Winter is Here – My Favorite Things to Do in Québec city in wintertime (2024-25)
- Sam.D
- Jan 17
- 8 min read
Winter has returned to Québec City! The temperature’s dropping, and the streets and rooftops are blanketed with that magical first layer of snow. As a local tour guide, I see the city transform into a winter wonderland each year, and it never gets old.I learn to love winter year after year.
Try Dufferin Terrace Slides (Tobbogan Run)
From Mid-December to Mid-March Usualy
This is a tradition for many Quebecers since 1884! "Attache ta tuque avec de la broche." (Which in French Canadian means "tie your hat with staples"). Slide down at speeds up to 70 kph and shiver with excitement! You're in for a treat with this nice, cheap activity. Rent your toboggan at the 1884 kiosk right by the slide. It will be a special year as they celebrate their 140 anniversary of this old attraction!
Try some great coffee-houses
Un café, s'il vous plaît Of course you can pass the whole day outside... but what better than a nice hot cup of coffee? You can go to Tim Horton or Starbuck coffee if you want but you should definitely try coffee in certain coffee-houses that are exclusive to this city! Here is a short list of some of these places: Maison Smith (you can find 3 La Maison Smith in the old town at great locations).
Oui oui café in Limoilou is also one of my favorite ....mostly when im on hurry before taking the bus to go on my next tour Les Bruleries (Various locations, great local art display! Joli endroit). Nektar Caféologue (Various locations, from limoilou to Saint-roch) Nice place that I love to go on the 3e avenue. Café Félin ma langue aux chats(If you love cats this is the place to go, it is a cat friendly coffee house. Location is about 1 minute away from the Gare du Palais train station). Café Faux Mouvement located at the end of petit champlain street. If you are a runners, they are specialised into running gear. You can also run with them!
Café fuck la mode A coffee place and also a clothing store with a quite special name!
Saint Henri (In the heart of Saint Roch, relaxing)
Camellia-Sinensis (If you are more into traditionnal tea...it's one of the places to go! Good service)
Much others
Crédit photo:strom spa
Go to a spa
How to cope with cold weather? Winter time is actually the perfect time to experience the greatest condition of a spa. It's relaxing, good for health and pores, not to mention a great escape from the stress. Quebec city have plenty of spas that you can experience.
The Strom spa is right by the saint Lawrence river at a perfect location. I personally visited the place and I didn't want to leave the place. It is already ranked as one of the most beautiful spa in whole Quebec area. Only 15 minutes walking distance from Place Royale.
Siberia Spa In the wild - quite nice location! If you looking for a quiet spot in nature
Sky Spa (which on the top of a skyscraper...I know!)
Spa des Neiges (Few minutes away from Saint-Anne de beaupré next to Beaupré microbrewery also ! Less expensive but quite relaxing experience too)
Take the ferry
A boat ride on the historical Saint Lawrence river it’s a must (all season included). The most amazing view you'll get is in winter. Seeing the cold ice floating along the river is a unique experience. Did you know that people in the past were able to cross the saint Lawrence river on horse carriages? We formerly had an ice bridge and people were even able to cross the river by foot…now I don’t suggest you to do so…You might die. Levis overlooks Quebec right across the river where you'll find the ferry. Go have a drink at the le Corsaire microbrewery (1 minute away from the terminal) and enjoy the view for me.
Crédit photo:tuque et bicycle What about a fat bike ride? Are you looking for a new unique way to discover the city in complete freedom? What about a fat bike rental! Doing bike in wintertime are you crazy sam? No im not! You can rent it,you can take a tour off the beaten path also.Tuque & bicycle expériences is a great company that offer this unforgettable experience. Émilie is the owner and a friend through tourism networks and she is a great young entrepreneur. She (with her team) can teach you how to do fat bike safely and even bring you off the beaten path on a tour. I recommend!
Ice Skating
There many greats locations with nice lovely setting to do Ice skating in the city. One of the local favorite is place d'Youville just outside the gate saint jean! There another one at the beautiful domaine maizerets few minutes away from the city.
Crédit photo:Wikipedia
During your trip,have a stop at Wendake few minutes away from the old town (You need to have a car). Onhwa’ Lumina is a nice activity to teach you about the rich millenial history of the Huron-Wendat Nation. It is an delighted night walk in the heart of Wendake. It was developed by Moment Factory alongside artists,writer,musicians, historians and community members from the Nation.It explores different themes such as the cycle of life, the passing of knowledge, and the shared relationship between all living things. It mixed recent technology and multimedia with an immersive path to the past. A trip to Quebec is never fully completed without learning about the first nations and their cultures. They are the ancestor of the land that you visit. They knew how to survive with this weather ! You can complete your learning also with the huron wendat museum.
Take a walking tour with me
Sam are you doing tour also in winter time? Yes I do! It is a fun activity to walk around the city with all the winter vibes. If you dress well with warm clothes there is multiply opportunity for you to enjoy the city. You can book a private tour with me and your group. If you want or take a free walking tour when it is on my schedule. Québec city has a rich history and just wait to be told.
Schedule coming up!
Important thing to know! If you can't make the tour please tell me in advance don't do no show. It is not fun to take a bus to get to the location and wait outside for nobody...believe me ;) If the weather is bad more than -20 celsius or if I dont get enough reservation The tour will be canceled.I will inform the group the day before. .
Crédit photo:Wikipedia
Shovel the snow
That is not one of the usual things you will see on a list of things to do in wintertime for a tourist…but I find it totally interesting, especially for someone who's never done it. If you see someone shoveling their entrance, their car park or anything, ask them to try or if they have another shovel to help them. The good side of being a tourist is you wont have to do that activity everyday all winter! ( unlike we, who do that most of the winter). That being said, be careful when you shovel the snow to avoid injury. If you aren't sure… google how to shovel snow on youtube (Yes it exist!).You will be helpful to the people, and they will love you offering help!
One of the biggest winter carnival events in the world is hosted here!
A long time tradition in Québec city, Le Carnaval de Québec is really fun!
It actually put the old town quite alive.All kinds of activity from canoe race to Ice sculptures ,axe throwing, snow bath ... and many other things! For more info look to this website and salute our bonhomme if you come! Salut bonhomme!
Crédit photo: facebook Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Go see Montmorency waterfalls
Montmorency waterfalls is an impressive waterfalls with 83 meters high (30 meters higher than Niagara falls) and at few minutes away from the old Quebec. If you have no car or you are on tight budget you can easily take the public transportation to go there with the 800 bus to Chute Montmorency (it’s the last stop, you can’t miss it).The bus is a 8$ roundtrip and it will bring you back at old Quebec when you want without any rush. In wintertime its quite amazing to see it. You can walk on the bridge over the fall and take great picture to impress your friend (or yourself if you have no friend)! If you are willing to do it there a possibility to do Ice Climbing near from the waterfalls for info click here ...you will definitely feel like Jon snow climbing the wall! It's safer of course! Also it is nice to see what we call le pain de sucre (Sugar Loaf). It's basically an ice formation at the bottom of the waterfall. The freezing water sprays on top and thus ice accumulate on it creating a dome-shape. That being said, be warned. It'S called a loaf, but dont take a bite of it, The Montmorency falls authorities will not pay for a any needed dental surgery. No only that, but it doesn’t taste good…It's not sweet at all...been there done that !
Photo credit :Facebook du Village vacances Valcatier and Tewkesbury facebook
Tube sliding Village vacances Valcartier or Tewkesbury
One of my personal favorites. Every year when I was in highschool we had the chance to choose an activity. For me it was the inflatable snow tube sliding at Village Vacances Valcatier or Tewkesbury...That was my choice without any doubt. Speed and fun, both kids and adults will enjoy. I'd even dare say some adults were scared to try some of them. It's not too far from downtown but you do need to have a car.
Photo credit :Facebook du Village Nordik
February 7 to March 9, 2025 Bassin-Louise
You should try ice-fishing in wintertime! It's a great unique winter experience.
Village Nordik is located at few minutes from the train station at the old port of Québec. They can cook the fish you catch for a cheap fee and be of all it'll be as fresh as can be! It's a fun activity and if you pay a little bit more you can fish in an inflatable Igloo! Dress well, wear warm clothes and it will be one of the highlights of your trip. If you've never tried fishing they can help you as well :)
From november 23 to december 23
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 🎄✨
The warm glow of the lights, the festive music, and the smell of mulled wine always get me into the holiday spirit.Even if sometime I feel like a grinch and I have enough of Mariah Carey songs ....Picture this: traditional wooden kiosks, vibrant lights, and a ton of free activities for the whole family. That’s what awaits you at the Québec City German Christmas Market
It feel like a Europe’s grand Christmas markets, right here in Québec City. The fun thing is you can find unique gift ideas, savor delicious German and local treats, and let the sounds of Christmas music and choirs warm your heart (or not).If you are more like a grinch just remember there somes mulled wine (gluwein) This is the place to be! 🎅🎶
Hotel de glace / Ice Hôtel
From january to march
Step into one of North America’s coolest attraction—literally. With towering snow arches and jaw-dropping ice sculptures, this winter wonderland reinvents itself every year to keep things fresh (and frosty).
Day visitors can explore for a fee, snap photos, and even sip a drink in a glass made of ice. And if you’re brave enough to stay the night, it’s a luxurious Nordic getaway that will make winter unforgettable.
Not driving? There’s a special shuttle to Valcartier, so you can stay cool (pun intended).
This year, Hôtel de Glace celebrates 25 years of turning snow and ice into art—don’t miss it!
Dining Under a Frosty Dome From January 17 to March 15, 2025, every Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy three-course gourmet meal under a frosty dome! Only 52 guests per seating will indulge in hearty, upscale dishes that are as warm as they are delicious.
Other Activities (so you don’t freeze in place)
Ski or snowboard at Le Relais, Stoneham, Mont-Ste-Anne, etc.
Snowshoeing rentals at Plains of Abraham, Domaine Maizeret, and more.
Cheer for the Remparts at Centre Vidéotron (hockey!).
Attend the International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
Visit local microbreweries.
Go visit a museum!
Do Ice canoeing !! (I never did yet but I plan to try!)
Go shopping (3e Avenue, Saint Joseph, Le Grand Marché, Montcalm, Cartier).
Take a guided tour of Château Frontenac.
Wear warm clothes! 😉
Build a snowman (or 10).
Celebrate new year eve Tobbogan 3 days festival with DJ (Jonas Blue,bbno$,Mattn) and Traditional Quebec music (La bottine souriante)!
Breathe the cold air...!
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