6 Tested Winter Activities in Quebec City: A Mom's Guide to Winter Carnival & Beyond

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.

After multiple visits to Quebec City in summer and winter I can confidently say this UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect destination for families with teenagers. As a travel writer who has personally tested these activities, I’m sharing my firsthand experiences of the best winter things to do in Quebec City that will keep even the most discerning teens engaged and entertained.

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Why Quebec City Works for Families with Teens

Before diving into specific winter activities for your next trip here, let me share why I consistently recommend Quebec City for families with teenagers:

The perfect mix of history and modern amenities teens appreciate
Instagram-worthy photo opportunities around every corner
Safe environment for teens to explore with some independence
Strong WiFi throughout the city (yes, this matters to teens!)
Easy navigation for tech-savvy teenagers using phone maps

Disclosure: While some of these activities were provided by Destination Québec cité for editorial purposes, every recommendation comes from my personal experience, and I only include activities I would genuinely recommend to families with teenagers.

Winter Things to Do in Quebec City

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Quebec Winter Carnival Highlights

The Winter Carnival wasn’t just an event – it was the backdrop for my entire visit in February, and it absolutely transformed the city. Here’s what you need to know based on my experience:

Must-Do Carnival Activities I Tried:

Ice Palace (Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale)

Free to view from outside
Carnival effigy required for entry ($39 CAD)
Best photos: Early morning or at dusk
Impressive ice sculptures
Regular photo ops with Bonhomme

Night Parade

Duration: 2 hours
My viewing spot: Rue Saint-Jean
Pro tip: Book a restaurant table with window view
Highlight: Bonhomme’s float

Best Carnival Tips from My Visit:

Buy your Carnival effigy (pass) online ahead of time
Book restaurants near parade route well in advance
Dress in layers – you’ll move between outdoor and indoor activities
Bring hand warmers – lots of them

What I’d Do Differently:

Arrive at parade spot 30 minutes earlier
Plan one indoor activity for each outdoor activity
Bring better boots for icy conditions

Practical Carnival Information:

2025 Dates: February 7-16
Effigy Cost: $39 CAD (required for most activities)
Best time for photos: 3-5 PM (perfect light)
Busiest times: Weekends and parade nights
Quietest times: Weekday mornings

Money-Saving Carnival Tips:

Look for hotel packages that include effigies
Many outdoor sculptures are free to view
Book restaurants outside parade times
Use public transport during busy events

La Bûche Restaurant: Where Cool Meets Comfort Food

As someone who returns to La Bûche on every Quebec City visit, I can attest that this isn’t your typical “traditional” restaurant – it’s got serious personality that teens appreciate. The graffiti-covered bathroom (complete with a vintage bathtub sink) is practically designed for TikTok. I won’t share the image here, but you’ll have to see it for yourself when you go.

What I Always Order

Indoor maple taffy: A fun, interactive dessert experience
The Sugar Shack Plate: Massive enough to share and perfect for food-curious teens
Poutine with caramelized onions and crispy bacon (voted best in the city, and I agree)
Rabbit wings: Trust me, even picky teens love these

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!

Insider Tips

From my multiple visits:

Make reservations, especially for weekend brunch
Come hungry – portions are huge
Budget around $25-35 CAD per person for lunch
Best times to avoid crowds: 11:30 AM or after 1:30 PM
Ask for a table downstairs to be near the infamous bathroom

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.

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.

Feel the Thrill of the Trail: Dog Sledding at Pourvoirie du Lac-Beauport

This was hands-down my favorite outdoor winter activity in Quebec City, and I’ve found teens particularly love it. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, dog sledding at Pourvoirie du Lac-Beauport is an adventure delivering serious thrills while being completely manageable for beginners.

My Personal Experience

During my visit, I got to lead my own dog sled team through snow-covered forests. What surprised me most was how the dogs had such distinct personalities – they would stop to sniff branches or take in the scenery, making each journey unique. This isn’t just a tourist activity; it’s an authentic Canadian winter experience that teens will be eager to share on social media.

What to Expect

Based on my recent experience:

45-minute sledding adventure (feels longer in the best way)
Comprehensive safety briefing that isn’t boring
Opportunities for teens to actually drive the sled
Amazing photo ops with the dogs
Chance to visit newborn puppies (my group spent at least 20 minutes here)

Pro Tips from My Visit

Wear winter boots with serious grip – I learned this the hard way
Bring your phone in a waterproof case for photos
The earliest morning slots offer the best lighting for photos
Book at least 2 weeks ahead
Price: Around $120 CAD per person (worth every penny)

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.

Historic Walking Tour with Modern Twists

I took HQ Services Touristique‘s walking tour and was pleasantly surprised by how they make history relevant to today’s teens. This isn’t your typical boring history lecture – it’s filled with tales of drama, battles, and intrigue that actually keep teenagers engaged.

Highlights from My Tour

Stories of siege warfare and survival
Hidden passages through the city
Spectacular winter photo spots
Funicular ride between Upper and Lower Town
Inside scoop on the best hot chocolate stops

Why It Works for Teens

Interactive elements throughout
Freedom to explore safely
Guides who understand young audiences
Plenty of stops for photos and warming up
Walking distance to shopping areas teens love

6. Cultural Evening in Wendake

My visit to Wendake , just 15 minutes from Old Quebec, turned into one of the most memorable evenings of my trip. I combined the Onhwa’ Lumina experience with exploration of this Indigenous community.

The Complete Experience:

First Stop: Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations

Arrived at 4:30 PM
Explored the museum ($10 CAD entry)
Learned about Huron-Wendat culture

Dinner at La Traite Restaurant

Traditional Indigenous cuisine
Must-try: Game meat platter
Price range: $40-60 CAD per person
Advance reservations essential

Onhwa’ Lumina Trail Experience

Started at 7:00 PM (perfect timing in winter)
1.2 km illuminated forest walk
Interactive light and sound installations
Temperature was -18°C during my visit
Duration: About 45 minutes

What Made It Special:

Cultural stories told through modern technology
Traditional music throughout the trail
Stunning light projections on snow
Interactive elements that worked even with gloves
Perfect mix of education and entertainment

Why Teens Will Love It

Based on my evening there:

Perfect for atmospheric social media content
Interactive elements throughout
Modern technology meets traditional storytelling
Just the right length (about 45-60 minutes)
Comfortable pace for taking photos and videos

What Makes It Special

1.2 km illuminated forest trail
Cutting-edge multimedia effects
Professional sound design
Cultural education that doesn’t feel forced

Tips from My Visit

Price: $30-35 CAD for adults, $20-25 CAD for teens
Go after 7 PM for the darkest sky
Wear winter boots – the path is snowy
Bring portable chargers for phones
Book online to save time

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.

5. Maple Taffy: A Sweet Experience

While this might seem simple, I’ve found that teens particularly enjoy the novelty of maple taffy. During my visits, I’ve tested multiple locations, and here are my top spots:

Best Locations I’ve Found

Dufferin Terrace stand (best views while you eat)
La Buche restaurant (indoor option)
Winter Carnival grounds

The Making Process I Experienced:

Pure maple syrup heated to exactly the right temperature
Fresh, clean snow packed into metal trays
Hot syrup poured in thin strips onto the snow for you
30-second wait for it to slightly harden
Rolling it up with a wooden paddle

Pro Tips

Cost: $5-7 CAD per serving
Best time to try: Afternoon (shorter lines)
Eat it like a lollipop (learned this after making a mess!)
Have wet wipes ready
Don’t wear your best gloves

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!

Practical Planning Tips from My Visits

Where to Stay

After trying various locations, I recommend:

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (splurge-worthy)
- I stayed here years ago and enjoyed the luxurious accommodations, views of the river from my room, and location.
Hotel Manoir D’Auteuil (great mid-range option)
- This is where I stayed on February 2024 trip and enjoyed my stay here. Convenient location to Winter Carnival, easy access, and comfortable rooms.

Getting Around

Based on my experience:

Most attractions are walkable
Uber works well for further destinations
Consider a rental car only if doing multiple out-of-town activities

What I Pack for Winter Visits

Serious winter boots (not fashion boots)
Ski pants and ski jacket
Hand and foot warmers
Portable phone charger
Waterproof phone case
Camera (if teens are into photography)

Final Thoughts

After multiple winter visits to Quebec City with different age groups, I can confidently say it’s an ideal destination for families with teenagers. The city offers that perfect balance of history, adventure, and modern amenities that keeps teens engaged while providing meaningful family experiences.

The winter activities I’ve described here have consistently impressed even the most skeptical teenagers I’ve encountered. From the thrill of dog sledding to the perfect photo ops throughout the old city, Quebec City offers winter family activities that create lasting memories while keeping everyone – especially teens – thoroughly entertained.

Remember to book popular activities in advance (especially during peak season), keep phones charged for plenty of photos, and be ready to embrace the winter weather. Quebec City knows how to do winter right, and with these tried-and-tested activities, your teens will agree.

Have questions about any of these activities? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m happy to share more specific details from my experiences!

For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:

6 Tested Winter Activities in Quebec City: A Mom’s Guide to Winter Carnival & Beyond

Why Quebec City Works for Families with Teens