5 Reasons to Visit Québec City This Winter

Old Québec in winter is a fairytale setting that’s perfect for making lasting memories. Covered in white, the heritage buildings and decorated cobblestone streets look like something straight out of a postcard. From the Petit-Champlain District to Dufferin Terrace, it’s easy for anyone to get swept up in Old Québec’s endless charm.

When it comes to getting enough of the white stuff, Québec City rarely disappoints, making it a dream destination for people who love to play in the snow. There are plenty of options not far from the city centre, including downhill skiing, dogsledding, cross-country skiing, skating, tobogganing and tubing, fatbiking, snowshoeing, and even ice canoeing!

There are also a number of nearby resorts with a range of activities on site, which keeps travel time down to a minimum and makes it that much easier to get out and enjoy every moment.

People in Québec City really know how to do winter and put on all kinds of events to get everyone outside and enjoying the season. The action starts with the charming wood stalls and European delicacies at the German Christmas Market, then moves over to Grande Allée a few days before the famous outdoor New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Next comes the Québec Winter Carnival, a multi-week winter celebration that’s been drawing crowds for over 70 years. The excitement stays strong at the International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, the Snow Pentathlon, and newer events that keep the city hopping all season long.

No trip to Québec City is complete without a stop—or even a night!— at this fascinating ephemeral hotel, all sculpted out of snow and ice. The level of detail is simply mind-blowing.

Adding to the magic, guests can also enjoy an exclusive fine-dining experience at the remarkable ice restaurant, created in collaboration with Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Savouring gourmet cuisine in such a dazzling frozen setting is nothing short of extraordinary—a meal unlike any other in the world.

Québec City is also the kind of place where it’s easy to slow down, kick back and relax, whether in a cozy cottage, at a Nordic spa, or in one of the many unique places to stay in the area. All it takes is a hot drink, a hearty meal, and the warmth of a crackling fire after a day of fun in the fresh air.

Set against a backdrop covered in sparkling snow, every moment in Québec City feels like poetry. The warmth and charm, the outdoor adventures, and the fantastic events make it a place of endless wonder—an open invitation to celebrate winter.