❖ Winter & Outdoors
Fishing and ice activities in Quebec
When the mercury drops and the lakes freeze, Quebec turns into a winter adventure playground. Ice fishing, skating on natural lakes, heated huts: Quebec winter is not a pause, it’s a full circuit.
Ice fishing is an institution in Quebec. Generations of residents have passed down this winter ritual that combines patience, silence, and pride in bringing in a catch from under the ice.
Ice fishing consists of drilling a hole in the ice of a lake or river and fishing through that hole. The main catches are walleye, perch, trout, and bass. The tradition is strong around Quebec City, where thousands of anglers take to the waters as soon as the ice thickness allows.
The fishing hut is the premium version of the experience. A small heated structure, placed directly on the ice, with holes drilled inside. Some outfitters offer luxurious huts with bunks, wood stove, and complete equipment. An experience as friendly as it is refreshing.
The Quebec region is surrounded by lakes and rivers that are perfect for ice fishing. Here are the most popular destinations for anglers in the capital.
A drinking water reservoir and regulated fishing spot, Lake Saint-Charles remains a popular destination for perch. Its accessibility from the city makes it a must for beginners.
45 minutes north of Quebec City, the Laurentian lakes offer wilder waters and varied catches. Walleye, pike, brook trout: a paradise for demanding anglers.
Fishing on the river in winter is a unique experience. Certain areas, especially around Portneuf and Lotbinière, welcome anglers under the river ice for impressive catches.
For a complete experience, the Charlevoix outfitter lodges offer ice fishing packages with chalet accommodation, guide, and equipment. A luxury circuit for enthusiasts wishing to experience winter fishing in all its depth.
Beyond fishing, Quebec winter offers a range of ice activities that turn the cold into an invitation to movement and discovery.
When conditions allow, skating on a natural lake around Quebec is an incomparable experience. The silence, the space, the beauty of snowy shores: nothing compares to an artificial rink. The region’s lakes sometimes offer surfaces of several square kilometers.
Also called skwal or windfoil on ice, these hybrid sliding sports are attracting more and more enthusiasts in the river plains. A discipline that combines technique and adrenaline, halfway between speed skating and sailing.
Several parks around Quebec organize night snowshoe hikes on frozen lakes. Lanterns, starry sky, silence of the winter forest: these outings combine nature observation and the joy of movement in a breathtaking setting.
After a morning of ice fishing or a snowshoe hike, nothing beats the comfort of a good coffee. Our Italian cappuccino, creamy and piping hot, is the sweetest way to warm up. Leave the cold outside, step into our world.
Well equipped, you enjoy. Poorly prepared, you suffer. Here is the essential to approach ice fishing and ice activities safely and comfortably.
Checking ice thickness is imperative before any outing. As a general rule: 10 cm for one person on foot, 20 cm for a group, 30 cm for a snowmobile. Local weather services and fishing associations regularly publish condition bulletins.
The layering system is essential: thermal base, insulating layer, waterproof windbreaker. Feet must stay dry. Pocket warmers are valuable allies for long sessions of still fishing.
An ice auger, a short fishing rod, suitable lures, and a bucket: the basic kit for ice fishing. Equipment rentals are plentiful around popular sites, ideal for beginners who want to try before investing.
Several weather and ice condition apps are available for Quebec fishermen. Local hunting and fishing associations also provide weekly condition and regulation bulletins.
Bringing your catch home and cooking it is the natural conclusion to a great day of fishing. Perch and walleye from Quebec are among the most flavorful freshwater fish.
Simple, delicate, slightly crispy: perch pan-fried in browned butter with a hint of lemon is a classic of Quebec cuisine. Quick to prepare, it pairs perfectly with a glass of fresh white wine and some roasted potatoes.
The yellow walleye is the king of Quebec's freshwater fish. Its firm and fine flesh lends itself to more elaborate preparations: cream and fresh herb sauce, cooking en papillote with seasonal vegetables, or simply oven-grilled with mild spices. A feast celebrating the catch of the day.
Some winter ice experiences in Quebec rise to the level of unique moments, combining luxury, nature, and authenticity in an incomparable Nordic setting.
Some outfitters offer premium fishing huts installed on the frozen Saint Lawrence: warm wooden interiors, soft lighting, crackling wood stove, gourmet meal served on site. A striking contrast between the vast icy river and the refined intimacy of the indoor space.
Spending the night in a log cabin by a frozen lake, after a day of fishing and snowshoeing, is one of the most authentic experiences offered by the Quebec region. In the morning, the lake is there, silent and perfect, ready for a new session.
Several lakes in the region host ice fishing tournaments every winter. Rankings, record catches, cash prizes: these competitions bring together hundreds of anglers in a festive and competitive atmosphere. The grand prize of Quebec winter.
After a day on the region's frozen lakes, Carrera Café welcomes you at Petit-Champlain for a warm return in an elegant setting. The perfect podium for a successful winter day.
Creamy, hot, comforting. Our Italian cappuccino with its silky steamed milk is exactly what you need after a morning in the biting cold. The warmth rising from the cup is a podium in itself.
Organic Charlevoix charcuterie, fine Quebec cheeses, artisanal bread from Boulangerie Borderon et Fils. A generous board to refuel the team after the effort. Flavors of the terroir, carefully selected to celebrate a beautiful winter day.
Frozen lakes in the morning, Carrera Café in the afternoon: here is the ideal formula to savor Quebec winter in all its authenticity. Book your table at Petit-Champlain and end the day beautifully.
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