9 best winter wonderland experiences in Quebec City

Every winter, North America’s oldest city, Quebec City, transforms into a dream-like winter wonderland. This is the place to truly embrace the season. Meander down charming snow-lined lanes, fill up on delicious eats, enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, and cozy up in accommodations to suit every taste. Here are 10 great ways to fall in love with winter in Quebec City.

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Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Cozy up in comfort at a top hotel

If you plan on braving the outdoors for the majority of your visit and experiencing all that Quebec City has to offer, plan to cozy up afterward with a stay at the Hilton Quebec. This full service 4-star modern high-rise property is within walking distance of the Carnaval de Quebec as well as many historic sites. If refined luxury without pretense is your thing, opt for a stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. This luxurious 5-star property has hosted royalty, celebrities, heads of state and more for the following reasons: The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac has all of the comforts of home including comfortable beds and amazing cuisine. Be sure to make reservations in advance to experience their extremely popular Sunday Brunch in the Champlain Restaurant.

Quebec’s La Buche Restaurant

Fill up on deliciously decadent comfort food

A truly unique and eclectic Quebecois dining experience can be enjoyed at Restaurant La Buche. Everything from the Ailes de Lapin (rabbit wings), to the poutine served with beer marinated ham, to the Quebec Shepherd’s Pie, which includes Yukon gold mashed potatoes, creamy corn, red-wine braised beef and bacon, your appetite will certainly be sated. On that note: The restaurant is big on maple and thick-cut bacon, so in addition to enjoying a wonderful dinner here, definitely have breakfast at La Buche, too.

Frolic in a water park—in the dead of winter

What happens when a water park meets freezing temperatures? Two words:  Valcartier Resort. Who says you can’t have big fun in the snow? Valcartier Resort is a summer waterpark that doubles as a snow park in the winter when you can enjoy a wide variety of snow tube offerings, as well as a snow slide. However, if you want to experience a summer-themed water park in the winter, Valcartier also offer a warm, year round indoor waterpark.

Bar lounge at Hotel de Glace in Quebec

Sleep in a hotel made entirely of ice

You’ll have to pack a parka for this bucket list experience….. Enjoy a stay at the Hotel de Glace, better known as the Quebec Ice Hotel. Every year, the hotel takes on a different theme, but the one thing that never changes is the overall fun experience. Just be sure to closely follow the instructions of the hotel representatives, and you will find your stay to be quite comfortable (the ambient temperature runs between 23–26 degrees Fahrenheit).

Tours Voir Quebec Food Tour

Sample the city’s tastiest specialties

A food tour In freezing temperatures? Outings led by Tours Voir Quebec are worth it. Quebec City is known for its many wonderful culinary options to satiate every palate. And even in the winter, you can experience a wonderful 2-1/2 hour food tour where your guide will walk your group to sample offerings of some of the wonderful restaurants throughout the city, including: Organic farm-to-table cuisine, crepes, chocolate and even Quebec’s very own Provincial dish: poutine!

Whiz downhill on a historic toboggan

Experience an icy blast from the past just outside the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac where, immediately facing the St. Lawrence River, you’ll find one of the oldest attractions in Quebec City: Au 1884 Toboggan! As you drop down the steep slide, you’ll find yourself traversing along the toboggan path at speeds up to 43 mph! This attraction is fun for all ages.

Quebec Winter Carnaval

Embrace the chill at an outdoor festival

The annual Carnaval de Quebec is the ultimate in winter celebrations—so much in fact it  remains the largest winter carnival in the world and every year, it draws swaths of visitors from every corner on Earth. For 2019, Bonhomme Carnaval (the carnival’s ambassador) welcomes carnival guests to experience all of the wonders of this 10-day event (from February 8-17) and all the high energy activities that makes this carnival so popular including cross country skiing, ice carving workshops, snow baths, snow wrestling (…you read that correctly…) and more!

Climb a frozen waterfall

When Climbing a mountain is just too boring, try climbing a frozen waterfall. Adrenaline junkies will certainly find ice climbing one of the most thrilling adventures during a Quebec winter at the Montmorency Falls Ice Climb. Keep in mind that this is a frozen waterfall—with active water flowing within its frozen ice shell—and it is roughly 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls!

Witness a wintry night parade

There are numerous nighttime entertainment offerings in Quebec City, but there’s one that’s definitely something that the entire family will love: The Carnaval de Quebec Night Parade! Be sure to bundle up for an evening filled with multi-sensory experiences that include costumed performers, musicians, circus arts, pyrotechnics and more—it’s unlike anything you have ever seen before.

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