6 Reasons to Experience Québec City, Canada in Winter
Plan to Visit Québec City….in Winter!
Québec City offers fun for the whole family. From skiing and snowboarding to the relaxing experience of a true Nordic Spa, winter is a fabulous time to visit this unique World Heritage Site.
Amazing World-class Skiing & Snowboarding
With four different resorts, you will have your pick of runs for all levels and ages. Two of the four resorts do offer a shuttle service.
- Mont-Sainte-Anne (shuttle service is available)
- Le Massif de Charlevoix (shuttle service is available)
- Stoneham Mountain Resort
- Le Relais Centre
Winter Carnival
Winter Carnival is being held January 27 through February 12, 2017. Snow sculptures, an ice palace, dogsled races, canoe races and more will excite the whole family. At night you will experience parades, snow baths, shows, sleigh rides and more. Winter Carnival is a fantastic time to visit Québec City!
Christmas & the Holiday Season
Imagine being able to walk through old town Québec where lights, decorations, and snow transform Québec City into a winter wonderland. The German Christmas Market, located in the heart of old Québec City feels as if you have been transported right to Germany as you sip hot mulled wine standing by one of the many outdoor wood-burning heaters.
Take the funicular up to the top and look down on the sparkling carpet of lights below. Stop into Chateau Frontenac and see the marvelous Christmas trees and decorations on display. Visit the small neighborhood known as Petit-Champlain. This gem of Québec City is filled with hundreds of sparkling lights, outdoor restaurants and storefronts.
Hôtel de Glace
This unique hotel is located only minutes from downtown Québec City and is a must-see attraction to discover every winter. Stop by the bar and sip a cocktail in it’s cozy -5ºC. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, try a comfortable night’s sleep in a room made entirely of ice. For the more adventurous, you can choose to spend the night in an igloo or yurt!
The only ice hotel in America has had over a million visitors since opening in 2001. With its huge snow vaults, its crystalline ice sculptures its 44 rooms and suites, the Hôtel de Glace impresses by its dazzling decor, and should be on every travelers’ list when in Québec.
Explore Old Québec
Old Town Quebec, founded in 1608 is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Houses with mansard roofs and dating from the 17th and 18th line the narrow cobblestone streets. Old Town is split between the Old Upper Town, known as Haute Ville and the Old Lower Town, known as Basse Ville.
Haute Ville sits like a gatekeeper on the cliffs of Cap Diamant overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Basse Ville, down below is the location of the first French foothold, established by Samuel de Champlain.
La Citadelle de Quebec, is an intact fortress that forms the centerpiece of the ramparts that encircle Old Town Québec. The construction of La Citadelle began in 1820 and completed in 1850. It is still an active military garrison.
Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec (“Our Lady of Quebec City”) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec, the oldest in the Americas north of the Spanish colonies in Florida and New Mexico.
A National Historic Site of Canada, and located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic District of Old Quebec at 20, rue de Buade. The cathedral has been on this site since 1647. However, it has twice been destroyed by fire throughout the centuries.
Chateau de Frontenac, the world’s most photographed hotel. Opened in 1893, it sits overlooking the St. Lawrence River and was the location for the World War II Allies Conference.
Experience a Nordic Spa
After all of the exploring and playing in the snow, and the excitement of Winter Carnival, it’s time to relax. What better way to cap off your day than a with an outdoor hot bath? Choose one or many of the thermotherapy offerings: steamy spas, steam baths, refreshing pools and even thermal waterfalls. Rejuvenate your body and mind as you soak in the experience of a Nordic Spa.
What are the temps like in Québec City in the Winter
Going to Québec City in winter means braving their “Nordic” winter weather. You can most likely expect the weather to be 32F and below and lots of snow! For precisely that reason it will give you lots of reasons to slip into one of the many cafes and shops to warm up a bit, and maybe find a hidden jewel that will be yours to discover as you traverse Québec City in winter!
- 14 Best Things to Do in Wilmington, NC and Where to Stay
- 3 Romantic North Carolina Mountain Getaways
- Romantic Beach Getaways
- Easy Holiday Entertaining Ideas
- Wine and Cheese Pairing
To learn more about visiting Québec City for a long weekend getaway:
We would love to hear your thoughts about visiting Québec City in the Winter! Comment below and we will respond.
We spent the week of my daughter’s first Birthday (in March) in Quebec over 20 years ago. We were fortunate enough to stay at the Frontenac for an entire week. It was perfectly magical. From tobogganing to riding the icebreaker across the St. Lawrence, to ice skating on the river, every experience was more incredible than the last. 21 years later I still look back fondly on that week.
I visited Quebec again in the summer just a year ago. While it is a beautiful city at any time of year, winter is definitely the sweet spot.
It is one of my Canada favorites – I can’t wait to go back! Now you have me piqued to try going in the summer!
Quebec City is such a charming city. It’s been years since I’ve visited and I’d like to go back. Winter Carnival would be a lot of fun.
It is a beautiful city, filled with old-world charm. Surely one of my favorite places.
Quebec has such a special charm and I cannot wait to experience it but definitely not in the midst of winter. I know that carnival would be amazing but I could not take that extreme cold, though I love watching the travel TV shows about it. Canada is my #1 for exploring in 2017.
Go! It is one of my favorite destinations!
Quebec city looks lovely in winter. The skiing resorts look gorgeous and I would like to head out there at the earliest.
I would love to know how you enjoy it!
ooh i was thinking of heading to canada this winter so what a timely post! i love the snow sculptures.
Sher
http://www.shershegoes.com
Quebec in winter is magical! And the snow sculptures are amazing!
Living in Michigan, I don’t usually plan winter trips to other cold places. But, I probably should! I spent one New Year’s Eve in Toronto, and it was such a festive time of year to visit that I didn’t mind the cold temperatures. I could see myself enjoying Quebec around the holidays, too. Plus, for travelers interested in winter sports, Canada would be perfect that time of year. There’s certainly enough snow! 😉
There are so many little shops and cafes to duck into for a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee. I am a warm-weather gal, and I enjoyed it immensely.
We would love to check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic District of Old Quebec. We love historical sights. Hopefully followed by a sauna and spa lol
Hi Betsi
Nola wants to be included in BetsiWorld.
Please add her email below.
Thanks Kaye