7 Things To Do in Quebec During the Winter

Dane Tredway

North America | Canada

As a Canadian who revels in the glories of the four seasons, from the crisp air and foliage of autumn, our short-but-sweet summers, and the re-greening of spring, I’m always amused when potential travellers ask me, with a hint of trepidation and a hushed tone of voice, about Canadian winters.

The truth? Winter is the best time of year to visit. Nowhere else have I seen such an exuberant celebration of winter as in the province of Quebec. Quite possibly the textbook definition of “winter wonderland,” one can wholeheartedly revel in the sheer delight and beauty of the snowy months.

Here are just a few of the (many!) reasons to make your way north of the 49th parallel to experience quintessential Quebec.

French Canada’s Capital: Quebec City

Quebec City, the capital of Canada’s French-speaking province, was founded four centuries ago by French explorer Samuel de Champlain as a colonial outpost of New France. (The nation of Canada, by comparison, is a mere 150 years old).

Steeped in four hundred years of European influence, Quebec City’s French-Canadian traditions run deep, despite the fact that the French lost to the British in 1759 at the pivotal Battle of the Plains of Abraham. After the battle, the French ceded the city and their territory to the British in 1763, and the rest is (Canadian) history.

And what a history it is: the Old Town of Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only fortified city north of Mexico whose walls remain. Set upon the St. Lawrence River, this elevated town looks even prettier with a dusting of the white stuff: the cobblestoned streets, narrow and winding, with charming little shops, restaurants and cafes lining the streets, are perfectly walkable and well suited for discoveries of your own.

Quebec City’s Winter Carnival

Instead of shying away from winter, Quebecers embrace all things frosty! One of the largest winter festivals in the world, the grand Carnaval de Quebec first appeared in 1894, an annual celebration that takes place each February before Lent.

Highlighting fantastic ice and snow sculptures, the massive Ice Palace, nightly carnivals and parades with live entertainment, including winter sports and activities day and night, this all-ages event is one to behold. Look out for the cheery snowman mascot, the Bonhomme Carnaval (bonhomme de neige means “snowman”), who presides over the festivities.

For grownups, the typical beverage of choice is a “caribou.” Said to have been made by traders of yore from a mixture of caribou blood and whisky, today this refers to a concoction of red wine or port, whisky, and a touch of maple syrup.

A Sweet Tradition: The Sugar Shack

Canada is the dominant producer of maple syrup in the world, and 90 per cent of the supply comes from la belle province of Quebec. The sugar shack—cabane à sucre—is an institution here, particularly in the spring, when maple sap runs freely.

It is then gathered en masse and boiled down to prepare the year’s batch of maple syrup. Sugar shacks invite visitors to enjoy maple taffy stretched on snow and witness the transformation of sap into liquid gold.

Many sugar shacks are open year-round, serving up hearty meals, selling their maple-infused wares, and offering family-friendly activities such as sleigh rides. There are many types of sugar shacks, some catering to families, others traditional, contemporary, or even for the dedicated gourmand.

French-Inspired, Distinctly Quebecois Cuisine

An earthy variant of French-derived cuisine that stays true to its humble origins, Quebecois cuisine evolved from the needs of early settlers, who simply needed to stay warm and nourish themselves in harsh conditions.

In short: Quebecois cuisine is the stuff of dreams. It’s no-nonsense, hearty, and rich. It sticks to your ribs, and is, of course, terribly delicious. With a real respect for farmers and local products, you will find incredible local produce, meat, and fantastic cheeses to boot. You also get excellent value for your dollar in many of my favourite restaurants around town.

Noteworthy mentions include: Le Pied Bleu for traditional Quebecois, Chez Muffy for French-Canadian farm-to-table, and Initiale for French fine dining a la Relais & Chateaux.

See for Yourself

With a touch of Old World sophistication, Quebec comes alive in the winter! Hearty French-Canadian cuisine and heart-pumping outdoor adventures give way to indoor warmth on our Quebec Winter Active Journey.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Picture-Perfect Scenes

Simply put, it’s prettier in the winter, which makes for incredible trip photos. If you have a good lookout point (say, from the funicular railway), the Upper and Lower towns look lovely covered in snow, especially when icicles dangle from the eaves.

Or you could head out to the countryside after a fresh snowfall, when a serene and atmospheric hush falls over the land in the form of a thick blanket of snow, and twinkling ice covers tree branches. (It’s also oddly satisfying to make fresh tracks or footprints in the snow!)

Ice, Ice Baby

Step through the doors of the Hotel de Glace, the only ice hotel in North America. A structure built entirely of snow and ice each year, it’s a no-brainer to visit this architectural marvel—or stay the night if you’re brave.

Comprising whimsical sculptures, wintry decorations, large-scale themed rooms and halls filled with twinkling columns of glass, the hotel looks its best at night, lit up with colour. Cocktails are even served in a giant glass made entirely of—you guessed it—ice. (Cue: epic selfies).

Oh, The Things You’ll Do!

All the classic winter pursuits like outdoor skating, snowshoeing, tobogganing and cross-country or downhill skiing are hard to beat, but there are also other ways to stay active: ice-climbing, ice canoeing (yes, it’s a thing), via ferrata climbing, fat tire biking, or even leading your own team of sled dogs through the snow.

For kids of all ages who don’t get to see the snow back at home, the simpler things are also enjoyable: building a snowman, having a snowball fight, or making a snow angel.

It’s the Little Things…

Nothing makes you appreciate the glorious warmth of a crackling fire, a warm blanket, or a hot drink more than coming in from the cold.

There’s also that invincible feeling you get when you’re appropriately bundled in your winter gear—hat, gloves, jacket, layers, proper boots—and you hardly notice the cold.

Or, better yet, there’s the soothing feeling of relaxing in a blissfully steamy outdoor hot tub, watching snowflakes fall or hearing the wind whistle from the comfort of your hotel room.

Because sometimes staying in doesn’t hurt, either.

Dane Tredway

Dane's worn many hats at B&R over the years. As a trip designer, guide, researcher and photographer, he's made a career out of making magic happen on all corners of the globe, from Chile and Ireland to Myanmar, Newfoundland and more.