Quebec City is like stepping into a real-life snow globe—cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and a dusting of snow that makes everything feel like a winter wonderland. If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting city, here’s the perfect four-day itinerary to make the most of your visit!
Day 1: Arrival & Toboggan Thrills
I arrived in Quebec City and checked into my cozy accommodation at Hotel Le Clos Saint-louis, which is a charming place nestled in the heart of Old Quebec. I hesitate to call it a hotel since I didn’t interact with anyone during my stay. All of my instructions for getting inside were sent via text message. I entered the door code, found my room, and then typed in the code for my room, which made the experience feel more like an Airbnb.
Despite this, the location of the “hotel” was perfect for visiting all the attractions. The building had an antique princess aesthetic, with squeaky wood floors beneath my feet and a spiral staircase leading up three floors. The decor featured large decorative mirrors, solid wood furniture, and antique plates adorning the walls. It felt as though I had been transported back in time but with modern plumbing and heating.
The moment I stepped outside, I was greeted by a picture-perfect scene—historic buildings adorned with sparkling lights, horse-drawn carriages passing by, and the brisk winter air filling my lungs. In sheer excitement, I dashed from my hotel and out onto the street to start getting a bearing on what was around me. The short answer is everything. In below-freezing temperatures, traveling to and from each popular attraction meant spending less than ten minutes in the elements.
Eager to start exploring, I wandered through the enchanting streets, marveling at the European-style architecture and festive window displays. Soon, I found myself at Dufferin Terrace, where I couldn’t resist trying the legendary Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide. This century-old attraction features three icy tracks, allowing sleds to race down at speeds up to 43 mph (70 km/h)! The thrill of speeding down the hill, with the stunning Château Frontenac and St. Lawrence River as a backdrop, was the perfect way to kick off my adventure. After a few exhilarating rides, I warmed up with a cup of rich, velvety hot chocolate from the Au 1884 café, where the toboggan tickets are sold, before strolling back to my accommodation for a cozy night in.
Day 2: Ice Hotel & Old Quebec’s Lower Town
The next morning, I bundled up and set off for an unforgettable experience—a visit to the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel). I used Get Your Guide to book my tickets and arrange transportation to this unique location. I highly recommend booking through them for the convenience of avoiding driving in the snow. A few hours at the Ice Hotel is all you need to fully appreciate it. I even wrote an entire blog post about my experience – Hôtel de Glace in Québec City: A Magical Ice Hotel Experience.
Located just outside Quebec City, this breathtaking architectural masterpiece is completely reconstructed each winter using over 500 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow. The moment I stepped inside, I was in awe of the glistening ice sculptures, intricate carvings, and stunning ice chandeliers. Each room featured a unique theme, making it feel like wandering through an art exhibit crafted entirely from ice. There’s even an ice bar where you can sip a delicious cocktail served in an ice glass!
After soaking in the magic of the Ice Hotel, I returned to Old Quebec and hopped on the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, a scenic lift that connects the Upper and Lower Town. It costs $5 to ride each way. However, it is worth it not only for the experience but also to avoid the icy stairs to the lower part of the city.
The short but steep ride offered spectacular views of the city, dropping me right into the heart of Petit-Champlain—one of the most charming neighborhoods I’ve ever explored. The snow-covered cobblestone streets were lined with boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés, each more inviting than the last.
After some window shopping, I stopped at Casse-Cou, a cozy eatery with a rustic charm, to try my first-ever poutine. The combination of crispy golden fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich, savory gravy was divine. This classic Quebecois dish is the ultimate comfort food.
Day 3: Dog Sledding & Traditional Quebecois Feast
Day three was all about adventure! I woke up early and headed out to Passion Husky, a local outfitter specializing in dog sledding excursions. Upon arrival, I was greeted by an enthusiastic pack of huskies, tails wagging with excitement. After a brief introduction to sledding techniques, (which included one rule: keeping my arms and legs inside the sled), I hopped into my sled, and before I knew it, we were gliding through a stunning winter wonderland. The snow-covered trails wound through dense forests and open fields, making for an unforgettable experience. The Huskies were incredibly energetic and eager to run, and I loved every second of the exhilarating ride. Afterward, I got to meet the dogs up close and give them some well-deserved belly rubs.
I wrote a full blog post about my dog sledding experience: Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Dog Sledding in Québec City. If I could stress one must-do experience, it would be to book a dog sledding excursion. This was one of my favorite activities I’ve ever done while on vacation. Not just this vacation, but any vacation.
Back in the city, I was ready to warm up with a hearty meal, so I made my way to Aux Anciens Canadiens, a historic restaurant housed in a 17th-century building. I decided to go all in on traditional Quebecois cuisine and ordered Grandma’s Treat, a comforting feast featuring Québec meat pie, meatball ragoût, and baked beans. Every bite was rich, flavorful, and steeped in history. For dessert, I couldn’t resist the maple syrup pie, a decadent treat that perfectly captured the essence of Quebec’s famous sweet syrup.
Satisfied and content, I ended the evening with a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit streets of Old Quebec. The weather had warmed above freezing, and the sun was beginning to peek out from behind the clouds. As I walked through the city, I stopped to watch kids play hockey at one of the outdoor rinks. This was such a foreign concept for someone whose only experience with outdoor sports was spring baseball. I watched in awe at how nimble these kids were on skates. At their age, I could barely make a lap around my local ice rink in rented skates, much less play a sport that required agility and balance.
Day 4: Exploring Beyond the City & A Cozy Evening
For my last day, I wanted to see more of the stunning landscapes beyond the city, so I joined a Quebec City: Montmorency Falls & Ile d’Orleans Half-Day Tour to some of the most scenic spots outside Quebec City. This was also booked through Get Your Guild, and my tour guide/ driver was not only a local, but he provided so much context and history to the city I’d been exploring all week. I wish I had taken this tour earlier in the week to have more time to appreciate the city as I walked the narrow cobblestone streets.
I detailed my experience in a full post: A Charming Quebec Countryside Escape: Half-Day Tour. While winter might not showcase some outdoor attractions at their best, Quebec’s rich history and storytelling make it worthwhile throughout the year.
The tour featured stops at Montmorency Falls, a spectacular waterfall even taller than Niagara Falls, Abert Gilles’ copper art studio, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, and Île d’Orléans, a charming island known for its quaint villages and artisanal products. The breathtaking winter scenery, with frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees, created a serene and magical morning.
After returning to the city, I took my time wandering through the House of Literature, a beautifully restored space inside a former church. This library and cultural hub was the perfect place to relax, flip through books, and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
To wrap up my trip, I decided to enjoy a final drink at the Clarendon Hotel, the oldest hotel in Quebec City. The elegant atmosphere, warm lighting, and historic charm provided the perfect setting for reflecting on the past four days. Sipping on a carefully crafted cocktail, I felt incredibly grateful for this unforgettable winter escape.
Quebec City completely stole my heart with its mix of adventure, history, and cozy charm. Whether you’re speeding down a toboggan run, mushing through the snow with huskies, or savoring classic Quebecois flavors, this city offers a winter escape unlike any other. If you’re considering visiting, bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for an experience that will stay with you forever!
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