The Latest and the Greatest of Winter 2019-2020

Danny Vachon

Winter is part of the DNA of Québec City and its people. Anytime is the right time to get out and enjoy the fresh, crisp air! Right from November, the holiday spirit grips the Old City, from the opening of the German Christmas Market to the New Year’s celebrations on Grande Allée. Before February’s out, the whole town is swept up in the Québec Winter Carnival for nearly 10 days. And don’t forget the classics—combine the legendary all-ice Hôtel de Glace with the fun of Village Vacances Valcartier.

Here are all the new and exciting things you’ll want to include in your winter trip.

- Ophelia
1 Eat Under the Stars

No need to wait for the return of warm weather to eat outside! The Ophelia restaurant, located on the famous Grande Allée, offers a unique experience in one of the three heated garden domes on its terrace.
- Le Diamant, Québec City Tourism
2 A Gem of a Theatre

Located in a historic, spectacularly renovated building, Le Diamant is on a mission to promote the best and brightest in Québec and Canadian culture, be it circus, theatre, opera, or multimedia.
- Canot à glace expérience
3 Ride in an Ice Canoe

Cross the icy St. Lawrence River in a canoe paddled by experienced guides. You’ll be amazed by the view! An activity you’ll find only in Québec City.
4 Québec Gin Tasting

Take a tour of Distillerie Stadaconé, newly installed in funky Limoilou, for a shot of riddles, a backstage pass to the wonderful world of artisanal distilling, and a tasting of three house gins.
- The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of 20th Century Mexican Art and the Vergel
5 Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism

Presented at Québec City’s breathtaking fine arts museum, MNBAQ, this exhibition takes works by the famous duo and sets them alongside those of other modern Mexican artists as well as photographs that contextualize the paintings, helping viewers get a feel for the era.

February 13 to May 18, 2020
- OTQ
6 Public Market at Les Galeries de la Capitale

The dust hasn’t even settled on their new indoor attraction park and already Les Galeries de la Capitale is celebrating the grand opening of Les Galeries Gourmandes, a space inspired by the finest European markets and home to some twenty merchants.

Opens October 29
- Office du tourisme de Québec
7 Hôtel du Capitole is the City’s Newest Luxury Hotel

This fully renovated hotel complex boasts 109 rooms, suites, and penthouses. The reception desk on the 7th floor, the pool, and the rooftop patio all offer a panoramic view of Old Québec.
- GoHelico
8 Snowshoeing and Helicoptering

Soar away in a helicopter to the highest peaks in Bras-du-Nord Valley, where you’ll go backcountry snowshoeing along pristine snow-white cliffs.
- Hôtel de Glace
9 The Ice Hotel Turns 20

Elegant as always, this year’s 20th anniversary ice hotel promises to be something special, with new architectural features, newly configured bars, a reinvented entertainment area, and a smash grand opening!
- Allison Van Rassel
10 The Best New Restaurants of 2019
A lot of new restaurants have popped up across Québec City in the past year. See which ones are trending with foodies.

In Brief
- A New Option to Get to Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
  A new shuttle bus is now available to get to Jacques Cartier National Park from Old Québec every day, all year. A great way to discover the new 9 km Escarpment mountain hiking trail and the extension of the forest skating trail.
- Monsieur Jean, a New Hotel in Old Québec
  This new tourist residence boasts a fabulously flamboyant décor, 49 suites in the heart of the walled city, and a corner grocery and café full of delicious local products.
- Christmas Market at Le Grand Marché
  Head to Québec City’s latest and greatest gourmet destination, Le Grand Marché, and take your pick of over 1,000 local products offered at the Christmas Market. November 21 to December 31.
- The Warming Stations Are Back
  Once again this year, warming stations will be popping up across the city for visitors who need to warm up, with entertainment slated throughout the cold season. Keep your eye out for the full program!
- Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Open 7 Days a Week
  Starting February 8, 2020, all of the services at Montmorency Falls Park will be open seven days a week. Enjoy a winter gondola ride up to the top of the falls, without the lineup!
- FIS Cross-Country World Cup in the Heart of the City
  The best cross-country skiers in the world will gather once again on the beautiful Plains of Abraham for one of only two World Cup events on Canadian soil.
  March 13 to 15.
- The Magic of Christmas on the Charlevoix Train
  The Charlevoix train will be offering departures from Québec City to the Christmas Market in Baie-Saint-Paul, complete with lights, decorations, and onboard entertainment.
- Fully Renovated Convention Centre at Mont-Sainte-Anne
  Located in a stunning natural environment, the convention centre next to Hôtel Château Mont‑Sainte‑Anne is the perfect place for group meetings of all sizes.