Travel guides · Winter in Quebec City
What to do in Quebec City in winter: 10 ideas + our pit stop at Carrera Café
Winter in Quebec City is a one-of-a-kind experience. Carnival, Frontenac Castle under snow, skating on the plains, horse-drawn carriage rides. And between activities? The Carrera Café in Petit-Champlain awaits you with mulled wine, Charlevoix platter, and a cozy room.
Winter in Quebec City
An experience like no other
Winter in Quebec City is not a punishment. It’s a celebration. The city transforms in December and becomes something magical.
With over 300 cm of snow per winter on average, Quebec has learned to live with the snow, not against it. The Upper Town under snow, the illuminated Frontenac Castle, horse-drawn carriages in the streets of Old Quebec: it’s a postcard come to life.
The city hosts some of the biggest winter events in the world: the Quebec Carnival (the largest winter carnival in the world after Rio), the Quebec en Toutes Lettres Festival, the slides on the Plains of Abraham. It's not about surviving the Quebec winter. It's about celebrating it.
Our advice
Dress in layers and book your table at Carrera before heading out on your adventure. Coming back to warm up with a mulled wine after an hour outside at -15°C is one of the greatest pleasures of winter in Quebec City.
10 activities
Our selection for an unforgettable winter in Quebec City
From classics to surprises, here are the 10 winter experiences not to miss in Quebec City.
The Quebec Carnival
The largest winter carnival in the world (outside Rio). Slides, snow sculptures, night parade, Carnaval snowman. Mid-January to mid-February.
Skating on the Saint-Charles River
The longest natural skating rink in a Canadian city. Free, beautiful, accessible by public transit.
Sliding on the Plains of Abraham
The long slides on the Plains are an institution. Family-friendly, spectacular for adults too.
Walk in Old Quebec under the snow
Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, Saint-Jean Street. Under the snow, Old Quebec is breathtaking. A must-do at nightfall.
Carriage ride in Old Quebec
Under warm blankets, a carriage lets you discover Old Quebec at your own pace. Romantic and picturesque.
Visit the Museum of Civilization
In the Old Port, steps from Carrera. High-quality permanent and temporary exhibitions. The perfect refuge when it’s -25°C.
Snowshoeing in natural parks
Montmorency Falls Park and Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve offer beautiful snowshoe trails 20-30 minutes from the city.
Skiing at Le Massif de Charlevoix
75 km from Quebec, Le Massif offers the largest vertical drop in eastern Canada, with views of the Saint Lawrence. An incomparable day of skiing.
Old Port Christmas Market
December only. Local artisans, local products, magical atmosphere. Visit with a Carrera mulled wine in hand.
Mulled wine at Carrera Café
The must-stop pit stop between two activities. Artisan mulled wine, Charlevoix platter, cozy room in Petit-Champlain. Winter in Quebec in a glass.
Your warm base
Carrera Café between two winter activities
After sledding, before the carriage ride, between the Carnival and Old Quebec: Carrera is your quality refuge in Petit-Champlain.
Carrera Café in winter
Spiced homemade mulled wine, generous Charlevoix platter, cozy room with references to car racing. The ideal refuge between two winter outings in Quebec.
Practical tips
Visit Quebec in winter without stress
Winter in Quebec requires preparation. Here is practical information to make the most of it.
Clothing
The 3-layer rule: thermal underwear, insulating layer (wool or down), waterproof windbreaker. Mittens (not gloves), toque, scarf. Temperatures sometimes drop to -25°C with wind chill.
Mobility
The Capitale Transport Network (RTC) operates even during storms. Leave your car at the hotel and use public transit or walk. Old Quebec and Petit-Champlain are accessible on foot from most hotels.
Reservations
During Carnival season (January-February), book everything in advance: accommodation, restaurants, activities. The city fills up quickly. For Carrera, reserve your table at least 2-3 days ahead during this period.
Getting to Carrera
Your warm base in Old Quebec
Carrera Café — Petit-Champlain in winter
Artisanal mulled wine, Charlevoix platter, cozy room. A 5-minute walk from the Terrasse Dufferin slides, the Carnival, and Château Frontenac.
Winter starts here
Quebec in winter + Carrera Café = the perfect equation
Artisanal mulled wine, Charlevoix platter, unique setting in Petit-Champlain. Between the Carnival, the slides, and snowy walks, Carrera is your best winter pit stop.
See our winter menu
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