10 unforgettable winter activities to enjoy in Quebec City

BY TAMARA ELLIOTT · FEBRUARY 22, 2016

Chateau Frontenac

Great stone walls that fortify the historical centre. A parliament building modelled after the

famous Louvre Museum in Paris. The sound of French chatter floating above the cobblestone

streets, as church bells clang in the distance. Walking through Quebec City, it’s easy to forget

you’re in Canada, instead of the Europe of centuries past.

Perhaps it’s that allure that draws visitors in droves, who are charmed by the untouched centre

(Vieux-Quebec), the speciality boutiques that line districts like Petit-Champlain, and the

enchanting Chateau Frontenac which just so happens to be the most photographed hotel in the

world. No matter what time of the year one arrives there is plenty to explore, but Quebec City is

one of those places that actually comes alive during the cold season. Here are 10 unforgettable

winter activities to enjoy in Quebec City.

1) Hurtle down a toboggan slide

Easily one of the city’s most unique attractions, Quebec City boasts something you won’t find

anywhere else: a toboggan slide right in the centre of town. Au 1884 has sat on Dufferin Terrace

since 1884—even longer than its neighbour the Chateau Frontenac has been around!

After buying a ticket, visitors pull an old school wooden sled up the ramp, then settle onto it in

groups of up to four people. When the operator releases the latch, the sled hurtles down the icy

track, reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometres an hour.

Rides cost $3 or four for $10, and there are also combo packages which include taffy and hot

chocolate. Everything can be purchased at a kiosk next to the end of the slide.

2) Check out an ice hotel

Quebec City is home to one of the only ice hotels in the entire world, so it goes without saying

that visiting the Hotel de Glace is a must.

Just 10 minutes outside the city, the hotel is completely rebuilt every year with a different theme.

The massive structure boasts 44 rooms, including suites featuring intricate ice carvings and cool

neon lights that give the whole place a luxe vibe.

The chapel at Hotel de Glace

Since it’s a hotel, the best way to experience it is with an overnight stay. And yes, it’s cold out,

but that’s what makes it memorable! Staff conduct an orientation each night to fully explain what

guests can expect and how to best ward off the chill, such as the proper way to secure the mummy

sleeping bag so less skin is exposed, and why you don’t want to leave your glasses or iPhone on

the ice block that doubles as a night stand.

Hotel de Glace

However, you don’t have to reserve a room to check out Hotel de Glace, and highlights for day

visitors include walking through each of the rooms, checking out the chapel (which conducts

actual wedding ceremonies) and making a pit stop at the ice slide near the entrance.

No matter how long you plan on staying, don’t skip the ice bar which serves up delicious

cocktails served in—what else—glasses fashioned out of ice.

3) Celebrate the Quebec Winter Carnival

No trip to Quebec City during winter is complete without celebrating the Winter Carnival

(Carnaval de Quebec). The annual event features massive snow sculptures, family-friendly rides

and activities, street parties and of course the world’s most famous seven-foot snowman,

Bonhomme.

Most of the fun happens on the Plains of Abraham near the parliament building, where

Bonhomme’s Ice Palace is front and centre. Visitors can tour the palace (and hopefully get a meet

and greet with the jolly fellow), then head into the fair grounds to hop on the ferris wheel, go dog

sledding, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride, make their own maple taffy, or even slide into a zorb to

become a human bowling ball.

Events away from the grounds include a fun night parade, taking a snow bath, and a canoe race

through the frozen ice chunks that float down the Saint Lawrence River. The Winter Carnival

runs every year from the end of January to mid-February.

4) Eat sweet maple taffy

Sugary-sweet maple taffy is the quintessential Quebec treat, so don’t leave town without tracking

some down. While eating it is obviously the end game, making your syrup lollipop is half the fun.

Maple syrup is drizzled over a blanket of fresh snow, which begins to harden after about 30

seconds. That’s the perfect time to dip the edge of a popsicle stick onto the taffy and roll it up—

creating a masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

You can find maple taffy all around town, including at the Winter Carnival and at one of the

many Maple Sugar Shacks that pop up in March and April when sap begins to flow from the

trees.

5) Explore historic Vieux-Quebec

Sure it’s chilly out, but that’s no excuse not to bundle up and hit the streets of Vieux-Quebec.

Boasting nearly five kilometres of fortifications, Quebec City is the only walled city in North

America north of Mexico, and has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Petit-Champlain

Extremely walkable, it’s easy to check out the different districts in and around the old town,

including:

Petit-Champlain– One of the most picturesque spots in the city, this area has narrow, winding

cobblestone streets and is considered the oldest commercial street in North America. This is

where you’ll find restaurants, cafes and stores selling local favourites like syrup, ice wine and

cozy toques (that’s a hat, for you non-Canadians). Don’t feel like tackling the stairs to get back up

to Dufferin Terrace? Hop on the funicular, which takes about 30 seconds to get to the top.

Place Royale– A gorgeous little plaza, framed by historic buildings including the towering Notre-

Dame des Victories cathedral.

Grand Allée– A trendy street near the parliament building with great bars, restaurants and

nightlife. Don’t miss Ciel! in Hôtel Le Concorde Québec, which rotates around offering

panoramic views of the city.

Rue Saint-Jean– An area frequented by locals, the street is lined with boutiques, cafes and

restaurants. It’s also home to quaint J.A. Moisan, which is the oldest grocery store on the

continent.

Rue Saint Joseph– On the outskirts of the city centre toward the harbour, this district boasts

trendy shopping, including designer boutiques and department stores. As everyone knows, an

afternoon spent ducking into shops is the perfect way to stay warm!

6) Hit the slopes

Quebec City has the privilege of being just a short distance away from four different ski resorts,

including Le Relais Centre which is just a 15 minute drive from Vieux-Quebec. Other notable

resorts include Mont-Saint-Anne which has three hills to choose from, and Stoneham Mountain

Resort which holds bragging rights as Canada’s largest night skiing area.

7) Relax at a Scandinavian spa

Rain or shine, snow or sun, Sibéria Station Spa just 20 minutes from downtown Quebec City

welcomes visitors year-round to relax in its outdoor Scandinavian-inspired spa. Based on the

concept of thermotherapy, guests heat up in sweltering hot saunas and eucalyptus-infused steam

rooms before plunging into frigid cold pools, a practice said to increase circulation, eliminate

toxins and strengthen the immune system.

Spa-goers can enjoy the infrared sauna which also helps burn calories, luxuriate in the Finnish

sauna, or soak in one of the many hot tubs framed by a forest of pine trees. There are also

numerous relaxation areas with wood-burning fireplaces, as well as a yurt and “igloo” complete

with hammocks that are perfect for lounging in. A day spent at the Sibéria Station Spa is the

perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, while still warding off the winter

chill.

8) Get active on the Plains of Abraham

One of the best ways to enjoy winter is to get out and play in the snow, and you don’t have to

head out to a ski resort to get in on the action. Just outside the city walls, the Plains of Abraham

is a popular place to cross-country ski, skate or snowshoe, and boasts several kilometres of trails.

Elm trees surround the historically significant area which is bordered by the gorgeous parliament

building, and often hosts huge outdoor concerts.

Don’t have equipment? No problem—rentals are available from a kiosk on site. There are also

heated rest areas and a waxing room to get those skis in tip-top shape.

Need a change of scenery? There are several other skating rinks around the city, including

Place D’Youville and the Louise Basin inner harbour.

9) Go fishing

The Louise Basin inner harbour is also the site of another only-in-Quebec-City experience: ice

fishing downtown! The harbour freezes over in the winter, and is transformed into an outdoor

recreation area that includes activities like skating and ice fishing. Igloos are set up on the ice to

keep away the cold, or you can simply cast your rod in the middle of Village Nordik . Lucky

enough to catch a trout? Head over to the adjoining Le Marché du Vieux-Port, where you can get

your fish prepared, along with a side of quinoa, wild rice, veggies or salad. Bon appetit!

10) Channel your inner child at a tube park

Finally, get back to the basics with the ultimate winter experience: hurtling down a toboggan hill

without a care in the world. Located about 20 minutes from Quebec City, Villages Vacances

Valcartier is known as North America’s largest winter playground, thanks to its numerous sled

runs, skating paths and playground, which entertain snow seekers of all ages.

Villages Vacances Valcartier

Daredevils head to Villages Vacances Valcartier to take turns whipping down the hill on

inflatable snow rafts, some of which hold up to 12 people. Reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h,

riders speed down slopes like the so-called Himalaya while enjoying views of the surrounding

Jacques-Cartier river valley, and the Tornado which features specially outfitted rafts that spin

around as guests fly down the hill.