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!
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