As the winter chill sets in, it’s the perfect time to start planning your family’s next adventure, and what better destination than the enchanting city of Quebec? With its charming cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and an array of Québec City winter activities offer a magical backdrop for family bonding and exploration.
For parents with teenagers eager for adventure, the winter things to do in Québec City abound with opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural appreciation, culinary delights, and more. It can be difficult to narrow down what you want to see, do, or eat while you are here.
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So, I’ve put together my list of six unforgettable experiences to incorporate into your itinerary for a memorable winter trip. I’ve got you covered on a sweet treat, local food, unique experiences, guided tour, and a one-of-a-kind illuminated nighttime experience you don’t want to miss!
Disclosure: As I write about the exciting experiences that await you in and around the city, it is important to note that I have worked with Destination Québec cité and they have provided me with activities and culinary experiences for editorial purposes. However, all opinions expressed in this content are my own and are based on firsthand experiences. My goal is to provide honest and informative content to readers, while also promoting the wonderful opportunities available here for family travel.
Winter Things to Do in Quebec City
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Indulge in Sweet Delights: Trying Maple Taffy
One of the quintessential Canadian winter experiences is indulging in maple taffy. In Québec City, you’ll find maple taffy stands dotting the streets, offering the perfect opportunity for your teens to satisfy their sweet cravings while immersing themselves in Canadian culinary culture.
Maple taffy, also known as “tire d’érable” in French, is a beloved Canadian treat made from pure maple syrup. Its origins can be traced back to indigenous peoples who would pour hot maple syrup onto snow, creating a sticky and sweet treat.
To create maple taffy, maple syrup is heated to a precise temperature until it reaches the perfect consistency. Then, the hot syrup is poured onto packed snow, where it quickly cools and thickens, forming a soft, chewy taffy-like texture. Using a wooden stick or popsicle stick, you roll the taffy up onto your stick, creating a sweet and sticky confection that bursts with the rich flavor of maple.
You can find maple taffy stands scattered throughout the city, offering this delightful treat to locals and visitors alike. One easy-to-find spot is located at the base of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac on the Dufferin Terrace. You can take your freshly made maple taffy treat and walk along the terrace, enjoying the beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Québec.
Additionally, if you’re looking to enjoy maple taffy in an indoor setting, head to La Buche restaurant, where they serve up this traditional treat alongside their delicious Quebecois cuisine. A bucket of shaved ice is brought to your table with the warm maple syrup poured onto the ice. You then use a wooden stick to roll the syrup and enjoy.
Food Tip: The best way to eat maple taffy is to treat it like a lollipop. Place it in your mouth and let it slowly dissolve. Otherwise, the taffy can get pretty sticky and messy!
Savor the Flavors of Quebecois Cuisine: A Sugar Shack Style Meal at La Bûche
No trip to Québec City is complete without indulging in the hearty flavors of Quebecois cuisine, and there’s no better place to do so than at La Bûche. It’s truly one of my favorite dining spots in all of Québec City and I return here on every trip.
This modern twist on a traditional sugar shack offers a mouthwatering menu of rabbit wings, pea soup, meat pie croquettes, poutine, and other savory delights that will tantalize your teen’s taste buds. With its cozy atmosphere and rustic charm, La Bûche provides the perfect setting for a family meal that’s both delicious and memorable.
Inspired by the culinary traditions of Québec’s iconic sugar shacks, La Bûche invites your family to indulge in a delectable feast of hearty dishes that celebrate the flavors of the region. Brunch here is outstanding and it’s best to arrive before you get hungry as there is often a queue, but it’s well worth the wait.
One of La Bûche’s most popular dishes is their Assiette D’La Cabane or Sugar Shack Plate. It is a LARGE platter, well actually an oversized metal school lunch tray, with a sampling of many of their popular dishes; meat pie croquettes, french toast, maple-glazed ham, bacon, scrambled eggs with smoked cheddar, crepe, baked beans, and more. It can easily feed two people!
Other delectable dishes include the maple smoked trout gravlax, and chicken and waffles. But it’s not just the food that makes La Bûche stand out. The cozy and rustic atmosphere adds to the overall experience. The walls are adorned with vintage Quebecois memorabilia and the bathroom downstairs is like no other you’ll ever see with an antique tub for a wash basin, graffiti on the walls, and a portrait on the back wall.
But it’s not just about brunch La Bûche. Their lunch/dinner menu offers an elevated take on traditional Quebecois cuisine, featuring dishes such as foie gras and Poor Man’s Pudding with bacon, pea soup with bacon, deer tartar, and a Tourtière or meat pie with deer, pork and beef.
A must-try for any foodie here is the poutine. I’m told that the secret to a great poutine is the addition of caramelized onions and crispy bacon. That is exactly how it is done here! And the fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just as they should be. The gravy is rich and flavorful. It’s no surprise that La Buche has been voted as one of the top spots for Québec City.
Dining Tip: For a more upscale dining experience, check out La Buchette, a sister restaurant on Rue Sainte-Anne. You will find similar ingredients in more elevated dishes and in a more intimate setting. They serve brunch and dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed dinner here after the carnival parade. I had the scallop appetizer with saffron fish stock and a main course of Duck Blood Pudding with potato aligot, caramelized apples, and foie gras sauce. The combination of flavors and textures was outstanding.
Feel the Thrill of the Trail: Dog Sledding at Pourvoirie du Lac-Beauport
For an exhilarating outdoor adventure, take your family dog sledding at Pourvoirie du Lac-Beauport. This picturesque wilderness located just 15 minutes from downtown offers guided dog sledding tours through snow-covered forests, where your teens can take the reins and lead their own team of huskies across the snowy terrain. It’s an experience they’ll never forget, filled with adrenaline, laughter, and the sheer joy of mushing through the winter wonderland.
At Pourvoirie du Lac-Beauport, your family will embark on a thrilling 45-minute dog sledding experience that begins with a comprehensive safety briefing led by an experienced guide. During the briefing, your teens will learn how to handle the sled and communicate with the huskies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure for everyone. Once everyone is equipped with the necessary knowledge and gear, it’s time to hit the trails!
As you set off through the snow-covered forests, your family will feel the rush of excitement as the eager huskies pull the sled along groomed trails. The crisp winter air fills your lungs as you glide effortlessly through the pristine landscape, surrounded by towering trees and sparkling snow. Your teens will take turns mushing at the helm, feeling the power of the sled dogs as they guide them through twists and turns.
However, dog sledding isn’t just about speed and adrenaline—it’s also a chance to connect with nature and the animals themselves. I found that my dog team loved nature. They stopped to pee on branches and twigs, sniffed where others had gone, or simply took in the scenery.
Having done a summer sledding experience in Finland, I knew that this was an anomaly, but these moments of pause allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the wilderness and appreciate just how much work my furry friends were putting in to get us through the snow-covered terrain.
Your family will be filled with a sense of accomplishment and wonder, having experienced the magic of dog sledding firsthand. Afterward, be sure to stop at the kennels and maternity hut to see the new puppies. You’ll also have the opportunity to chat with the mushers and learn more about dog sledding if you wish. It’s a chance to connect with a community that shares a deep love and respect for these incredible animals.
Step Back in Time: Old Québec History Walking Tour
Immerse your family in the rich history of Old Québec with a guided walking tour. I highly recommend HQ Services Touristique, a woman-owned tourism agency offering both historic walking and food tours. Led by knowledgeable local experts, these tours take you on a journey through centuries of history, from the cobblestone streets of Place Royale to the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Your teens will be captivated by tales of explorers, battles, and intrigue as they explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and gain a deeper appreciation for Québec City’s storied past.
As you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Québec, your guide will regale you with tales of explorers, settlers, and battles that shaped the city’s identity. You’ll marvel at architectural wonders like the breathtaking Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec, with its stunning neoclassical facade and intricate interior adorned with religious art and symbolism.
Continuing your journey, you’ll ascend to the iconic Dufferin Terrace, a historic promenade offering panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. From this vantage point, your family will gain a newfound appreciation for Québec City’s strategic location and its importance as a hub of trade and commerce.
Travel Tip: Be sure to come back and ride the toboggan slide on the terrace.
To descend from the terrace, you’ll have the opportunity to ride the funicular, a charming inclined railway that provides convenient access to the streets below. As you glide downward, you’ll catch glimpses of the bustling Lower Town, where centuries-old buildings and vibrant markets beckon visitors to explore.
Once back on solid ground, your family will continue to meander through the winding streets of the Lower Town, soaking in the sights and sounds of this historic neighborhood. From quaint boutiques to cozy cafes, there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered around every corner.
By the end of the tour, your teens will have gained a deeper understanding of Québec City’s fascinating history and its enduring significance in Canadian culture. With memories of basilicas, panoramic views, and charming streets, this walking tour is sure to be a highlight of your family’s vacation.
Illuminate the Night: Onhwa’ Lumina Interactive Nighttime Experience in Wendake
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Indigenous culture with the Onhwa’ Lumina interactive nighttime experience in Wendake (about 15 minutes from downtown Québec City). This multimedia adventure features immersive light installations, soundscapes, and storytelling that bring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the First Nations people to life. It’s a unique opportunity for your family to connect with Indigenous culture and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
As you arrive at the entrance to Onhwa’ Lumina, you’ll be greeted by the soft glow of lanterns and the gentle rustle of the wind through the trees, setting the stage for an evening of wonder and discovery. From there, you’ll follow a winding path that leads you on a snow-covered path deeper into the heart of the forest, where a series of interactive installations and light projections await.
Each installation tells a different story, weaving together elements of Indigenous mythology, history, and tradition to create a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. Your family will be captivated by the vibrant colors and dynamic visuals that dance across the snow, trees and rocks, transporting you to a world where the past and present collide in a breathtaking display of artistry and imagination.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the customs and traditions of the Huron-Wendat people, whose ancestral lands have been inhabited for thousands of years. From traditional dances to ancient legends, each aspect of the experience offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and spirituality.
As you reach the end of the journey, you’ll be filled with awe and reverence for the natural world and the Indigenous peoples who have called it home for generations. With its immersive storytelling and stunning visuals, Onhwa’ Lumina is a must-visit destination for families seeking to connect with nature and learn about the vibrant traditions of Canada’s First Nations.
With its blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure, Québec City and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of experiences that are sure to captivate families with teenagers and create lasting memories for the whole family.
From indulging in sweet maple taffy to mushing through the snow with huskies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this winter wonderland. So why wait? Start planning your family’s next vacation to Québec City and embark on an adventure your teens will never forget.
Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- AIRFARE
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog, Skyscanner, and WayAway.com.
- Get airfare deal alerts up to 90% off from Dollar Flight Club (free & paid membership options)
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Book your Airport Parking Reservations and save money.
- ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
- Take the scenic route and rent an RV from RVShare
- Get packed for an epic road trip and don’t forget the Road Trip Games to Play in the Car Need more space? Get a rental car thru Discovercars.com.
- LODGING
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or booking.com.
- For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot.
- PACKING
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Away and Eagle Creek.
- For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher.
- TRAVEL PLANNING
- Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
- For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
- ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
- Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
- CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
- Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
- Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
- Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
- Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours.
- Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App.
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
- LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.
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