February 13, 2024
7 things to do in Québec City this winter
Hanna Abdo
Experience the magic of Québec City during the winter months. Here, the streets covered in snow create a whimsical opportunity for the perfect seasonal adventure. Fly in and out of the Neuville Airport and take advantage of COPA Flight 198’s courtesy car to get to and from your accommodations
Once there, make sure to add these seven winter activities to your Québec City itinerary.
1. Connect with local COPA Flights and board members
Connect with COPA Quebec board members Pierre Drapeau and Jonathan Beauchesne to learn more about aviation in the area.
Pierre is a private pilot with 750 hours of flying experience. Since 2007, he has been a COPA member and owned a Cherokee 140, a Mooney M20E which he has just sold, and a recently acquired Taylorcraft. Pierre also has 37 years of experience as an air traffic controller at Montreal Terminal.
Jonathan has served on the COPA Board of Directors since 2014. He has contributed to the defense of several airfields, including St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, St-Cuthbert, and St-Roch-de-l’Achigan (projected).
For contact information for COPA Flight chapters across Canada, visit oldcopa.org/copa-flights.
2. Spend a night in a hotel made of ice — Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel)
Did you know that Hôtel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America? This fairytale-like masterpiece is made exclusively out of ice and snow — including the drink glasses — making it a truly unique overnight experience available only in the winter. Even if you can’t stay here overnight, you can still experience the renowned Ice Hotel by taking a day tour.
The themed suites showcase ice sculptures expertly carved into the walls by talented artists. The hotel even has a chapel that has seen numerous couples declare their love for one another over the years! The intricately carved ice sculptures and impressive architecture make Hôtel de Glace a winter experience you’ll never forget.
3. Wander through Vieux-Québec (Old Québec City)
Take a walk-through Vieux-Québec, where cobblestone streets and charming European-like architecture create the perfect setting for a winter walk.
Explore Petit-Champlain, a pedestrian-only street with an array of unique boutiques and stunning architecture. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many pubs then tour the citadelle.
You can even go ice skating and cross-country skiing here! Walking around Vieux-Québec and finding its hidden gems is a can’t-miss experience when visiting Québec City.
4. Immerse yourself in culture
Take a break from the colder temperatures at one of the city’s many museums. Begin your cultural exploration at the Musée de la Civilisation, where the exhibits showcase Québec’s heritage and the evolution of its people, traditions, and innovations.
For art enthusiasts, the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec is where you want to be, with an impressive collection of Québécois and Canadian art spanning centuries. Wander through the galleries, marveling at masterpieces that reflect the region’s artistic mastery.
To learn more about the province’s politics, visit the Assemblée Nationale du Québec. This historic parliamentary building not only offers a glimpse into Québec’s political workings but also boasts incredible architecture.
5. Take part in a dog sledding adventure
Glide your way through the snow on an unforgettable dog sledding adventure with Au Chalet en Bois Rond. Connect with the natural beauty of winter in a way like never before. The enthusiastic sled dogs will weave you through the snow-covered trails on the outskirts of the city, about 45 minutes from downtown.
Not only will you get the heart-pounding excitement of the ride itself, you’ll also get to spend the day hanging out with the dogs who are leading the way. When the ride is done, warm up with some well-deserved hot chocolate.
6. Hit the powder and ski or snowboard at Mont-Saint-Anne
Located just 30 minutes northeast of Québec City, Mont-Sainte-Anne provides the perfect landscape for skiing and snowboarding, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. With breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence River and well-groomed trails, you’ll enjoy the scenery as much as you enjoy the slopes.
If you don’t have your own gear, you can easily rent all the equipment needed. Not confident in your skills just yet? Sign up for a lesson and an expert will help you get started.
7. Get your maple fix at a sugar shack
Sneak away from the bustling city and visit a traditional sugar shack, a small wooden house built for making maple syrup. Located just a short drive from the downtown core is Le Relais de Pins, a rustic sugar shack perfect for an authentic experience. The “sugaring season” takes place during March and April, but Le Relais de Pins offers maple syrup experiences year-round.
Enjoy a hearty meal and choose from favourites like French Canadian pea soup, warm maple ham, and meat pie — a maple-inspired meal awaits you. While you warm up from the cold and fill your belly, you’ll also be serenaded by lively folk music!
Québec City in winter is a magical destination with a never-ending list of activities to experience. From the awe-inspiring Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) and many museums to the thrilling adventures of dog sledding and skiing, there’s no shortage of winter indoor and outdoor excitement here. Embrace the season, bundle up, and make the most of your winter getaway in Québec City!