Quebec City is often featured on lists of the top 10 travel destinations in Canada. It’s idolized for its quaint, picturesque old city, which carries a major vibe of colonial France influence. When you walk the streets of Old Quebec, you are sure to be taken back in time. Offering activities for all seasons, there's no question that this provincial capital should be at the top of every traveler's bucket list! Below is a list of the top ten things to do in Quebec City, Canada during the wintertime!
The Toboggan Run
Your first stop when visiting Old Quebec City, should be the world famous Toboggan run! Located right next to Chateau Frontenac, the Terrasse Dufferin Slides reside in the center of Old Quebec. Each trip down the slick ice tube will cost you just $3 CAD (or four runs for $10 CAD) making it an affordable and fun experience for everyone! The slide opens at 10 am which gives you plenty of time to grab a famous crepe-filled breakfast before venturing down the slippery slopes!
Eat Crepes
When visiting Quebec, two things should come to mind: poutine and crepes! Don't worry, we’ll dive into the poutine later on, but when investing a full day in the exploration of Vieux Quebec, you should definitely start out your morning by fueling up with a sweet or savory crepe. There are tons of businesses that sell the skinny pancake, but we highly recommend giving Le Petit Chateau a shot!
Funiculaire (Funicular)
The Funiculaire, or funicular as it’s often spelled, is another must-do activity. A slow and steady ride, the funicular will take you down to the lower part of the old city which is referred to as Quartier Petit Champlain. The ride will cost you $3.50 CAD per person each way. On the trip, you will be treated to a beautiful overview of the city below and the St. Lawrence River which lies further out in the distance.
Explore Quartier Petit Champlain
This lower part of the Old City has tons of shops, restaurants, ice sculptures, and even an ice slide to explore and try out! It’s the perfect place to find souvenirs, sit and warm up by a fire, and grab some delicious hot cocoa! If visiting Quebec City during the holiday season, you especially don’t want to miss this part of the city. The holiday decor and lights give a magical, festive feel and are not to be missed!
Poutine
You cannot pay a visit to the province of Quebec without indulging in the famous dish. For those who are unfamiliar with what poutine is, it's a combination of french fries, brown gravy, and curd cheese. In Quebec, you can find a variety of different kinds of poutine. A popular place for locals and tourists that offers poutine diversity and great vibes is Poutineville! Don't forget to pair your poutine with some famous Canadian Ale.
Citadelle
More like a labyrinth, this historical landmark and active military installation are said to be a great experience. Here you can walk among the walled-in fortress and view the changing of the guards similar to the Buckingham Palace ceremony. The entrance fee for the Citadelle varies, but you can expect to pay around $16 CAD for adults and receive free admission for kids under 10 years of age.
Chateau Frontenac
Chateau Frontenac, the biggest and most prominent structure in Old Quebec, sits right in the center of everything. There is a lot to explore around the castle, as well as inside it. For example, there is a small art museum with famous paintings and sculptures. The basement is also a great part of the castle to explore, as it is a small museum that discusses the history of the chateau.
Market Old Port Of Quebec
The Market Old Port Of Quebec seemed to be a bit of a hidden treasure. Located near Quartier Petit Champlain and styled like an old fishing market, the old port offers a variety of vendors and is another great place to grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir to bring home.
The famous Quebec Ice Hotel is definitely an experience of its own. Located about 20 minutes from Old Quebec, the Ice Hotel has an entrance fee of around $21 CAD but is well worth the price. You get to explore the inside of this breathtaking hotel, which houses an ice bar/lounge, ice slide, and over 40 rooms/suites. When visiting, we definitely recommend trying an adult beverage out of the ice carved cups!
Ride The Ferry
Departing every thirty minutes, the ferry will take you on a fifteen-minute journey across the St. Lawrence River. In the wintertime, it’s quite an attraction as it pushes through ice chunks that float on top of the river.
Overall, Quebec is a very affordable, fun, and picturesque city that is family friendly and perfect for hosting a weekend getaway! It also offers many activities in the summertime, definitely plan trips for both seasons!
Post written by Sophie Coderre
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