally has glasses of ice that they serve their cocktails in, so bring mittens!

Relax In A Nordic Spa

We bet you’re freezing by now—sleeping in igloos, mushing through snow, and doing all things wintery tundra. Well, that’s the perfect excuse to warm up in a Nordic spa. Imagine sitting in a steaming hot tub surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crisp, fresh air. Sounds like the ultimate relaxation experience, right?

Luckily, Quebec City has many options for visitors to indulge in a Nordic spa experience. Some popular ones include Strom Spa Nordique, Le Nordique Spa Stoneham, and Siberia Station Spa.

A Nordic spa is truly like no other. The concept is based on a series of hot and cold treatments, which are believed to have many health benefits such as boosting your immune system, improving circulation, and reducing stress. So not only will you be warm and cozy, but you’ll also be doing something good for your body. Which is definitely necessary after all the maple candy and poutine, ha!

Try Snowshoeing Or Cross-Country Skiing

French Canadians are more than accustomed to harsh winter conditions, which is why it’s no surprise that they’ve come up with some pretty epic activities to enjoy in the snow. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are two popular winter sports that will take you on a journey through stunning forests and landscapes.

While we only did snowshoeing and traditional skiing, cross-country skiing is also a great way to explore the outdoors in winter. The Plains of Abraham, a historic park in Quebec City, has over 11km of groomed trails perfect for this activity. You can rent equipment or join a tour to learn the basics. But seriously, even though you’re skiing in a park, don’t get too confident, the muscles you’ll use are very different from downhill skiing and it’s a tiring one!

The Monts-Valin National Park in Quebec offers some of the best snowshoeing trails in Canada for those looking for a more serious experience. The Valley of Ghosts trail is a highlight, taking you through a magical forest lined with ghostly white trees. It’s like stepping into Narnia!

Attend A Christmas Market

If you’re one of the lucky ones who visits Quebec City during the holiday season, make sure to check out one of the many Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. These charming events have become popular in recent years and bring a festive and cozy atmosphere to the streets.

You’ll feel like you just hopped the Atlantic to Europe with all the magical stalls lined up serving hot mulled wine. Old Quebec truly turns into a Christmas Village during this time!

One of the most well-known Christmas markets is the German Christmas Market located at Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville. It features traditional wooden chalets selling gifts, ornaments, and delicious treats like bratwurst and gingerbread cookies. If you’ve never been to a Christmas market before, this is the perfect place to start.

Another must-visit market is the “Marche de Noel Allemand,” which takes place at Espace 400e in Old Port Quebec. This market is a little less magical from my perspective, but it’s a whole lot warmer! Located indoors, over 200 exhibitors showcase a wide variety of products from gourmet foods to handmade crafts.

Savor Traditional Quebecois Cuisine

The winter season brings all the hearty, gooey, and sweet flavors of traditional Quebecois cuisine. From maple syrup EVERYTHING to steaming hot poutine, prepare to have your absolute fill of comfort food in Quebec City.

The French influence in Quebec City has definitely left its mark on the cuisine, which can be seen in dishes like tourtière (a meat pie) and cretons (a pork spread) but they’ve also gotten a little influence from the Brits with baked beans (fèves au lard) for breakfast.

Some traditional dishes to try while in Quebec City include:

• Poutine: I can never get enough poutine and I hate to admit it, but Quebec knows how to do it best. Fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds, what’s not to love? This is a dish you’ll most likely be eating every day until you leave.
• Maple syrup treats: From maple taffy to maple sugar pie, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Canada’s famous export. I highly recommend heading to the sugar shack on the outskirts of the city for an authentic maple syrup experience.
• Tourtière: A staple in many French Canadian households during the holiday season, this meat pie is filled with ground pork, beef, and spices. It’s rich and filling, perfect for a chilly winter night.
• Cretons: This pork spread is a common breakfast item in Quebec City and can be found in most cafes and bakeries. Spread it on toast or crackers for a delicious start to your day.
• Beaver tails: No actual beavers are harmed in making these tasty treats. Fried dough topped with various sweet toppings like Nutella or cinnamon sugar, you won’t regret trying one (or three).
• Feves au lard: Not my favorite dish, but definitely a Quebecois classic. Baked beans cooked with pork and maple syrup, usually served as a side dish with breakfast or brunch.

To truly experience the flavors of Quebec, we recommend taking a food tour through Old Quebec. You’ll get to sample everything above all in one go while learning about the history and culture behind each dish.

Snow Tubing At Valcartier

If you’ve ever gone snow tubing before, forget everything you know! Those small hills where you catch little speed bumps on the way down can’t compare to Valcartier’s Snow Tubing Park.

Get ready for an epic adventure at the snow tubing park! Their runs have names like Avalanche and Tornado that will leave you feeling like you’re on an actual roller coaster. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, head over to the Himalaya Shute where you can link up with friends and family for a wild group ride down the mountain.

You can hop on a special inner tube that spins you WHILE you’re going down the slope at lightning speed—it’s awesome! And with ultra-steep and ultra-fast slides, you’ll be reaching speeds close to 80 km/h. This park is truly the six flags of Snow Tubing!

What sets Valcartier’s snow tubing park apart (besides the insane drops and springs) from others is that it’s open both day and night. Seeing the lights of Quebec City at night while flying down a snowy hill just adds to the adrenaline rush.

Where To Stay In Quebec City In Winter

What To Pack For Winter In Quebec City

• Warm winter clothes: Quebec can get extremely cold during the winter months, so make sure to pack warm and waterproof jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, and boots.
• Thermal layers: Along with warm outerwear, it’s important to pack thermal layers to keep you warm when exploring the city.
• Good walking shoes: Usually, I’m one to just pack some comfortable sneakers or sandals, but in Quebec, I highly recommend packing a good pair of warm walking shoes or boots. The city is hilly and can be slippery in the winter, so it’s important to have good traction.
• Download Duolingo: Not something to bring, but something to do before you head to Quebec. French is the main language spoken in Quebec, so if you don’t speak it, I highly recommend downloading Duolingo to brush up on some basic phrases before your trip.
• Portable charger: Full days of google maps running and loads of pictures means your phone battery will likely drain quickly.
• Hand warmers: These little lifesavers are great for keeping your hands warm when walking around outside in the cold weather.

Quebec Is The True Winter Wonderland Of Your Dreams

The winter season is usually synonymous with hibernation and staying indoors, but Quebec proves that winters can be just as fun, if not more, than any other season. From thrilling snow tubing adventures to cozy stays, winter in Quebec has completely transformed the idea of cold weather.

Whether you’re headed here in December for the German Christmas market, or in February for the Winter Carnival, there’s always something fun and exciting to do in Quebec during the winter months. So grab your winter gear, bundle up, and get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience in this magical city.

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