10 things to do in Quebec City with kids: winter edition

Quebec City in the winter is not like the others. Taking full advantage of its cozy, historical old town, and its surrounding mountains and natural spaces perfect for outdoor activities, Quebec City has Canada’s long, dark months figured out to a tee. It’s the ideal winter getaway, low stress and *so* family friendly – hands down one of the easiest road-trips we’ve taken.

Preparing for your Quebec City winter getaway

Dress for the weather

I would be remiss if I didn’t touch upon this thing that could ruin your getaway if not done well. 😛 Ever since our trip to Iceland, we have taken their saying to heart: “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Winter in Quebec is COLD, and snowy. The average temperature in January (the dead of winter) is between -10C (14F) and -20C (-4F). Most of Quebec City’s wintery activities are outdoors, so you want to make sure everyone stays toasty.

Make sure to wear a fleece layer, and a warm winter coat. Most kids we saw wore snow pants in the city. This is a great idea even if it’s not especially cold, as Quebec City is very hilly and there are so many areas where you can slide down small hills even when waiting in line for something. Be sure to wear winter boots rated for cold (-20C or -30C preferred), and thick ski socks. Don’t forget warm mitts and hats.

Driving/renting a car

If you are flying in for a quick weekend trip and planning to stay in the city, it is not necessary to have a car. Most attractions in the old town are very walkable, and there is plenty to do for 2 or even 3 days. But if you want to venture out of old town, having a car is a good idea.

Quebec City is fairly easy to navigate by car, and doesn’t get as congested during busy hours as many of North America’s big cities. Parking can be challenging but overall manageable. There are many paid public parking lots around old town, and roadside parking is available, particularly if you arrive early.

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1. Au 1884 Toboggan @ Dufferin Terrace

This is hands down our MOST recommended activity in Quebec City, a huge hit for both kids and adults. Big S immediately wanted to do it again (and I did too!) – but the line had gotten too long. 😛 This is an adrenaline activity, a historical experience, and a scenic viewpoint, all rolled into one.

The Dufferin Terrace toboggan was built in 1884, and is the oldest (and fastest!) attraction in Quebec City. In fact, it is the oldest operational toboggan run in the world! The run is built right along Dufferin Terrace, offering amazing views of the St. Lawrence River and the Chateau Frontenac.

The toboggan run is open from December to March. Tickets can be purchased for $3.91 CAD online, or for $5 CAD at the door. The official opening hours is from 10:00am to 5:00pm, but we recommended getting there early (by 9:30am). Lines in the afternoon can be up to 1.5 hours or more!

2. Afternoon tea @ Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Obviously not for every child (including our own). 😬But for kids who enjoy a more elevated experience, Chateau Frontenac offers a delicious afternoon tea on Fridays and Saturdays from $89 CAD for adults and $44 CAD for children ages 6-12. The menu includes sandwiches, scones, and pastries.

Chateau Frontenac is widely considered to be Canada’s most iconic building, and apparently the most photographed building in the world!

3. Toboggan, snow-shoe, skate or cross country ski @ Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham is a large urban park overlooking the St. Lawrence River. It is the site of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759, a pivotal battle between the British and the French for control of what would eventually become Canada.

In the winter, the open space is the perfect spot for winter activities, and man, do the Quebecois take advantage of it. I have never seen people casually cross-country skiing through any city (or maybe in general) before now! There are dedicated tracks for skiing, paths for walking, and designated areas for tobogganing. There is even a skating rink trail!

You can rent snow carpets for tobogganing at the Plains of Abraham museum, and skis, snow-shoes, and skates at the Skater’s Chalet.

4. Skate @ Place D’Youville

Another great winter activity is skating at the Place D’Youville. This is just outside the old town, but still very walkable. Skate at the base of the old city wall, and there is a very picturesque gate and tower.

You can rent and sharpen skates here as well.

5. Old Quebec Funicular

Old town Quebec City is divided into upper old town, and lower old town. There are stairs, but there is also the funicular… and Big S and Lil S never miss a chance to take a funicular. (Even though we took it *down*, and that kind of defeats the purpose? :P)

It is a short ride, bringing you into the very heart of the Quartier Petit Champlain. It is $6 CAD per person (free for children < 117cm).

6. Maple taffy on a stick @ Quartier Petit Champlain

Quartier Petit Champlain feels like stepping into a Christmas card. It is a very picturesque bit of lower old town, with many of the buildings now restaurants and shops. It is a *very* quaint spot. But for kids who may not be interested in either shopping or oooh-ing and aaah-ing over quaint spots, at the end of Rue de Petit Champlain is la Petite Cabane a Sucre de Quebec (the sugar shack). Not only can you purchase all kinds of maple syrup treats and souvenirs here, there is a stand just outside the shop where an employee makes fresh maple taffy over snow. This was such a huge hit our kids went back twice – the second time after a long walk around the city.

Maple taffy sticks are $4 CAD, and you can pay in cash or card (inside the store).

7. Place Royale and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church

Place Royale is just around the corner from Rue de Petit Champlain in the lower old city. This spot is where explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608, and is the first French settlement in North America.

Here you will find the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. Built in 1688, this is the oldest stone church in North America.

Our kids love the idea of being a part of the first anything, and this was the perfect bite-size piece of history.

8. Eat a poutine!

Poutine is a Canadian classic invented in Quebec, consisting of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. I’m not even kidding, Big S and Lil S had a poutine *every single day* of our trip to Quebec City.

For a historical twist, dine at Aux Anciens Canadiens in upper old town. This is the oldest house in Quebec City, converted into a restaurant. We were a little concerned eating here with kids (lots of very delicate looking heirlooms and artifacts), but they unanimously voted the poutine with duck the best poutine they’ve ever had. The restaurant also serves traditional fare, like meat pies and game meat, and an incredible maple pie dessert using a recipe from the 1600s.

9. Hotel de Glace and Valcartier Village

Moving a bit outside Quebec City proper, the Ice Hotel is worth a visit and a highlight for kids and adults. This is the only ice Hotel in North America, built annually using over 30 000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice. There is a main “building”, with an ice slide, sculptures, a dining hall, and a bar. There is also a gorgeous and very enchanting chapel, which frequently hosts symbolic wedding ceremonies. The kids favourite was the actual hotel building, where you get to see all the different rooms available for booking if you wanted to spend the night. The rooms are all unique in design, with incredible snow carvings, and some have ice tables, chairs, and even (non-ice) fireplaces.

Tickets for the Ice Hotel can be purchased online or on-site. Tickets cost $35 CAD online, and $42 CAD on-site. You have an option to by a 4-pack for $28 CAD/ticket, online only.

The Ice Hotel is part of the Valcartier Village, a resort hotel complex 30 minutes outside the city. In the winter, activities include snow-tubing and a skating trail. The resort has an indoor water park. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you can buy day passes to enjoy these other activities. We personally found the resort a little busy for our taste, full of crowds and tour buses during the day.

10. Montmorency Falls

Located just 10-15 minutes outside Old Quebec City, this is a fantastic family nature activity. Facing the St. Lawrence River, Montmorency Falls is even taller than Niagara Falls! Most of the falls freeze over in the winter. There are hikes you can take both at the base and at the top, although the stairs that connect the two are closed in the winter. You can either take your car in between, or ride the cable car for $15 CAD.

It is recommended to purchase your tickets online. Tickets are around $10 CAD for adults, and free for teens/kids < 17.

Bonus: Ski day @ Mont Sainte Anne (or Le Massif)

This was some of the best skiing we’ve done as a family. If your family skis at all (you do not need to be advanced), consider a ski day.

Mont Sainte Anne is a ski resort around 40 minutes away from Quebec City. The resort is large, with plenty of long runs for all levels. The scenery is gorgeous, with views of the St. Lawrence River. There is a restaurant at the top of the summit (where, you guessed it, Big S and Lil S had a poutine). You do not have to ski – you can choose to hike or snow-shoe.

Alternatively, Le Massif is another resort about 75 minutes away from Quebec City.

Questions about visiting Quebec City with kids? Drop us a line!