There is of course way more than 10 reasons to visit Quebec City during winter, but here is my selection of why you should visit the world’s winter capital.
The creation of the “caribou” is attributed to Lionel Faucher, aka “ti-père”, which used to hold a speakeasy on the famous rue Sainte-Thérèse Street in the basement of his residence during the winter Carnival. Although there really is no official recipe, Caribou usually consists of red wine, whiskey and maple syrup, heated and served in a coffee mug. What better way to keep you warm?
We’re talking about the Quebec Major Junior Hockey league team here, not the fortifications surrounding Old Quebec. Since their return in 1997, the Remparts won the Memorial Cup, the emblem of the Canadian junior hockey supremacy in 2006 under the command of NHL Hall of famer Patrick Roy, and have always made the playoffs in the QMJHL since returning 20 years ago. Year after year, they bring a competitive team to the new Centre Vidéotron, to where they moved in 2015 from the late Pepsi Coliseum, in one of their 34 home games. For the schedule of matches in Quebec, visit the Quebec Remparts website.
Erected in 1884, even before the construction of the famous Château Frontenac, slides on Dufferin Terrace offer an activity that is both historic and family-oriented. Obtain tickets at Café 1884, at the bottom of the slide, where you can also enjoy a light meal with a selection of sandwiches and coffee after your descent at over 60km/h.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
To the delight of young and old, Valcartier Vacation Village opens its doors to winter slides lovers from December ‘till the end of March, with its 40 slides on inner tubes, its ice rinks and hiking trails. In order to end the day well, they also offer you a package “Snow and Fondue,” including access to day or night slides with a hot pot meal (fondue), ideal either for a romantic meal as a couple or a family reunion. This year, the Quebec Ice Hotel will also be located on the grounds of the Village Vacances Valcartier, and packages including a visit to the hotel and slides are also available on their website.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
What would this list be without the famous Ice Hotel Quebec, which will be located, as mentioned above, at the Valcartier Vacation Village. For 16 years now, this structure entirely made of ice offers visitors an enchanting winter wonderland experience, with its bar, ballroom and chapel. In addition, the 2017 edition will include a spa, a slide and a sugar shack. It is of course possible to spend the night, but book now as places are selling like hot cakes![vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
You cannot come to Quebec in winter without trying to learn to how skate, and there is no better place to do this than the ice ring of the Plains of Abraham. With its capacity of over 350 people at the same time, you can rent skates, snowshoes or skis, or simply walk and discover the charm of a stroll in the unique magical atmosphere of Quebec City.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Experience the adventure of the great northern Quebec and discover this unusual mode of transport with one of the companies located in the Quebec’s region. Young and old will certainly fall in love with these magnificent beasts, and will be amazed by their strength and endurance, which are essential to travel long distances in such extreme conditions.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Snow sports enthusiasts or curious to try your luck on a snowboard or skis, the 4 ski resorts in the greater Quebec City region offers tracks worked professionally in breathtaking sceneries. Whether Stoneham or Le Relais with their many trails open for evening ski, or the Massif de Charlevoix with raids that give the impression to dive into the St. Lawrence River, without forgetting the Mont-Saint-Anne and kilometers of trails of hiking, you’ll be spoiled for choice.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Since 1955, the Québec Winter Carnival is a key event for all winter enthusiasts worldwide. Presented in February, you will be charmed by the festive atmosphere and the legendary hospitality of the residents of the city of Quebec which, despite the cold weather, is still as warm as their reputation suggest. Attend the old city parade, visit the Bonhomme’s castle, the emblem and spokesman of the event, or join one of the many activities offered during 10 days of the world’s biggest winter carnival.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
If you dream of a romantic walk in a winter setting worthy of a fairy tale, the Petit-Champlain district is the place that you must visit during your winter getaway to Quebec City. With its 17th century French architecture, spectacular lighting and its copper stone streets, this gem of World Heritage is a must-see place that will immerse you in the magical setting of a fairy-tale winter.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
