15 Fun Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter

Looking for fun things to do in Quebec City in winter and winter visiting tips? You’ve come to the right place. 

Quebec City is an enchanting destination all year round, but in winter it takes on a whole new level of charm. 

As the snow blankets the city and its cobblestone streets, the city transforms into a winter wonderland that looks like something out of a fairytale. 

From horse-drawn carriage rides to exploring quaint alleys, there are plenty of things to do in Old Quebec during the colder months. 

As someone who loves visiting Quebec in all seasons, I will help you survive winter in Quebec City. 

Let’s get right into whether travelling here in winter is worth it, visiting tips, and the best winter things to do in Quebec City. 

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🤩 Short on time? See the best of winter in Quebec City on this 1-day tour!

15 Fun Things to Do in Quebec City in the Winter 

From visiting iconic landmarks and experiencing unique activities to indulging in delicious local cuisine, here are the best things to do during a winter trip to Quebec:

1. Au 1884 – Toboggan  

Au 1884 is one of the most fun things to do in Quebec City in winter. This unique tobogganing attraction located on Dufferin Terrace has been loved by locals and tourists since 1884.

One of Quebec City’s best winter attractions, visitors speed down the hill with beautiful views of the Château Frontenac and the St Lawrence River below.

Open mid-December until mid-March or later depending on weather conditions, Au 1884 is sure to bring out your inner child!

The toboggan ride was so thrilling I went 4 times! I only planned to go once, so you know I liked it. Grab one of the toboggans, head up to the launch point, and get ready for an exciting experience.  

Tip: Buy the 4-pack ticket bundle. You get four toboggan tickets for the price of three. 

2. Ice Hotel 

Experience winter in Quebec City like never before at the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel). This magical destination changes its theme each year and offers a unique experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Located just outside of Quebec City, this one-of-a-kind hotel is made entirely from ice and snow. Everything from its walls to its furniture to even your bed!

From ice sculptures in the Grand Hall to an array of activities such as ice slides, chapel weddings, and cocktails served in glasses made of ice – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For the best experience, visit the Ice Hotel by day and night. You won’t want to miss out on all the fun photo opportunities. I had fun riding the slide and wandering through each of the unique room themes.

And why not book a room for yourself? You can stay overnight at the Ice Hotel from January to March.

❄️ Enjoy a winter wonderland on this Ice Hotel tour!

3. Quebec City Winter Carnival

Winter Carnival is one of the top things to do in Quebec City in winter. Every year, thousands of people come to beautiful Quebec to experience the oldest winter festival in the world. 

If you visit Quebec City in February, you have to go! It runs for the first two weeks of February.

Some of the fun winter activities available at Carnival include:

• Bonhomme’s Ice Palace
• Watching an Ice Canoe Race
• Snow Sculptures
• Ice Climbing
• Skating
• Night Parades 
• Bonfires
• And drinking plenty of hot chocolate

Winter Carnival is one of the main reasons I chose to travel to Quebec in the wintertime, and was a highlight of my trip. It was my first time ice climbing. I was terrible at it, but I still had so much fun!

4. Enjoy Holiday Decorations

One of the best things to do in Quebec City in December is enjoy the holiday displays throughout the city. 

In Old Quebec, visit Quartier Petit Champlain which decorates for every season but looks most magical in winter. It has one of the most beautiful streets in Quebec: Rue du Petit Champlain which has holiday lights, festive displays, and plenty of charm. 

Other great places to see holiday decorations in Old Quebec include the holiday markets, Place Royale, Quebec City Hall, Place D’Youville, and Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville. The Christmas tree at Place Royale is massive and gets you in the holiday spirit. I loved visiting it at night to see it all lit up.

Venture into downtown Quebec City to find holiday displays along Avenue Cartier, Grand Allee, and Place Jean-Beliveau.

❄️ See the best holiday displays on this Christmas time walking tour!

5. Funiculaire Ride

Since 1879, riding the Funiculaire has been a unique way to experience Quebec City in winter or any time of the year.

This short car ride connects picturesque Lower Town with Upper Old Quebec, providing an interesting vantage point of the St. Lawrence River and Lower Town at a 45-degree angle.

From the top, visitors have beautiful views of the Lower City as well as the icy river far below. In operation since 1879, this funicular has been transporting people between two worlds ever since! 

While you can walk between upper and lower Old Quebec, sometimes it’s more fun to ride the Funiculaire. Especially if it’s cold outside.

The other option between Upper and Lower Old Quebec is a large set of stairs and slanted roadways, which takes longer to climb in snow and slush. The stairs are doable but less enticing in winter, so avoid them and get a great view at the same time.

🤩 Explore both Upper and Lower Old Quebec on this walking tour with a funicular ride!

6. Chateau Frontenac 

Get major winter castle vibes at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac all decorated for the holidays. 

This iconic hotel is even more beautiful covered in snow. Perched on a cliff above Quebec’s Lower City, the Chateau Frontenac offers scenic views of the St.Lawrence River. 

Many celebrities have stayed here over the years including Leonardo DiCaprio and Queen Elizabeth II. And even if you are just visiting, I recommend going inside the Chateau Frontenac. 

Take a historic tour, see the lobby in holiday decorations, or dine at one of several restaurants and bars. They have one of the best hotel lobbies I’ve ever seen.

🏰 Stay the night at Chateau Frontenac for an unforgettable winter stay in Quebec City!

7. Ice Skating 

Quebec City is a winter wonderland and there’s no better way to experience the beauty of it than by ice skating. A classic Canadian activity, there’s nothing like skating with picturesque scenery.

From mid-November to mid-March, there are plenty of incredible ice rinks in Quebec City that offer something for everyone.

From Pointe-aux-Lièvres where you can admire panoramic views of Upper Town, to Domaine Maizerets on the historic site of Plains of Abraham and Place d’Youville near the Old Fortified City Walls – these beautiful locations will make your day out even more special.

Warm up with a hot chocolate to complete your experience.

8. Montmorency Falls 

If you’re looking for an adventure in Quebec City during the winter months, look no further than Montmorency Falls.

At over 98 ft (30 m) tall, this spectacular partly-frozen waterfall is taller than Niagara Falls.

And offers visitors a unique experience with its array of activities such as snowshoeing, ice climbing and admiring the views from the cable ride. 

The east side at the foot of the falls is closed for safety reasons, including the Promenade de la Chute (waterfall boardwalk) and panoramic staircase. But don’t let that stop you from experiencing this majestic wonderland.

The suspension bridge is open year-round, so head from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls to experience it in all its winter glory!

Tip: Bundle up during winter. It can get quite windy at the top of the Falls. The windchill went right through me and I wished I brought my snow pants.  

🤩 Visit Montmorency Falls on this small-group tour!

9. Christmas Market 

Experience the holiday spirit in Quebec City with a visit to one of its two Christmas markets.  The Québec City German Christmas Market and Grand Marche de Quebec both offer unique experiences that will help you have a magical time.

Located in the heart of Old Quebec City, the Quebec City German Christmas Market offers the charming atmosphere needed to create the festive atmosphere found in European Christmas markets.

From delicious local food and German specialties to unique handmade gifts, there is something for everyone at this amazing winter wonderland. If you are looking for a memorable experience during your stay in Québec City in December, this market is for you.

From mid-November until New Year’s Eve, local producers and artisans offer produce and gifts for the holiday season at the Grand Marche de Quebec. 

10. Admire Scenic Views 

When planning what to do in Quebec in winter, don’t forget to pause and admire the view. 

Quebec City is a beautiful winter destination and one of the best ways to explore it is by admiring the city’s scenic views. From its cobblestone streets to its charming European vibe, Quebec City has plenty of picturesque sights for visitors to take in.

There are viewpoints at Observatoire de la Capitale and Dufferin Terrace, as well as breathtaking landscapes from Citadelle de Québec and Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace.

All provide unique angles of the city and incredible views over the Chateau Frontenac, Lower Town and St. Lawrence River.

The scenic views in Quebec City are great year-round, but I loved them best in the winter!

11. Enjoy Winter Treats

One of the best things about winter in Quebec is enjoying all the yummy winter treats that add to the experience. The top two are hot chocolate and maple treats:

Drink Hot Chocolate 

There is nothing like sipping a hot beverage while sitting in a cafe window watching the snowfall, or carrying a cup around with you as you sight-see.

Visiting Quebec City in the winter months, you will need to drink plenty of hot chocolate to survive the cold.

Many cafes and restaurants offer different types of hot chocolate, from traditional to unique flavours like salted caramel, peanut butter and more.

I recommend visiting La Maison Smith and Chocolato to enjoy some delicious hot chocolate on your winter visit to Quebec City. The peanut butter hot chocolate from Chocolato was one of the most interesting flavours I’ve tried yet.

Enjoy Maple Treats 

A classic Canadian winter treat, you can’t go to Quebec City and not try maple taffy. 

Maple taffy is made with pure Canadian maple syrup poured onto a bed of snow, which causes the maple syrup to harden a bit and is served on a popsicle stick. 

You’ll want to remove your winter gloves for this one, it’s sweet, sticky, and fun to eat for all ages. Any time I see maple taffy, I have to have some.

Find it on Rue du Petit-Champlain at La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec, where they make it right in front of you.

12. Ride the Ferry

See winter in Quebec City like never before by taking a ferry ride across the St.Lawrence River to Levis and back.

The 12-minute journey each way offers one of the most beautiful views of Quebec City, its icy waterfront, and views of Chateau Frontenac rising above Québec’s picturesque Old Town.

The Quebec-Levis crossing is easy to ride and a fun way to see the city from the water – a viewpoint you can rarely see without a boat tour.

I enjoyed watching the ice float down the river from the pier.

❄️ Discover Quebec City from the water on this guided sightseeing cruise!

13. Old Quebec City

Old Quebec is the heart of Quebec City and a must-visit destination, even in winter. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most beautiful places in North America and feels like you are visiting a town in Europe.

The prettiest streets in Old Quebec City get a whole lot prettier covered in snow! Walking through Old Quebec in the snow is one of the most fun things to do in Quebec City in qinter.Cobblestoned alleys and historic buildings line the snow-dusted streets, with each view more charming than the last. 

Visitors can spend hours wandering around Old Quebec as they admire the scenery, go shopping at Quartier Petit Champlain, or take part in activities such as ice skating at Place d’Youville during their visit.

At night, be sure to explore the cheerfully lit streets when crowds have left for an even more magical experience.

With over 400 years of history behind it, Old Quebec is where French North America was born. So get ready to travel back in time.

I enjoyed walking around here in the daylight but found it quieter after dark. Whether it’s day or night, don’t forget to visit Place Royale to see the Christmas tree and its decorations.

❄️ Discover the best spots in Old Quebec on this winter walking tour!

14. Snowboarding or Skiing at Mont Sainte Anne

One of the most fun and adventurous winter activities in Quebec is snowboarding and skiing. Escape the city for a bit and hit the slopes at Mont Sainte Anne or Jacques-Cartier National Park.

You can try it for the first time or show off your skiing and snowboarding skills with 71 trails to choose from at Mont Sainte Anne. Enjoy the Beginner Park, Rails Cross, and Border Cross, or go all the way to the top which is 2625 ft (800m). 

At Jacques-Cartier National Park, you can cross-country ski through the forest.

I snowboard and while I’m not very good at it, it’s a lot of fun and is a great winter day trip from Quebec City. They have night skiing available also, so you can explore the city during the day and still hit the slopes after.

❄️ Enjoy a day of skiing on this guided tour of Jacques-Cartier National Park!

15. Winter Spa Day 

What better way to relax and warm up during a winter visit to Quebec City than with a luxurious spa day. 

Quebec is known for its Nordic-inspired spas, featuring hot and cold pools that are designed to help you achieve maximum relaxation and benefit for your body. 

Whether you’re looking for an indulgent experience or some time away from the hustle of daily life, there’s no shortage of spas in Quebec City that can provide the perfect setting. 

From Strom Spa to Skyspa Quebec to Siberia Spa, these spas offer a range of treatments and amenities that will leave you feeling refreshed. After all that time in the cold, there’s nothing like a spa day to help you warm up and relax. 

I’ve fallen in love with the spas in Quebec and enjoy visiting them whenever I can. In winter, I watched the ice float down the St.Lawrence River from the infinity pool. I was allowed to take one photo with no one else in it, and then put my camera away for the rest of the day. 

Tip: Plan your spa day on the last day of your Quebec City trip. After all the walking and freezing, your body will thank you for the rest.

❄️ Get ready to relax with a winter Nordic Spa Thermal Experience!

Best Winter Tours in Quebec City 

Here are the best-rated Quebec City winter tours to enjoy:

• Christmas Magic in Quebec – a walking tour of Old Quebec during the holiday season 
• Private Snoeshowing with Mountain Goats – explore Jacques Cartier National Park on snowshoe accompanied by mountain goats 
• Ski or Snowboard All Inclusive – hit over 40 slopes with all gear and entrance fee included 
• Skiing (Hok Ski) Excursion in Jacques-Cartier National Park – a day trip from Quebec City to snowshoe and cross-country ski through Jacques-Cartier National Park

Where to Stay in Quebec City in Winter

For your Quebec City winter getaway, plan to stay in Old Quebec to be close to most of the attractions and for maximum charm. Here are the best places to stay in Quebec City: 

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – an iconic castle-style hotel welcoming guests since 1893. Its grandeur architecture combined with modern amenities makes it one of the most luxurious places to stay in Québec City. Enjoy stunning views of the St Lawrence River and surrounding area from your room.
Check prices & availability

Hotel Clarendon – In the heart of Old Quebec, this historic hotel may be the oldest in town but offers affordable luxury with its modern rooms and amenities. The hotel is close to all the attractions in Old Quebec.
Check prices & availability

Auberge Saint-Antoine – A boutique hotel on a cobbled street in Old Port that is steps away from some of Quebec City’s best restaurants and shopping areas. It features luxurious suites with views of the St Lawrence River or old town streets as well as a spa for relaxation after a day exploring Québec City’s winter wonders.
Check prices & availability

Quebec City Winter Temperatures 

These are the normal average winter temperatures for Quebec City:
December in Quebec City: -6°C high / -10°C low

January in Quebec City: -7°C high / -15°C low

February in Quebec City: -4°C high / -13°C low

March in Quebec City: 1°C high / -8°C low

What to Pack for Winter in Quebec City 

When planning what to pack for winter in Quebec City, the key is layering.
Make sure your packing list includes items including: 

• Thermal base layers
• Warm sweaters 
• Insulated jackets
• Insulated snow pants
• Hats
• Gloves 
• Scarves
• Waterproof boots – to keep your feet dry in slushy snow conditions
• Umbrella – even though it may not seem necessary in wintertime, you never know when you might need one!

With these essential items packed away in your suitcase, you’ll be ready for whatever adventures await on your winter trip to Quebec City!

I wore 2 thermal pants plus regular pants and could still feel the crisp air on my legs. Most people were wearing snow pants, even in the city to keep the wind away. I didn’t bring my snow pants and I wish I did.

Tips for Visiting Quebec City During Winter

• Dress in layers. The worst is you get too hot and take a layer off when you pause for lunch or hot chocolate. Being cold was horrible.
• Alternate indoor and outdoor winter activities. Give yourself time to warm up in between being outside for hours in the cold. Go to a museum, grab lunch, or read a book in a cozy cafe. 
• Plan your winter visit based on which activities you want to do during your stay. Different activities are available at different times. Visit in late November through December for the Christmas Market. Go in January through March for the Ice Hotel. Visit in early February for Quebec’s Carnival. 

FAQS about Quebec City Winter

❄️ Balance your time inside and outdoors on this winter walking food tour!

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Quebec City in the Winter

Visiting Quebec City in the winter is a magical experience and there are so many fun things to do in and around the city.

Stroll through the snow-covered streets of Old Quebec, take in breathtaking views of the St Lawrence River, visit an ice hotel, and more.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable winter getaway, plan a trip to Quebec City.

And if you have time, add a visit to Montreal to see Old Montreal.

Happy travelling!

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