When the winter months roll around most cities bundle up inside waiting for the warmer weather and bright blooms of spring, but Quebec City celebrates winter with a joie de vivre that can be found nowhere else. With French influences and nearly 500 years of history there has never been a better time time plan a trip to Quebec City, but if you visit Quebec City in the winter you’ll find a city that has been transformed into a snowy wonderland. Here are 10 reasons to travel to Quebec City this winter.
I was graciously hosted by Quebec City Tourism, but as always all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.
Explore the Petit- Champlain District
Gorgeous anytime of year, the picturesque cobblestone streets of the Petit-Champlain District are especially charming during the winter. Discover independent boutiques and cafes selling Quebecois specialties such as maple syrup and ice wine or just enjoy wandering through the narrow alleys enjoying the festive decorations and ice sculptures celebrating the winter season.
Toboggan slide Au 1884
You know a city takes its winter fun seriously when there is a toboggan run right in the middle of town. Operating from Dufferin Terrace since 1884, this run offers up an exhilarating ride on old-school wooden toboggans with a view of the iconic Le Chateau Fronternac on one side and the icy St. Lawrence River on the other while reaching speeds of over 40 miles per hour. Prices for Au 1884 start at $3 CAD or $10 CAD for a group of 4 making this an affordable attraction for the entire family.
Quebec City Winter Carnival
Every year from the end of January through mid February Quebec City celebrates the Winter Carnival, the largest winter festival in the world(Check out more great things to do in Canada in the winter). Bundle up and enjoy the best snowy fun Quebec has to offer; try your hand at dog sledding, enjoy a cozy sleigh ride or delight in the frozen creations of the International Snow Sculpture Competition. Not to be missed is the exciting ice canoe race, where elite athletes row their way across the frozen St. Lawrence River. Join the locals at one of the lively night parades, where you’re sure to see Bonhomme, a jolly seven foot snowman beloved by kids who joyfully welcomes festival goers as the ambassador of the Winter Carnival.
Ice Skating
You can find outdoor ice skating rinks throughout Quebec City during the winter season but one of the most charming can be found at Place D’Youville. Glide across the ice in full view of the grand Port Saint-Jean gate and Capitole de Quebec, then warm up at one of the many nearby cafes ( I recommend the delicious maple latte at Cantook, a boutique coffee house located 5 minutes away on Rue Saint-Jean). Admission to the rink is free if you have your own skates, but there is also onsite skate rental as well.
Skiing
Looking for a little downhill action? You’re in luck. Quebec City’s proximity to the Laurentian Mountains means there are four ski resorts within a short drive of the historic Vieux-Port. Le Relais Centre is a quick 15 minute from the Quebec City while the nearby Stoneham Mountain Resort boasts the largest night skiing area in Canada.
Visit an Ice Hotel
Quebec’s Hotel de Glace is a fantastical winter wonderland located just 10 minutes from historic Quebec City. An overnight stay at North America’s only ice hotel is definitely bucket-list worthy but the less intrepid of us can discover the Hotel de Glace on a day tour. Explore the ice hotel’s 44 rooms and suites, take a turn down the ice slide and enjoy a frosty cocktail (served in a glass made of ice, of course) at the ice bar. There’s even an ice chapel for couples who want to tie the knot in high polar style.
Relax at a Nordic Spa
There is no better way to warm up and unwind than a visit to one of Quebec’s Nordic spas. Immerse yourself in the Scandinavian tradition of thermotherapy; visits to toasty saunas and eucalyptus- infused steam rooms are alternated with dips in icy-cold pools that relax tired muscles and increase circulation. It’s the perfect way to rejuvenate from a day of enjoying Quebec’s winter activities.
Nordik Village
Each winter, when the Louise Basin inner harbor freezes over, an outdoor recreation area comes to downtown Quebec City in the form of Village Nordik. Igloos dot the harbor where you can try your hand at ice fishing. Lucky enough to land a trout? Bring your catch to Le Marhe de Vieux-Port where they will prepare your fish with a side of wild rice, quinoa, veggies and a salad.
Snow Tubing at Village Vacance Valcartier
Not a skier but still looking for some outdoor winter thrills? The 35 snowtube runs at Village Vacances Valcartier (North America’s largest snowtube park) offer adventures from mild to wild and may be the most fun you can have in the snow.
Join the locals on the Plains of Abraham
The Plains of Abraham, Quebec City’s answer to Central Park, is popular with locals looking to get outside and enjoy the snow. Strap on some snowshoes or cross-country skies to explore the park’s expansive trails (there’s an onsite kiosk with rentals available) or just enjoy a stroll with views of the Fine Arts Museum and the St. Lawrence River.
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Alex Clegg says
Quebec has ALWAYS interested me, especially the skiing. Being located on the east coast of the USA, I’m disappointed in myself for not having visited!
Brianna says
SOunds like it’s time for a trip!
solosophie says
I’m actually Canadian but currently live in France.. I’ve lived in England for most of my life and have always been too wimpy with regards to the cold to visit Quebec in the winter! I think your post might actually have finally convinced me though! I always see the toboggan ride in the centre of the city and wonder what it would be like…
Brianna says
Just make sure to bundle up, it’s such a fun place in the winter!
Michelle Weigold says
Looks amazing! I have really been meaning to go here especially after finding a lot of French-Canadian ancestors during my family tree research! 🙂
Brianna says
Sounds like time for a trip!
Lyndall @ SeizeTheDayProject says
Quebec looks gorgeous. That toboggan ride would be heaps of fun! Coming from Australia, I think we’d need double thermals on if we were to visit in winter! 🙂
Brianna says
I wore 2 pair of pants every time I walked out the door!
Corinne says
I really want to do this. I will have to make it some day. All those fun in the snow activities…I want to toboggan and tube….love it!
Brianna says
Both the toboggan and snow tubing are just awesome!
Howard @ Backroad Planet says
I have wanted to visit Quebec City for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other historical locations, but I never thought about planning to visit in the winter. Now it looks even more enticing!
Brianna says
Reall there is no bad time to visit Quebec is there?
BonBon says
Yup, I am sold!!! Going there hopefully next winter:) Thanks for sharing… Happy travels… xoxo
Brianna says
You will have a blast!
Priya says
Wow, so many fun winter activities – Toboggan slide looks awesome. Will have to plan a winter trip soon!
Brianna says
The toboggan slide is just pure fun.
Penny Sadler says
I guess it’s time to bundle up and go! Fun photos!
Brianna says
Thanks, you’ll have a great time:)
Debra Schroeder says
Your gorgeous photos makes me to visit Quebec. Loved the ice chapel. But I’m going to table my visit until next year so I can go during the Winter Carnival.
Brianna says
The Carnival was so much fun!
Jackie says
Absolutely something I want to do! I went skiing in Mont Tremblant earlier this year but didn’t have enough days to also visit Quebec City! Next time it’s a must. The winter charm looks perfect!
Brianna says
Quebec just knows how to do winter right 🙂
MariaAbroad says
Quebec is one of my secret travel crushes. I would love to go there, eat Poutine and sleep in the Ice Hotel. I’ve been trying to convince my husband to take me, but he is too afraid of the cold, hehe 🙂 Maybe if I show him your post, I can convince him?
Brianna says
I hope you can,just make sure you have good boots and good thermals and you’ll be set.
Erica says
I love how it’s such a winter wonderland. I’m also a fan of quaint and charming villages. Everything just looks so picture perfect!
Brianna says
It’s just as charming in person too 🙂
Traveling Rockhopper says
Recently, I read many posts about Canada and especially in winter, and I really wan to go there! Hopefully sooner than later 🙂
Brianna says
I hope you can make it happen!
Vicki Mattingly says
That looks like so much fun–especially the tobagganing! I’d like to go to the Winter Carnival. I’d thought about it before, but after your post, it’s now officially on my bucket list. And, I’d also like to stay in an ice hotel. Quebec City would be the perfect place to enjoy all my winter fun desires–and then relax at a nordic spa.
Brianna says
That sounds like an excellent plan;)
Melody Pittman says
I did not think I wanted to visit Quebec City in the winter but after reading your post, I may change my mind. All those outdoor activities look like so much fun. The winter carnival rocks and that big snow tubing thing…epic! Glad you had so much fun! Will I be seeing you in Irvine? Would love to catch up!
Brianna says
Girl, you would absolutely love Quebec! Unfortunately I won’t be making it to WITS this year, have fun!
Megan says
I’m not a huge winter person but this looks like fun. I’d love to visit an ice hotel so Quebec could be a perfect place to visit.
Brianna says
Quebec is so charming it almost makes you forget about the cold!
Aparna says
Looks and sounds absolutely lovely! I can’t say I’ve done much winter travel, but you’ve definitely got me thinking about it! Great pictures too.
Brianna says
We didn’t get much of a winter here so I had to go find some of my own!
Aileen Adalid says
Quebec is absolutely one of those cities that I’m looking forward to seeing! After seeing your post here, my reasons for wanting to visit this place has strengthened even more!
Brianna says
You will surely have a great time!
Carmen @ CarmensLuxuryTravel says
I’ve never visited Quebec but now that I’ve seen all your pictures and read all the fun activities there are to do I must go.
Brianna says
Just be sure to bundle up there Florida girl!
Ruth - Tanama Tales says
I know Quebec is a winter paradise but I look forward to visit the city when the weather is warmer. My husband wouldn’t mind visiting in winter though.
Brianna says
Quebec is great any time of year.
Lindsay Nieminen says
You don’t have to convince me, i would love to take my family to Carnival! Ever since i was in grade 6 and studied French, i have always wanted to visit Quebec City! Now that i have children of my own, i hope we can visit soon!
Brianna says
Quebec would be great for kids.
Mar Pages says
I am quite an experienced visitor of spas, but never one like this! I never thought much about it before but your photo of the Nordic spa reminded me of the differences between spas in different countries. I’m up for a Nordic one any day!
Brianna says
Is there really any bad spa?
Maggie says
OMG, Quebec city in winter looks amazing. Great list of things to do in quebec city. I’d love to visit this place during this winter
Brianna says
Quebec is just amazing but even more so in the winter.
Alex of Wanderlust Marriage says
Beautiful photos! The toboggan ride alone looks like it’s worth the trip. And that’s a great deal for something so unique!
We were just in Montreal and the neighbouring Laurentides and had a wonderful time. Love the Quebecois lifestyle. Hopefully we’ll get to Quebec City soon!
Brianna says
I definitely need to explore more of the province, especially Montreal.
Faith Coates says
As a Canadian this brought home some familar memories and was very much appreciated. I love Quebec City and how it is so European compared to other North American Cities the food, the fashion the things to do awesome. I just yesterday tried to explain tubing to my Irish niece lol.
Brianna says
There’s no tubing in Ireland? That aside there really is no place like Quebec City is there?
Amy says
Wow, this looks like a DREAM. I want to go right now!
Aaron @CoffeeAble says
Staying into an ice hotel is my ever dream. I didn’t know it that the facility to stay like this in Quebec. Brianna, you really shared an open door for me to have a great entertainment in winter season.
Stephanie says
I can’t believe I’ve never been to Quebec, I’m right next door in Ontario! I’m so excited though to finally be visiting this spring. But it certainly looks amazing and so much fun in the winter.
Varsha says
Lovely city. I missed my chance to visit Quebec this May. I hope will come soon. Nice post.
Hannah says
Take me there now, please!! Looks amazing. I haven’t really ‘done’ Canada yet and it’s on my list!
Olivia says
Quebec City is such a stunning place and it holds a lot of really amazing memories for me. My father grew up in the province but moved away when he was a teen. Fast forward to when I was a teenager, my parents took my to QC for the first time and he looked everywhere for some French Canadian tourtiere. Unfortunately, it was summer time and there was none to be had. That Christmas, I looked up a couple of recipes and surprised him by making it on Christmas Eve. Now it’s our Christmas Eve tradition. I have yet to visit in winter myself, only hopping into the city during the summer months, but it’s definitely on the list of things I want to do!!
Amanda says
Oh I love Quebec! I’ve been there twice, but never during winter – maybe I should consider that, there’s obviously tons of things to do!
Arunima Dey says
I want to go but I am too scared of the cold (I used to live upstate NY and I barely survived). I am almost convinced by your post though. The winter carnival looks like a lot of fun, I am sure the locals and tourists aline love it!
Rachel says
As someone who is naturally a heat and sun seeker, I’m trying hard to appreciate winter and its sights a bit more…great post and stunning pics which have persuaded me I should definitely try to get to Quebec one winter!
Sophie Pearce says
Wow, it’s always been my dream to visit an Ice Hotel! I’d love to go but I’m sure I’d be freezing! Beautiful post and the photos are stunning.
Dylan says
I’ve been thinking about visiting Quebec for a short trip one winter, but I had no idea it has a giant toboggan slide and an ice hotel! Ha, as much as I like to think I’d spend the whole trip enjoying the winter activities, I’d probably coop up with one of those maple lattes for most of it 😉
MikesRoadTrip says
Great post! I have been to Quebec City in the summer and absolutely loved it. I would really like to visit one of these days in the winter, looks and sounds amazing.
Harry says
You forgot to mention the main reason for going in Quebec city during winter.. Skiing!
Mont St-Anne & le Massif are fantastic ski resorts. During the Carnival you must not miss the Ice canoe race.