MUST DO – My Favorite Things to Do Winter in Quebec City (2026)
- Sam.D
- Dec 26, 2025
- 9 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)
Winter in Quebec City
From December to Mid-March
This has been a Quebec tradition since 1884! "Attache ta tuque avec de la broche" (which literally means "tie your hat with a staple" in French Canadian).
Slide down at speeds up to 70 km/h (about 43 mph) and shiver with excitement! It’s a fun, affordable activity for everyone. You can rent your toboggan at the 1884 kiosk, right by the slide.
More info here / here is a video
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 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)
Cantook Micro Torréfaction Various Locations
deTerroir Café its name suggests, this café focuses on traceability and grains sourced from sustainable and fair trade!
Maelstrøm Saint-Roch Really nice place !
Much others there is so many! (café owners if you want me to put yours name here let me know.)
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 , not to mention a great escape from the stress. Quebec city have plenty of spas that you can experience. It is by far one of the best activity to do when you are not used to the weather.
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 in the whole country! 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. It is relaxing.
Spa des Neiges (Few minutes away from Saint-Anne de beaupré next to Beaupré microbrewery also ! Less expensive but quite relaxing experience too)
there is more but these are the main one!
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.
Just to make sure you won't search for eternity for the best winter activity, I've created a unique Bingo card you can download or print in advance.
This will help you get the best of Quebec City and the surrounding area, guiding you to discover hidden gems outside the typical Old Quebec beaten path. If you manage to finish the entire card? You win! ... Nothing material, of course, but a ton of great memories and an authentic local experience! Go on and continue your reading!
Crédit photo:1 Discoglace facebook , 2 Quoi faire facebook. Ice Skating
Quebec City offers several amazing ice-skating spots, each with its own unique winter charm.
A true local favorite is Place d’Youville, located just outside Saint-Jean Gate, right in the heart of the action.Looking for a more peaceful, nature-filled experience? Head to Domaine de Maizerets, a beautiful spot just outside the busy downtown core.
Want something fun and different? Try Discoglace, the brand-new skating rink at the Agora de Québec, near the Old Port, combining skating with music and lights.
And for one of the best views in the region, hop on the ferry to Lévis and skate at Quai Paquet, with stunning panoramas of Quebec City across the river. There is plenty more but these are Downtown or near downtown.
Crédit photo:Wikipedia
Onhwa’ Lumina is a captivating, illuminated night walk in the heart of the Wendat Nation. Developed by Moment Factory and community members, this immersive multimedia experience uses light and sound to explore the Nation's rich, millennial history.
The path delves into themes of the life cycle and the deep relationship between all living things. A trip to Quebec isn't complete without learning about the First Nations the true ancestors of the land you are visiting. Discover how they thrived in this climate! You can complete your learning also with the huron wendat museum.
Credit photo :1-2 Marie Pierre Lessard
Take a walking tour with me Experience the Best of the Season
Yes, I absolutely run tours in winter! A walking tour during the snowy season is the perfect way to soak up the unique atmosphere . Dressed in your warm layers, you'll find endless opportunities to enjoy our beautiful, historic city.
Your Tour Options
Book a Private Tour: Organize an exclusive, tailored experience for you and your group at a time that suits you best. I have a promotion for the private tour in january and febuary!
Join a Free Walking Tour: Check my upcoming schedule (see below!) to hop on one of my popular free tours.
Comfort
Your comfort is my priority. When the temperature drops below -10°C (14°F), I include a cozy 10–15 minute break so you can warm up and grab a hot coffee.
Schedule Coming Up Soon!
Important Details
No Shows: If you can't make a booked tour, please inform me in advance. It’s not fun to wait in the cold for guests who don't arrive! Your courtesy (your respect) is greatly appreciated.
Cancellations: In the event of extreme cold (below -20°C or -4°F) or insufficient reservations, tours may be canceled. I will always notify the group the day prior.
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Crédit photo:Wikipedia
Shovel the snow You won't find this on typical tourist lists, but it's a uniquely local experience!
If you see someone shoveling their driveway or car, just ask if you can help or give it a try (give me that shovel for 2 minutes) ! The best part of being a tourist? You only have to do it once, unlike us locals!
People will love you for offering a hand.
Quick tip: Be careful to avoid injury—if you're unsure how, quickly Google "how to shovel snow" on YouTube (yes, it’s a thing!).
The Carnaval de Québec is one of the world’s largest winter festivals and a beloved tradition that brings the historic city of Québec to life each year.
The 2026 edition will take place from February 6 to February 15, 2026.
The festival offers a wide range of activities, from the thrilling ice canoe race and impressive ice sculptures to unforgettable experiences like the famous snow bath.
Be sure to say “Salut!” to the beloved Bonhomme Carnaval, the iconic symbol of the festivities!
For full details and the complete schedule, visit the official Carnaval de Québec website.
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)! The staircase however is closed...Because who want to shovel 487 stairs each snowfall really. 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.
Photo credit :Facebook du Village vacances Valcatier and Tewkesbury facebook
Tube sliding Village vacances Valcartier or Tewkesbury
This is my ultimate favourite activity, a fun memory from high school. Every year, when we got to choose a winter daytrip, my choice was immediately clear: inflatable snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier or Tewkesbury.
It’s guaranteed excitement: speed and fun rolled into one! It offers thrills for both kids and adultsin fact, I'd venture to say some runs even scare the bravest grown-ups!
While these spots aren't too far from downtown Quebec City, you will need a car to reach them. Get ready for a day of pure, exhilarating winter entertainment!
Photo credit :Facebook du Village Nordik
February - March 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 :)
Hotel de glace / Ice Hôtel
From late december to march
Prepare to step into one of North America’s most chilling attractions. With towering snow arches and ice sculptures, this winter wonderland reinvents itself every year to keep things fresh and frosty!
Day visitors can pay a fee to explore the halls, snap photos , and even sip a cocktail from a glass that’s fundamentally just a fancy ice cube. And if you’re brave enough (or have the budget) to embrace the deep freeze overnight (it's not that cold as you think inside), it's a luxurious Nordic getaway.
Getting There
There’s a convenient shuttle to the Village Vacances Valcartier resort location if you book their ice restaurant, so you can stay cool (pun absolutely intended) without worrying about road conditions. Have more info here.
Photo credit :Facebook du Marché de noel allemand
From november 20 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! 🎅🎶
Other Activities (so you don’t freeze in place)
Ski,cross country ski or snowboard at Camp Mercier, Le Relais, Stoneham, Duchesnay, 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. Use this code for a small discount SDTour10
Wear warm clothes! 😉 If you dont have one you can rent somes for your whole trip here! Have a look at my blog!
Build a snowman (or 10).
Have a look at the free mini festival Kaléidoscopes between christmas and new year eve free concerts from various local artist (have a look at the band angine de poitrine! if you can).
Celebrate new year eve Tobbogan 3 days festival with DJ and Traditional Quebec music !
Breathe the cold air...!
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