35 Best Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter (2024)

There are so many amazing things to do in Quebec City in winter, and it’s one of the most magical times of year to visit. Justin and I have visited Quebec City in all of the seasons, and you can’t go wrong travelling there at any time of the year. Spending the holidays in Quebec City is really magical, though the magic continues all winter long.

With that said, experiencing Quebec City with a light dusting of snow on every surface looks so beautiful. Plus, there are many unique things to do in Québec City in winter, like attend festivals, winter activities, bucket list accommodations and more. Here are the best ways to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site during the winter months.

While I’ve already written the perfect itinerary for 3 days in Quebec City, you can add even more things to do in Quebec City in the winter. Even though you’ll need to bundle up, it’s totally worth it! Here are my Quebec City winter itinerary suggestions, the best winter attractions, and insightful ideas for planning your ultimate Quebec City winter getaway.

Things to Do in Quebec City in the Winter: The Ice Hotel

Spending the night at Quebec’s ice hotel is one of the best things to do in Quebec in winter. The Hotel de Glace is a bucket list item that you’ll want to check off your list at least once in your lifetime. It’s the perfect Quebec City winter vacation, and one of the top ways to spend a winter weekend in Quebec City.

You might have thought that ice hotels were only overseas until now. This ice hotel in North America is more accessible to Canadians and Americans alike. It’s the only hotel of its kind on the continent.

Each year, the property is made out of snow and ice from scratch. It’s different every year and there are always new themes and creative ice sculptures. There are themed suites with fireplaces, relaxing spa experiences, and even an ice chapel for weddings.

Stay Overnight at the Ice Hotel

Spending the night at the Ice Hotel is a once in a lifetime experience. If you’re remotely curious about what it might be like sleeping in an ice room…on a bed of ice…where everything is made of ice… you should definitely add this one to your bucket list.

If you are concerned that you may not survive the night in an ice room, don’t worry. You attend an orientation session at the beginning of your visit, and they provide you with thermal sleeping bags on top of comfortable mattresses so you’ll be comfortable and warm. You can also read my guide to the Quebec Ice Hotel so you’re fully prepared.

Every stay at the Hôtel de Glace also comes with a regular hotel room at the building on the same property. If you chicken out, you can always flee to a regular hotel room partway through the night. Plus, it’s a great place to store your valuables and shower the next morning.

Hotel de Glace is only open from the beginning of January through the end of March, making it the perfect addition to a Quebec City winter trip. Read more reviews from fellow travelers who have visited.

Have a Drink at the Ice Bar

There are three ice bars at the Hotel de Glace. Each room has intricate and unique carvings. There’s one working fireplace – don’t worry, it’s installed so the building won’t melt. The other fireplaces you’ll see around the Ice Hotel are purely decorative. Of course, even the glasses for drinks are made out of ice.

Participate in Ice Carving Activities

For guests staying overnight at the Quebec Ice Hotel, you can try ice carving for yourselves. On several tables near the ice bars, there were many small blocks of ice to transform into works of art. We used hand tools to chip away at the ice blocks. I wasn’t quite sure what I was trying to make until the ice started to take shape.

Ice carving is more difficult than it looks! We had a blast giving it a shot. In a place with so many ice sculptures and carvings, it gave us so much more appreciation for this art form. In the end, I created a heart made of ice and Justin made some sort of wonky shape.

Tour the Hotel de Glace (Even if You Aren’t Staying Over)

It’s possible to take a tour of the ice hotel, even if you aren’t staying there. Go on a tour around the various theme rooms and public spaces, including the ice bar and the ice chapel. Every year, there’s a new theme at the Hotel de Glace.

The hotel is completely constructed from the ground up annually, so you’ll have a new experience each time you visit. Each room of the Ice Hotel is open to the public until 8:00pm. Then, only overnight guests will have access to the rooms and public spaces.

If you’re only interested in touring around the ice hotel, there’s a great day tour where you can see the ice hotel and tour around Quebec City, too. It’s a fantastic overview if you’re visiting Quebec City in the winter. Book your tour here.

Must Visit Quebec City Winter Festival: Quebec Winter Carnival

The Quebec Winter Carnival is an annual celebration of winter, snow, and ice. It’s one of the world’s largest winter celebrations, and it’s one of the top things to do in Quebec City in winter. There’s no better way to spend a Quebec City winter weekend than celebrating at the Carnaval de Quebec.

From the end of January until mid-February, the festivities are in full force. This year, the Quebec City Winter Carnival takes place from February 3rd to 12th, 2023.

Images of Bonhomme, the iconic snowman ambassador of Carnaval, are plastered all over town. Pack your mittens, your arrow sash, and your stash of Caribou – the alcoholic drink of choice during Carnaval. You shouldn’t visit Quebec in winter without planning a trip to the Quebec Winter Carnival.

Meet Bonhomme, the Mascot of Carnaval de Quebec

Bonhomme is the King of the Quebec Winter Carnival and represents the entire event. He’s a seven-foot tall snowman, made out of 400 pounds of compacted snow. He can do high kicks like nobody’s business. Did you know that his biggest dream is to reverse global warming? You and me both, Bonhomme.

Hopefully you will have the opportunity to meet Bonhomme at the Quebec Winter Carnival. There are meet and greet sessions with Bonhomme during the festival. You’ll have to get a selfie with Bonhomme, too!

Visit Bonhomme’s Palace

You must take a tour of Bonhomme’s dazzling Ice Palace. The Quebec Winter Carnival Ice Palace is a magnificent structure made entirely of ice. It’s beautiful and worth exploring during the day and night.

There are ice sculptures inside this frozen castle, and there’s even special graffiti paintings created by local artists adorning the walls. At night, the Ice Palace is brightly lit in a dizzying array of colors.

Winter Activities at Bonhomme’s Campground

There are so many fun winter activities at Carnaval, including a sugar shack, ice slides, winter sports, hot tubs, and drinking at the ice bar. We participated in a life sized version of foosball. Admire the enormous ice palace in front of the Parliament building.

You can go bowling in a massive inflatable ball where you’re inside of it, trying to knock down the pins. For those daring folks, there’s a snow bath…are you adventurous enough to wear your bathing suit in the snow?

This year, try out the Kart Aventure Vidéotron, an activity where participants will embark on a virtual race seated in real golf karts. You can also climb a 30 foot tall ice mountain or jump into a ball pit beneath a giant igloo. There are always new exciting outdoor activities to try each year and we’d love to hear more about your adventures in the comments section below.

See Ice Sculptures in Quebec City

You must check out the Snow Route at the Quebec Winter Carnival. There are over 100 snow and ice sculptures scattered across several neighbourhoods throughout the city. This year, some of the sculptures and art are inspired by the history of Francophone music.

Attend a Night Parade

Night parades are a big part of the winter carnival festivities. There are two parades with two different routes, one in Upper Town and one in Lower Town. Attend both parades for two new experiences. Celebrate winter through music and dance and you’ll have no issues staying warm. More than 300 artists, musicians and dancers participate in the parades, so it’s quite the spectacle.

Urban Slide on the Fortification Walls

There’s no other time where you’ll be able to slide down the old fortification walls of Quebec City. You’ll sit in a comfortable inner tube and slide from Porte Kent to Place d’Youville. There’s also customized music and special lighting on the slide. I’d love to return to the Quebec Winter Carnival to try this one out as it’s new to the event.

Drink Caribou, the Official Drink of the Winter Carnival

What would Carnaval de Quebec be without Caribou? It’s made from red wine, brandy, maple syrup, and spices. Caribou reminds me a bit of mulled wine that you’d try at traditional Christmas markets.

In addition, red, plastic canes are sold on site with Bonhomme’s head on the top. These are meant to transport Caribou around from place to place. While drinking in public isn’t exactly legal, a blind eye is turned during Carnival if you’re walking around with a red cane.

After all, the alcohol will keep you warm even on the chilliest of days. For more details and dates, please check out our visitor’s guide for the Quebec Winter Carnival or the Carnaval de Quebec official website.

Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter: Village Vacances Valcartier

Have you heard of Village Vacances Valcartier before? Maybe not, but this is the site of the Quebec City ice hotel, and it also happens to be a massive snow park. Snow tubing is one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter because it’s thrilling, entertaining, and you could easily spend all day here.

Village Vacances Valcartier is about a 30 minute drive north of Quebec City. You’re welcome to rent a car in Quebec City and drive yourself there. It’s possible to park your car on site.

Go Snow Tubing in Quebec

Village Vacances Valcartier is the largest winter theme park in North America, with more than 35 snow slides, snow rafting, and a high speed tubing slide. It’s also home to many other wintery activities and it’s also the home of the Hotel de Glace.

If you’re thinking about visiting the Ice Hotel (or spending the night), you may as well make a weekend of it. Village Vacances Valcartier is the ultimate winter playground, and it’s the largest winter theme park in North America. Go snow tubing, ice skating and more. These are the steepest and longest slopes where you can reach up to 80km/hour flying down these hills on your inner tubes.

Village Vacances Valcartier rates each snow slide from easy” to very difficult. That way, you can stick to the calmer hills if you don’t want anything too scary. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you can head to one of the more intense slides. And you don’t need to walk up the hills, there are convenient lifts to transport you to the top. I recommend booking your snow tubing excursion in advance.

Go Ice Skating at Village Vacances Valcartier

If you’re not into snow tubing, there are lots of other Quebec City winter activities on site. There’s a 1km skating path at Village Vacances Valcartier. Bring your own ice skates or you can rent them at the park. You can also use their skate sharpening facilities if your skates need some sprucing up. Glide across the ice through this winter wonderland while listening to music, by day or night.

Eat Frozen Maple Syrup at the Sugar Shack

When you’re snow tubing in Quebec at Village Vacances Valcartier, you might want to stop for a sweet treat. Just a short distance from the tubing park, you can participate in a very Canadian activity. Eating maple taffy is the perfect sweet indulgence between snowy activities at the park.

For a small fee, you can eat maple taffy on a stick. Hot maple syrup is poured onto a bed of snow. Justin and I rolled up the maple syrup as it hardened on the cold surface. It’s an ooey-gooey, sweet and delicious snack that you’ve got to try.

Bora Parc, the Indoor Waterpark

Bora Parc is a fabulous waterpark that you can enjoy all year long! In the summer, the snow tubing park transforms into a gigantic outdoor waterpark. However, you can still ride the indoor waterslides in the wintertime.

This Quebec indoor waterpark has 14 waterslides, a double surf wave, and an adventure river. There’s a water slide that makes you feel like you’re free falling, for the thrill seekers in the crowd. There are numerous thrilling slides, a lazy river for relaxing, and all sorts of indoor swimming at the various pools.

Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter: Aroma Spa

After snow tubing in Quebec, you might want to unwind and relax. For those looking to get pampered, be sure to check out the Valcartier Aroma Spa. It’s a 6000 square foot spa with an indoor and outdoor pool. There’s also a steam room, a sauna, a tea bar, and a relaxing area with a fireplace. If you’re looking to be pampered, Aroma Spa is the place to be.

Pentathlon de Neiges

The Pentathlon de Neiges is a new winter sport and everyone is welcome to participate. It’s one of the most unique Quebec City winter activities due to the sheer combination and amount of different sports involved. The Pentathlon de Neiges is similar to a triathlon, except there are five different disciplines: biking, running, skiing, skating, and snowshoeing.

It’s one of the most interesting things to do in Quebec City in winter. There are events for solo participants or for those working as a team. Even beginners are encouraged to join in the fun for healthy competition and exercise.

There are events for schools, families and friends, and corporate challenges, in addition to the races for competing athletes. The Pentathlon de Neiges generally happens at the Plains of Abraham in February, so feel free to plan your Quebec City winter vacation around it.

Red Bull Ice Cross (Formerly Red Bull Crashed Ice)

ATSX Ice Cross (formerly known as Red Bull Crashed Ice) is an extreme winter sport where athletes plummet down icy hills and speed around sharp corners. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Quebec City in winter. Watch these amazing athletes and cheer them on from the stands.

The skating track flows through the urban center of Old Quebec, and over 50,000 people attend the event. It’s very exciting to experience the races in person, and I encourage you to check it out. Not able to visit Quebec City in winter just yet? Check out our Red Bull Ice Cross video for to see what it’s like to attend Red Bull Ice Cross in Quebec City.

Ice Cross doesn’t come to Quebec City each year. This year, the event is taking place on the Gaspe Peninsula in the town of Sainte-Angele-de-Merici. It’s within driving distance of Quebec City. Be sure to take a look at the calendar of events to plan your trip.

Quebec City Christmas Market

Looking for a fun Quebec City winter event, but heading to Quebec in December? The Quebec City Christmas Market unites a German tradition with Old Quebec. The outdoor event runs from the end of November until just before Christmas.

You’ll find vendors selling unique handmade wares, yummy treats, delicious mulled wine and other beverages, and Christmas decorations all around. This is a traditional German Christmas Market right in Quebec City.

The organizers take great care in selecting small businesses that feature talented artists, bringing only the best to the market. The vendors at the wooden booths sell winter accessories, jewelry, clothing made from recycled materials, Christmas ornaments, wooden trinkets, ceramics, and so much more.

There are also some local delicacies, such as flavoured vinegars and fruit jams from neighboring Ile d’Orleans. Of course, there’s plenty of maple syrup to be found!

Wander Around Old Quebec in the Winter

Old Quebec is equally as charming in both the winter and summer months. In December, the Christmas decorations adorn the buildings and homes all around town. Once the Quebec Winter Carnival arrives, you’ll also find freshly carved ice sculptures around town.

Lower Town: Quartier Petit Champlain and Place Royale

Historic Old Quebec City in winter is such a magical place, and it is one great reason to plan your Quebec City winter holiday. Grab your camera and take a stroll around the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec in the winter for a magical experience.

There’s something even more enchanting when Quartier Petit-Champlain is covered with a light dusting of snow. Place Royale is another spot in Old Quebec that you can’t miss. Here are more ways to spend Christmas in Quebec City.

Historic Buildings of Upper Town, Old Quebec

Be sure to ride the funicular between Lower Town and Upper Town. It’s the quickest way to transport yourself from one spot to the next, plus you’ll avoid walking up the stairs. Take in the beautiful views of the Saint Lawrence River as you glide from the bottom to the top of the escarpment. Then, admire Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel, at the top.

There are also many historic buildings and museums to visit in Old Quebec. In Upper Town, going to the Morrin Centre is a must visit for history buffs. It was formerly an old jail and it’s the oldest English language library in Quebec City.

You should also visit the Parliament Buildings in Quebec City, whether it’s for a stroll around the exterior like we did or you stop by for an official tour indoors. The Notre Dame de Quebec is a beautiful cathedral, and it’s home to the only Holy Door in the Americas.

Quebec Winter Views From an Observation Deck

The Observatoire de la Capitale offers some of the most impressive panoramic city scenes of Quebec City. It looks amazing in all seasons, and it’s one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter. It’s up on the 31st floor, and there’s also a great overview of Quebec City’s history (and a charming display about the history of Quebec City Winter Carnival).

Montmorency Falls in the Winter

Montmorency Falls is stunning during the summer months, but it’s a fascinating destination in the winter, too. The waterfall freezes over and eventually forms an impressive ice cone at its base, dubbed the Sugar Loaf. It’s a massive mountain of ice that you can only witness in the winter. The icy falls are lit up at night, making this majestic scene even more magical.

There are many things to do in Quebec City in winter that take place at Montmorency Falls. The cable car is open on certain dates to transport yourself from the top of the falls to the base of the falls. The suspension bridge is open all winter long.

It’s also possible to go snowshoeing at Montmorency Falls. Plus, have you tried ice climbing? Ice climbing at Montmorency Falls is the ultimate winter adventure in Quebec.

Winter Activities Near Quebec City: Canyon Ste-Anne

If you’re looking for more beautiful natural places near Quebec City, you should check out Canyon Ste-Anne. It’s about 30 minutes from Quebec City. Canyon Ste-Anne is home to the first uninterrupted winter via ferrata in the entire world. Please note that Canyon Ste-Anne is only open for via ferrata in the winter. The regular season runs from May to October.

Quebec City’s Toboggan Slide

At Dufferin Terrace near the Chateau Frontenac hotel, there’s a steep toboggan slide that’s an annual tradition. This long luge is one of the oldest attractions in the city, running since 1884. There are three runs side by side, and up to four passengers can ride a toboggan at a time.

Feel the cool breeze as you fly down the icy hill, approaching speeds of 70 km/hour. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Quebec City in winter, and you’ll want to add it to your Quebec City winter bucket list. Here’s a short video to show you just how fast you go on the luge!

Where to Go Ice Skating in Quebec City

Each winter, there is an outdoor skating rink at Place D’Youville in Quebec City. There’s even a system in place to keep the rink frozen during some warmer periods of time. The ice rink is free for everyone to use, and there are skate sharpening and rental services on site.

If you’d like to try a second ice rink in Quebec City, there’s also one to visit at the Plains of Abraham. Go skating by day or wait until nighttime when the twinkling lights are turned on. You can’t plan your Quebec City winter trip without doing a little bit of ice skating!

Maple Syrup and Sugar Shacks

Once March rolls around, it’s maple syrup season! Indulge in this tasty Canadian treat at one of several sugar shacks in the region. You can learn about how maple sap is harvested from the trees and transformed into maple syrup. Be sure to taste maple syrup as it’s poured and rolled on top of the snow. One place to eat maple syrup treats is at Village Vacances Valcartier, as mentioned above.

Try Fat Biking Near Quebec City

Have you ever gone fat biking? This is a bicycle with extra large tires that are perfect for gliding across the snow. Quebec City is an excellent place to try fat biking for the first time. Empire 47 is under a half hour drive outside of Quebec City. You can get into nature there and try fat biking on their scenic groomed trails.

Go Cross-Country Skiing in Quebec City

You can go cross-country skiing right within the city itself! If you’re looking for the best things to do in Quebec City in winter, why not try cross-country skiing at the Plains of Abraham. It is free to go skiing here and there are 14km of trails. Ski rentals are available at the Plains of Abraham Discovery Centre.

Other great places to go skiing near Quebec City include Mont-Sainte-Anne (over 200km of trails), Camp Mercier, and Sentiers du Moulin (only 20 minutes outside of Quebec City).

Eat Delicious Food & Enjoy Warm Beverages

I’m not sure how you could visit Quebec City in winter and not sample some of the delicious food and drink around the city! For those who also follow a vegan diet like myself, I put together a vegan restaurant guide to Quebec City.

I also highly recommend taking a trip to the historic Quebec City monastery any time of the year, but especially for their amazing restaurant that focuses on fresh and local cuisine. It’s also a hotel, wellness center, and museum.

For the coffee lovers in the crowd, here are two of my favorite coffee shops in Quebec City: Nektar Cafeologue and Les Cafes du Soleil.

I hope this has given you lots of ideas for a winter getaway in Quebec. There are so many fun things to do in Quebec City in winter that you can easily spend a weekend, a few days, or a whole week there. You’ll have the chance to try new winter activities and sports, sleep overnight in an ice hotel, or participate in a local festival. Hope you have a blast on your Quebec City winter getaway!

More Things to Do in Quebec

For more Quebec travel guides and itineraries, please check out these popular travel blog posts:

• 20 Best Things to Do in Laval
• Mont Tremblant in Summer
• Mont Tremblant in Winter
• Montreal 3 Day Itinerary
• Terrebonne and Ile-des-Moulins, Quebec
• Quebec City 3 Day Itinerary
• Quebec City in Winter
• Quebec Winter Carnival
• Snow Tubing in Quebec at the Ultimate Winter Playground
• Quebec City Christmas Market
• Ice Hotel Quebec: A Survival Guide to Staying Overnight
• Le Monastere des Augustines: Quebec Monastery Turned Wellness Centre
• 7 Day Itinerary for a Gaspe Peninsula Road Trip
• Whale Watching in Tadoussac
• 3 Days In Lanaudière Mauricie Itinerary

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