For my first trip to Canada, I set out to discover the Quebec in the middle of winter ! It is quite common that people who love Canada also love New Zealand and vice versa. Many young people leave for a WHV in these two countries and come back won over, as was the case for me in New Zealand. So when I had the opportunity to explore Canada, I immediately seized my chance. A first on the American continent for me. I could not wait !
As winter approaches and its specific activities, it's time for me to tell you a bit more about this experience in Quebec in winter.
Our journey, the activities we did, what I really liked, some practical advice, especially for dressing in “extreme cold” mode,…! It's all in this article.
Contents: A winter in Quebec
- Why travel to Quebec in winter?
- Practical advice for a successful winter stay in Quebec
- Our Quebec Winter Travel Itinerary
Looking for an agency specializing in Quebec?If you are looking for a travel agency, I invite you to go to Imagine Canada, an agency specializing in the creation of tailor-made trips to Quebec. It is an agency that we met during a tourism fair organized each year in different cities in France and that we had the chance to test during our stay in Quebec. I can therefore, knowingly, recommend this agency which has the great advantage of creating, with you, the itinerary that will best suit your desires. Learn more
Why travel to Quebec in winter?
Let's start this article with a quick question: "Why travel to Quebec in winter?" This is a question that I asked myself when I had the opportunity to travel to Quebec in the middle of January. What drives people to travel to Canada in the middle of winter when you know the region's winter climate?
After making this trip, let me give you 5 good reasons to travel to Quebec in winter:
Reason n°1: For the beauty of winter landscapes
Whether you are visiting a city, a national park or getting lost in the small villages of the region, visiting under the snow has incredible charm! White as far as the eye can see, snow-covered fir trees, snow has this ability to sublimate landscapes.
Reason #2: For winter activities
In what season, other than winter, can you go dog sledding or snowmobiling? In what other season can you go ice skating on every street corner in Quebec or Montreal or even try ice fishing on a frozen lake? And how about sleeping in an ice hotel? Winter gives us the opportunity to practice a wide choice of activities that it will not be possible to do in another season!
To find out more about the activities that can be done this season in Quebec, I invite you to read our dedicated article: 21 activities to do in winter in Quebec !
Reason n°3: For the special winter light
Sunny winter days are ideal for taking pretty pictures. The sunlight, low in this season, gives us the possibility of obtaining surprising colors.
Reason n°4: To attend the carnival of Quebec
And yes, one of the most important events in Quebec City takes place in the middle of winter, the Quebec Carnival. Two weeks during which the city adorns itself with its most beautiful colors. Two weeks of celebrations punctuated by parades and various activities to be carried out throughout Quebec City.
Reason n°5: Because in winter, there are fewer tourists
Winter allows you to visit and discover the main places of the country at your own pace and without too many people around you. Although this is not a problem with the exception of a few particularly popular places, winter will allow you to visit the must-see places in the region more peacefully.
Practical tips for traveling to Quebec in winter
Now let's move on to practical tips for visiting Quebec in winter. Different solutions are available to you if you wish to discover the region in winter.
How to visit Quebec in winter?
The traditional road trip
You can opt for a road trip like we did. Rent a car and drive to different places to visit at your own pace. Note that even if it is quite possible to discover the majority of Quebec's must-sees in winter, some places will be (very) difficult to reach by car, such as Tadoussac, Sagenay, etc. You will discover below our road trip itinerary in Quebec in winter.
To make such a road trip, you have two choices, book your vehicle and your accommodation yourself or get advice from an agency specializing in Quebec.
The multi-activity stay
Another way to travel in winter in Quebec is the multi-activity stay. The goal is to focus your trip on activities to do in Quebec in winter. You will stay for several days in an inn where you can try out all the winter activities such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, etc. Note that these multi-activity stays in winter are completely compatible with a stay of a few days in the main cities of Quebec, namely Montreal and Quebec.
Saguenay Fjord in winter
Visit Montreal, Quebec and then spend a few days on the edge of the Saguenay Fjord for winter activities Learn more
Stay in an eco-nature hostel
Enjoy the winter and the activities of the region in a peaceful and beautiful place. Take the opportunity to discover Montreal! Learn more
Montreal and Quebec Carnival
Montreal then Quebec during the Quebec Carnival as well as a stay in an inn to carry out winter activities. Learn more
Rent a car and drive in winter
Planning a winter roadtrip in Quebec requires taking into account the weather factor.
The distances provided should not be too great. Indeed the weather conditions can slow down your progress, it is possible that certain activities cannot be carried out on the desired day. Staying several days in a city allows you to absorb these possible shifts.
Quebec is, of course, accustomed to and prepared for heavy snowfalls and very low temperatures. The main roads therefore remain passable. No particular concern for driving in winter in Quebec.
Our top tip for car rental in Canada (as anywhere else) is to compare rates. For this we advise you to use Airport Rentals, an ideal comparator to find a vehicle at the best price.
Dress for winter in Quebec
It's not easy to pack when we're not used to temperatures that can reach -20°C, and I'm not talking about the feeling with the wind!
Personally, I had planned different "layers" of clothing that I could combine depending on the expected weather and the activities we were going to do during the day.
Start with a close-fitting and breathable garment; then one or more warm clothes; to finish then with a coat, preferably long and above all waterproof.
Think of warm and waterproof gloves (you can also combine different gloves), scarf, hat, etc.
For the feet, take several socks: thin, breathable and warm. Regarding the shoes, they must be warm, waterproof and high to be able to walk in the snow!
The little extra that served us well was the heating patches! This invention is great when you have a day out planned. These patches heat up for several hours and can be slipped into gloves as well as shoes.
Presentation of our itinerary in Quebec in winter
Before embarking on the story of our stay in Quebec last winter, here is an overview of our itinerary and the main stages. Each of these steps will be detailed in the following sections.
Quebec in Winter: Our Itinerary- Arrival in Montreal
- Mont-Tremblant Park
- Stopover in Montebello
- Visit of Trois-Rivières
- Last stop: Quebec City
Here is an overview of the different stages of our itinerary.
We arrived and left from the city of Montreal. We started with a few days in the city of Montreal to visit and discover this dynamic city.
Then we went to Mont-Tremblant National Park for an incredible experience! I will reveal everything to you very soon.
Then we went back to Montreal, stopping by the town of Montebello.
Finally, our last two stops were the city of Trois-Rivières and the city of Quebec to participate in its mythical Quebec Carnival!
Many experiences and discoveries for our greatest happiness.
Arrival in Montreal, a first glimpse of Quebec in winter
First evening in the cold Quebec winter
Here we are, ready and equipped to face the Quebec winter…well, almost! I don't think we really realized what we could really feel when an absolutely freezing wind gripped us one evening in February in the streets of Montreal. We were immersed in the atmosphere from the start. A first evening where the pain in the legs was so strong that we were forced to enter the first hall possible (that's good, it was a hospital). Finally after a few minutes in the warm, we are off again in search of a restaurant for “supper” (including dinner). Between jet lag, striking cold and a new city for us, this first experience was somewhat complicated.
But what joy the next morning when opening the curtain and seeing large snowflakes falling on the city. And yes, when we come to Canada in winter, it's the snow and the cold that we come for. We were particularly spoiled this time.
Tour of Montreal
In total, we stayed 3 days in Montreal.
During our winter stay in Quebec, certain activities or places were not accessible in Montreal. This is what we did during these 3 days.
First, we started with a guided tour of Montreal to get a general overview of the city. This visit was offered by a "local", who was more of a foreign student wishing to show us his neighborhoods. It was interesting for some points but disappointing for others. I would rather recommend opting for a guided tour with a city guide, you will have more detailed commentary on the history of the city and the region.
In this guided tour, we walked a lot through neighborhoods like Old Montreal, the Old Port, Chinatown and the business district. We were also able to discover what is one of Montreal's must-sees, its street-art.
Montreal Tourist Pass:Opt for a 72-hour tourist pass. Unlimited access to city transport like the metro and has 28 must-see places, museums and activities in the city. See prices
Then, among the essentials of a visit to Montreal, we climbed the Mount Royal Plateau. An extraordinary view of Montreal is possible, if the weather is clear. Hiking and cross-country ski trails cross this huge park. It's the green lung of the city, the meeting place for sporty Montrealers!
To finish on the places we visited, we made a passage through the Montreal Olympic Park. This complex can be visited, but it was under renovation during our stay. On the other hand, we were able to visit the Planetarium located just next door. A very interesting moment with magnificent films.
This stay was also an opportunity for us to be pampered and relax. For that, head to a spa like no other: the Bota-Bota. Its particularity is to be located on a boat in the Old Port of Montreal. Quirky and industrial atmosphere with a breathtaking view of Old Montreal, this spa is to be tested and adopted!
Who says Quebec winter says ice hockey!
If you are an ice hockey fan, the Bell Center is probably your temple and the Montreal Canadiens are your idols!
With games announced to be sold out almost systematically and an ice rink that can accommodate more than 21 people, the Bell Center promises an incredible and impressive sporting atmosphere.
We were lucky enough to be able to buy tickets early enough to attend a game of the famous Montreal Canadiens. Promise kept! We had a crazy match with a great win!
Where did we sleep in Montreal?
We were able to test two totally different accommodations but which we recommend without hesitation.
- The Samesun Montreal Central, for budget accommodation
This first accommodation is in fact a youth hostel. Located at the entrance of the Village (gay district of Montreal but extremely dynamic), we were able to reach the center of Montreal on foot easily.
We were able to choose a single room with private bathroom. The value for money was very good.
See rates for Samesun Montreal Central - The Saint-Sulpice, to please you
We change scenery to go to this prestigious hotel in the heart of Old Montreal. Our room, or rather our suite, was very comfortable, with a princess bathroom and attentive service. Without forgetting the delicious breakfast. The ideal hotel to indulge yourself in Montreal!
See the rates for the Hotel Saint-Sulpice
The restaurants we tested in Montreal
Quebec is increasingly renowned for its gastronomy! We were able to test a restaurant specializing in poutine and its variants: La Banquise. Fans will rejoice!
During our visit to the Planetarium, we tasted the on-site catering and we were very pleasantly surprised!
Otherwise, the top of the tested and approved restaurants is the Sinclair, the restaurant of the Saint-Sulpice hotel where we slept. Everything is tasty ! In summer, you can also enjoy a magnificent shaded terrace in the backyard of the establishment.
Finally, we fell in love with the Tommy Café, in Old Montreal, where we liked to have a little coffee before starting our day! The decoration is modern and trendy.
Mont-Tremblant Park, my favorite in Quebec this winter
A night in nature
After immersing ourselves in Montreal and its bustling life, we took the road towards the Mont Tremblant National Park for a bit of tranquility in the heart of nature! We had booked an atypical accommodation which required a few kilometers off the road and on a snowy path.
But once there, what a surprise! A kind of chalet, in the middle of the forest, with huge bay windows to admire the whiteness and vastness outside and above all, a charming wood stove for a perfect cocooning cachet.
This is by far my favorite of this stay in Quebec in winter.
In the morning, woken up early by the light, we took advantage of the calm to walk around the chalet. The snow is everywhere! It is an absolutely magnificent, magical landscape!
Activities to do in Quebec in winter
Among the essential activities that you can do in Quebec in winter, there is of course the dog sled ! We had the opportunity to do some, as well as incredible luck with the weather: a magnificent blue sky, incredibly fresh snow and dry air as we love so much in Quebec.
We booked this activity at the center Kanatha-Aki, which also offers a tour of their bison sanctuary, which we did.
Discover our top 10 places where to go dog sledding in Quebec !
To explain how this activity will take place, it is advisable to arrive a little early. You will also be able to get to know the pack, your team and equip yourself warmly, …
Once everyone was equipped and ready, we boarded the sled. One in the sled and the other with the musher behind to lead the little troop!
It is a truly wonderful experience! Breathtaking landscapes, perfect calm and an exquisite feeling of freedom. The dogs know their job well and enjoy every stride. It was important to us that the dogs were treated well and enjoyed walking with us, which was definitely the case at this location.
In the middle of the outing, we took a break in a cabin where a delicious hot snack was waiting for us! She was welcome because the outside temperature was very cool and accentuated by the speed of the sled.
Then the next step was the meeting with the famous bison. We were present at the time of their meal so we had the change of being able to see them up close and even touch some of them.
This experience was truly magical! So much so that we even decided not to do snowmobiling, the second typical activity planned in our program. We were afraid of being disappointed after the great experience we had just had.
And then, we can't do everything at once, let's keep a few pleasures for a future stay in Quebec in winter!
Tour of Mont Tremblant
After this day full of emotions, we returned to Mont-Tremblant to spend the night, but this time in the city of Mont Tremblant, and not in the national park. We had chosen a charming little hotel, the Auberge Sauvignon. In addition we were upgraded for lack of heating in our room.
Mont-Tremblant is a very famous ski resort popular with Americans. This is what we were able to confirm by going to dinner in the heart of the new town centre, the starting point for the cable cars leading to the slopes.
I could compare this place to a mini Disneyland. Colorful houses everywhere, lots of decorations, … Spending an evening here was a very pleasant moment!
Find accommodation in Mont-Tremblant:Mont-Tremblant is an ideal city to spend a few days, especially in winter since it is possible to ski there! Indeed Mont-Tremblant is one of the main ski resorts near Montreal. See the accommodations
Leaving this place, we crossed the Old Village of Mont-Tremblant, which is quite charming and which deserved that we stop longer. Located on the shores of Lake Mercier, it is a popular vacation spot.
Stopover in Montebello
After this lovely discovery of Mont-Tremblant and the surrounding area, we are on our way to Montebello with the objective of visit Omega Park !
Visit of Montebello
We arrived in Montebello under heavy snow, which gave this place a crazy charm!
We had booked an absolutely beautiful guest room with a lovely host! If you are passing through Montebello, I strongly advise you to stop at the hostel. At the Red Awnings, you will not be disappointed, especially if you have breakfast, homemade and with local products exclusively! This place is also one of my favorites.
As Montebello is not a very big city, we were able to walk to the micro-brewery located just opposite where we enjoyed a good burger. At lunchtime we tried another delicious restaurant, which I recommend as a priority: Le Bistro.
To complete this visit of Montebello, two places are to be seen:
- Chocomotiv :
This is a chocolate factory located in the old Montebello station. Being a chocolate lover, it's a nice place to bring back some memories with you. - Chateau Montebello :
This hotel is the largest log building in the world! You can stroll through the park, spend a night, or just step inside the lobby to admire the vastness within.
See the rates
Omega Park
But Montebello is best known for the Omega Park, located 5 minutes by car. This park is awesome! We stay in our car and we walk through the park through the different spaces. At the entrance we bought a bag of carrots that we could give to some animals through the car window. It's another great experience that we were able to do during this stay in Quebec in winter. I can't wait to discover this park in the summer!
In addition, accommodation is present within the park itself: tepees, cabins, cabins with a view of the wolf enclosure, etc.
The species visible in the park are all from North America, such as bison, white-tailed deer, black bears, wolves and caribou.
We attended the meal of the wolves, it was really an impressive moment where each wolf of the pack has a very precise place.
Visit of the Omega Park:Departing from Montreal, combine a visit to Château Montebello with a visit to Parc Omega. Set off for the day with a French guide who will introduce you to the astonishing Omega Park and its many animals! See prices
Visit Trois-Rivières in winter
Already a week has passed since our arrival in Montreal and time flies really fast! We now take the direction of the small town of Trois-Rivières, located between Montreal and Quebec, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Discovery of Trois-Rivières
We are going to think about it for the next 3 days and our program is full! It begins with a guided tour of the city with an extremely interesting guide, who explains the history of this city and its place at the time of the arrival of Europeans. I recommend this guided tour rich in information and historical facts.
Trois-Rivières is a city where culture is very present. It has no less than 14 museums, of varying sizes and different themes. We had in our possession a pass which gave us access to these 14 museums. If you plan to visit more than 2 or 3 museums, this pass quickly pays for itself.
The Pop Museum and the old prison
The next day, we visited the museum of popular culture of Quebec, the Pop museum, which is attached to the old prison.
The different rooms host a wide variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions: on beer, on pigs, on women in prison or on the famous country festival in Sainte-Tite. This museum is interesting and interactive, I recommend it for both adults and children.
I am now going to talk to you about visiting the prison, next to the Pop museum. We were lucky to have as a private guide, a former prisoner of this place. Probably one of the most moving visits of my life... He made us discover many places in this prison: the manager's office, the changing rooms, the dormitories, the toilets, the dining room and we even went to the hole , where prisoners were punished. The emotion transmitted by the testimonies of our guide during this visit is indescribable and poignant.
The Borealis Museum
Among the many museums in the city, we also visited the Borealis Museum, located in a former building of a paper factory. Indeed, the city of Trois-Rivières has long hosted paper mills. This industry was very present and allowed the city to develop on a large scale.
This museum retraces the history of Trois-Rivières and its paper mills. We discovered that many professions existed around this factory, such as the profession of log driver, which is prohibited today. The latter consisted of fetching the wood and bringing it down the river when the snow melted. It was an extremely dangerous profession which is prohibited today.
This museum is also very playful and completely designed for families. We even tested a tablet game where we had to manage our own paper factory. I won't tell you everything, but you can leave with a little souvenir!
Maikan Adventure
Trois-Rivières is a dynamic city where we were able to test different outdoor activities, despite the cold of Quebec in winter!
First of all, we went to the Maïkan Aventure climbing gym, which offers ice climbing in winter. Personally, I loved this experience and I also had a blast on the indoor climbing wall! A rather convincing first for me.
This center also offers various nautical activities in summer.
The island of Saint Quentin, for fun
Then, head to Île Saint Quentin to take a breath of fresh air: fatbike, ice skates, snowshoes, tube descent, etc. It's a really ideal place to practice various winter activities, both for adults and children. for the youngest.
This place is also equipped in summer with seasonal activities!
Kinipi Spa, to relax
Finally, we had the chance to test a magical place: the Kinipi Spa Nordique! This complex brings together an upscale hotel, a very good restaurant and a spa. We went to the spa for one evening. Hammam, sauna and especially hot tubs outside surrounded by snow. A feeling of perfect relaxation.
Book your stay:You can book your stay at Kinipi Spa Nordique for a unique experience, both in summer and winter. See prices
The hut “chez Danny”, to eat
On the way back, our sweet tooth took us to Chez Danny's sugar shack to buy some maple syrup. At this place, you can also enjoy a typical meal in a very friendly atmosphere. You will understand how maple syrup is made.
Sleep and eat in Trois-Rivières
We slept in a very comfortable and ideally located hotel, at the entrance to the city center: Hotel Yes GO!. Sober and very modern decoration, delicious breakfast and very comfortable room.
Next to this hotel is the place where we probably spent the most time during these 3 days: the Le Temps d'une Pinte micro-brewery! We discovered this address the first evening and it was love at first sight! Delicious beers, dishes to die for and a trendy and dynamic atmosphere as we like.
We also had a snack break in a very nice place: Le Caféier. Whether it's to work, take the time to drink a coffee or just eat a little treat, this is the ideal place.
Last stop in Quebec in winter: Quebec City
The last step is coming for us! Our last 3 days will take place in the charming Quebec city. We were very lucky because it was the Quebec Carnival, so we discovered a festive and lively Quebec in winter.
The Quebec Carnival
The Quebec Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world. The whole city is in the colors of this event. Activities are set up everywhere, ice sculptures adorn the cobbled streets of Old Quebec and parades take place on weekends.
Among the activities, we were able to test the toboggan descent in front of the Château Frontenac, the throwing of axes, the tasting of beaver tails or even the visit of a Château made of ice and snow. This atmosphere is very pleasant, despite the cold, people continue to go out and do activities. There was even a concert where the band was in a big glass box. Original as an idea!
We also attended the parade on the main avenue of Quebec and we were very very cold! But the wait was worth it.
On weekends, additional activities are organized such as the popular ice canoe race on the St. Lawrence.
The Ice Hotel
Quebec is renowned for hosting an Ice Hotel every year! Curious to find out, we went to Village Valcartier, where it has been taking place for several years now.
The Hôtel de Glace can be visited but also has a real role as a hotel because the rooms welcome customers every winter! Themed rooms or rooms with private spa await you! To reassure you, customers sleeping in the hotel also have a warm room in the neighboring hotel complex: leave your luggage (the rooms of the Hôtel de Glace are not locked and during the day, many visitors have access to them) , to have a bathroom, or to take refuge in the warmth if necessary during the night.
Guided tour of the Ice HotelTake a guided tour of the Ice Hotel of Quebec to better understand its history, its construction and see the hotel's impressive ice sculptures. See prices
Personally, we just opted for a guided tour of the hotel and a drink at the ice bar! It is a rather unusual place with the presence of places such as a chapel or a slide for the youngest. Every year, weddings are celebrated in the chapel of the Hôtel de Glace.
Some rooms are uniquely decorated and have a private spa. Otherwise a common spa is located nearby.
I think it's an experience we will try if we have the opportunity on a future trip. I'm curious to experience a night in an Ice Hotel with temperatures approaching zero degrees!
Spend a night at the Ice HotelSpend an unusual night in an ice hotel. Try the experience of sleeping on a bed of ice in a very warm duvet! A night at the Valcartier Hotel will be waiting for you just in case! See prices
Quebec aquarium
Also located outside the city, theQuebec aquarium is an interesting place, made up of different buildings, each with a theme: deep water, fresh water, …
We were able to attend the meal of the walruses! We saw polar bears or even belugas. Not being for the confinement of animals, it is nevertheless an interesting place to learn how biodiversity works and to know a little more about these animals, land or sea, which for some are on the verge of extinction.
Quebec Aquarium TicketsBuy your tickets for the aquarium of Quebec, a pleasure for the youngest and the oldest. Learn more about the local underwater fauna. See prices
Montmorency Falls Park
Located at the entrance to Quebec City, Montmorency Falls is an impressive place. This fall is really high, you can take the footbridge above to cross it, or stay on the path to get to its foot. Alternatively, there is also a funicular. Personally, we stayed at the foot of the partly frozen and snow-covered falls. It was really splendid.
Visit to Montmorency Falls ParkAdmission to Montmorency Falls Park with cable car ride that will take you to the top of the falls. See prices
Walk in Quebec City in winter
We also walked in Quebec City, even if at this time, the cold limits us in our movements and our time spent outside. We would have liked to take a guided tour of the city, but it was a bit long, we were afraid of the cold. So, we keep this activity for our next visit to Quebec in the summer.
Guided tour of QuebecTake a guided tour of Quebec City with a local. A perfect way to discover the city and learn more about its history. See prices
We obviously passed in front of the Château Frontenac, the Terrasses Dufferin or the Petit Champlain district. We visited the Museum of Civilization as well as the Observatory of Quebec offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
I can't wait to come back to this city to visit the other tourist sites like the renowned Fine Arts Museum, the Citadel or even the Parliament and the Plains of Abraham.
Our hotel in Quebec: L'Auberge Saint-Antoine
For our last nights, we had a little pleasure by going to sleep at the very prestigious Auberge Sainte-Antoine in Old Quebec! This place is magnificent, our room was cocooning and ultra-comfortable, the service is really excellent and the breakfast is divine. All this in addition to benefiting from a perfect location.
The restaurants we liked in Quebec
We were able to test a few good addresses during our stay. My gastronomic favorite in Quebec this winter was for the restaurant La Bûche. A real institution for lovers of local specialties such as poutine or other sugar pie.
We also ate at La Pizz' Saint Pierre in the Petit Champlain district, a treat.
Last restaurant tested in Quebec that I strongly recommend, "Chez Muffy", the restaurant of the Saint Antoine hotel where we were able to stay in Quebec.
I hope this article has made you want to discover Quebec in winter. Do not hesitate to tell us in comment your impressions on the Quebec winter if you had the opportunity to visit the region during this period.
