How to Dress for Winter Fun
Winter in Québec can be rugged and highly variable. It isn’t uncommon for temperatures to swing from -20o Celsius (-4o Fahrenheit) up to about 0o Celsius (32o Fahrenheit) in just a few days. Being prepared is the best way to appreciate all the magic of a trip to Québec between December and the end of March.
When you head out to visit Old Québec, attend a local winter event, or enjoy the great outdoors, it’s important to know how to dress for the occasion—and the weather forecast.
The Three-Layer Rule
Obviously, you’ll want to keep your body warm and dry at all times. That’s where the three-layer rule comes in.
First layer: The first layer, the one that’s in direct contact with your skin, needs to be warm and wick moisture away from your body. If you’re going to be active, a technical base layer from a sports shop is your best option. It’s also a good idea to bring an extra base layer so you have something dry to change into after working up a sweat. This effectively doubles your outdoor playtime.
Second layer: The second layer is meant to insulate your body. Fleece or softshell jackets are good options. Like your base layer, it’s best if your mid layer breathes, to allow moisture to move away from your body. Your mid layer is the one you’ll take off in warmer weather or for sports activities.
Third layer: Your third, or outer, layer is to protect you from wind, rain, and snow. Ideally, you’ll have different outer layers for different types of activities. To walk around town or attend an outdoor event, your outer layer should be as warm as possible. Down jackets and pants are one of the best ways to keep out the cold. For sports activities, your outer layer should be breathable. Thin, waterproof (Gore-Tex) clothes are generally your best bet.
Accessories
- Tuques (beanies if you’re in the U.S.) are an essential part of any cold‑weather outfit. Covering your head is crucial if you want to stay warm. Plus, tuques protect your ears—one of the first parts of the body to get cold.
- A good pair of insulated gloves works fine for walking around town; waterproof mittens are best for playing in the snow.
- Wear long johns to protect your legs from the cold. If you’ll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, it’s a really good idea to wear snow pants. Don’t worry about being fashionable. Snow pants are standard apparel in Québec—even in the heart of the city!
- Your winter boots need to have good grip and be insulated, but mostly waterproof. Bonus points if they have a removable lining.
- A scarf or neck warmer will protect your neck from the cold and can be pulled up to cover your nose and mouth.
A Few Tips
- Avoid wearing cotton. It’s hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and takes forever to dry.
- Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. The “warming” effect is very temporary and your high spirits may keep you from feeling the cold.
- Bring an extra pair of socks and mittens to keep your extremities dry.
- You can also buy heated insoles that last for several hours or little pockets that release heat and slip easily into your mittens or boots.
- There are even heating clothes (jackets, pants, and boots) specially designed for motor sports that you can plug right into your snowmobile to stay warm on the trail.
- Some snowmobiling rental companies and dogsledding centres rent warm clothing.
- If you can not get some of these accessories before your arrival, plan some time in one of the shopping centres in Québec City.
Winter Clothing Rental
You don't have any winter clothes? It is possible to rent a winter coat, winter boots and other winter clothing and accessories and even have everything delivered directly to your hotel.
- Winter clothing rental in Upper Town (Saint-Jean-Baptiste): Quatre Natures
- Winter clothing rental in Lower Town (Old Port): Echo Sports Tours, Tuque & bicycle expériences
As the local saying goes, “There’s no bad weather—just people who aren’t dressed for it.” So use all these tips to your best advantage and enjoy every minute of your winter stay in Québec City.
See you outside!
