✦ Outdoors & Seasons
Winter sports in Quebec: skiing, skating, and Nordic outdoors in the heart of the capital
Quebec embraces winter like nowhere else. Snow is not an obstacle, it’s an invitation. Alpine skiing, skating, snowshoeing, sliding: the capital offers an exceptional winter playground, just minutes from Petit-Champlain.
Alpine Skiing near Quebec
Slopes within reach
Three top ski resorts are accessible in less than an hour from Old Quebec. A privilege few northern capitals can offer.
Mont-Sainte-Anne
The region's flagship resort, 40 minutes from Quebec. Over 65 slopes on three faces, from beginners to experts, with night lighting descents for skiing under the stars. The go-to resort for Quebecers.
Stoneham
Closer to Quebec, Stoneham is appreciated for its family atmosphere, varied slopes, and exceptional night skiing. A good option for families and beginners.
Le Massif de Charlevoix
An hour and a half from Quebec, Le Massif offers the largest vertical drop in eastern Canada with a unique view of the Saint Lawrence from the slopes. The most spectacular skiing experience in the region.
Valcartier
Village Vacances Valcartier is world-renowned for its tube slides and winter attractions. A top destination for families seeking the thrill of snow without the ski lifts.
Skate and Ice in the City
Quebec on skates: guaranteed magic
Skating in Old Quebec in winter is one of the most magical experiences the city can offer. The snow, the illuminated facades, the cold silence.
- The Dufferin Terrace Ice Rink: the most iconic in Canada. Near the Chateau Frontenac, with a view of the Saint Lawrence, this rink is open every winter and welcomes thousands of skaters.
- The Youville Square Ice Rink: in the heart of Old Quebec, a lively and well-maintained outdoor rink, perfect for families and beginners.
- The Plains of Abraham Skating Rink: an outdoor skating circuit on the Plains, surrounded by snowy forests. A 4-kilometer route for long-distance enthusiasts.
- The Quebec Ice Oval: an Olympic long-track rink for speed skaters and thrill-seekers. Open to the public outside of training sessions.
- Neighborhood rinks: each neighborhood maintains its own local skating rinks. A strong community tradition that keeps the skating culture alive in Quebec.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
Accessible Winter Forest
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing allow you to explore the Quebec forest in winter at a slower, more contemplative pace. An authentic northern experience.
The Plains of Abraham
The Plains are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers in winter. A flat and accessible area right in the heart of the city, with magnificent views of the Saint Lawrence.
Montmorency Falls Park
In winter, the park transforms into a snowshoeing and natural ice cone observation area that forms at the base of the falls. A striking winter spectacle.
The Trails of Jacques-Cartier Park
40 minutes from Quebec, Jacques-Cartier Park offers dozens of kilometers of snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails in a wild and spectacular valley.
The Sanctuary of Chateau-Richer
A few kilometers east of Quebec, this area offers well-maintained cross-country ski trails and a bucolic setting on the Côte-de-Beaupré. Less crowded than the major resorts.
Slides and Winter Activities
Winter with a Thrill
Winter in Quebec also means the simple joy of sledding, building snowmen, and the biting cold that makes everything feel more alive. The capital's winter activities are countless.
The Dufferin Slides
Installed every winter on the Terrasse Dufferin, this historic attraction allows you to sled down to the Old Port. A Quebec tradition over two centuries old.
Valcartier Resort
The largest tubing park in the world, with dozens of runs of all difficulties, an ice lake, a skating rink, and a seasonal ice hotel. A must for families.
Dog sledding
Several operators offer dog sledding tours around Quebec. An unforgettable northern experience, between snowy forests and the absolute silence of winter.
Snowmobiling
A dense and well-marked snowmobile network radiates from Quebec. Guided excursions allow you to discover the surroundings of the capital at full speed, in spectacular snowy landscapes.
The Barista's Advice
After a morning of skiing or a skating session on the Terrasse Dufferin, nothing comforts like a large creamy latte at Carrera Cafe. Our hot drinks, espresso, and cappuccino are the ideal fuel for Quebec winters. Our organic Charlevoix charcuterie boards will warm the soul as much as the body. Winter is beautiful when you know where to warm up.
Warming the Soul After Effort
A day in the snow deserves a reward. Carrera Cafe, in the heart of Petit-Champlain, welcomes you with its exceptional Italian coffees and comforting local flavors to perfectly close a winter day in Quebec.
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