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Top 10 Things to Do in Quebec in Winter

Top 10 Things to Do in Quebec in Winter

Clever Canadian Written By: October 2023

Quebec truly transforms into a full-blown winter wonderland as the temperature dips and the first snowflakes start to fall. As the snow piles on those cobblestone streets, this city takes on a new persona, becoming a snow-globe-like paradise!

And I’m here to give you a run-down of the top things you’ve got to do in this picture-perfect winter haven. So read on, get inspired, and pack those bags (and don’t forget your warmest parka!) to create memories that’ll last you a lifetime. 

See the stunning ice sculptures at Ice Hotel

Website:   https://www.valcartier.com/fr/hebergement/hotel-de-glace/ 

Address: 2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC

Contact details: +1 418-844-2200

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM

Every year, the Ice Hotel springs up like an enchanting, icy oasis, complete with uniquely designed rooms, an ice bar, and dazzling ice sculptures at every turn. 

As you wander through the hotel, you’ll be surrounded by sparkling frostiness, with everything from the walls to the seats carved entirely from ice.

Even the hotel’s chandeliers are made from, you guessed it, ice! And hey, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can brave a night’s stay in this frosty haven for a truly unforgettable experience.

Local tip: Don’t forget to bring some very warm clothes, as the temperature inside the hotel stays at a constant -5°C (23°F)! Happy ice-sculpture-gazing!

Enjoy a relaxing dip in a Nordik Spa-Nature

Website:  https://chelsea.lenordik.com/ 

Address: 16 Chem. Nordik, Chelsea, QC

Contact details: +1 819-827-1111

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 8:30 AM to 12 AM
  • Sunday – 8:30 AM to 11 PM

At Nordik Spa, the contrast between the biting cold air and the hot water is nothing short of invigorating—it’s like a wake-up call for your senses! 

Nordic spas operate based on a cycle of heat, cold, and rest, which is believed to energise and cleanse the body, and the experience is incredibly rejuvenating.

You can typically spend time in a hot sauna or steam bath, plunge into cold water (some folks even roll in the snow!), and then rest in a relaxation space. It’s an enchanting ritual that will leave you feeling refreshed and reenergized.

Local tip: Pack a cosy robe and some comfy flip flops for the ultimate spa day experience!

Sleigh rides in the Village Vacances Valcartier

Website:  http://www.valcartier.com/ 

Address: 2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC 

Contact details: +1 418-844-2200

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM

Village Vacances Valcartier offers the perfect blend of fun-filled activities and a charming atmosphere. Picture yourself cosily nestled in a comfy sleigh, bundled up in warm blankets, while the snowflakes gently flutter around you.

As the horses gently pull you along snowy trails that meander through the forest, you’ll experience a sense of serenity and relaxation that’s hard to find elsewhere. 

Not only are sleigh rides an amazing way to take in the breathtaking scenery of Valcartier, but they also offer a chance for you to immerse yourself in a quintessential winter activity.

Local tip: Be sure to grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate from one of the nearby huts before your sleigh ride—it’ll keep you extra warm and toasty during your journey!

Discover the frozen beauty of Montmorency Falls

Website:  https://www.sepaq.com/destinations/parc-chute-montmorency/ 

Address: 2490 Ave Royale, Québec City, QC 

Contact details: +1 418-663-3330

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM

Just a short distance from Quebec City, Montmorency Falls don’t just freeze in the cold weather; they transform into an absolutely jaw-dropping spectacle. 

This “Sugarloaf”, as it’s aptly called, is truly a sight to behold, a commanding testament to the power and beauty of nature’s winter wonders.

Getting there is an adventure in itself! You can opt for a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, taking in the views as you go, or, for our daredevil visitors, why not try out the park’s zipline?

Local tip: Don’t forget to bring a pair of ice grips for your shoes. It can get pretty icy, and we want you to stay upright to better enjoy the view!

Indulge in a nice meal at Restaurant La Buche

Website:   http://restolabuche.com/ 

Address: 49 Rue Saint-Louis, Québec, QC

Contact details: +1 418-694-7272

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9:30 PM

A visit to Wendake Native Reserve will offer you not only a truly unique winter experience but also an insight into the rich heritage of the Huron-Wendat people. 

Everything, from the traditional longhouses to the eco-lodge Hotel-Musée Premières Nations, seems straight out of a storybook.

During your visit, you’ll be taken on a fascinating journey through the vibrant history and customs of the Huron-Wendat Nation. 

You’ll get to learn about their way of life, the significance of their traditions, and the importance they place on the natural environment.

Local tip: Make sure to visit the on-site restaurant, Sagamité, to sample some scrumptious traditional dishes—you won’t regret it!

Sip a hot chocolate at the iconic Café de Paris

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/CafedeParisVieuxQuebec 

Address: 66 Rue Saint-Louis, Québec, QC

Contact details: +1 418-694-9626

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM

A stop at the iconic Café de Paris for their legendary hot chocolate is an absolute must when you’re navigating the cold Quebec winter. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “It’s just hot chocolate.”

But let me tell you, this ain’t your regular powdered-drink-from-a-packet kind of hot chocolate. Nope. The hot chocolate at Café de Paris is velvety, rich, and so incredibly chocolate-y that it’ll have you seeing life in chocolat-o-vision.

What’s more, enjoying this dreamy concoction in the charming, old-world ambiance of Café de Paris is an experience in itself. The café, perched in Quebec City’s historic district, is a cosy haven from the winter chill.

Local tip: Do yourself a favour and accompany your hot chocolate with a croissant.

Visit the immersive Morrin Centre

Website:  http://www.morrin.org/ 

Address: 44 Chau. des Écossais, Québec, QC

Contact details: +1 418-694-9147

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM

Can you imagine exploring an English-language library where every book tells a unique story? That’s the Morrin Center for you!

It’s not just a library; it’s a treasure trove of history, housed in a historic building that used to be a military barracks, a prison, and a college before becoming the cultural centre it is today. 

Wandering through the vintage book-lined shelves, you’ll feel as if you’re walking straight into a 19th-century novel.

You can also take a guided tour, and you’ll discover prison cells from when the building was a jail in the 19th century, a Victorian-era chemistry lab, and so much more.

Local tip: Don’t miss out on their immersive escape room experience—it’s quite the treat!

Try local delicacies at the New Grand Market

Website:  https://www.legrandmarchedequebec.com/fr/ 

Address: section M, 250 Bd Wilfrid-Hamel, Québec, QC

Contact details: +1 418-692-2517

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Old Port Market is a winter haven for food enthusiasts. It’s a gastronomic delight, featuring a dazzling selection of fresh produce, carefully crafted local treats, and the warmest, friendliest vendors around.

And, my friend, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding your next snack. 

Think aged cheeses with rich, complex flavours, sweet and savoury maple products that taste like a Canadian dream, and artisanal sausages that’ll leave your taste buds dancing for joy.

Local tip: Don’t you dare leave without trying the maple candy—these little treats will make your whole day!

Take a step back in time at the Augustinian Monastery

Website:  https://monastere.ca/ 

Address: 77 Rue des Remparts, Québec, QC

Contact details: +1 418-694-1639

Operating hours:

  • Open 24 hours

Having stood the test of time for over three centuries, the Augustinian Monastery is now a haven of heritage and spirituality in the heart of Quebec City. 

And don’t worry, you won’t feel any chill as you explore its ancient halls; rather, the warmth of history and culture will embrace you with open arms.

Take a tour of its serene chapel, walk through the ancient corridors raced by the Augustinian Sisters, and immerse yourself in their incredible journey depicted through the museum’s 1,000 fascinating artefacts.

Your day in this tranquil space will be less about braving the cold outdoor weather and more about embarking on a spiritual, warm inward journey.

Local tip: Make time for a meditative moment in the beautifully tranquil garden. Trust us, it’s a perfect end to a soulful, wintry day.

Hit the slopes for some skiing at Mont Sainte-Anne

Website:  https://mont-sainte-anne.com/ 

Address: 2000 Bd du Beau Pré, Beaupré, QC

Contact details: +1 418-827-4561

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM

Mont Sainte-Anne is located just a short drive from Quebec City and has some of the best skiing in the province. 

The energy and excitement of whizzing down the mountain as snowflakes gently fall around you—there’s truly nothing that can compare to skiing here.

It also boasts a whopping 71 trails and four snow parks, making it an ideal spot for skiers of all levels. Beginners can ease into things on the gentler slopes, while thrill-seekers will love the challenging black diamond runs.

Local tip: Be sure to swing by La Chouette for some après-ski, where you can unwind, enjoy a drink, and warm up by the fire. Cheers to that!

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