11 Fun Facts That Prove People in Québec City Are Nuts About Winter

A technical marvel, this snow-and-ice structure is rebuilt every year over a period of 3 months to welcome visitors from the four corners of the globe. This year, the only ice hotel in America (“Hôtel de Glace”) will have more than 30 uniquely themed rooms and suites. Don’t miss the chance to spend a magical winter night in a fairytale setting.

Kids in Québec learn to skate almost as soon as they learn to walk. Every village has an outdoor skating rink come winter. Some even run along rivers and across lakes. Whether for hockey—our national sport—or just gliding around, there’s no better place to lace up those skates.

Heard of night skiing? Some ski resorts have it every night of the week and they’re less than 30 minutes from the city centre. Swooshing down the slopes under the stars is an incredible experience that everyone should try at least once in their life.

How many places in the world do you know where you can step out from your hotel in the heart of the city with your skis on? Québec City locals are blessed with a huge urban park—the Plains of Abraham—for cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s not uncommon to see Parliament Hill employees head out on their lunch break to take a few strides across the Plains.

Back in the day, people used ice canoes to get from Québec City to Lévis across the mighty St. Lawrence River. Today, ice canoeing has become a local sports phenomenon. More than 60 teams compete each winter on the frozen waters of the St. Lawrence River, including the famous race during the Carnaval de Québec. The more adventurous can even go on a guided tour with experienced guides to try this challenging activity.

Sledding is winter fun for everyone—kids, grandparents, the whole fam‑dam. But sledding at Village Vacances Valcartier is fun on a level previously unknown to man. Hit the slides with a tube, head down the massive slopes on a raft, or take a turn on an exclusive Valcartier Vacation Village innovation, the aptly named “Tornado.”

In Québec, even winter evenings invite you to step outside and walk in the woods! In Wendake, the Onhwa’ Lumina nighttime trail immerses you in a magical world inspired by Wendat legends. Sounds, lights, and projections transform the snowy forest into an astonishing sensory journey. It is the only immersive multimedia experience of its kind open during winter in Québec.

Fatbikes are the latest mountain biking craze. With their oversized tires, they’re perfect for hitting the trails all winter long.

Every year, valiant festivalgoers head out in bathing suits, toques, and mittens to brave the frigid conditions of the grand ol’ snowbath at the Québec Winter Carnival.

If you’re looking for a more laid‑back experience, head to one of the many Nordic spas in the region. They’re supremely relaxing.

The Pentathlon des neiges (Snow Pentathlon), Québec City’s latest winter tradition, is the biggest winter multisport event in the world, drawing an average of 6,000 competitors each year. Québec City locals are some of the keenest participants, with families, businesses, schools, and even seniors forming teams for the tandem and group challenges. It’s become so popular that nearly everyone in the city knows someone in the Pentathlon des neiges.

Love the nightlife? Québec City has some of the best winter parties around. On New Year’s Eve you can dance the night away under the bright lights on Grande Allée. Then, keep the party going with the Winter Carnival and Igloofest Québec.