Every year for the past four years, we escape the rain in Vancouver and fly across the country to spend the first week of December in Quebec City.
There is something about the crisp cold air hitting your face as you walk through a 400-year-old city that makes you feel completely alive. Quebec City in the winter is pure magic. It offers the historic charm, architecture, and culinary experience of Europe right here in Canada.
Because we visit every single year, we have perfected our winter itinerary. If you are planning a romantic holiday getaway, here is our ultimate guide to exploring Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec), including where to sleep, what to eat, and how to navigate the cobblestone hills in the snow.
Arrival and Parking Logistics
We fly directly into Quebec City and always rent a car for convenience. Having a vehicle makes taking day trips outside the city incredibly easy.
However, street parking inside the historic walls of Old Quebec is exceptionally rare and tightly restricted. We highly recommend parking your rental car at the nearby Parliament Building underground lot or the Plains of Abraham surface lots. Once your car is parked, plan to explore the historic center entirely on foot.
Where We Stay: Inside the Walls
We always prefer staying inside the walls of Old Quebec. It keeps you within walking distance of the best restaurants and holiday lights.
- Our Go-To Boutique Hotel: We love the Auberge Du Tresor. It is perfectly located in the heart of the action and offers incredible historic charm.
- The Ultimate Splurge: One year, to celebrate Dana’s birthday, we booked a stay at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Waking up inside a literal castle overlooking the St. Lawrence River is an unforgettable experience.
Annual Traditions and Winter Activities
Quebec City is built for winter walking. Here are our favorite ways to spend the chilly December days:
- The German Christmas Market: Visiting the outdoor market is a massive highlight. Grabbing a warm drink and browsing the wooden stalls under the glowing holiday lights makes the cold weather completely worth it.
- The Historic Funiculaire: Save your legs and pay $5 CAD to ride the historic Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec cable car straight down the cliffside. You step off directly into Quartier Petit Champlain, which is one of the oldest shopping streets in North America. We love wandering past the boutique shops and artisan craft stores down here.
- Guided Walking and Food Tours: Exploring Old Quebec with a local guide is the best way to uncover the 400-year history of the city. We highly recommend taking a guided walking tour through the snowy cobblestone streets or booking a local food tour to sample traditional Quebecois specialties. Book a highly-rated Old Quebec City walking or food tour to make the most of your visit.
Day Trips Outside the City
Having a rental car allows you to explore the stunning natural landscapes just outside the city center. We highly recommend taking the short, scenic drive around Île d’Orléans.
We also visited Montmorency Falls, which is actually taller than Niagara Falls! Seeing the massive waterfall partially frozen in the winter weather is absolutely spectacular and a must-do for nature lovers.
Our Favorite Places to Eat
The culinary scene in Quebec City is phenomenal. We have a few staple restaurants that we return to every single year.
- Restaurant La Buche: This is our absolute must-do annual tradition. We visit every year for their brunch. Their traditional Quebecois plates are incredible and the perfect way to warm up.
- 1640 Bistro: A fantastic spot for a cozy charcuterie board and drinks after a long day of walking in the cold.
- Ciel! Bistro-bar: We booked a table at this rotating restaurant to celebrate Dana’s birthday. You get panoramic, 360-degree views of the city and the river while you eat an incredible dinner.
Winter Survival Tips
The historic district is packed with uneven cobblestones and incredibly steep hills. In December, the sidewalks can get slippery, and the wind coming off the river is freezing. Keeping your hands and head warm is the secret to enjoying long walks between the shops and the Christmas market.
We recommend packing a pair of touchscreen-friendly thermal gloves so you can snap photos of the holiday lights without freezing your hands.
You also absolutely need a good toque. A high-quality, fleece-lined toque like this one will trap the heat and keep you comfortable while exploring the city all day.
Have you ever visited Quebec City in the winter, or is it on your bucket list? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know!