There are two ways to experience winter in Quebec. The first is to stay home waiting for it to pass. The second is to go all out: go out into the snowy alleys, drink something hot in a café with a nice aroma, sit on a heated terrace with mulled wine in hand. The second option is by far the best.

Old Quebec in winter is one of the most beautiful sights Quebec offers. Here’s how to enjoy it.

Mulled wine: the winter drink in Quebec

Mulled wine has almost become the symbol of winter in Quebec. In cafés, on the terraces of the Carnival, in Christmas markets: mulled wine is everywhere in the cold season. At Carrera Café, they make a serious one, with well-measured spices and a chosen wine base. Not too sweet, properly flavored, hot to the bottom of the cup.

Hot chocolate closely follows in popularity. Creamy, intense, with a touch of vanilla or cinnamon: it’s the morning drink when it’s really cold. At Carrera Café, the hot chocolate is homemade and different from the packet cocoa we usually drink.

The heated terraces of Old Quebec

Several addresses in Old Quebec have invested in heated terraces that allow you to eat and drink outside even in very cold weather. It's a unique experience: the cold around, warmth close to the body, snow on the roofs, a glass of something good in hand.

Le Petit Champlain transformed by snow is particularly beautiful. The Christmas lights sometimes stay up until March. The alleys are narrow and sheltered from the wind. It is the most pleasant area to stroll in winter throughout Old Quebec.

What to do in winter in Old Quebec

Winter in Quebec is not just about the Carnival (even though it’s an event not to be missed). There are also the Plains of Abraham, perfect for long walks in the snow. The ramparts covered in ice. The funicular offering a spectacular view of the frozen Saint Lawrence below. Museums that are less crowded than in summer.

The slides on the Dufferin terrace have been an institution for generations. Ice rinks are set up in several parts of the city. And at Carrera Café, the winter atmosphere is carefully crafted. Mulled wine is ready, hot chocolate too. Espresso is always there for those who don’t compromise on their coffee.

The Quebec Carnival: the must-see event

The Quebec Carnival takes place in February and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It is one of the largest winter carnivals in the world. There are many activities: parades, ice palaces, play zones, snow sculpture contests. The atmosphere is festive despite sometimes harsh temperatures.

During the Carnival, Old Quebec is buzzing. Cafés are packed, heated terraces overflow, and mulled wine sells like never before. If you plan a visit in winter, this is one of the liveliest times of the year in the neighborhood.

Our winter tip

Dress warmly, go out often, and start with a coffee or hot chocolate at Carrera Café before heading out on an adventure. With the right gear and a good coffee in your system, winter in Quebec becomes one of the most beautiful experiences the city can offer.

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