Travel Guide: How To Winter In Quebec City  

Even if you’re more of a snowbird than a snow lover, you won’t want to miss a getaway to Quebec City this winter.

The historic walled city, whose Old Québec district has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, is charming all year round but particularly magical during the winter months, when the cobblestone streets are snow-dusted and many shopfronts lit by twinkling fairy lights.

You can sign up for classic wintertime activities like tobogganing and ice fishing, explore the only ice hotel in North America, and get pampered at a stunning spa with views of the St. Lawrence River—all in one fun-filled weekend.

Here’s what to see and do on your next wintertime trip to Quebec City. —Truc Nguyen

Get Pampered: Strøm Spa Old Quebec

Part of Quebec-based Strøm’s established network of Nordic spas, Strøm Old Quebec opened in 2018 and has won multiple awards since for its bold design and exceptional service. Just a few minutes from the centre of Old Québec, the waterfront property has been named Canada’s Best Day Spa at the World Spa Awards for two years in a row.

This spa alone is worth making the trip to Quebec City, and you’ll need a full day to properly experience the facilities—just book your treatments and restaurant reservation in advance as there can be high demand for weekend appointments.

In between an invigorating BORÉAL facial and an excellent massage with a registered therapist, I spent an hour floating in the indoor-outdoor Strøm “river,” and just as long in the infinity pool watching tug boats and ice floes passing by along the St. Lawrence.

There’s much more to see and do, though. Strøm Old Quebec boasts the largest flotation bath in North America, multiple outdoor pools and hot tubs, thermal and Nordic waterfalls, Finnish saunas and even a relaxation room with infrared chairs. And when you’re ready for a nibble or drink, the onsite restaurant, Nord, offers scenic riverside vistas and dishes ranging from Hasselback potatoes to smoked duck breast and Nordic shrimp remoulade for lunch and dinner.  

Get Outside: Ice Fishing, a Toboggan Slide and the Hôtel de Glace 

There are ample opportunities to celebrate the winter season in Quebec City, even after the famous Carnaval de Québec has wrapped up. Trending on TikTok this year, the century-old Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide is open from December to March each year and costs less than four dollars a person to ride. For a few more weeks, you can also try ice fishing at the Village Nordik du Port de Québec; the nominal fee includes all the equipment you’ll need to catch an record-breaking rainbow trout, and there’s even a nearby warming centre if you need to take a break from trawling the ice.

A little further out from the city but definitely worth the drive, the Hôtel de Glace at Village Vacances Valcartier is the only ice hotel in North America. The best way to get there is to book an all-inclusive experience through the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which includes round-trip transportation from Old Québec, a private guided tour of the hotel, and a groumet, multi-course meal at the ice hotel restaurant—welcome drink in an hand-carved ice glass included.

Get Rested: Le Germain Hotel Quebec

Located in the historic Old Port district, steps away from the waterfront and the grand Musée de la civilisation, this 60-room boutique hotel is an ideal home base for exploring Quebec’s capital city.

The rooms at Le Germain Hotel Quebec are modern, spacious and elegantly appointed, and each is stocked with great finds from across “La Belle Province”—everything from Ruby Brown toiletries to Camellia Sinensis teas to candies from local brand c’est BONBON. Guests will appreciate the cozy, fireplace-lit lobby lounge, convenient breakfast buffet and always-open fitness centre.