QUEBEC CITY IN WINTER: Here are 10 Ways to Enjoy the City!

Visiting Quebec City in winter sounds a little bit intimidating, doesn’t it? Up until last year, my previous visits had taken place during the summer months, however, there was one event that I really wanted to attend which would require braving the cold: Carnaval de Quebec.

In case you’ve never heard of it, Carnaval de Quebec is a winter extravaganza where people gather to celebrate the frosty season…outdoors! The event is over 3 weeks long and it has an action-packed schedule featuring street parades, canoe races, ice sculpture competitions, dance parties, snow baths (that’s exactly what it sounds like) and more.

I braved the cold for a long weekend, and aside from joining in on the carnival fun, I also ended up discovering that Quebec City is a magical destination in the wintertime. Carnaval de Quebec may be the main event of the season, but there’s still quite a bit of fun to be had around town the rest of winter. So with that in mind, here are a few ideas for enjoying Quebec City in winter:

Quebec City Winter Travel Guide: Things to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Quebec City in Winter!

Join the carnival winter madness

If you can time your visit to coincide with Carnaval de Quebec, you should definitely do so! This festival is all about embracing winter to the fullest and enjoying all the fun that comes with the cold temperatures, ice, and snow. Carnaval de Quebec sets up on the Plains of Abraham and you can enjoy everything from dog sledding and sleigh rides, to ice fishing and tubing. It’s fun for all ages. You can even visit the carnival’s mascot, Bonhomme, who lives in the Ice Palace for the duration of the Carnaval. He’s a jolly one!

Have afternoon tea at Chateau Frontenac

Another way to enjoy winter in Quebec city is by treating yourself to afternoon tea! For this, I recommend the Chateau Frontenac; not only does it dominate Quebec City’s skyline, but it is also the most photographed hotel in the entire world! I was lucky enough to visit back in 2010 when the hotel still offered guided tours which took you behind the scenes, however, they have since discontinued those. That being said, the hotel is still worth a visit. You can walk right in and browse around the lobby, or if you really want to soak in the ambience, they serve afternoon tea on Saturdays. (Reservations must be made in advance.)

Ride the slides on Dufferin Terrace

Dufferin Terrace is a boardwalk that sits right in front of the Chateau Frontenac and offers spectacular views of the Saint Lawrence and Lévis just on the other side of the river. During the summer months, you’ll catch people out for a leisurely stroll, however, during the winter months this is the setting of a toboggan run. The toboggan is one of the oldest attractions in town and it has been in operation since 1884. It has 3 icy runs and once you’re on the toboggan you can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour! This is something that you can only experience if you visit Quebec City in winter.

Eat a beaver tail

Fear not! The name ‘beaver tail’ is a bit of a misnomer so you’re not actually eating a beaver’s tail. A beaver tail is really a pastry made with fried dough and then topped with sweet condiments that include Nutella (my favourite!), whipped cream, banana slices, crumbled Oreos, Reese’s pieces and more. It’s the perfect sweet treat after a long day of sightseeing.

Spend the night in an Ice Hotel

If you want to snag a room at Quebec City’s Hôtel de Glace, you’re going to have to book well in advance! Spending the night in a room with sub-zero temperatures may not seem like the most inviting proposition, but when this room is in Quebec City’s Ice Hotel, the rooms are in high demand. Fortunately, the hotel is open to both day visitors and overnight guests. I went as a day visitor where I got to tour the hotel, sit in the chapel, and then visit the bar where they were serving drinks in ice glasses and a dance party was raging midday. Another unique experience that you can only experience in Quebec City in the wintertime!

Walk along Quartier Petit Champlain

Quartier Petit Champlain is my favourite neighbourhood in Quebec City, especially when the Christmas lights are up and the path is covered in snow. Here you’ll find bistros, souvenir shops, art galleries, and boutiques. This little corner is far from a secret, but when we visited early on a Sunday morning we had the place to ourselves. We walked around, snapped pictures of the colourful storefronts, and then once we couldn’t take the cold, we popped into a little cafe for a hot drink and a Bohomme gingerbread cookie.

Go ice skating

Lace up those skates! You have a few different options when it comes to ice skating in Quebec City: there’s Place D’Youville in the heart of Old Quebec, you have another skating rink in the Plains of Abraham, or you can go to Pointe-aux-Lièvres where they have a 1.5 kilometre illuminated skating path.

Try ice canoeing on the Saint Lawrence

I know this sounds insane – who could possibly want to get close to the icy waters of the Saint Lawrence River in winter?! – but as crazy as it sounds, it’s one of the coolest experiences out there! Ice canoeing is a serious sport around these parts and it takes some guts. You basically haul a canoe down to the shores of the river, slide it across the ice, and then climb in once you reach sections of open river where slabs of ice are floating towards you. I tried this with the guys from Quebec Ice Canoeing and it was a blast! They are professionals who compete in this sport, and they were really good about teaching us the proper techniques and keeping us safe on the water.

Escape the cold at a Nordic Spa

If you’re in need of a little pampering, Quebec City in winter is not a bad place to be. They have numerous Nordic Spas like SKYSPA and Sibéria Station Spa in the city, as well as a few others a short drive away. You can relax with saunas, steam baths, nordic waterfalls, and massages.

Warm up with hot chocolate

Last but not least, remember to take plenty of breaks and pop into coffee shops for a hot drink when the cold starts getting to you. Winter in Quebec City can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s also magical so if you can find a way to push through the cold, it’s worth it. Hot cocoa breaks are fun, plus you may also notice that some of the squares have outdoor fireplaces where you can thaw out your fingers and toes. That, and maybe throw in a few hot packs inside your mittens – they made the world of a difference for me!

Ultimate Winter Planning Guide for Québec City (Cozy, Practical & Totally Doable)

So you’re ready to embrace the frost? Same! If Carnaval de Québec lured you north…good call! Here is an add-on-section: what it really feels like outside, how to pack smart layers, where to warm up, how to plot your days, and the little local tricks that turn “brrr” into “bring it on”.

Winter at a Glance: When to Go & What It Feels Like

What to Pack (Layer by Layer)

• Base: merino or synthetic long johns + long sleeve (avoid cotton; it traps moisture).
• Mid: lightweight fleece or thin down/synthetic puffy. If you run cold, pack both.
• Shell: windproof, waterproof parka with a hood; hip or mid-thigh length is perfect for windy terraces.
• Legs: lined leggings under jeans or winter trousers; for deep cold, consider insulated pants.
• Feet: insulated, waterproof boots with grippy soles; wool socks (bring multiple weights to swap when damp).
• Hands: liner gloves plus insulated mittens. Mittens are warmer than fingered gloves.
• Neck & head: fleece neck gaiter (won’t flap in the wind), merino beanie; earmuffs if your ears complain.
• Ice insurance: pocket-size traction cleats for slick cobblestones and the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk.
• Comfort kit: sunglasses (snow glare is real), lip balm, rich moisturizer, hand/foot warmers, mini thermos.

Getting Around in Winter (Without Freezing Your Freakin’ Toes)

• On foot: Old Québec is compact. Sidewalks are well cleared, but cobblestones = sneaky ice. Short steps, eyes up.
• Funiculaire: Hop between Upper Town (Château Frontenac/Dufferin Terrace) and Lower Town (Petit-Champlain) without tackling the icy Breakneck Stairs.
• RTC buses & app cabs: Reliable, warm, and cheaper than parking. Pick a hotel near a main route and you’re golden.
• Driving: Streets are plowed fast, but snow-banks shrink parking. If you rent a car for day trips (Montmorency Falls, Île d’Orléans), ask for a block heater and brush/ice scraper.
• Ferry to Lévis: A short, scenic hop with surreal ice floes. Dress for wind; sunsets are spectacular from the deck.

A Realistic 3-Day Winter Itinerary (Carnaval or Not)

Day 1 – Storybook Old Québec

Morning: Warm up with a bakery breakfast (croissant + café au lait), stroll Rue Saint-Jean towards the Fortifications for city views. Duck into Morrin Centre or Monastère des Augustines if the wind bites.
Midday: Château Frontenac walk-through and Dufferin Terrace toboggan run (1884 icon!)—buy a few rides; you’ll want a rematch.
Afternoon: Funiculaire down to Quartier Petit-Champlain for twinkle-light shopping and a steaming bowl of soupe à l’oignon. Peek at Place Royale and the Fresque des Québécois mural.
Evening: Place D’Youville skating rink (rentals on site), then a cozy bistro for tourtière. Nightcap = hot chocolate or a local microbrew.

Day 2 – Carnaval & Classics

Morning: If it’s Carnaval season, head to the Plains of Abraham site early—dog sled rides, tubing, ice slides, snow sculptors chiselling masterpieces.
Lunch: Street snacks (maple taffy on snow!) or a nearby café.
Afternoon: Afternoon tea at the Château (book ahead) or museum-hop: Musée de la civilisation for hands-on exhibits, Observatoire de la Capitale for a 360° city panorama.
Evening: Carnaval parade or night sculptures; otherwise, book a Nordic spa circuit (hot–cold–rest). You’ll sleep like a snow-angel.

Day 3 – Frosty Icons & Day-Trip Feels

Morning: Montmorency Falls—in winter a colossal “sugar loaf” of ice grows at the base. Take the suspension bridge and viewpoints; it’s blustery, so layer up.
Alternative: Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) tour: chapels, suites, and cocktails in glasses made of—yep—ice.
Afternoon: Ferry to Lévis for skyline photos, then back to hunt down the perfect poutine and a slice of sugar pie.
Evening: Last lap along the ramparts at blue hour, when the city glows and the snow squeaks underfoot.

Eat & Drink Like You Mean It (Winter Edition)

• Carnaval classics: caribou (warm spiced wine), maple taffy, tire sur la neige.
• Hearty mains: tourtière (spiced meat pie), cipaille (layered meat & potato), pea soup with ham, baked beans with molasses.
• Street-friendly: beaver tails (fried dough) with Nutella or cinnamon sugar, crepes, and steamés (classic hot dogs) if you’re on the go.
• Warm-ups: thick chocolat chaud, café mochas, and local microbrews—dark ales pair beautifully with snow.

Where to Stay (And Why It Matters in Winter)

• Inside the Walls (Upper Town): Fairytale factor, steps from Dufferin Terrace and Place D’Youville. You’ll walk most places and duck indoors fast when the wind howls.
• Lower Town (Petit-Champlain/Old Port): Romantic lanes and close to boutiques; plan to funicular up if sidewalks are slick.
• Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Local cafés, bakeries, and a quick stroll to the walls; usually better value than right by the Château.
• Saint-Roch: Hip eateries and craft coffee, easy transit, great if you like a neighborhood vibe.

Budget Savers (Because More Cocoa = More Joy)

• Carnaval Effigy: That little sash/effigy pin grants site entry and discounts—buy early online for deals.
• Bundle your activities: Ice Hotel + snow tubing packages appear mid-season; museum passes too.
• Free(ish) fun: Dufferin toboggan runs are a small fee per ride; watching ice sculptors, fortifications walks, and many light displays cost nothing.
• Transit passes: RTC day passes beat multiple one-offs; parking adds up fast in deep winter.

Safety, Warmth & “Why Am I So Tired?”

• Windchill matters: Check the “feels like” temperature each morning and dress for that number. Skin can tingle in minutes; cover cheeks with a buff.
• Hydrate + snack: Cold air is dry—you’ll feel spent by mid-afternoon if you skip water and protein.
• Pace yourself: Alternate outdoor bursts (60–90 minutes) with indoor breaks (20–30 minutes). Your camera batteries need it, too.
• Footing: Use traction cleats on icy days; keep steps short on slopes.
• Language & tipping: Bonjour/Bonsoir go a long way; most people are bilingual in the core. Tip 15–20% in restaurants; taxes are added at the till.

Your Daily Cold-Weather Sample Itinerary

A Few French Phrases To Help Along The Way

• Bonjour/Bonsoir (hello/good evening)
• S’il vous plaît / Merci (please/thank you)
• Un chocolat chaud, s’il vous plaît (a hot chocolate, please)
• Où est…? (where is…?)
• Ça va? (how’s it going?) — Ça va! (good!)

Québec City in Winter: Frequently Asked Questions

1) When is the best time to visit for a true winter experience?

Late January to late February is peak “snow globe” season with consistent snowpack, crisp temps, and Carnaval de Québec in full swing. December brings holiday lights and markets (plus some freeze–thaw), while March offers longer daylight, milder afternoons, and maple-sugar shack outings. If you want big events and ice sculptures, target Carnaval; if you want softer temps and cheaper rooms, go late winter.

2) How cold does it actually feel—and how do I dress for it?

Expect daytime temps from –5 to –15°C (23 to 5°F) with colder snaps and windchill. Dress in thin, technical layers: moisture-wicking base (no cotton), a warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy), and a windproof, waterproof parka. Add insulated, waterproof boots with tread, wool socks, a neck gaiter, a beanie, mitten-over-liner combo, and pocket hand/foot warmers. Bring compact traction cleats for slick cobblestones and the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk.

3) Is Carnaval de Québec worth it? How do tickets work?

Absolutely. Carnaval is a joyful, outdoor love letter to winter—think ice palaces, snow slides, sled dogs, street parades, and maple taffy on snow. Buy the festival effigy (small wearable pass) for access to the Plains of Abraham sites and selected activities; early-bird pricing appears each season. Go early in the day for shorter lines, plan warm-up breaks, and stick around after dark when sculptures glow and parades drum through the streets.

4) Can I visit the Ice Hotel without spending the night?

Yes. The Hôtel de Glace offers daytime visits that include suites, chapel, and the ice bar—perfect if you’re curious but not committed to sleeping at sub-zero. If you do stay overnight, the property supplies thermal sleeping gear and a briefing; you’ll also have access to heated facilities. Either way, book ahead—weekends and school breaks sell out.

5) What are the can’t-miss winter activities in the city?

Ride the historic toboggan run on Dufferin Terrace (you can hit ~70 km/h!), skate at Place D’Youville under floodlit ramparts, wander twinkle-lit Petit-Champlain, sip afternoon tea at the Château Frontenac, and warm up in a Nordic spa circuit (hot–cold–rest). If time allows, ferry to Lévis for skyline photos and visit Montmorency Falls to see the ice “sugar loaf.”

6) How do I get around when it’s snowy and icy?

Old Québec is walkable and well-plowed; keep steps short on icy spots. Use the funicular between Upper Town (Château/Dufferin) and Lower Town (Petit-Champlain) instead of tackling steep stairs. Buses and app cabs work well in storms; if you drive, expect tight parking and snowbanks. For the Lévis ferry, dress for wind on the upper deck—views are worth it.

7) Where should I stay in winter?

Inside the walls (Upper Town) puts you steps from major sights and skating—ideal in deep cold. Lower Town (Petit-Champlain/Old Port) is ultra-romantic but has steeper transitions back up; plan on the funicular. Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Saint-Roch offer great food/coffee and better value with quick access to the old city. In winter, an included breakfast and proximity to transit are big perks.

8) We’re traveling with kids—what works best?

Build your days in “bursts”: 60–90 minutes outside, then a warm indoor reset. The toboggan run, Place D’Youville rink (rentals on-site), Carnaval slides, and ferry rides are family hits. Carry spare mitts in a Ziplock, slip toe warmers into boots, and bring a pull-sled if little legs tire. Pick restaurants near your activities so you can pivot inside quickly when cheeks turn rosy.

9) Do I need to speak French? What about tipping and etiquette?

A friendly “Bonjour!” opens doors, and most hospitality staff in the old city are bilingual. English is widely understood, but simple French courtesies are appreciated. Tipping at restaurants is 15–20% pre-tax; baristas and quick-service jars are optional but nice. At Nordic spas, swimsuits are required in pools/saunas, quiet voices are the norm, and flip-flops/robes are useful between circuits.

10) What’s the best way to stay warm during outdoor events?

Think body heat management: keep moving, layer smart (especially a windproof shell), and protect extremities (neck gaiter up over cheeks, mitten-over-liner, warm socks). Rotate in dry glove liners midday, sip warm drinks from a thermos, and schedule indoor breaks every 60–90 minutes. Eat hearty meals—your body burns more calories staying warm—and hydrate; cold air is sneaky-dry.

11) Are there easy winter day trips from the city?

Yes. Montmorency Falls is the classic: groomed paths, a suspension bridge, and roaring cascades draped in ice—bundle up; it’s breezy. Île d’Orléans offers quiet roads and open specialty shops (cider, chocolate, preserves) in late winter, and maple season kicks into gear in March with sugar-shack feasts. For downhill or snowshoeing, nearby centers rent gear—ask your hotel for the best groomed option the day you go.

12) Any safety tips for ice, windchill, and gear?

Check the “feels like” windchill each morning and dress for that number. Use traction cleats on glassy sidewalks, keep your phone and spare battery warm in an inner pocket, and carry travel insurance if you’re trying higher-risk activities (ice canoeing is guided and fantastic, but weather-dependent). Most importantly, pace yourself—alternate outdoor fun with indoor coziness and you’ll love winter here.

Have you visited Quebec City in winter?
What’s your favourite winter destination?