Quebec City in winter: Canada’s ultimate winter road trip

There’s tolerating winter, and then there’s celebrating winter. And few places embrace winter in all its splendour quite like Quebec City. Here in the capital of Canada’s only fully Francophone province, winter is a way of life. Whether you love the cold, you’re not so enthusiastic, or you’re entirely new to snow, Quebec City in winter is something you must experience at least once.

Here, you’ll find our step-by-step guide to making the most of a road trip to Quebec City in winter. From indoor and outdoor activities to great restaurants, world-class accommodations and more, this winter wonderland has so much to offer!

We’ve visited Quebec City in winter many times, occasionally as part of media trips hosted by Quebec City Tourism. Before you depart, be sure to get your car ready for a winter road trip. Prefer to visit in summer? Check out our Quebec City summer road trip tips instead. Have questions about planning your winter road trip to Quebec City? Join our Facebook community!

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The best outdoor activities in Quebec City in winter

With an average of 315 centimetres (124 inches) of snow each year, Quebec City is one of the snowiest cities in Canada. Expect typical winter conditions in Quebec City from December to February each year. Cold weather can extend as early as November and as late as March, depending on the conditions. That means there’s plenty of time to play in the snow amongst the city’s distinct architecture and jovial atmosphere!

Take a historic toboggan ride at Au 1884

Whether it’s your first time in Quebec City or your hundredth, your top priority during a winter visit should be the toboggan slide at Au 1884. This historic attraction has been operating on Dufferin Terrace for more than 140 years!

You’ll enjoy the authentic Canadian experience of dragging a wooden toboggan uphill to the top of the chute. The staff there will help you get into position for a safe descent. Once you’re released, you’ll zip downhill at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour with breathtaking views of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River. Au 1884 is a beloved Quebec City tradition and an essential winter experience!

Enjoy ice skating in Quebec City in winter

Another great activity to try in Quebec City in winter is ice skating. The skating rink at Place d’Youville is just outside the Saint-Jean Gate, offering iconic views of the famous city walls.

If you have your own skates, bring them with you and this activity is free of charge. You can also rent ice skates in the pavilion for a small fee.

Experience Quebec City in winter by walking

The best way to appreciate Quebec City in winter is simply to walk around. The streets of Old Quebec are full of surprises at any time of year. But winter brings unique sights like glistening lights and crews shoveling snow off the rooftops.

For your first visit at any time of year, we highly recommend seeking out a walking tour. This will help you learn more about Old Quebec and its role in establishing Canada.

It’s worthwhile to take at least one trip on the Funiculaire. This outdoor inclined elevator travels between Dufferin Terrace and Quartier Petit-Champlain in Lower Quebec. The latter is consistently voted one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Canada.

Indoor activities for extra-cold days in Quebec City in winter

No matter how cold-hardy you are, there are bound to be days in Quebec City in winter where you’d rather stay huddled up inside. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities that will keep you at least partially indoors.

Citadelle de Québec

Quebec City’s position atop Cap-Diamant made it strategically important to defence in Canada’s earliest days. If this military history interest you, consider the Citadelle de Québec an essential stop on your itinerary.

Today, the Citadelle remains an active military base and is the home of the Governor General of Canada. Admission covers access to the museum, which examines the history of the 22nd Regiment, a Francophone army regiment that served in both world wars and the Korean War.

You can also see the Citadelle’s interior, but to do this you must join a one-hour guided tour. Much of this tour takes place outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather.

Aquarium of Quebec

The best family-friendly attraction in Quebec City is the Aquarium du Quebec. With pavilions dedicated to freshwater, saltwater and deep-sea aquatic life, you’ll see dozens of fish, seahorses and jellyfish up close. Kids can interact through touch tanks and the stingray petting pool, and an underwater tunnel lets you examine see life from below!

Be sure to dress for the outdoors so you can walk between the pavilions, where you’ll see seals and polar bears. If you time your visit right, you can attend feeding sessions. Watching the seals practice their tricks is a treat!

You’ll need a car to visit this attraction as it’s a 20-minute drive from the city centre, but it’s absolutely worth the detour. Families can expect to enjoy at least three to four hours on site. There’s a café serving lunch if you prefer to extend your stay.

Museum of Civilization

If you’d like to learn more about Quebec history and culture, visit the Museum of Civilization. This dynamic museum is constantly evolving through new exhibits and displays that tell Quebec’s stories.

During our visit, we toured exhibits on Quebec’s hip hop culture, gender identity, and the province’s many and varied Indigenous peoples. New exhibits are constantly added and updated, so check the museum’s website to see what will on display during your visit.

Warm up with great food in Quebec City in winter

According to the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Quebec City is one of the top foodie destinations in the world. Once you’ve enjoyed a few meals here, you’ll find it’s easy to agree! From quintessential Quebecois cuisine like poutine and tartare to diverse options and world-class fine dining, Quebec City has it all.

Some of our favourites include:

• Le Billig, specializing in classic crepes and apple cider
• La Bûchette, a cozy spot serving Quebecois classics
• Julio Taqueria, an excellent spot for Mexican fare in the Saint-Sauveur neighbourhood
• Don Vegan, Quebec City’s only 100% vegan restaurant
• Restaurant la Traite and Restaurant Sagamité, two restaurants featuring traditional Indigenous dishes of the Huron-Wendat people
• Poutineville, a Quebec-based local chain that’s great for a quick and hearty classic poutine
• Veravin 2.0, one of Canada’s best 100% gluten-free restaurants

Day trips from Quebec City in winter

If you take a road trip to Quebec City, having a car will give you the freedom to explore further. Check out these ideas for winter day trips from Quebec City.

Tour Quebec’s ice hotel, the Hôtel de Glace

Would you sleep in a bed of ice and under a roof made from snow? Quebec is one of only a handful of places around the world where you’ll have the chance! The Hôtel de Glace, now with more than 25 years of history, is the only annual ice hotel in North America. It’s constructed each year at the Village Vacances Valcartier, located roughly half an hour north of Old Quebec.

This amazing structure takes roughly six weeks to build annually. Each year’s hotel is filled with ice sculptures celebrating different themes. Guests can enjoy an ice bar, fireplaces, and outdoor saunas and spas for an authentic northern experience.

While overnight stays offer the fullest experience, seeing the ice hotel during the day on a self-guided tour is a popular option. You can combine this tour with Valcartier’s tubing hills, indoor water park, and spa to create your own perfect day trip from Quebec City.

Here’s what it’s like to stay in North America’s only ice hotel >

Take a day trip to Wendake, Canada’s only Huron-Wendat Nation community

To experience Indigenous culture in Quebec City, drive just 20 minutes north to Wendake. This First Nation is home to the Canada’s only Huron-Wendat community. Visitors are warmly welcomed to learn more about Huron-Wendat culture and heritage.

Wendake offers Indigenous-inspired fine dining, award-winning accommodations at the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, a beautiful and educational light show journey at Onhwa’ Lumina, and more. This day trip from Quebec City encourages you to slow your pace and open your mind to the Huron-Wendat way of life.

Read more about planning a day trip to Wendake >

Monsieur Jean is a top-notch Quebec City hotel

There are many great hotels in Quebec City, but in our experience, Monsieur Jean is among the best. Its location directly across from City Hall puts you right in the heart of Old Quebec. The rooms are beautifully and luxuriously appointed, and they’re accented with fun details. Ducks are a running theme!

The top-floor deluxe king room has a spacious shower, a kitchenette, and a large balcony with stunning views and a fire table. Valet parking costs extra, which is common in Quebec City. At Monsieur Jean, it’s fast and offers in-and-out privileges, so it’s well worth the cost if you’ll be on the go.

The service throughout at Monsieur Jean is second to none. It’s no surprise this hotel made TripAdvisor’s list of the best hotels in Canada in 2023!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Quebec City in winter

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