12 Fun Things to do in Quebec City in Winter with Kids
*This post features the best things to do in Quebec City in Winter with kids. It may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.
Quebec City is one of the best family destinations in Canada. Although you’re in the heart of North America, Quebec City stands out for its typically European charm. The cobbled streets and architecture of Old Quebec will make you think you’re in a pretty Parisian neighbourhood. The city doesn’t make the list of top destinations for family getaways in Quebec for nothing!
Even if Quebec City is packed with fun activities for the whole family all year round, winter is a particularly good time to visit the city. The snow adds a special touch to this already charming city. What’s more, unique activities and experiences are organised during the winter months.
To help you plan your next family getaway to Quebec City, we’ve identified the 12 best things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids.
What’s the weather like in Quebec City in winter?
Let’s be honest, winters in Quebec City are cold! But that’s part of the charm of visiting the city in the middle of winter, isn’t it?! Average temperatures vary between -4⁰C (25⁰F) and -18⁰C (0⁰F), depending on the month. January is generally the coldest month.
When it comes to snow, you’re in for a treat in Quebec City! In December, January and February alone, the average snowfall is 78 cm, 73 cm and 63 cm respectively. To make the most of winter’s activities, be sure to dress appropriately.
Getting around Quebec City
There is no international airport in Quebec City, the nearest being Montreal. So you can choose a flight that lands in Montreal and take the train to Quebec City.
If your accommodation is in Old Quebec, you can easily visit the main attractions on foot. However, many interesting activities are further away from the city centre. The ideal solution is to rent a car so that you can move around freely and access the main attractions quickly and easily. Winter road conditions can be dangerous – we strongly advise you to rent a car equipped with winter tires (especially if you’ve never or rarely driven in snowy conditions).
Having a car will make getting around much easier, especially if you’re planning to visit Villages Valcartier with the kids.
➡️ Read Next: 7 Long Weekend Family Getaways in Quebec
The 12 best things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids
1 – Carnaval de Québec (Winter Carnival)
Since 1955, the Carnaval de Québec has been the ultimate winter event! It’s undoubtedly the best-known (and most popular with families) of all the things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids.
The Carnival offers a host of fun activities for all the family. As well as a visit to Bonhomme Carnaval’s famous Ice Palace, the gigantic ice castle where Bonhomme lives during Carnival, here are some of the classic activities that families particularly enjoy:
- Night parades: on these two very special evenings, children (and parents!) gather along the decorated streets to watch the Carnival parades. These night parades are sure to be a sight to behold: strolling performance tableaux, choreography, music, light shows…. And the presence of Bonhomme Carnaval!
- Snow and ice sculptures: as part of the Carnival, Place George V is transformed into a snowy, icy art gallery! You’ll be able to admire over 40 sculptures.
- Shows: the Carnival schedule includes a number of musical evenings. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a day out enjoying the best things to do in Quebec City in winter: dancing!
There are plenty of other interesting activities on the schedule too: children’s shows, snow tubing, ice canoe races, games and sugar shacks are sure to please the whole family.
Dates: February 7 – 16, 2025
2 – Ice Skating at Place D’Youville
What better way to make the most of winter than ice skating in an enchanting winter setting?
Head to Place d’Youville, where you’ll find one of the most beautiful skating rinks in the whole of Quebec City. Lace up your skates and take advantage of this enchanting setting to spend some quality time with the whole family. Why not round off this winter activity with a nice hot chocolate?
Whether you’re new to skating or your skating prowess is worthy of figure skaters, a visit to the Place d’Youville skating rink is certainly one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids.
* Because the rink is refrigerated, it is not subject to weather conditions and opens before it starts to get really cold (it opens as early as mid-November).
3 – Visit the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel)
Visiting the Hôtel de Glace is definitely one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids. The whole family will be massively impressed by this completely out-of-the-ordinary piece of architecture.
Even if you’re not planning to spend the night, you can still visit this hotel made entirely of ice – a unique concept. Each year, the hotel opts for a different theme to wow its visitors. From the Grand Hall to the rooms and suites, you can admire a number of majestic ice sculptures.
The Hôtel de Glace attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is located in the Village Vacances Valcartier, some twenty minutes north of Quebec City. The best way to get there is by car. Parking is available on site.
4 – Snow tubing
Another of the best ways to have fun with the family during a winter getaway in Quebec City is to visit Valcartier Vacation Village for a session of snow tubing. In fact, as well as being the home of the Hôtel de Glace de Québec, the Village Vacances Valcartier is also home to the biggest winter play playfround in America.
There are different tubing slopes – something for everyone. For example, the central area is perfect for families who want to slide with toddlers. The Tornado and Himalaya are ‘extreme’ slopes that will keep older children and speed lovers happy. Finally, there’s even a slope reserved for snow rafting! A great winter activity for the whole family!
As well as the snow tubing slopes, the winter playground also has a skating trail over a kilometre long. The trail is illuminated and music accompanies you along the way.
5 – Visit the Petit Champlain area
The Petit Champlain area is the most picturesque in Quebec City. But it’s even more beautiful in winter! The snow-covered streets and fabulous Christmas decorations give this area a very special feel during the cold season.
Strolling through the pedestrianised streets of Petit Champlain is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids. Located in the Lower Town, near the Old Port, the Petit Champlain boasts a number of major attractions. These include Place Royale and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church.
As you stroll through the streets of the area, you’ll be able to admire European-style heritage buildings dating back to the 18th century. You’ll feel like you’re walking through the heart of a Parisian district… in the snow! There are over forty shops and several restaurants in this pretty district. You can window-shop or go shopping to bring home a souvenir of Quebec City.
Rue du Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial avenues on the continent, becomes particularly lively on winter evenings. With all the Christmas decorations and the magical atmosphere, you’ll feel like you’re strolling through a setting straight out of a Christmas movie!
To add to the experience, if you want to reach the district from the Dufferin Terrace, you can take the Old Quebec funicular.
6 – Outdoor activities
There are a number of magnificent nature parks close to Quebec City. These include Parc naturel régional de Portneuf and Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. These are the ideal places to go for winter sports and enjoy the great outdoors.
Winter activities include hiking on snowy trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fatbike and snow scootering.
Given the popularity of these areas, we strongly advise you to book your ticket online in advance.
For outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with children.
Parc naturel régional de Portneuf is about an hour’s drive from Quebec City. Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is about 30 minutes from Quebec City.
7 – Quebec City’s Giant Ice Slide – Dufferin Terrace
This gigantic wooden slide, located on the Dufferin Terrace, is one of the main winter attractions in Quebec City.
To say that this activity is a must-do during a winter getaway in Quebec City is an understatement! In fact, the slide has been one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids since 1884, the year it was built. The Fairmont Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world, was built right next to it a few years later.
The slide has three icy corridors – you can buy a ticket that will give you access to a sleigh that can accommodate up to four passengers. You can admire the winter landscape of Quebec City unfold as you hurtle down the slope at speeds of up to 70 km/h.
One ticket per person per ride is required. Children under 3 can ride for free. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
As well as giving you a breathtaking view of Quebec City from the Dufferin Terrace, this activity is sure to give you a thrill! For more information on this winter activity in Quebec City, click here.
8 – Québec City German Christmas Market
Every year, from late November to 23 December, the German Christmas Market lights up Old Quebec. Beautifully decorated with magnificent Christmas lights, you’ll discover traditional wooden stalls and special activities for all the family.
Inspired by the great European Christmas markets, the German Christmas Market in Quebec City brings a festive and magical atmosphere to Old Quebec. It’s the perfect place to take the family for a stroll, pick up some original Christmas gifts, and savour German and local products. Christmas carols, free family fun activities and a magical atmosphere make this Christmas market one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with the whole family.
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9 – ski resorts
For families who love the outdoors, hitting the slopes (downhill skiing or snowboarding) is another of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids.
Skiers and snowboarders have access to no fewer than four ski resorts close to Quebec City. Each of these resorts offers magnificent winter scenery and excellent snow conditions.
All four ski resorts are family-friendly and offer equipment rental for children and adults.
Here are the different options, depending on your skill level and interests:
Le Relais Ski Centre is the ideal ski resort for families looking for an introduction to winter sports. Le Relais is the closest ski resort to Quebec City, being just a fifteen-minute drive from Old Quebec. Le Relais has 33 trails, including 7 easy ones, and two school slopes. To refuel the troops after a run down the slopes, you can choose between the cafeteria (hot and cold menu) and the Jack Rabbit Pub. Microwaves are also available in the main chalet for visitors who want to bring their own snacks.
Stoneham Resort is another family favourite near Quebec City. This ski resort has 43 trails, so skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy this winter activity.
Mont Saint-Anne is an outdoor centre where families can enjoy a wide range of winter sports. As well as downhill skiing, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (60 km of trails), fatbike riding (26 km of trails), backcountry skiing and hiking.
For snowboarders and downhill skiers, there are 71 trails to choose from – something for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
Mont Saint-Anne is located 40 km from downtown Quebec City.
Finally, for postcard-perfect scenery, head for Le Massif de Charlevoix. Of all four, this ski resort is the furthest from Quebec City – at 75 km away from downtown. At the top of Le Massif, which has the highest vertical drop in the province, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the St Lawrence River. Le Massif’s skiable terrain extends over 53 trails.
10 – The Plains of Abraham in winter
The Plains of Abraham are at the heart of the history of Quebec City and Canada in general. It was here that historic battles were fought (in 1759 and 1760). Aside from its historical features, the Plains of Abraham Park is particularly popular with locals and tourists for its quality as a nature park and for the activities on offer.
Visiting the Plains of Abraham in the snow is one of the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with your family, for a number of reasons.
The Plains of Abraham are one of the best places to enjoy winter activities right in the heart of the city. You can walk along the groomed paths, strap on your skates to enjoy the beautiful ice rink, explore the cross-country ski trails or slide down one of the two dedicated areas. Equipment rental is available on site.
Other fun activities are also available on site. These include the Shoot, score! treasure hunt. This activity is ideal for families visiting Quebec City in winter with kids aged 6 to 12.
11 – Ice fishing
Ice fishing is a fun activity for the kids! Young and old alike will have fun teasing fish in a snowy setting.
What’s more, you can go ice fishing downtown Quebec City. In the heart of the Nordik Village in the Port of Quebec, you can fish in the Bassin Louise. Dress warmly and enjoy the fun activities on site.
For ice-fishing enthusiasts who want a more traditional experience, you can also try your hand at this activity in the region’s outdoor centres.
12 – Water park – Bora Parc
After spending a lot of time outdoors enjoying the best things to do in Quebec City in winter with your family, you might want to opt for a fun indoor activity. Bora Parc is just what you need!
It’s a gigantic indoor water park that will give a tropical flavour to your winter getaway in Quebec City. You’ll find 14 water slides, a family pool with games, a large wave pool, an adventure river, a double surf wave and private cabanas where you can relax.
Bora Parc is located at Village Vacances Valcartier, about twenty minutes north of Quebec City. If you don’t have a car while you’re in Quebec City, plan to rent one to get you there easily.
Wrapping Up the Best Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter with Kids
Quebec City in winter is a magical destination for families, with so many fun activities to keep kids entertained and parents happy. From tobogganing at the Dufferin Terrace to exploring the enchanting Old Quebec and enjoying the festivities of Carnaval, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the snowy season together.
To make the most of your trip, be sure to dress warmly, plan for plenty of hot cocoa breaks, and take your time soaking in the winter wonderland. Whether you’re building snow forts, ice skating, or simply strolling through the snow-covered streets, Quebec City offers unforgettable experiences for families during the winter months.
Planning a family trip to Quebec City? Read these posts next:
– 5 Best places to Visit in Quebec in Winter for Families
– 7 Long Weekend Family Getaways in Quebec
