13 Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter (2026)

May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 Anjali Wadhwa

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I’m so excited to share all the incredible things you can do in Quebec City during winter! With this winter guide, you’ll be ready to explore the city and make the most of your visit.

For me, Quebec City is the ultimate winter getaway in the province. Its location means that winter here feels extra special, transforming the city into a magical wonderland. I love wandering through the snow-dusted cobblestone streets, taking in the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets, and joining in the fun at the famous winter carnival. There are so many unique activities to try, from exciting adventure sports to relaxing in cozy cafés.

The fairy-tale setting is hard to resist: charming old buildings blanketed in snow, narrow alleys straight out of a storybook, and the breathtaking Château Frontenac standing guard over the frozen Saint Lawrence River. Every time I’m here, I feel right at home. I can’t wait to help you discover everything this beautiful city has to offer in winter!

Still wondering what to do in Quebec City in winter? Here are some of my favorite activities you won’t want to miss!

BEST Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter

1. Staycation in the Ice Hotel

Staying at the Hôtel de Glace is easily one of the coolest experiences you can have in Quebec City in winter. Have you ever imagined what it would be like to sleep on an ice bed during the frosty months? If so, this place is truly a dream come true for you!

I was absolutely blown away by the architectural marvel of this ice hotel. Open from January to April, the Hôtel de Glace is like stepping into a luxurious igloo, complete with all the amenities you could hope for. The hotel is constructed from about 15,000 tons of ice and snow, and every detail is meticulously designed to create a magical, cozy atmosphere.

Don’t worry about being too cold. Each room comes with a fireplace near the ice bed to keep you comfortable. The arched ceilings help insulate the space, maintaining a temperature just perfect for the ice to hold its shape while still feeling surprisingly cozy. And the drinks? They’re served in little glasses made of ice, adding to the novelty of the experience!

With 30 rooms, uniquely themed suites, a chapel, a Grand Hall, and a dedicated family area, there’s so much to explore inside the hotel itself. Staying here truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, especially since it’s the only ice hotel in all of North America. If you love winter and unique experiences, you’ll want to put this at the top of your Quebec City bucket list!

2. Attend the Winter Carnival

Welcome to one of the most celebrated winter carnivals in the world! If you’re planning a trip to Quebec City in winter, the Winter Carnival is an absolute must-see. I always look forward to this vibrant event, which brings the city to life every year. In 2027, the festivities will run from February 5 to February 14, so be sure to mark your calendar.

Locals lovingly call it the Bonhomme Carnival, after its iconic mascot—a giant, smiling snowman named Bonhomme. Curious about where Bonhomme lives? Your first stop should be the incredible Ice Palace, a magical structure made entirely of pure ice. Stepping inside, you’ll feel the excitement as Bonhomme himself greets visitors with his signature icy charm.

I’ve found that the Winter Carnival is unforgettable for families. Kids will have a blast with snowball fights, while adults can unleash their creativity by making giant ice sculptures or even join the thrilling Ice Canoe Race. And don’t miss tasting Caribou, a popular local alcoholic drink that’s perfect for warming up during the festivities. My favorite part of the whole event is the Night Parade, filled with color, music, and fun; it’s the highlight of the carnival experience.

Attending the Winter Carnival in Quebec City is a memory you’ll treasure forever!

3. Indulge in winter activities at Bonhomme’s Playground

Once you’ve visited Bonhomme’s home at the Ice Palace, the next stop is his playground, and it’s an absolute winter wonderland! The entire ground transforms under a thick layer of ice, drawing both locals and visitors for an afternoon full of wintry excitement.

I love how lively Bonhomme’s playground gets during the carnival. Whether it’s snow bowling, ice tubing, ice skating, snowboarding, or trying out any of the other winter sports, there’s always something fun to dive into. It’s the perfect place to join in with the community, meet fellow travelers, and experience the festive spirit firsthand.

If you’re visiting with young kids, you’ll find a dedicated area just for them, complete with slides and see-saws. It’s wonderful to watch children play and laugh while adults enjoy the more adventurous activities. In Bonhomme’s playground, the fun truly never stops; there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, no matter your age!

4. Keep yourself warm by drinking Caribou

If you usually rely on rum or vodka to keep warm during winter, let me introduce you to a local Quebec City favorite that’s sure to refresh your taste buds: Caribou.

Caribou is an exclusive regional drink, a boozy blend of brandy, vodka, sherry, and port, perfect for sipping in the cold climate. The legend goes that early settlers in this area created the recipe back in the 17th century, and it’s been helping people stay warm through Quebec’s frosty winters ever since.

I love how Caribou isn’t just a drink; it’s a tradition, especially during the Winter Carnival. There’s nothing quite like gathering around an open fire, surrounded by friends, sharing stories, and warming up with a glass of Caribou in hand. It’s the kind of cozy, communal experience that makes winter in Quebec City truly special.

5. Taste the frozen Maple Syrup at the Sugar Shack

If alcohol isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Quebec City has plenty of delicious treats for everyone, especially in its magical winter alleys! One of my all-time favorite local snacks is Frozen Maple Syrup, also known as Maple Taffy. It’s a classic Canadian treat, and tasting it in Quebec City during winter is an experience you won’t want to miss.

The process of making Maple Taffy is almost as fun as eating it. I love watching hot, bubbling maple syrup poured over a bed of fresh, packed snow, instantly turning into a sticky, sweet treat you can roll up on a stick and enjoy. It’s made from all-natural ingredients, often with honey added for extra flavor, so you can indulge without worry.

What’s even better is that you can choose your preferred flavor intensity, from golden (the lightest) to amber, dark, and even very dark maple syrup for a bolder taste. Whether you’re a fan of subtle sweetness or crave a rich, intense flavor, there’s a Maple Taffy variety to suit your taste. Slurping on this treat in the crisp winter air is pure joy!

6. Take the Aroma Spa during Winters

One thing I always crave during those icy cold winters is a hot bath, and Quebec City delivers on this front in the most luxurious way. The city is home to a variety of incredible spas where you can relax with hot baths and indulge in soothing aromatherapy sessions.

Some spas are indoors, but my personal favorite experience is unwinding in an outdoor hot tub, surrounded by the crisp winter air, maybe even sipping on some Caribou under the cloudy sky.

I highly recommend treating yourself to a hot oil massage, where the oils are infused with medicinal herbs and aromatic essences. The therapists here are experts in choosing the perfect scent to support your mind, body, and soul, leaving you balanced and completely refreshed. For me, this is one of the most rejuvenating things to do in Quebec City in winter.

If you’re looking for the best spa experiences in Quebec, check out Strom Spa. Just make a reservation, and let them take care of the rest. After a session here, you’ll feel your worries melt away, no matter how cold it is outside!

7. Get the Adrenaline Rush at the Red Bull Ice Cross

For the past nine years, I’ve been amazed by the Red Bull-sponsored downhill ice-skating challenge that brings together the best athletes from around the world. Every year, these incredibly skilled skaters compete in a high-speed, adrenaline-pumping race on a challenging ice track right here in Quebec City.

Watching this event from the sidelines is a thrill in itself. I’m always blown away by the daring turns, jumps, and sheer speed the skaters manage as they race toward the finish line. It’s no easy feat; winning takes great skill, precision, and nerves of steel!

Thousands of locals and visitors gather to cheer the racers on, and the energy in the crowd is infectious. Even if you’re just watching, you can’t help but feel an adrenaline rush with every twist and jump. If you’re in Quebec City during this event, I highly recommend catching the action. It’s a truly unforgettable winter spectacle!

8. Enjoy Ice Skating at Place D’Youville

While Red Bull Ice Cross is perfect for expert skaters and adrenaline junkies, sometimes I just want to enjoy ice skating for the sheer fun of it. Place D’Youville in Quebec City is my go-to spot for this classic winter activity. As soon as the first snowfall arrives and the ice is set, this outdoor rink transforms into a magical place to glide across the ice with friends or family.

Place D’Youville stays open all winter long, welcoming both locals and visitors to skate without a care. My favorite time to visit is during the holiday season or the Winter Carnival, when twinkling lights fill the square and the whole city feels festive and alive. The rink operates from mid-November to mid-March, with temperature controls to keep the ice in perfect condition for skating, no matter what the weather brings.

If you’re looking for a joyful, laid-back skating experience in Quebec City, Place D’Youville is the place to be!

9. Do some Winter Shopping at Petit de Champlain

Whenever I find myself in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Quebec City, I can’t help but feel like I’ve stepped straight into a fairytale. The cobbled streets, stone houses lining both sides, and the gentle chime of a centuries-old church create an atmosphere that’s truly enchanting and unforgettable.

My favorite spot to soak up this magic is Petit-Champlain, the charming square at the heart of the city. The irresistible scent of freshly baked bread wafting from local bakeries, the rich aroma of chocolate and coffee from cozy cafés, and the sound of musicians playing on the sidewalk all come together to create the perfect evening vibe.

Whenever I stroll through Petit-Champlain, I’m always tempted to pop into the shops and pick up a special souvenir to remember my visit. Trust me, once you experience the warmth and charm of this neighborhood, you’ll find it hard to say goodbye!

10. Go for Ice-Fishing at Louise Basin Inner Harbor

What makes ice fishing in Quebec City so special? For starters, you actually get to spend time inside a cozy, inflatable igloo, surrounded by the lively company of other families and friends. There’s music, laughter, and a real sense of celebration in the air. Rather than sitting in silence with your fishing rod, it feels like you’re part of a festive winter gathering where everyone is welcome.

For me, this communal twist on ice fishing makes it one of the most memorable and enjoyable activities in Quebec City. If you’re looking for a fun, social way to experience winter on the river, you definitely don’t want to miss this!

Where To Stay In Quebec City In Winter

As I mentioned earlier, staying at Hôtel de Glace is a truly unique and unforgettable way to experience Quebec City in winter. But if you’re looking for other great accommodation options, I highly recommend considering a stay in the Old Quebec neighborhood. The area oozes European charm and makes you feel like you’ve traveled to another continent.

During my visit, I stayed at Le Priori Hotel, a boutique gem right in the heart of Old Quebec. I loved how comfortable and spacious the rooms were, each one beautifully decorated and featuring all the amenities I needed, including a cozy fireplace, which made my winter stay extra special. The location couldn’t have been better for exploring the city’s cobblestone streets and historic sights.

If you want a warm, inviting place to return to after a day of winter adventures, Le Priori Hotel is a fantastic choice.

Now that you know about all the awesome things to do in Quebec City in winter, I’m sure you’re going to have an amazing time exploring everything this magical city has to offer.

If you have any other favorite winter activities or hidden gems in Quebec City that you’d recommend, I’d love to hear about them! Please share your suggestions and experiences in the comment section below. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire even more unforgettable adventures.

Cheerful Trails

13 Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter (2026)