Snow suits Québec City. The stone walls, copper roofs and narrow streets look like they were built for it, and the city has spent centuries learning how to enjoy the cold. Here are the best Québec City winter activities — and what to wear for them.
Ride the Au 1884 toboggan slide
On Dufferin Terrace, right beside the Château Frontenac, a wooden toboggan slide has been sending people down an icy chute since 1884. It’s fast, short and impossible to do without laughing.
Go to Carnaval de Québec
From late January into February, the Carnaval de Québec takes over the city — Bonhomme the snowman, night parades, an ice palace, snow sculptures and the ice canoe race across the St. Lawrence.
Shop the German Christmas Market
From late November through December, wooden stalls fill the streets around City Hall with mulled wine, sausages and handmade gifts. Old Québec dressed for Christmas is worth the trip on its own.
Visit the Hôtel de Glace
North America’s only ice hotel is rebuilt every winter at Village Vacances Valcartier, about 25 minutes from downtown. Take the tour, have a drink at the ice bar, or spend the night in a thermal sleeping bag.
See Montmorency Falls frozen
In winter the spray from the 83-metre falls freezes into a huge ice cone at the base, known as the “sugar loaf.” Ice climbers practise on the frozen walls nearby.
Snow-tube at Village Vacances Valcartier
Right next to the Hôtel de Glace, Valcartier has dozens of snow-tubing runs, from gentle slopes to near-vertical drops. It’s the best winter day out for families.
Skate, snowshoe and ski in town
Skate under the lights at Place D’Youville, just outside the Saint-Jean gate. Snowshoe or cross-country ski across the Plains of Abraham. You don’t have to leave the city for a winter sports day.
Eat maple taffy on snow
Hot maple syrup poured onto clean snow and rolled onto a stick — tire d’érable — is sold around Old Québec in winter. For the full experience, go to a sugar shack such as the Érablière du Lac-Beauport.
What to wear
- Insulated, waterproof boots with good grip — the streets are steep and icy.
- A warm hat, mittens and a scarf or neck warmer.
- Layers you can take off indoors — museums and restaurants are warm.
Plan your winter trip
Our four-day Québec City winter itinerary puts all of this in order, and there’s a free printable version on our winter itinerary page. Travelling with children? See things to do in Québec City with kids. Want something different? Explore the hidden gems in Québec City. Only two days? Here’s our weekend plan. For the year-round essentials, start with our Québec City bucket list. For more seasonal ideas, see Québec City in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Québec City worth visiting in winter?
Yes — many people think it is the best season. The toboggan slide, Carnaval, the Christmas market and the Hôtel de Glace only happen in winter, and Old Québec looks its best in snow.
How cold is Québec City in winter?
January and February are usually well below freezing, often around −10 °C to −20 °C with wind chill. Dress in warm layers and waterproof boots.
When is Carnaval de Québec?
Carnaval runs for about two weeks from late January into February. Check the official Carnaval website for this year’s dates.
When is the Hôtel de Glace open?
The ice hotel is rebuilt each winter and is usually open from early January to mid-March, depending on the weather.
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Is Québec City worth visiting in winter?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes — many people think it is the best season. The toboggan slide, Carnaval, the Christmas market and the Hôtel de Glace only happen in winter, and Old Québec looks its best in snow."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How cold is Québec City in winter?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"January and February are usually well below freezing, often around −10 °C to −20 °C with wind chill. Dress in warm layers and waterproof boots."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When is Carnaval de Québec?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Carnaval runs for about two weeks from late January into February. Check the official Carnaval website for this year’s dates."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When is the Hôtel de Glace open?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The ice hotel is rebuilt each winter and is usually open from early January to mid-March, depending on the weather."}}]}