Quebec City In Winter: 11 Unspoken Realities To Know

Ah Quebec City in winter! It’s such a magical place! Well in theory anyway..

The freshly fallen snow, hot chocolate, and your favourite winter activity all sounds wonderful until you’re actually there…

Winter in Quebec City is cold, a tad hazardous, and most of the time you just wish you could be inside (it’s very similar to winters in Montreals actually!).

I visited Quebec City just before the start of the winter travel season in November. It made me realize quite a few things about Quebec City winter travel.

So before you visit Quebec City in winter, read this! Maybe you’ll realize it’s not for you, or you can be better prepared so you can actual enjoy winter in Quebec City! At the end of the day, winter can be quite magical if you’re ready for it!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

The Romanticism of Quebec City Winters

If you’ve ever seen photos of Quebec City in winter, there’s no denying how romantic it looks. I mean, the freshly fallen snow on the roads and rooftops! The Christmas lights are all lit up!

They host a large German Christmas market in Quebec City in December, and one of the largest winter festivals ever… Quebec City Carnival in February! You’re sure to have a good time with ice sculptures, an ice slide, outdoor skating and more!

And, if you are looking to experience the perfect Christmas in North America, Quebec City might just be your best bet.

Based on data over the last 65 years, there’s 97% chance of having a white Christmas in Quebec City (having at least 2 cm of snow). And there’s 60% chance of having a perfect Christmas – that means snow on the ground and a snowfall during the day.

You might also be interested in reading…

The Top 10 Montreal Winter Festivals To Make The Most Of Winter 2022 – 2023

My Experience With Winter In Quebec City…

I lived in Quebec City during the month of November and although this was only the start of winter in Quebec City, just know it doesn’t get better…

I’m also from Montreal and they share a lot of winter similarities. The main difference is that Quebec City is known to get more snow and just be colder! My November in Quebec City was like Montreal Decembers… to put it into perspective!

Needless to say, I got a very good idea of what Quebec City winters are like. I experienced full fledged snow storms and had to break out my top winter travel gear!

P.S. These Are My Opinions!

In case you haven’t realized it yet, this post is all based on my opinions about winter in Quebec City. Perhaps some points are a tad exaggerated – but it’s all based on realities.

Maybe you like being outside in the cold – I don’t. The point of this post is to shed light on the fact that not all winter vacations are picture perfect winter wonderlands! There’s a lot of struggles when traveling in the winter (and Quebec City is no exception!).

Winter In Quebec City: 11 Things You Should Know

Before embarking on a winter retreat to Quebec City, there are some things you should know!

1. Quebec City Winter Weather Is Downright Unpredictable

Even though the official first day of winter is only December 21, Quebec doesn’t like playing by the rules.

It can be snowing in the city as early as the end of October. And you’ll most likely have snow in November, but, you never know!

As I mentioned, I lived there for the month of November and we only had our first snowfall mid November which was quite unusual. In fact, my first weekend there, it was over 20 degrees (celsius!). My tour guide said that there’s normally at least 5 cm of snow during the first week of November.

The city quickly caught up though, not even two weeks later and we it full blown winter in Quebec City.

We had 20 cm on the first snowfall and it just never ended! Everyday it snowed at least once. As beautiful as it was, there was just so much snow!

Temperatures typically range from 5 to -13 but I was there in November and had more like January temperature by the end of our stay. So you have to be prepared for colder temperatures than you think it’s going to be… and that’s mainly because of the feels like temperature…

Month	High (C/F)	Low (C/F)	# of Rainy (Snowy) Days
November	5°C / 41°F	-2°C/ 28°F	13
December	-3°C / 27°F	-10°C/ 14°F	16
January	-7°C / 19°F	-15°C/ 5°F	13
February	-4°C / 25°F	-13°C/ 9°F	13

2. Understand The Feels Like Instead Of The Actual Temperature

If you’ve travelled to Quebec before, you might have already noticed that the temperature it says it is outside, is not the temperature it actually feels like.

So this is your first lesson about winter in Quebec City. The temperature will always feel colder than it actually is! You might notice that December and January are only -10 to -15. Not so bad… I mean, for a winter in Quebec!

But, then you arrive and it’s much colder than -10 or -15 degrees. That’s because it really feels like -20 or even -30. You need an entirely different set of clothes for those temperatures.

Unfortunately, you can’t see the feels like until the day of, and they don’t keep records of previous years.

Just know that when you’re trying to plan your vacation, expect it to be colder than it actually is!

3. Don’t Depend On Activities To Be Open When You’re Visiting

Winter is a tricky month. Not only are things just closed for the winter, but even some winter specific activities might not be open.

So just like you can’t depend on good weather during the summer for certain activities, the same can be said for planning a trip to Quebec City in winter.

Winter Activities Are Still Weather Dependant

A lot of Quebec City winter activities that you think should be open might not be. For example, outdoor skating rinks and ski hills need certain weather conditions before they can open and even to remain open.

Skating rinks will need a few days of cold temperatures. Ski hills obviously need enough snow! Don’t forget that if it’s just too cold, you might not want to be outside for the whole day either way.

P.S. The skating rink in Place D’Youville is the exception to the rule. It can open no matter the temperatures. So you can rely on the opening dates for that rink!

Closures Due To Snow… I Think?

Then there will be some other Quebec City sites that are just closed for no other apparent reason than too much snow. These are like parks, lookouts, or bridges they’ve closed.

Sometimes the stairs to a lookout was just completely covered in snow. And even if the city didn’t officially close them you wouldn’t have been able to make it up anyway.

Random parks that have no safety risks were also completely closed off… those I’m not really sure why. Perhaps it’s just lack of snow removal staff?

Related

40 Things To Do In Quebec City: Top Attractions To Hidden Gems

4. You Need To Dress Appropriately

All the while, other outdoor activities still go on and now they’re just less bearable because it’s cold. Winter doesn’t stop us in Quebec.

For example, walking tours will happen regardless of the temperature. Now, imagine being on a walking tour… in Quebec City… in winter. It gets cold, really fast. You walk a bit, but most of the time you’re standing around listing and looking at points of interest.

Let’s just say, standing and winter do not mix. You really have to make sure to dress appropriately if you’re planning on visiting Quebec City in winter so you can actually still do all the winter activities.

The same goes for other outdoor activities, like skating. If you’re not dressed appropriately, you’re not going to be able to last outside and ultimately have a good time.

You can read my guide to packing for winter in Montreal as a guide for Quebec City as well. Remember, Quebec City is colder and snowier than Montreal.

Heads Up! Winter Packing Isn’t Light – Some Tips

You need to pack a lot for a Quebec City winter vacation! Don’t try to pack light, you’re going to thank me later when you’re able to last on a walking tour or go skating outside for a few hours!

Try to pack light and thin materials that are warm. My favourites are merino wool or cashmere. Even a think silk tank top (like this one on Amazon) can work wonders!

You also don’t want to forget all those winter accessories. I’m talking hats, gloves, scarves, even leg warmers. For me it’s always my legs that get cold. I’ve even worn two pairs of pants to stay warm on outdoor tours.

If you’re planning on being outside even for a second, you need to pack appropriately.

5. The Sun Sets Early (Days Are Really Short!)

If you were expecting to jam pack your days from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., you might be in for a bit of a surprise. The sun sets early in Quebec City in winter and rises late.

The sun can rise as late as 7:30 A.M.and set as early as 4:00 P.M. That leaves you with eight and a half hours of daylight.

Your day will feel a lot shorter compared to summer and that’s because it is. Depending on when you wake up, it might even still be dark outside…

Because of this, you have to plan your days a bit differently during Quebec City winter trips. You want to make sure you’re outside when the sun is out!

This is especially important if you’re planning on driving or going on day trips from Quebec City (see my suggestions for day trips!). It’s never fun to drive in a new city at night, and even less fun when it’s winter (when driving conditions aren’t great to begin with).

6. Driving In Winter In Quebec City Is Not Recommended

Driving in Quebec City in winter is not advised. If you’re not used to driving in the winter, I would strongly suggest not starting now.

Driving in winter includes road closures, getting stuck in snow banks, and black ice!

You don’t technically need a car in Quebec City and it’s an easy train ride in from Montreal or Ottawa.

7. Snow Is EVERYWHERE!

I’m not even exaggerating when I say this. Snow ends up EVERYWHERE.

I won’t deny the fact that it’s beautiful, but that doesn’t mean it comes without any struggles…

It’s On The Roads & Sidewalks (& Covers Up The Ice!)

I just spoke about driving in winter and most of the problems come because of the amount of snow there is. It makes driving harder, but also even just walking around the city.

For starters, snow banks create road blocks. They will either make you manoeuvre around them or you can decide to walk through them.

Regardless, at one point, snow will inevitably end up in your boots while walking around in Quebec City in winter… there’s no avoiding it. Whether it’s kicked up, or you find yourself sinking into a giant snowbank. It just means you’re officially welcomed to winter in Quebec!

But the more problematic part comes in when the snow covers up ice. You can be going about your day, and all of a sudden you step on a patch of ice underneath the snow. You had no chance of seeing it and down you go!

Another fun part is that Old Quebec is built on a hill. Let’s just say – hills and ice DO NOT MIX! So just be careful even when walking please!

It’s Also All OVER Your Car

If you did decide to drive to Quebec City in winter, try your best to park inside. Otherwise, you’ll most likely be spending your morning cleaning your car. This takes time, and you’ll also get snow all over yourself.

Oh and remember I said that the snow covers ice? Well your car is no exception. There could be a frozen ice layer on your car underneath the ice that you now have to scrape off. Fun times right!

Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Good Luck Reading Information & Commerorative Plaques

Did you think you would walk around Old Quebec and read all the information plaques? Well think again!

All of those thoughtfully laid out informative plaques have been completely covered up by snow!

You don’t want to use your mitts to wipe it off because then your hands will be wet and cold. Or if you don’t care about that, you’ll also most likely be too lazy.

It’s On The Rooftops (Which Becomes A Hazard)

After a day of snow fall in Quebec city, the rooftops are packed full of snow!

It will look beautiful. But the problem is that it ends up melting, or becoming too heaving, and eventually falling on the unknowing passersby below (which could be you!).

Sometimes you’re lucky and it’s just snow, other times there may be some extra ice added in (just for good measure of course!).

Needless to say, it’s terrifying walking on the streets of Old Quebec in the winter.

It’s so dangerous that home owners need to pay to have the snow professionally removed from their roof.

So if you end up visiting Quebec City in the winter, you’ll most likely notice a lot of roof work! No ones replacing their roof… they’re just removing the snow.

8. Forget About The Picture Perfect Winter Wonderland Photo…

The best part about the snow? It can also completely hide a massive building that’s right in front of you! You can be standing right in front of the entire Chateau Frontenac and it’s almost entirely disappeared in the fog of snow.

You can also forget about seeing the view from Dufferin Terrace or the Citadel. It’s just going to be white, or grey.

Even if it’s not snowing outside, the days all seem to be grey (obviously not every day is grey, but it seems to be a higher chance in the winter in Quebec City).

The skies are just grey. The trees are bare. And the grass is brown. There’s just a lack of colour in your photos during winter.

Then if you have snow on the ground, your photos become one dimensional of whiteness!

If you’re hoping to get that perfect picture of Quebec City in winter with snow filled rooftops, get that idea out of your head now. You need perfect conditions for that. You still want blue skies, and the snow to be fresh. All within the limited daylight you now have!

All I’m saying is that it’s harder than you think to get picture perfect photos in the winter!

9. Snow Ultimately Turns Into Slush & Brown Mounds

One of the reason why getting the picture perfect Quebec City winter photo isn’t possible is because the snow just doesn’t last.

For starters, the snow is professionally removed from rooftops.

The snow on the ground doesn’t stay white and fluffy for very long either. It will most likely turn into gross brown slush from being trampled on by so many tourists.

Then once the city comes to remove it… it becomes giant brownish mounds on the side of the road.

Oh and once it’s slush, cars can now drive by and splash it all over your clean clothes… and yes this happens more often than you think! And it’s not fun!

10. Snow Is Over Glorified Rain…

When it’s raining, you don’t stay outside admiring the rainfall. So why do you admire snowfall? I mean it’s beautiful, but it’s still water! Just frozen water that takes a bit longer to melt.

If you’re expecting to do anything in Quebec City in the winter you have to be ready for snow. Treat it as though it’s raining. So, when taking a picture, expect that your phone or camera will get wet, or maybe plan to bring an umbrella!

When you come back inside, your jacket and boots will be sopping. It’s all a huge hassle – just like when it’s raining!

11. You’ll Just Want To Stay Inside With Hot Chocolate & A Book

At the end of the day, the snow mixed with the cold weather, just makes you want to stay inside.

Cozying up with some room service and a movie in the hotel room will call your name every day in the winter in Quebec City. It’s hard to leave the warmth and coziness to be cold and wet. Trust me, I’ve been there.

And when you do end up leaving, you go from one indoor place to the next. It’s too cold and takes too much energy to do anything else. So don’t try to push yourself, enjoy Quebec City in the winter for what it is!

Museums and restaurants will be your best friend!

P.S. Famous Hotel De Glace Realities

The Ice Hotel (La Hotel de Glace) which is a popular Quebec City winter destination is actually 30 minutes away by car.

It’s also crazy expensive! I’m talking luxury hotel prices for a cold night in a hotel made of snow. It’s essentially glamping in the winter… So it’s just worse.

If you do book a night in the Ice Hotel, you also get a room in the Hotel Valcartier so you have modern day amenities (private bathroom and shower, and a place for your luggage). But that room actually costs a fraction of the price and you’ll most likely end up spending most of your time there.

So now you’re paying luxury price hotel fees for a non luxury room…

You’re better off booking a room in Hotel Valcartier (see it on Booking.com here) and visiting the Ice Hotel to see what it looks like.

Related

Top 10 The Best Hotels In Quebec City For Every Budget

Need A Place To Stay In Quebec City In Winter – My Recommendations

I’ve visited Quebec City and stayed in a few places over the years, here are my recommendations.

If you’re on a budget but want to stay in the city centre, there’s no better place than Au Petit Hotel (see it on Booking.com). It’s a small but mighty hotel and for a night or two it gets the job done! Plus, you’ll feel like you’re staying in old time Quebec when you stay here!

I’ve also stayed just outside Old Quebec at the Hilton Québec. If you’re going to stay here, you have to upgrade your room to one with a view. This way, you’ll have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Chateau Frontenac, plus you’ll have all the luxuries of staying in a hotel. It’s not far from Old Town either, only about a 5 minute walk. See it on Booking.com.

I’ve also heard only good things about the Clarendon Hotel in Old Town Québec. It’s be a bit pricier than Au Petit Hotel, but it’s also a more regular size hotel room. Plus, this is THE location to be in Quebec City. See availability and room rates on Booking.com.

For more accommodation options in Quebec City on Booking.com, or for more recommendations read my blog post.

Shop My Amazon Winter Essentials

Read More Related Posts

• 40 Things To Do In Quebec City: Top Attractions To Hidden Gems
• Best Restaurants In Quebec City & Quebecois Food To Try
• Top 10 The Best Hotels In Quebec City For Every Budget

Click Image To Share Or Save This Post

Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API