5 Winter Activities You Won’t Want to Miss

Editorial Team

Published on January 27, 2020

Aerial view of Old Québec in winter, with the frozen St. Lawrence River, Château Frontenac and Holy Trinity Church.

Francis Gagnon

There’s something especially beautiful about Québec City in the winter. It’s like the city was made for snow. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of Old Québec as the snow drifts down, you feel a special kind of magic in the air. And there are so many fun things to do once the snow hits. Here are 5 activities you simply must try in Québec City in winter:

1
Experience the Magic of the Season
Mention de source Ville de Québec
Visit Place Royale and the Petit-Champlain district and dive head first into a holiday fairytale. The lights and decorations on Rue du Petit-Champlain are enough to fill anyone with the spirit of the season. Meet Santa Claus, lend an ear to the choirs and carollers, and warm yourself by the outdoor fires as you soak in the joyful atmosphere in the Old City.
2
Join in Québec City’s New Years’ Celebrations
Mention de source Jérémie Leblond-Fontaine
No need to worry about how to spend New Years’. It’s all happening in Québec City! The passage into the new year is celebrated in style on the night of December 31, with a spectacular concert and pyrotechnics display. The traditional Ferris wheel will be up on Grande Allée starting December 28, along with heated terraces.
3
Visit Hôtel de Glace
Mention de source Renaud Philippe
Since January 2017, North America’s only ice hotel opens its doors at Village Vacances Valcartier. A must-see attraction, this architectural wonder built entirely of ice and snow has more than 40 theme rooms and suites. You can spend a night to remember in this unique hotel, then head over the next day to the winter playground for a day of sliding fun on the tube runs and more.
4
Make a Splash in the Indoor Waterpark
Mention de source Village Vacances Valcartier
Québec’s only indoor waterpark will whisk you into a tropical dream with its Polynesian theme. Heated to a balmy 30°C all year round (that’s 86°F!), Bora Park boasts a huge wave pool, over 14 slides, a family pool, an adventure river, and a double surf wave, which is why it’s as big as 6 NHL hockey rinks combined! One more tip: book your place ahead.
5
Get into the Great Outdoors, just 30 Minutes from Downtown
Mention de source Projet Vertical
There are tons of winter sports and outdoor activities just 30 minutes from downtown Québec City. Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, skating, tobogganing, dogsledding, ice fishing—you name it, we’ve got it. If you’re looking for a unique experience, try the winter via ferrata. The hiking and rock-climbing trail at Canyon Sainte‑Anne takes about 2.5 hours and is open to those 10 years and up.
Enjoy your winter stay in Québec City!