What to do in Quebec in winter? My 12 must-dos: enjoy Montreal’s winter festivals, visit the Ice Hotel, race down the Dufferin Terrace slide and go snow tubing, raise a glass at the Christmas Tavern, skate from Montreal to the Rideau Canal, ski, go snowshoeing, see the frozen waterfalls, warm up at a Nordic spa, have brunch at Antipode and step through the door of a hidden bar. Here’s my ultimate guide to enjoying a Quebec winter.
Winter in Quebec is long and cold… and truly magical once you know how to enjoy it. Since moving to Montreal, I’ve learned to love this season, and even look forward to it. Here are my favorite activities, tried and tested, between Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and the Laurentians.
1. Enjoy Montreal's winter festivals
Every year, Montreal turns the harshest weeks of winter into a giant party. Montréal en Lumière, one of the largest winter festivals in the world, usually takes place in late February and early March in the Quartier des spectacles.
On the outdoor site, most activities are free: an illuminated skating trail, a Ferris wheel, a winter maze, DJ sets and family entertainment. The festival also has a big food component, with special menus in restaurants across the city.
The highlight: Nuit blanche
On the last Saturday of February, Nuit blanche offers more than 100 free activities in about ten neighbourhoods, until the early morning. The metro stays open all night and several museums are free. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year.
2. Visit the Ice Hotel near Quebec City
The Ice Hotel, in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier near Quebec City, is the only ice hotel in the Americas. It’s completely rebuilt every winter, using about 30,000 tonnes of snow and 500 tonnes of ice, and every room is decorated with unique sculptures.
You can simply visit, during the day or in the evening, and have a drink at the ice bar, served in a glass… made of ice. For the brave, you can even spend the night, on beds covered with furs, with access to the sauna and outdoor hot tubs.
Practical info
- When: from early January to mid-March (built in November and December)
- Indoor temperature: -3 to -5 °C, so dress warmly
- Where: Village Vacances Valcartier, about 25 minutes from Quebec City
- My tip: book your visit online, it’s cheaper than at the door
All the details in my article on the Ice Hotel.
3. Race down the Dufferin Terrace slide in Quebec City
This one belongs on your once-in-a-lifetime list. The Au 1884 toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace sends you flying down a century-old wooden structure, right next to the Château Frontenac in the heart of Old Quebec.
Practical info
- Speed: up to 70 km/h over 250 metres
- Toboggan: up to 4 people
- Price: a few dollars per ride, cheaper online than on site
- Season: usually from early December to mid-March, weather permitting
My tip: arrive early during the holidays and on weekends, and do a first ride to scout before filming the second.
4. Go snow tubing
Snow tubing brings out the kid in everyone: hop in your tube, let the lift pull you to the top, and off you go. Quebec has plenty of tubing parks. My favorites:
- Saint-Jean-de-Matha tubing park, in Lanaudière, about 1 h 15 from Montreal
- Parc Saint-Bernard
- Parc Dufresne, in the Laurentians
My tip: go on a weekday if you can, the lines at the lift are much shorter.
5. Raise a glass at Montreal's Christmas Tavern
Every year, Le Petit Dep on the Plateau Mont-Royal turns into the Taverne de Noël (Christmas Tavern). Dozens of glowing Santas, garlands everywhere and a fairytale setting: you can’t help but light up.
On the menu, holiday drinks: marshmallow hot chocolate, mulled wine, rum eggnog or the “Grinch” cocktail.
Practical info
- Where: 5125 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, about a 10-minute walk from Laurier metro
- When: usually from early November to mid-January; check this year’s dates before you go
6. Go skating in Montreal, on the Rideau Canal and in the forest
Ice skating is a Quebec winter must. In Montreal, it’s the ultimate winter activity, and it’s free. Here are my 5 favorite outdoor rinks:
- Esplanade Tranquille, in the Quartier des spectacles, refrigerated and right downtown
- Beaver Lake, in Mount Royal Park
- Skaters’ Trail, in Parc Jean-Drapeau
- La Fontaine Park, on the Plateau Mont-Royal
- Maisonneuve Park, in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
My two favorites outside Montreal
- The Rideau Canal in Ottawa: the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink runs through the heart of Canada’s capital for 7.8 km (15.6 km round trip). During the season, sections are open 24/7. Before you go, check the official website to make sure the ice is open.
- Domaine de la Forêt Perdue, in Mauricie, 20 minutes from Trois-Rivières: icy trails winding through the forest (expect around twenty dollars per adult). To me, one of the best skating experiences in Quebec.
7. Ski or snowboard near Montreal and Quebec City
Quebec’s ski resorts have slopes for every level, from gentle runs for beginners to the steepest trails for experts. Around Montreal, the most popular are:
- Mont-Tremblant, 1 h 45 from downtown
- Les Sommets, 1 h away (Saint-Sauveur, Olympia, Avila, Gabriel, Morin-Heights)
- Bromont, 1 h away
- Mont Saint-Bruno, 30 minutes away, perfect for an after-work session
Near Quebec City, Le Massif de Charlevoix is still the most popular and most impressive resort. If you’re less experienced, the smaller resorts in the area will do just fine.
8. Go winter hiking and snowshoeing
Hiking in Quebec in winter is a unique experience. Snow covers the trees and trails, and the landscape turns magical. Walking through fresh snow (with crampons) is a real physical and mental challenge, but the panoramic view of the snowy mountains is worth it: just look at the photo!
Snowshoeing is also very popular, since it lets you reach places you can’t get to in summer. And the silence of winter is the perfect chance to reconnect with yourself and with nature.
My tip: several Sépaq national parks rent snowshoes and maintain marked trails all winter.
9. See the frozen waterfalls
Frozen waterfalls are a winter sight not to be missed. Montmorency Falls, just outside Quebec City, are especially impressive: at 83 meters, they’re 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls. In winter, the spray freezes at the foot of the falls and forms a huge cone of ice known as the “sugar loaf”.
Niagara Falls (in the photo) are also breathtaking, especially on the coldest days when the walkways are covered in ice. Watch your step!
10. Warm up at a Nordic spa
Nothing beats an outdoor hot bath while it’s snowing. Winter is exactly when the thermal experience makes the most sense: the contrast between the biting cold and the hot water is unforgettable.
My three favorites: Strøm Nordic Spa in Old Quebec, with its river view, La Source Bains Nordiques, deep in the forest in Rawdon, and Bota Bota, the spa on the water in Montreal’s Old Port. I introduce them in my article on the 3 must-visit Nordic spas in Quebec.
11. Have brunch at Antipode, on the Plateau
Weekend brunch is an institution in Montreal, even more so in winter. My favorite spot: Antipode, on Laurier Avenue, for its laid-back vibe, vegetarian options and original dishes.
Must-try: the wild mushroom skillet and the red berry smoothie bowl. For drinks, go for the lavender or pistachio latte.
- Address: 1602 Laurier Avenue East, Montreal
Want more ideas? Check out my 5 favorite brunch spots in Montreal.
12. Step through the door of a hidden bar: Magpie Magique
When it’s -20 °C outside, there’s nothing like a cozy, secret bar to end the evening. My favorite in Montreal is Magpie Magique.
Magpie Magique (Plateau Mont-Royal)
This Art Deco speakeasy, reached through a hidden entrance, offers an intimate vibe under dim red lighting. Let the mixologists surprise you with custom cocktails. To nibble on: the truffle oil, honey and parmesan popcorn.
- Address: 380 Gilford Street, Montreal
More details in my article on Magpie Magique.
My tips for enjoying winter in Quebec
- Dress in layers: thermal base layers, fleece, then a windproof coat.
- Protect your extremities: toque, mittens, neck warmer and good winter boots.
- Watch the wind chill: the “feels like” temperature can be much lower than the actual one.
- Book ahead for the Ice Hotel, spas and weekend brunches.
- Enjoy the sunshine: cold, sunny days are often the most beautiful for getting outside.
- Gear up without breaking the bank: a lot of my warm clothes (coat, gloves, toque) come from Decathlon. For quality and price, I think it’s the best option.
- Bring crampons for hiking and icy sidewalks.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Quebec in winter?
Must-dos include Montreal’s winter festivals (Montréal en Lumière and Nuit blanche), the Ice Hotel near Quebec City, the Dufferin Terrace slide, snow tubing, outdoor skating, skiing, snowshoeing, the frozen Montmorency Falls, Nordic spas, weekend brunch and a hidden bar like Magpie Magique.
What free winter activities can you do in Montreal?
Outdoor skating in the parks (Beaver Lake, La Fontaine Park, Esplanade Tranquille…), most activities on the Montréal en Lumière outdoor site and much of the Nuit blanche program are free.
When can you visit the Ice Hotel in Quebec?
The Ice Hotel is rebuilt every winter and usually opens from early January to mid-March. Book your visit online in advance, as it’s often cheaper than at the door.
Where can you ski near Montreal?
The most popular resorts are Mont-Tremblant (1 h 45 from downtown), Les Sommets around Saint-Sauveur (1 h), Bromont (1 h) and Mont Saint-Bruno (30 minutes). Near Quebec City, Le Massif de Charlevoix is the most impressive resort.
How much does the Dufferin Terrace slide cost?
Expect a few dollars per ride, with a slightly lower price online than on site. The slide is usually open from early December to mid-March, weather permitting.
How should you dress for winter in Quebec?
Go for several layers: thermal base layers, fleece and a windproof coat. Add a toque, mittens, a neck warmer and waterproof winter boots, and check the wind chill before heading out.
In summary
In short, winter in Quebec is enjoyed outdoors as much as indoors: festivals, ice, sliding, skating, skiing and snowshoeing on one side, spas, brunches and hidden bars on the other. Pick your activities, put on your toque and enjoy the most Québécois season of all.
