Putting together a magical Quebec City winter itinerary is not as hard as one might think. There are plenty of outdoor adventures, cultural activities, and historical sites to enjoy. The food scene is delicious, and several bars have fireplaces. The air is frigid at times, but the city’s ambiance is warm. Plus, the streets are not constantly clogged with people.
Winter is a great time to travel to Quebec City, even if you don’t like winter. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are my suggestions for a magical Quebec City winter itinerary.
Day 1 in the Old Town
Once you’ve settled into your hostel or hotel, bundle up and head outside. The streets of Old Quebec are beautiful in winter, and sometimes a little slippery, too.
Walk to the Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace for sweeping wintery views. Au 1884 on Dufferin Terrace has great coffee and hot chocolate. It also operates the Dufferin Slide, one of the oldest tourist attractions in Quebec!
Tonight, have dinner at one of the restaurants on rues Saint-Louis or Saint-Jean.
- La Bûche is a sugar shack-style restaurant with Québécois comfort foods.
- Sagamité is the best place to try Indigenous cuisine.
On a clear night, work off your dinner with some ice skating at the outdoor rink in front of Palais Montcalm in Place D’Youville.
For more ideas of what to do in winter, read this article:
- Ice Hotel in Quebec City: My Frosty Experience
- Quebec Christmas Market Galore: A Complete Holidays Guide
- Where to Enjoy a Christmas Dinner in Quebec City
Day 2 Itinerary in Quebec City
Kick off your first full day in Quebec City with a tour of the historic old city. Tours are a great way to learn about the city’s history, as well as getting an idea of where you want to return for a more in-depth wander.
There is an excellent FREE 2-hour walking tour, but if that one is full, taking a tour with a costumed guide is fun as well. For added cardio, try a fat biking tour of Old Quebec. Foodies will enjoy the Old Quebec City Food & Drink tour which is a yummy mix of history and food.
For lunch, pop by Le Chic Shack for gourmet poutine and burgers or savour a bowl of French Onion soup at Q-de-sac. Vegans will enjoy Le Don in Old Port, and Buffet de l’Antiquaire for Québécois diner eats.
Spend the afternoon at a Nordic spa or discover one of Quebec City’s local neighbourhoods. Montcalm is artsy; home to Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, and Grand Théâtre de Québec. Saint-Roch is filled with locally owned boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Saint-Jean-Baptiste, too.
It’s a good night to explore the city’s food scene, outside of the walls of Old Quebec City. Make a reservation or spend some time in one of the city’s microbreweries. La Barberie, Noctem Artisans Brasseurs, and Korrigane Brasserie Artisanale are among the best.
Day 3 in Canada’s Oldest City
Today’s Quebec City winter itinerary branches out from the alluring charm of Old Quebec. Bundle up and spend the morning doing some winter hiking or snowshoeing at Jacques-Cartier National Park. There’s a shuttle operated by Quatre Natures, which leaves from Place d’Armes at 9am and leaves the park at 3pm. Be sure to bring lunch as there is nowhere to buy lunch while you’re at the park.
If you want to spend time closer to the city, head over to Montmorency Falls in the morning for snowshoeing, ice climbing or to admire its beauty. Then spend the afternoon in Côte de Beaupré going dog sledding or swooshing down the slopes.
Of course, not everyone wants to spend their time outside in winter. Experience art and Quebec culture at Musée de la Civilisation and Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Wellness lovers can take a class at Monastère des Augustines and dine in their health-food restaurant.
Wendake is a spectacular destination for experiencing local Indigenous history, culture, and food. Visit the interactive displays and artefacts at Musée Huron-Wendat. Sit around a fire in a traditional longhouse and listen to a local storyteller share myths and legends.
It’s a truly unforgettable experience. Buy handicrafts made by local Indigenous peoples and try Indigenous cuisine at Sagamité or La Traite.
Quebec City is the perfect winter destination for people who love to be active and adventurous. It’s also ideal for anyone who likes to take things slow, do a deep dive, and practice speaking French.
Whatever travel style you prefer in winter or itinerary you’ll concoct, it’s important to remember to relax and be open to new things. As fun as it is to plan a trip, sometimes the best memories happen when we wander off our chosen path.
Need more ideas for your Quebec City Winter Itinerary?
- Quebec City 4-Day Itinerary Full of Ideas
- Visiting Quebec City in January: Best Things to Do
- One Day in Quebec City: the Perfect Daytrip
- The Perfect Romantic Getaway in Quebec City: Original Ideas for an Unforgettable Weekend
- Well-Kept Secrets: 5 Best Photo Spots in Quebec City
- Best Nordic Spas in Quebec City: Which to Visit?
- 2 Days in Quebec City Itinerary: a Perfect Weekend Getaway
- 5 Best Quebec City Escape Rooms and Games
- 7 Best Sushi in Quebec City
- How to Get From Montreal to Quebec City
How to Catch Some Cool Views of Quebec City?
Looking for an original activity during your trip to Quebec City?
– Scope out some amazing views thanks for a helicopter ride over the old town that’s bound to have you squealing with excitement!
– Hop aboard for a view of Old Quebec City from the water, a great way to catch the breeze in summer and change your perspective.
– Looking for a more sporty approach to visiting the old capital? Rent a fat bike and explore on your own the charms of the cobblestone streets.
Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images to your boards to favourite them for your next trip to Quebec when you’ll need a little inspiration!
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