Tips for a Winter Weekend in Quebec City

Roughly 400 miles north of Boston, nestled in Canada’s largest province, lies a cosmopolitan city with old-world charm and French culture. Set against a nature-rich playground of hills blanketed by bright white snow and rivers and streams, the surrounding Eastern Townships is an iconic destination rivaling the storybook settings of your favorite Hallmark holiday movie.

French heritage merges with a vibrant Indigenous culture in this centuries-old, fortified city, creating a unique blend of history and modern living. The city also offers a lively festival scene, enticing culinary experiences, and various outdoor activities throughout the long winter months.

Quebec City in the winter is a snow-covered playground that is enticing to all ages. Choosing the right activities for you or your party can be difficult, with plenty on offer. Below, we detail what to do on a winter weekend in Quebec City.

If you are looking for what to do in Quebec City in the winter, a great way to start is to stroll along the Saint Lawrence River, which runs alongside the city's banks. There, you can marvel at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, an iconic landmark of the area that keeps watch over the boats, couples, and families passing before it. Here, locals and tourists can share the classic childhood pastime of careening down the hill on the wooden toboggan.

Or, if an elevated heart rate is what you’re after, book an exhilarating excursion with Canot a Glace. Join their team as you paddle a canoe across the frozen St. Lawrence River. Afterward, stop inside the Fairmont to recharge and warm up with a hearty dinner as you take in the riverfront at night.

Make your way up Rue du Petit Champlain to the city’s Funicular. For a $5 one-way ticket, you can take in the area’s architecture, reminiscent of a Parisian skyline. As you make your ascent, relish in the panoramic views the glass-windowed cable car offers. Riding the Funicular is one of the top things to do in Quebec City in the winter because of the great views at 282 feet in the air.

The shades that line the narrow streets of Old Quebec are festively decorated during the holiday season, with garland arches hanging suspended over the cobblestone streets. Observing the meticulous storefront windows adorned with ornaments, Christmas trees, and artwork, it’s easy to imagine you’ve been transported to the Christmas Markets of Germany as you explore the boutiques’ seasonal offerings.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather in Quebec, just bad clothing.” The mantra is a nod to the mentality shared by Quebec natives who don’t allow cold temperatures and snowy conditions to keep them from enjoying all their region has to offer throughout the season. It’s easier to explore the province’s outdoor offerings with help from vendors like Tuque and Bicycle, who offer rentable winter wear from gloves to jackets, snow pants to hats. With proper gear, you’ll be well-equipped to experience a winter weekend in Quebec City like a local.

Located twenty minutes outside the city is the Valcartier Winter Playground. Inside the Village Vacances Valcartier during the summer, you’ll find families and kids racing toward the wave pool or one of their 35 water slides. However, during the winter, the grounds transform to allow visitors to slide down the snow-covered hills on inner tubes. If you’re looking for a more adventurous move on the slope, sit in the six-passenger circular tube for a fast, cold, spinning ride.

Adjacent to the Valcartier Village is North America’s only ice hotel, the Hotel de Glace. At the expertly etched ice bar, one can enjoy a craft cocktail (try the North Pole, Yeti, or Skidoo Accident). Open seasonally from January through March, the hotel consists of 2,300 ice blocks and roughly 30,000 tons of snow. Spend an evening in one of the hotel’s 22 themed suites nestled into a sleeping bag placed atop the ice beds in one of the igloo-esque rooms to experience a hotel stay unlike any you’ve had before.

Quebec City’s culinary scene is a must-explore during a winter weekend visit. Indulge in classic comfort foods like poutine, or warm up in a relaxed atmosphere like that of The Shack. If you’re looking for something more upscale, try dining at the AAA Four Diamond designated Restaurant Légende, offering traditional and high-quality Quebecoise cuisine. Whether you’re after traditional Québécois fare or something with a modern twist, the city’s dining options are sure to satisfy.

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