Québec City sure knows how to embrace and celebrate winter. From magical snow-covered streets to one of the world’s largest winter carnivals, winter in Québec City needs to be on your bucket list. Here are some things you can’t miss on your visit:
Why You Should Visit Québec City in Winter
You can feel excitement as you walk through the streets of Quebec City in winter, especially during winter. The local’s sure know how to celebrate the season and keep you busy with unique activities like going on a century-old toboggan or dancing the night away at one of the world’s largest winter carnivals. There’s something special to visiting Québec City in winter, enjoying unique activities, and then cozying up with a warm drink or some caribou liqueur, a local favourite. No matter the weather, there’s always fun waiting around each corner in Québec City.
How to Get to Québec City
Québec City has Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) you can fly into and a central VIA rail station. It’s also a great road trip destination from cities like Ottawa and Montreal.
Winter Weather in Québec City
Make sure to pack lots of layers for your visit. I have an entire blog post on winter gear recommendations here. You’ll have no problem enjoying the festivities in Québec City with proper winter clothing. Here are some averages of temperatures to help plan what to bring:
- November: 3 to -4 ℃
- December: -4 to -14 ℃
- January: -8 to -18 ℃
- February: -6 to -16 ℃
- March: 0 to -9 ℃
Things can warm up quickly when you’re skating or dancing the night away at Carnival, so wear layers you can easily add and take off.
How Long Do You Need in Québec City in Winter
I visited for two nights and was able to cross plenty off my winter bucket list, but I recommend going for three nights if possible, especially if you’re visiting during Carnival. There is so much to see and do here; three nights will give you the flexibility to go at your own pace and fit more in.
Things To Do in Québec City in Winter
Slide Down Au 1884
Zoom up to 70km/hr on the Au 1884 toboggan. This century-old sled will give you stunning views of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace and the Saint Lawrence River on your way down. Race your group to the bottom, and the last one to make it buys hot chocolate for everyone. Take your hot chocolate to the edge of Dufferin Terrace and watch the ice float on the Saint Lawrence River.
Skate at Place D’Youville
From mid-November to mid-March, enjoy skating at Place D’Youville. This is such a romantic skating rink. I recommend going at night to see the rink illuminated with coloured lights.
From Monday to Thursday, it’s open 12 pm-10 pm and Friday-Sunday, open 10 am-10 pm. Bring your own skates or rent them on location.
Wander Through Old Québec City
Old Québec City is a UNESCO world heritage site with over 400 years of history. Stroll the picturesque streets with European charm and stumble upon local shops and restaurants.
It’s always magical wandering through Old Québec City, but there’s something special about seeing the streets covered in a fresh blanket of snow.
Give yourself lots of time to explore this part of Québec City. It’s also where you’ll find many famous Instagram-worthy spots. Here are some of my favourite places for photos:
- Rue du Petit-Champlain (One of the oldest shopping streets in North America)
- Rue du Cul-de-Sac
- Rue Sous-le-Fort
- Rue Sainte-Anne
- Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace
- Montmorency Park (unobstructed view of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac any time of day)
You can take the Funicular to lower town from Dufferin Terrace and Quartier Petit-Champlain. Get a unique view as it brings you up or down. I loved seeing the view on the way down, and it’s also a great accessible option to see lower town.
Learn more about the history of Old Québec City with a walking tour.
Stay In An Ice Hotel at Hôtel de Glace
Sleep overnight in North America’s only ice hotel, Hôtel de Glace. This hotel is made from scratch every year, including its themed suites. It’s made with 2,300 blocks of ice and 15,000 tons of snow. It’s open from January to March, so winter travellers will have plenty of time to visit this unique experience.
As you wander the hotel, you’ll see impressive art carved into the walls and accentuated with coloured lights.
If you stay overnight, you’ll also have a room booked in Hôtel Valcartier, where you can keep your belongings and shower! The rooms hover around -5°C even when it’s colder outside. Your room will come equipped with an insulated winter sleeping bag. Each guest will also be prepped on the hotel before their stay.
Fun fact, you can even get married at Hôtel de Glace; what a unique venue.
Things To Do At Hôtel de Glace
Go on an ice tour of Hôtel de Glace. Admire the craftsmanship and detail of Hôtel de Glace on a tour. You can book directly through the hotel or Unitours, including transportation.
Grab a drink at the ice bar and enjoy one of their cool cocktails in an ice glass.
Unwind in their hot tubs and saunas under the stars if you stay the night as a guest.
Enjoy Village Vacances Valcatiers resort activities like snow tubing, skating, skiing/snowboarding and more.
Visit an Icy Waterfall
Only 15 minutes from Old Québec, visit an 83m high waterfall at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Make sure to purchase your daily access and parking online here before visiting.
You’ll be blown away by the power of this waterfall. Admire the views from the Cablecar, the bridge above the waterfall or the snowshoeing trails they have available.
Carnaval de Québec
Carnaval de Québec is one of the world’s largest winter festivals. This festival is the perfect place to embrace winter with fun activities like skating, ice castles, parades and more. This winter celebration is fun for all ages.
I loved wandering through the different sites; the crowd’s energy was contagious! This is a next-level winter festival.
Mark your calendar for February 2nd-11th, 2024, for the next Carnaval de Québec.
Explore The Different Sites of Carnival
You’ll find many different Carnaval de Québec sites worth checking out within walking distance. Here are a few of my favourites sites:
Palais de Bonhomme
You’ll find a stunning ice castle made from 3000 blocks that took five weeks to create. Wander through the rooms and find different installations and surprises. You’ll find an ice bar outside the castle, perfect for grabbing a drink! Visit the day to see clear ice and night to see the castle illuminated with coloured lights.
Camping de Bonhomme
This fun site celebrates the outdoors with the opportunity to ice climb, watch live snow sculpting, join outdoor Zumba and more.
Warm up at a Bonfire Pit
Throughout Québec City, you’ll find warming stations and bonfire pits, the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a warm drink. My favourite bonfire pit was on Rue de Petit Champlain.
Meet Bonhomme
Bonhomme is a friendly snowman born from a snowflake and the official mascot. You’ll see photos of Bonhomme around town for Carnaval de Québec, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet him at different events throughout the festival. You’ll notice he is always wearing a sash, and many people buy one to wear for carnival festivities.
Watch the Carnival Night Parade
The Carnaval de Québec Parade is the best parade I have ever seen. Each float was a next-level performance of dancing, music and even fire performers.
Catch A Live Show
Catch a live show at Carnaval de Québec and dance the night away. They have a great mix of artists, and the audience has great energy!
Best Restaurants in Québec City
Québec City has a flavourful food scene. Here are some great places to fuel up between winter adventures.
La Bûche
Enjoy sugar shack vibes and traditional Québecois cuisine at La Bûche. This is the perfect cozy spot for a meal between adventures. They have lots of delicious dishes like poutine and tourtière. I loved their french toast. This is the perfect spot to try Caribou, a Québec liquor that takes like mulled wine and is popular for festive winter experiences.
Le Bedeau
If you’re looking for a romantic spot for dinner, check out Le Bedeau. The restaurant has a cool ambiance with unique lighting and decor that looks like an organ. They specialize in small plates and tapas that use local ingredients and are perfect for sharing. Make sure to get their patatas bravas. They also have an impressive wine and cocktail list.
Cabu
Inside the Hilton Québec, you’ll find, Cabu. This restaurant has modern decor and is the perfect spot for tapas and drinks. I recommend their popcorn, mini tacos, crispy beef and smoked beef. They have a great selection of Québec liqueurs to try in a cocktail. They also have a delicious breakfast buffet.
Café La Maison Smith
Keep an eye out for Café La Maison Smith around town that’s perfect for fuelling up between adventures. They have a great selection of sandwiches, coffees and pastries. I visited their Café La Maison Smith Notre-Dame, which has a great view of Old Québec City to enjoy with your meal. Get their apple bar if it’s available; it tastes like a mini apple pie.
Restaurants in Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
During your trip, you’ll find some incredible restaurants inside Fairmont Le Château Frontenac worth visiting.
Champlain Restaurant
Enjoy the buffet-style Sunday brunch at Champlain restaurant. This is the brunch of my dreams. Enjoy a variety of pastries, seafood, eggs benedict, local cheese, and more.
Sam’s Bistro
Enjoy creative dishes in this stunning bistro. Award-winning bartenders created their cocktail menu. Their menu will take you through the decades of mixology. Warm up with the Château french onion soup with Laiterie Charlevoix 1608 cheese or one of their sam’s classics like the pulled beef cheek poutine.
1608 Bar
Enjoy a cocktail in this stunning bar that feels like you’re in a fancy library. They have a fun menu that shares the inspiration behind their cocktails and a wonderful variety of wines, spirits, beers and more.
Where To Stay in Québec City
Hilton Québec
I enjoyed staying at the Hilton Québec. It’s in a central location, and all the main attractions are within walking distance.
The first thing that stood out for me was the stunning views from the rooms. Make an in-room Nespresso, enjoy it by the window, and soak in a panoramic view of Québec City. I loved catching the sunrise and the night views here.
Take some time to relax during your trip in Hilton Québec’s rooftop heated pool. They have an excellent buffet breakfast and restaurant you can enjoy during your stage.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Enjoy a luxurious stay in a historic hotel at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. The hotel has been welcoming guests since 1892 and is considered one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Learn tales of the hotel’s fascinating history during your stay and enjoy being steps from the main attractions.
I hope this blog post has inspired you to visit and enjoy the magic of Québec City in winter. Thank you to Québec Cité for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I’d love to see your own adventures. Feel free to tag me on social @juliaxweber.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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