7 winter wonderlands to visit around quebec city

To be fully honest with you, I profoundly dislike winter. I hate being cold, wearing so many layers that you feel like the Michelin man and weight twice as much as you usually do, having to shovel your driveway twice a day, walking on ice or in sludge for 3 months, etc. But, having lived in Quebec City almost all my life, winter is part of the deal and I've had to find somethings to like about it. I have to admit that winter has a way of making some destinations just a little bit more magical!

1. Kabir Kouba waterfall

Kabir Kouba waterfall, in the Wendake Huron reserve is so close to my home that I can walk there. I usually walk that trail multiple times a week in the summer, but it was always closed in the winter until they opened it up during Covid. It does require proper boots and ice cleats as the trail, and especially the stairs, get really icy, but it is worth the visit! The whole waterfall ices over, the water droplets freeze on the trees and rocks and you can even see people practicing ice climbing most days. It's a really short trail so you don't need to be in good shape to visit.

​Entrance to the trail is free and dogs are allowed.

2. Parc naturel régional de portneuf

This is one of the two best places to see giant icicles from up close. The trail at Parc Régional de Portneuf follows along on both sides of the river/canyon so you can look at the icicles almost the whole way. You can also go down to the bottom of a small part of the canyon to walk up to them and take pictures. You can even climb the ice with a guide helping you find the best route all the way up. When the sun comes out, the whole place seems to sparkle and it is a really beautiful sight to see.

​The parking is 10$, but the entrance is free and dogs are allowed.

3. Duchesnay

Duchesnay is a resort about 30 minutes outside of Quebec where you can stay in the hotel or in cabins. They have ski and snowshoe trails, but the best part is going dogsledding. The rides are about 1 hour long in the woods around the resort and, not only is the view along the way absolutely beautiful, but you get to really appreciate it as you feel the wind in your face and the acceleration at every turn. I had so much fun and would do it again in a heartbeat. You need to dress really warm though. As you are not the one making any effort here, you will freeze if you are not well dressed. Some people even bring blankets to help break the wind.

4. Beauport lake ice rink

Every winter, on Lake Beauport, the city maintains a giant ice rink. The rink is 2,42 kilometers in diameter and opens as soon as the ice is thick enough to be safe. The scenery is nice as the lake is surrounded by small mountains, but what is really impressive is seeing the cracks in the clear ice beneath your feet.

​Even better, it is completely free to visit!

5. Hôtel de glace

The Hôtel de Glace is one of the must-see when visiting Quebec in the winter. It is built anew every year with a different theme and half of the rooms (about 40) are sculpted and decorated to represent that theme. There is also a huge bar, a wedding chapel and an ice slide. Visits are open everyday and it is an art exhibition that I will never tire to visit year after year. Sculptors come from all over the world to experience working on the Hôtel the Glace and showcase their talent. I also had the opportunity to sleep in the Hôtel the Glace and you can read about my experience here.

Sleeping in the Hôtel de Glace is pretty expensive, but visits are definitely worth the small price. You can see the costs on the Valcartier website.

6. Shannon ice skating path

This is my favorite place to go ice skating around the city. In the evening, the path is illuminated with fairy lights and there is a fire where you can take a break and warm up your fingers. There is also a slide, a rink to play hockey and a cabin to put on your skates. Shannon is located about a 20 minute drive from the city so it is easy to access to anyone with a car.

Entrance is free to locals, but about 5$ per person otherwise.

7. Promenade de la jacques-cartier

This is another great place to see giant icicles! There is a 4km trail along the river and canyon where you get a good view of the ice walls frozen along the sides. When the river is well frozen over, you can even walk to the ice formations to take pictures, but you have to be really careful as there have been accidents and people falling in the water in the past.

​The entrance is completely free.

As most people in Quebec would say, there is no bad weather, the are only bad clothes! Honestly, winter here is pretty harsh and you need to be dressed appropriately, but otherwise, it can. be a lot of fun. I hope you get the chance to explore the region of Quebec City in your travels.

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