If you’re planning a trip to Quebec City and want to experience the ultimate winter vacation, here are 10 snowy winter activities you can do that will make your trip totally unforgettable!!
Keep reading below for all the best things to do in Quebec City in the winter!
1. Go Sledding in Quebec City
This traditional toboggan slide is one of the oldest attractions in Quebec City! It started in 1884, so it’s even older than the Chateau Frontenac! Flying down the ice, you can reach speeds over 40 mph! You can ride up to 4 people per toboggan, or you can go separately and race each other! But the more weight you have, the faster you’ll go ;)
It’s located on the terrace right in front of the Chateau Frontenac.
Check out their official website for more information: Au 1884 Toboggan Slide
2. Wander the Charming Streets of the Petit Champlain
Beneath the Chateau Frontenac, along the river is a picture-perfect neighborhood that looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
The colorful, historic streets lined with twinkling lights, cute boutiques, and cozy bistros. It’s the perfect place to wander and get lost. If you visit during Winter Carnival, all the shops have intricate ice sculptures out in front!
There are even little areas to cozy up by the fire.
You can take the funicular from right in front of the Chateau Frontenac straight to the heart of the Petit Champlain neighborhood.
3. Experience Dog Sledding in Quebec City
Dog sledding through the snowy forest in a magical winter wonderland was one of our favorite experiences in Quebec City!
At Au Chalet En Bois Rond, you get a 1 hr 30 minutes dog sledding ride, with a photo break, puppy meet and greet, and hot chocolate waiting for you when you return!
You even get to drive your own dog sled!! There are 2 people per sled, and you can be the driver or the rider.
You could tell the doggies were having SO much fun! Before we left they were jumping and barking like, “Let’s go!!!!” They were so excited to run!
How sweet are these handsome puppies??
I even got to meet a precious tiny 2-week old baby husky puppy! I was so in love with this little miracle pup! His name is Lazarus because when he was born the guides didn’t think he was going to make it… He was blue and not moving… But they performed CPR on his tiny little body and he came back to life! He is thriving now!! He is such a a sweet, cuddly little puppy!
To reserve your spot, visit their website for more information! Au Chalet En Bois Rond Dog Sledding
4. Warm up at a Nordic Spa
Have you heard of a Nordic Spa? Traditional Nordic hydrotherapy is a centuries-old Scandinavian relaxation method that is just now starting to become extremely popular in North America. Quebec is known for its incredible spa facilities and is a top-rated destination for Nordic spas. If you’re visiting Quebec City and have never tried a Nordic Spa, this is definitely the place to do it!
A typical Nordic spa will offer wood-heated saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, cool pools, relaxation rooms, and more. The idea is to go from hot to cold — from a hot steamy sauna to a cool pool. For me, just stepping out in the fresh winter air was cool enough for me! This unique thermal therapy is said to help relax the muscles, improve sleep quality, and stimulate the immune system.
Here is an example of one of the treatment rooms. Just 20 minutes relaxing on these infrared therapy beds is said to stimulate the metabolism, reduce cellulite, and and firm the skin!
We did the Thermal Experience at Strom Spa in downtown Quebec City. It was the perfect way to relax and warm up after a full day of sight-seeing in the cold!
Visit their website for more information: Strom Spa Quebec City
5. Have a Drink at an Ice Bar
The Grande Allée is one of the most popular streets in Quebec City. It’s lined with sidewalk restaurants, cafés, and beautiful architecture. It’s very well known for its nightlife and is a popular spot to go out for dinner.
In the winter (especially during Winter Carnival) many of the restaurants have outdoor ice bars!!
How fun would it be to have a drink in an outdoor ice bar?? Definitely a unique Quebec experience!
6. Spend the Night at an Ice Hotel!
Did you know there is a hotel in Quebec made completely out of ice??! If you’re looking for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, you have to visit the Ice Hotel! It’s like something out of a fairytale!!
See this post for more info: Spending A Night At The Ice Hotel In Canada!
I am going to Quebec in Oct, 2023. I am wondering if you have any other restaurant recommendation for us. We like casual and fine dining. Chic Shack is all ready on my list of places not to miss.
Thank you so much!
Deb
How were you able to get to the Dog Sledding from Montreal or Quebec City? I cannot find a stable form of transportation to get there
My husband and I plan to visit in Feb 2020. Staying at the Frontenac and after reading your dog sled experience, will def do that, as well. Thank you for your blog. Your photos are breathtaking!
Very informative thank you so much
What month did you travel to Quebec? Your photos look gorgeous.
Thank you so much! We were there at the end of January.
We went to Quebec City this summer as part of Northeastern road trip and we absolutely loved it. We wished we had more time to stay longer. The Fairmont was right in the thick of things and I wished we had stayed there. Looks like you found some really fun things and we should go back in the winter and check those out!!
I have been following your blog for quite some time. I think this is one of the best you’ve posted! I absolutely love all your pictures (love the filter you use) and I really like how you are including pictures of yourself in the blog. That helps me picture myself doing the same things. I have definitely put this location on my must-see list! Thank you!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! xoxo
What an amazing place! A real winter wonderland. You’ve caused me to add it to my bucket list!
I’ve been lucky enough to stay in Fairmont hotels a few time for work, and they really are exquisite places. So beautiful. And the customer service was just the best.
So glad to hear that, Elaine! I agree about Fairmont hotels!!!