9 Wonderful Ways To Experience Québec City In Winter
Published November 28th, 2023
There are so many reasons to experience Québec City during winter, from the famed German Christmas Market to walking the majestic streets of Old Québec, to exciting outdoor adventures.
Here’s a list of 9 wonderful ways to experience the famous Québec City in winter.
German Christmas Market
Photo via Quebec-Cite
Old Québec is home to the world-renowned German Christmas Market, enveloping it with music, lights, food, drink and fu every weekend until Christmas. Find a variety of local gifts and treats in the famous wooden stalls. Enjoy nearly 100 vendors at this traditional European Christmas market and experience the best of the festive season.
Québec Winter Carnival
Happening from January 25 to February 11, 2024, the famous Québec Winter Carnival is home to fun and activities for everyone from ice sculptures, games, musical performances, sporting events, the evening parade and of course, the one and only Bonhomme Carnaval.
Experience the Hôtel de Glace
Having stayed at the Hôtel de Glace, I highly recommend doing it at least once for the experience. It’s the only one in North America and if you don’t want to spend the night, you can take a tour through it.
Walk through Old Québec
Within these17th century walls houses Old Québec’s cobblestone streets, architecture and charm. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is enjoyed either on your own or via a guided tour.
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
One of the most photographed hotels in the world is here in Quebec City. With stunning views of the St.Lawrence River, the hotel is steeped in history, bathed in beautiful architecture and is absolutely worth taking a tour of at the least.
The Fabulous Food & Drink Scene
Earning a top-six finish in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, the culinary scene in Quebec is impressive. Whether you’re looking for traditional poutine, crêpes, and or tourtière, or if you want something a little different, Québec City has you covered. Add in the world-famous cheeses, plus the nearly 40 craft breweries and it’s easy to see why this is a gastronomic haven.
Superb Skiing
Mont Sainte Anne Photo Credit Étienne Dionne
Enjoy the outdoors galore with with three superb family-friendly skiing options close by.
Mont-Sainte-Anne, Stoneham, and Le Relais are the closest, with Massif de Charlevoix being a touch further away but also worth visiting.
Explore Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
A short drive from the core brings you to this wondrous National Park where you can
cross-country ski, snowshoe, fat bike, hike, and backcountry ski. Want more? Spend the night in a quaint wood cabin and gaze upon the brilliantly lit stars.
Outdoor Adventure
Bundle up and have some outdoor fun! Strap your skates on for outdoor ice skating, tackle the toboggan run at Dufferin Terrace, ski, snowboard at one of the aforementioned ski hills,
Want to relax via a Nordic Spa? Rejuvenate yourself at Strøm Spa and or Sky Spa.