Winter in Quebec City is anything but boring—especially for teens. From adrenaline-packed snow sports to immersive cultural experiences and iconic winter festivals, the city turns the cold season into a giant outdoor playground — and a destination for live shows and concerts — that’s equal parts fun and unforgettable.
Outdoor Adventures & Winter Sports
Skiing & Snowboarding
Mont-Sainte-Anne
Located about 40 km from Quebec City, Mont-Sainte-Anne is a must for teens who love to carve. With 71 runs spread across three sides of the mountain and a vertical drop of 625 metres, it offers terrain for all skill levels. Bonus: 19 illuminated trails for night skiing—the largest night-skiing vertical in Canada—perfect for extending the fun after dark.
Stoneham Mountain Resort
Just 20 minutes from downtown, Stoneham is ideal for a quick winter escape. The resort features around 40 runs, an Olympic halfpipe, and three snow parks. Teens will also love the lively après-ski vibe at Quatre-Foyers.
Good to know: Both resorts offer a Carte Blanche pass, allowing access to both mountains with a single ticket.
Snow Tubing
Village Vacances Valcartier
The largest winter playground in North America, Village Vacances Valcartier features over 35 snow tubing runs. Teen favourites include The Himalaya (the steepest slopes), The Tornado (a spiral descent), and Snow Rafting, where groups of up to 12 race downhill together.
Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide (Au 1884)
For a classic Quebec experience, the Dufferin Terrace Slide delivers thrills with a view of the St. Lawrence River. Built in 1884, this historic wooden slide can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h—and it’s just steps from Château Frontenac.
Ice Skating
Place D’Youville Skating Rink
Right in the heart of Old Quebec, this free outdoor rink is open from mid-November to mid-March. Surrounded by historic buildings and twinkling lights, the atmosphere is pure winter magic. Skate rentals are available on site.
Plains of Abraham Ice Skating Loop
A refrigerated skating oval set within a historic park, offering beautiful views of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec.
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking
The Plains of Abraham offer snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails right in the city. For something more dramatic, Montmorency Falls Park features winter trails with jaw-dropping views of the frozen waterfall.
One-of-a-Kind Winter Experiences
Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel)
Located at Village Vacances Valcartier, the Hôtel de Glace is a breathtaking structure made entirely of ice and snow—unique in North America. Teens can explore intricately carved themed rooms, an ice bar, and frozen art galleries. A new theme is unveiled every year, and guided tours are available.
Bora Parc (Indoor Water Park)
Also at Valcartier, Bora Parc offers 102,000 square feet of tropical-style fun, complete with 14 water slides, a wave pool, a surf wave, and more. It’s the ultimate escape on those extra-cold winter days.
Seasonal Events
Quebec Winter Carnival
The Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world. Held every February, it spans 10 days and attracts nearly 400,000 visitors. The official Carnival Effigy grants access to hundreds of activities and exclusive discounts around the city.
Teen-approved highlights include:
- Bonhomme’s Ice Palace
- Night parades on Grande Allee and in Limoilou
- Ice and snow sculpture displays
- Sports competitions
- Concerts and live shows
- Snow slides and winter games
- Free outdoor laser tag (reservation required)
- Play zones with outdoor mini-golf, giant foosball, and obstacle courses
Urban & Cultural Experiences
Museum of Civilization
The Museum of Civilization offers interactive, thought-provoking exhibitions designed to engage visitors of all ages. Rotating exhibits explore history, society, and pop culture in ways that feel relevant and fun. Student discounts available.
National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec
Located on the Plains of Abraham, the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec showcases both contemporary and classical art, with reduced admission for teens.
Indoor Climbing Centres
DeLIRE Escalade
With three locations around Quebec City (Beauport, Sainte-Foy, and Lebourgneuf), DeLIRE Escalade is a favourite for active teens. The Beauport location features the tallest climbing wall in the city, with over 30 routes for all levels.
Roc Gyms
Founded in 1993, Roc Gyms is Quebec’s first climbing gym. Located near the Colisee and Videotron Centre, it offers bouldering rooms, 13-metre climbing walls, a Ninja Warrior-style training course, and indoor via ferrata routes—all in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
Gaming & Entertainment
Laser Game Evolution
With locations in Sainte-Foy and Vanier, Laser Game Evolution offers high-energy laser tag in multi-level arenas using 100% laser technology for maximum precision and fun.
Shopping & Movies
Local Cineplex theatres offer the latest releases in standard format, IMAX, and 3D—perfect for cozy afternoons when the temperature drops.
Winter Comfort Food & Treats
Cafes & Chocolatiers
The Saint-Roch neighbourhood is packed with trendy cafes loved by teens and locals alike. Sipping artisan hot chocolate or enjoying fresh pastries after a day in the cold is a quintessential Quebec winter ritual. It's also one of the top picks in our guide to where to stay in Quebec City.
Sugar Shacks
While peak sugar shack season runs from February to April, several locations offer winter activities earlier in the season—giving visitors a sweet taste of Quebec tradition.
Check out events this weekend in Quebec City to complete your winter itinerary.
