A stone arched gate with green-roofed towers, part of Quebec City's fortifications, stands over a snow-dusted road. This historic site is a peaceful winter scene in Quebec.

The Perfect Quebec City 3-Day Winter Itinerary for Families

ByErin Updated on

Quebec City in winter is like something straight out of a postcard. The cobblestone streets of Old Quebec are dusted with fresh snow, twinkling lights line the historic buildings, and the scent of maple taffy fills the air. Whether you’re strolling past the Château Frontenac, warming up in a cozy café, or bundling up for a day of winter fun, the city has a magical charm that makes it one of the best winter destinations in Canada for families.

While we’ve visited Quebec City multiple times, we recently spent 3 days in Quebec in the winter and had the chance to experience its classic cold-weather activities. We raced down the Dufferin Terrace toboggan run, explored the Carnaval de Québec ice palace, and skated outdoors with the city’s historic walls as a backdrop. It was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and cozy moments, and this Quebec City 3-day winter itinerary will help you plan a winter trip to remember.

Day 1: Exploring Old Quebec

Start your first day in Quebec City by exploring its historic streets, charming cafés, and iconic landmarks. Old Quebec is especially beautiful in winter, with snow-covered rooftops and festive lights making it feel like a storybook setting. After a morning of sightseeing, warm up with an indoor activity before ending the day with outdoor skating in the heart of the city.

Morning: Explore Old Quebec

Start your trip by exploring Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec), a UNESCO-listed district that’s even more magical in winter. The cobblestone streets, dusted with fresh snow, lead past centuries-old buildings, charming storefronts, and festive decorations. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down and take it all in.

Begin at Château Frontenac, the city’s most famous landmark and the most photographed hotel in the world. From here, walk along Dufferin Terrace, a scenic boardwalk with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. In the winter months, this is also where you’ll find the historic toboggan run, a must-do activity that we’ll get to later in the itinerary.

From the boardwalk, take the Funiculaire down to Rue du Petit-Champlain, one of the prettiest streets in Canada. This pedestrian-friendly area is filled with twinkling lights, cute boutiques, and cozy cafés—perfect for a stroll.

Our Tip: Stop at La Petite Cabane à Sucre to try maple taffy on snow—a fun (and delicious) Canadian winter tradition that kids will love.

A steep staircase leads up to the Château Frontenac, with ornate green railings and snow-covered trees surrounding the path. The historic hotel overlooks Quebec in winter from its hilltop perch.
Chateau Frontenac
A man in a fur-lined hat and plaid coat prepares maple taffy on snow at an outdoor sugar shack stand, with a "Cabane à sucre" sign on the wall behind him. This traditional maple treat is a highlight of Quebec in winter.
you’ve got to try maple taffy..

Afternoon: Head Indoors

After a morning outside, head indoors for some family-friendly fun.

If you’re looking for something educational and interactive, visit the Musée de la Civilisation. This museum is engaging for all ages, with hands-on exhibits that explore Quebec’s history and Indigenous cultures, as well as fun rotating displays that appeal to kids. It’s the kind of place where learning feels like play, making it a great choice if you need a break from the cold.

Or if your kids love animals, the Aquarium du Québec is another great option. This part-indoor, part-outdoor aquarium is home to polar bears, arctic fox, seals, and thousands of fish. The polar bears are a highlight, but as you might guess from the name, it’s mostly fish—and surprisingly, my kids were most fascinated by the jellyfish. There was moon jellyfish and a dragon seahorse, which I had no idea either was a thing until we visited. And they even got to touch stingrays!

Two children stand silhouetted in front of a glowing red aquarium tank filled with dozens of jellyfish drifting through the water. The vivid lighting creates a mesmerizing, otherworldly scene at the Aquarium du Québec.
they could watch the jellyfish all day…
A leafy sea dragon swims among swaying strands of kelp in a dimly lit tank, its body camouflaged with leaf-like fins. The deep blue background contrasts with the delicate yellow and brown tones of this unique marine creature.
the sea dragon!
A child wearing a green and blue winter hat gently touches a stingray in a shallow touch tank, with several rays gliding through the clear water. The rocky edge and tropical mural in the background create an immersive aquarium experience.
he loved being able to touch the stingrays.

Evening: Skate Outdoors

End the day with outdoor skating at Place d’Youville, a beautiful skating rink set against the backdrop of Old Quebec’s historic walls. Skating here in the evening, with the city lights reflecting off the ice, is a special experience—whether your kids are first-timers or confident on skates. Skating is free and rentals are available (for a fee) so no need to pack your own.

After skating, warm up with poutine from Snack Bar Saint-Jean. This casual spot serves an excellent classic Quebec poutine with crispy fries, rich gravy, and fresh cheese curds—the perfect way to refuel after a full day of winter fun.

Children and adults ice skate on a public rink near a stone fortress wall and archway in Quebec City. The cloudy sky and snowy surroundings reflect the joy of outdoor activities in Quebec in winter.
skating at Place d’Youville – it’s even prettier at night

Day 2: A Full Day of Winter Fun

For your second day in Quebec City, plan for a full day of outdoor winter activities. We’ve provided two options, depending when you are visiting Quebec, but both options offer plenty of ways to enjoy the snow. 

Option 1: Quebec Winter Carnival (If Visiting in February)

If you’re visiting during the Carnaval de Québec, spend the day soaking up the festival atmosphere. The Carnival is one of the biggest winter festivals in the world, with plenty of family-friendly activities. You’ll find giant ice slides, snow sculptures, sleigh rides, as well as outdoor games and performances. Kids will love exploring Bonhomme’s Ice Palace, meeting the festival’s friendly mascot, and watching the lively night parades if you stay into the evening.

Option 2:  Valcartier Winter Playground

Just 40 minutes from Quebec City, Valcartier is home to North America’s largest winter playground, making it an easy choice for a full day of family fun. The snow tubing hills have options from gentle slopes for younger kids to high-speed runs for thrill-seekers, while the skating paths wind through the trees for a more relaxed winter activity. If your kids need a break from the cold, head inside to Bora Parc, a massive indoor waterpark with waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It’s the perfect way to warm up after a morning in the snow.

Valcartier is also home to the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel), an incredible hotel made entirely of ice and snow. Entrance to tour it is included with Valcartier admission, giving you a chance to explore the intricately carved ice rooms, ice bar, and stunning sculptures throughout the hotel. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even spend the night in one of the ice suites, bundled up in a thermal sleeping bag.

OurTip: If you’re planning to visit Bora Parc, don’t forget to pack swimsuits and flip-flops so you’re not stuck walking around barefoot on the cold floors!

Day 3: Tobogganing, Ice Fishing & Montmorency Falls


Spend your last day in Quebec City enjoying a mix of adventure and sightseeing. Start the morning with a thrilling ride down the historic toboggan run, then try a uniquely Canadian winter experience before heading to see Montmorency Falls, which is even more impressive when partially frozen in winter.

Morning: Ride the Historic Toboggan Slide

Start the day with one of Quebec City’s oldest winter traditions—tobogganing on Dufferin Terrace. This wooden slide, built in 1884, reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h, making it a thrilling ride for kids and adults alike. The best part? It’s located right next to Château Frontenac, so you get an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River as you race down.

Local Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends, as lines can get long later in the day.

Groups of people ride wooden toboggans down the icy Terrasse Dufferin slide in Quebec City, overlooking the frozen St. Lawrence River and lower town. Château Frontenac and a snowy skyline frame this classic Quebec in winter scene.
A child rides a wooden toboggan down an icy slide on Terrasse Dufferin in Quebec City, with Château Frontenac and a snow-covered gazebo visible in the background. This thrilling winter activity is a highlight of visiting Quebec in winter.
it’s as fun as it looks!

Late Morning: Ice Fishing on the St. Lawrence River

For a unique Canadian winter experience, try ice fishing on the St. Lawrence River. Several outfitters provide everything you need, including a heated fishing hut and help for beginners, but we suggest going to Village Nordik at the Port of Quebec. The kid-friendly fishing is conveniently located in town, and if you catch a fish, they can cook it onsite for you (for a small fee). 

Afternoon: Montmorency Falls

After warming up, head just outside the city to Montmorency Falls, one of the most impressive natural sights in Quebec. Standing at 83 metres (272 feet) high, it’s actually taller than Niagara Falls, though much narrower. In the winter, the falling water freezes into massive ice formations, inluding the “sugar loaf”, a huge mound of ice that builds up at the base of the falls. 

Walk across the suspension bridge for great views of the falls below – this was actually my kids favourite part and they could have stayed there for awhile if I wasn’t so cold! If your kids are up for an adventure, there’s also an option to explore a few of the icy trails and viewpoints surrounding the falls – and there’s a small playground if your kids aren’t up for exploring. 

Two children wearing winter coats and boots share a hug on a snowy overlook, facing the partially frozen Montmorency Falls. A scenic and heartwarming moment during a visit to Montmorency Falls in the winter.
Two children in winter jackets and boots stand on a wooden pedestrian bridge, looking down at a partially frozen river near Montmorency Falls. Snow-covered trees and a distant road bridge frame the quiet winter landscape.

Evening: Dinner at a Family-Friendly Spot

Wrap up your trip with one last memorable meal. For a classic Quebecois experience, head to Le Sam at Château Frontenac, where you can dine with a view of the city. If you’re looking for something more casual and family-friendly, Cochon Dingue is a great choice. With a warm, fun atmosphere and a menu featuring comfort food like shepherd’s pie, burgers, and sugar pie for dessert, there’s plenty of options for everyone in the family.

If you’d rather end the trip with a unique experience, Ciel! Bistro-Bar offers a rotating panoramic view of Quebec City while you eat—just keep in mind that it’s a bit more upscale.

What to Pack for a Winter Trip to Quebec City with Kids

Quebec winters can be cold (-10°C to -25°C), so you’ll want to pack smart to stay warm:

✅ Waterproof boots – The streets can get icy and slushy. My kids like Bogs, while Sorel is another good, but heavier winter boot.
✅ Warm layers – A thermal base – these base layers from Decathlon are awesome- fleece, and insulated coat.
✅ Gloves, hat, and scarf – Essentials for outdoor fun. Don’t forget snow pants too!
✅ Swimsuit – If you plan to visit Valcartier’s Bora Parc.
✅ Hand warmers – Great for little hands – or big – during outdoor activities.

Two children in winter coats stand in front of Porte Saint-Jean, a stone city gate decorated with stars and ivy. This iconic entrance to Old Quebec highlights the historic charm of Quebec in winter.
A young boy in a snow suit walks down icy steps toward a cobblestone street in Old Quebec, lined with historic buildings decorated for winter. Snow piles and street lamps add charm to this classic view of Quebec in winter.
A narrow, snow-lined alley in Old Quebec leads to a red brick building with dozens of red and black hockey sticks hanging above. Château Frontenac towers in the background, adding grandeur to this Quebec in winter setting.

Final Tips for Visiting Quebec City in Winter with Kids

Quebec City in winter is a perfect mix of history, adventure, and seasonal charm, making it an unforgettable destination for families. Whether you’re tobogganing on Dufferin Terrace, snow tubing at Valcartier, exploring the Ice Hotel, or skating under the city lights, this Quebec City 3-day winter itinerary covers all the best experiences. With plenty of cozy spots to warm up, delicious local food to try, and unique winter activities to enjoy, it’s the kind of trip that will leave you with incredible memories.

If you’re planning more adventures in Quebec, check out our suggestions for the best things to do in Quebec City in the winter that make the city extra magical. And don’t miss a visit to Montmorency Falls, where the waterfall freezes into a wall of ice, or the Quebec Aquarium, which is a great stop for families. And before you go, make sure you’re prepared for the cold with this winter packing list for Canada.

Erin Martin is the founder of Take the Kids Everywhere, a family travel blog that helps parents explore the world with their kids — one destination at a time. She’s travelled to 20+ countries with her kids, including destinations across Europe, South America, and Canada. With a background in teaching and a love for exploring new places, Erin shares practical tips, city guides, and real-life experiences to make family travel easier and more enjoyable.

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