Planning a winter trip to Quebec City? You’re in the right place!
Quebec is already a pretty magical city, with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture. But visiting in winter? That’s a whole different story! Picture those same laneways dusted with snow, cozy restaurants to warm up in, and some seriously fun winter activities.
But if you’re not prepared for a Canadian winter, this magical picture can easily turn cold, wet, and a bit sour. Not to worry, I’m here to share my best travel tips as a Canadian. You’ll find a perfectly balanced three-day itinerary for Quebec City, so you can see the highlights and stay warm along the way!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Quebec City was this food tour! It was a fun way to see the city, eat a lot of delicious food, and find local hot spots.
- Our Top Choice
- Overview of the Best Quebec City Itinerary
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Where to Stay in Quebec City
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Book your Airport Taxi in advance
- Renting a Car or Camper in Canada
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
- The Services We Recommend
Overview of the Best Quebec City Itinerary
🏰 Day 1: Old Quebec Tour & Historic Toboggan Ride
Explore Old Quebec on a guided walking tour or a cozy bus tour, take a historic toboggan ride, then spend the evening wandering Quartier Petit Champlain and enjoying dinner in the heart of the city.
🌲Day 2: Muesum & Montmorency Falls Tour
Start your day at the Museum of Civilization, then take a half-day tour to Montmorency Falls, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, and Île d’Orléans, then enjoy a relaxed dinner in Old Quebec.
🥐 Day 3: Old Quebec Food Tour & Evening Show
Taste local favorites on a guided Old Quebec food tour, stroll along lively Rue Saint-Jean, and finish your trip with dinner and a live show in the city center.
*This itinerary was crafted around staying in Old Quebec City
Quebec City is a large city, and getting around can be time-consuming, so choosing a centrally located hotel is essential. We’ve created this itinerary based on staying in Old Quebec. Auberge Saint-Pierre is our favorite hotel in the area because it offers luxury without breaking the bank. Read our blog about Where to Stay in Quebec City for more detailed info about hotels and areas.
Day 1
Breakfast – L’Antiquaire Buffet
L’Antiquaire Buffet feels like a step back in time in the best way possible—vinyl booths, checkered floors, and a menu full of hearty, no-fuss breakfast classics. This retro gem is a local favorite for a reason. The plates are huge (seriously, don’t underestimate the size of the “petit déjeuner”), and the coffee just keeps coming.
It opens bright and early at 6 am, which gives us plenty of time to fuel up before our morning tour. And with the tour starting just a couple of minutes away, it’s super convenient. We made the most of a slow breakfast without stressing about the time, though if you’re anything like me and prone to lingering over second helpings of maple-drenched French toast, definitely set a reminder so you don’t miss that 9:30 am tour.
Morning – Explore Old Quebec City
There’s no better way to get your bearings in Quebec City than by joining this guided walking tour through its most iconic neighborhoods. We recommend booking the 9:30 am option, because it gives you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast and still be ready to explore for the next two hours.
I know a winter walking tour sounds a bit questionable, but this tour does a great job of tailoring it to the weather. So you’ll still see a lot of Quebec City but have ample opportunities to warm up indoors. But still, I recommend dressing warm!
Our guide was equal parts historian and storyteller. He met us near Rue Saint-Paul, just a short walk from L’Antiquaire Buffet, and kicked things off with a quick intro to the city’s past before leading us through the winding streets of the Lower Town.
Wandering through Quartier Petit Champlain felt like being in a snow globe version of Europe, with cobblestones, colorful shops, and the famous Umbrella Alley that you’ve probably seen on Instagram.
One of the coolest stops was Place Royale, home to stunning murals and centuries-old buildings that somehow still feel alive with history. But my personal favorite was learning that Quebec City is the only place in North America still protected by its original city walls. So cool!
We capped it off with a ride up the funicular to Upper Town (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds), where we took in sweeping views from Terrasse Dufferin and stood in awe in front of Château Frontenac. This is great because most walking tours don’t include the funicular, and the alternative is a lot of stairs to the top! You’ll also pass by the gorgeous Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral—don’t forget to peek inside.
This tour is the perfect intro to Quebec City, especially if it’s your first time here. Definitely make it a priority!
Alternate option: Bus tour of Quebec City
If you catch some especially bad weather, or a walking tour sounds too ambitious for you, check out this Quebec City bus tour! You’ll see many of the same city sites, all from the comfort of a big coach bus.
Cruise through Old Quebec’s upper and lower town and learn the centuries of history from the onboard commentary. You’ll see the Fontaine de la Place d’Armes and Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica, and all the charming historic buildings from the comfort of your bus seat.
Hop off the bus and explore Place Royale and Quartier Petit Champlain, which is my personal favorite part of Old Quebec! You’ll tick off a lot of sights in just two hours, and it’s a fantastic introduction to the city.
I recommend booking the 10 am tour, which wraps up by noon. The meeting point is a 10-minute walk from breakfast (or a 5-minute drive).
Lunch – Le Chic Shack
After soaking up all that history, we were more than ready for something satisfying and quick, and Le Chic Shack hit the spot perfectly. Just a 5-minute walk from where both tours wrap up, this cozy lunch stop is all about comfort food done right.
Think gourmet burgers, next-level poutines, thick milkshakes, and tart homemade lemonade. I had the maple bacon poutine, and it was incredible – I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth good and the perfect hearty lunch to warm up! One great thing about this place is that they offer small and large sizes. The small was definitely enough for lunch, especially since poutine is so filling.
Afternoon – Terrasse Dufferin and a historic toboggan ride
Bundle up, because we are going to spend a bit of time outside wandering through the city!
First things first, check out the Château Frontenac! This stunning Fairmont property opened in 1893 and sits perched on a hill, overlooking the St. Lawrence River. It was the first Fairmont Château built by the Canadian Railway, so luxury travelers had somewhere to stay as they started their journey. You can go inside and wander through even if you aren’t staying there, and it’s absolutely worth a look!
Located at the foot of the Château Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin is a long, open boardwalk perched on the edge of the cliffs above the St. Lawrence River, and it has its own vibe. We loved wandering around and people-watching. You’ll also find several historic cannons lining the edge of the boardwalk—prime photo ops with history and scenery in the background.
Ride the Toboggan Slide Au 1884
In winter, Terrasse Dufferin hosts one of Quebec’s most historic and fun events: Toboggan Slide Au 1884. Operating from December through March, this toboggan slide has been a yearly event since 1884! It’s not your average slide either; you can reach up to 65 km/h (40 mph), so it’s definitely a thrilling experience.
It can get a little busy, but we found the queue moved quickly and we didn’t have to wait long. You can book your slide tickets in advance online, or rock up and buy tickets onsite. It’s $5 CAD per person per ride, and I guarantee you’ll want to go more than once!
Even if you decide not to tobaggon, it’s really fun to watch, and the whole area has a lively, festive energy!
Late afternoon – Go shopping on Rue du Petit-Champlain
After toboggan rides and views, take a short walk to Rue du Petit Champlain, one of the most charming streets in all of North America.
Rue du Petit-Champlain is a pedestrian-only street, and it’s lined with art galleries, boutiques, and little shops that are so fun to browse. If you need a little pick-me-up, I highly recommend stopping by La Fudgerie for some free fudge and chocolate samples! Carrera Café was a cozy café right next door, great for a coffee fix.
There’s no rush here, just take your time popping in and out, soaking up the fairy-tale atmosphere. It’s especially lovely in the late afternoon light, when the cobblestones glow, and the storefronts seem to come alive.
This is one of the best places for souvenir shopping in the city. You can find all sorts of maple-flavored treats, clothing, and other knick-knacks you might want to remember your trip by.
Dinner – Savini Petit Champlain
After a jam-packed day of exploring the Upper and Lower towns, we were certainly ready for a relaxing dinner. Savini Petit Champlain was the perfect spot for that, with Château views and a warm atmosphere. The overall vibe was elegant and polished, but not so much that we felt out of place in the clothes we’d had on all day!
The menu is mostly Italian, but with a French twist – so you know everything will be good. We wished we could have tried every dish, but decided on the croccantini al Parmigiano as a starter, followed by fresh salmon tartare and a delicious burrata pizza. And yes, it was as good as it sounds!
Evening – Enjoy a nightcap
There’s nothing better than winding down with a drink in one of Old Quebec’s coziest bars, and you’ve got a few excellent options just steps from dinner.
If you want to keep things easy, Bar Artefact is located just a 4-minute walk from Savini Petit Champlain. It’s a sleek, dimly lit lounge with curated cocktails and a great wine list, perfect for unwinding without going far. Plus, the historic artifacts embedded in the walls make for some fun conversation starters.
Prefer something a little more casual and atmospheric? Pub L’Oncle Antoine is right at the end of the street and serves up beers and whiskey flights inside a vaulted 18th-century stone cellar. It’s got that low-ceilinged, candle-lit charm that feels straight out of another century—ideal for a relaxed end to the night.
Or, if you’re up for a 10-minute post-dinner stroll, Maison Livernois is a beautifully designed distillery bar with house-made spirits and some of the best craft cocktails in the city. It’s a great choice if you’re into gin, bitters, and creative flavor combos.
No matter where you land, it’s the perfect final stop to toast to your first day in Quebec City. Santé!
Day 2
Breakfast – La Bûchette
Day two kicks off with a hearty, no-frills breakfast at La Bûchette, a spot that blends rustic charm with hearty, traditional Québécois fare. We recommend getting here around 8:30 am, so you can enjoy breakfast and stroll over to the museum by 10 am.
The menu leans into local flavors, with everything from savory breakfast crepes to tourtière-inspired breakfast plates. The woodsy interior, complete with plaid tablecloths and old-timey decor, gives the whole place a cabin-in-the-city kind of feel. It’s warm, welcoming, and the portions are generous—just what you want to start a cold morning!
Best of all, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the museum, so you can finish that last bite of sugar pie (yes, they serve it for breakfast) and stroll over without checking your watch.
Morning – Museum of Civilization
The Museum of Civilization is one of Quebec’s best museums, and the perfect way to duck out of the cold for a few hours!
This museum focuses on Quebec’s history, First Nations and Inuit communities, and society, while presenting history, art, and artifacts. Not only is it a great way to learn more about Quebec, but there are some fun interactive exhibits as well. It’s great for anyone, even if you’re not a huge museum person.
You’ll have about 1.5-2 hours here, which is enough time to see the main exhibits! Just note that it is closed on Mondays.
Lunch – Grab and go or sit down
Depending on how much time you want to spend at the museum, lunch can be sit-down or grab-and-go. Your afternoon tour departs at 12:30 pm and is a five-minute drive from the museum.
For a grab-and-go lunch, the museum has a cafe with sandwiches and light snacks. If you ate a big breakfast as I did, this is the best option.
If you’d rather have a sit-down lunch, plan to spend a little less time at the museum and head to Q de Sac Resto de quartier. This is a five-minute walk from the museum and a 10-minute walk (or a five-minute drive) to the tour’s meeting point.
Afternoon – Visit Montmorency Falls & Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré
Quebec City is gorgeous, but trust us—the countryside just outside it is well worth carving out time to explore. The best way to do that? This half-day coach tour, which visits Montmorency Falls, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica, and a few charming local stops along the way.
This tour departs at 12:30 pm during the winter and wraps up around 5:30 to 6 pm. It’s a smooth, stress-free way to see more without renting a car and driving in winter conditions!
The tour starts with a scenic drive to Montmorency Falls, which is actually taller than Niagara Falls. Pretty wild, right? And while it’s stunning year-round, I think it’s even more impressive in winter because the falls freeze solid! They call it a Sugarloaf or “Pain de Sucre” because of the way the mist and water freeze.
You’ll have time to walk around, take photos, and soak up the views from different angles. From there, it’s on to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, a peaceful and absolutely stunning basilica that’s been a pilgrimage site for centuries.
The intricate mosaics and stained glass alone are worth the visit. Along the way, you’ll also stop at a local chocolaterie on Île d’Orléans (yes, you can sample!) and the Albert Gilles Copper Art & Museum, where you’ll get a glimpse into traditional metalworking and local artistry.
If you’re short on time but want to see more of the region’s natural beauty and cultural highlights, this tour is the perfect solution. It’s a laid-back, scenic way to experience what lies beyond the city walls!
Dinner – Restaurant La Buche
For your second night in Quebec City, treat yourself to a relaxed and flavorful dinner at Restaurant La Buche. This place came highly recommended by our guide, and boy, were they right! To make it even easier, it’s just a five-minute walk from where the tour drops off.
It’s an eclectic yet lively atmosphere here, leaning into a sugar shack theme. For those non-Canadians, a sugar shack is a cabin where you make maple syrup! It’s not all about kitchy decor, though; the food was really impressive. I personally loved the tourtière meat pie, but everything looked good.
If you have more energy, you can explore Old Quebec at night. But after a busy day and an awesome tour, we were ready to call it a night!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Day 3
Morning – Taste your way around Old Quebec on a food tour
You’ve explored the sights, and now it’s time to dive into the flavors. This 3-hour Old Quebec food tour is hands-down one of the best ways to experience the city’s unique culinary scene. We recommend booking the 11:00 am, 11:30 am, or 12:00 pm time slot. Be sure to stick to coffee for breakfast because you’ll definitely be full by the end!
If you have a bit of time before your tour begins, we suggest a quick stroll through Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine for some postcard-worthy city views, or a peaceful walk through Esplanade Park, a massive outdoor space with a fascinating military past. Both are just 10 minutes from the meeting point. Enjoy a slow morning over coffee!
The tour kicks off with a cozy three-course tasting—pea soup, pâté chinois, and maple taffy—before moving on to a handful of local favorites. You’ll sample everything from brisket and duck carpaccio to a gourmet spin on poutine, with a few drink pairings and a sweet stop at a fudge shop to wrap things up.
Your guide keeps things lively with fun stories and local insight, all while leading you through some of Old Quebec’s most charming backstreets and hidden gems. Don’t worry about the cold; the guide does a great job moving quickly between eateries, so you’ll be inside for most of the tour!
This tour fills up fast for a reason, so book ahead. It’s the tastiest history lesson you’ll ever take! But you don’t have to take our word for it—check out hundreds of five-star reviews here to see why this is a top-rated tour!
Afternoon – Stroll Rue Saint-Jean
After your food tour wraps up around 2 or 3 pm, take advantage of your location. Rue Saint-Jean is one of the most vibrant and historic streets in Old Quebec, and the perfect place to walk off your culinary adventure.
From the tour’s endpoint, head west along the street to explore even more of what it has to offer. You’ll find everything from quirky local boutiques to bookstores, cafés, and souvenir shops, all nestled among beautiful old architecture.
Be sure to check out the St. Jean Gate, one of the original stone entrances to the fortified city, and the Place D’Youville, a lovely historic square that often hosts public events and performers.
Venture just off the main stretch to see the stately Parliament Building! If you’re visiting in February, you can see the Ice Palace that is built for Bonhomme Carnaval. This sits right across the street from the Parliament Building. It usually stays up until nearly April! The event also includes nightly parades, so if you’re in town, check out the schedule here.
Or, for a different perspective on the city, pop into the Observatoire de la Capitale for panoramic views of Quebec City—an ideal way to take it all in as your trip winds down. This is a great time to wander without a plan and soak up the city’s energy at your own pace.
Dinner – Le Hobbit
For your final dinner in Quebec City, head to Le Hobbit, a cozy, rustic bistro just a 6-minute walk from central Rue Saint-Jean. Tucked away, it offers a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere with warm lighting, exposed stone walls, and a menu that puts a local twist on classic French cuisine.
The dishes here are thoughtful and seasonal. Expect things like duck breast with berry glaze, creamy mushroom risotto, or seared fish with fresh vegetables. Vegetarian-friendly options are available too, which can be surprisingly hard to come by in more traditional French spots.
Whether you’re pairing your meal with a glass of Quebec wine or one of their house cocktails, everything feels curated but not overcomplicated. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger just a little longer. Just be sure to make a reservation if you’re dining on a weekend.
Evening – See a show
End your last night in Quebec City with a bit of live entertainment. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or more avant-garde, Rue Saint-Jean puts you right near two of the city’s best venues, each offering a totally different kind of night out. Both theaters are just steps from where you’ve been exploring and dining, making it easy to slide right from dinner to curtain call.
Le Capitole de Québec
Just a stone’s throw from central Rue Saint-Jean, Le Capitole de Québec delivers that old-world theater charm with a wide variety of performances. You’ll find everything from French-language musicals and comedy shows to burlesque-style revues and concerts, all in a beautifully restored venue that dates back to the early 1900s.
It’s more than just a theater, too—an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar make it an all-in-one destination if you want to grab a drink or dessert post-show. The ambiance is elegant without being stuffy, and it’s a great way to wrap up your trip on a fun, cultural note.
La Diamant
If you’re looking for something a little more modern and boundary-pushing, check out Le Diamant, just down the street from Le Capitole. With its striking glass-and-stone architecture, this venue specializes in contemporary performances—think modern circus acts, experimental theatre, dance, and multimedia shows that push creative limits.
It’s an intimate, cutting-edge space where you’re just as likely to be amazed by the lighting and set design as the performance itself. Even if the show is a little outside your usual comfort zone, that’s kind of the point; it’s a memorable way to end your Quebec City adventure with something unexpected.
Related Read: Have extra time? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Quebec City!
Where to Stay in Quebec City
Quebec City is full of charming neighborhoods, but if you want to be in the heart of it all, Old Quebec is hands-down the best place to stay. This historic district puts you within walking distance of top sights, cozy cafés, and stunning architecture. If these hotels still have availability for your dates, they are my top recommendations:
Luxury – $$$
Auberge Saint-Antoine is hands down one of the most charming and luxurious hotels in Québec City! With its goose down duvets and heated bathroom floors, you’ll always wake up feeling well-rested here. There’s a luxury fitness center and spa on site, but if you can drag yourself away from those facilities, then you’re just steps from the boutiques of Petit Champlain and the Old Port waterfront. Plus, many top tours depart right nearby, making it the perfect base for exploring the city.
Rooms at Auberge Saint-Antoine cost between $350 and $1,200 CAD per night. Check prices and availability over at Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
Auberge Saint-Pierre is a cozy, boutique hotel tucked into a beautifully restored 19th-century building in Québec City’s historic Old Port. You might expect that a property like this would break the bank, but in fact, it offers a lot of bang for your buck. The rooms are warm and inviting, and the waterfront is right on your doorstep
Depending on the season, rooms start from just $250 CAD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
If you want to stay in the heart of Quebec’s Old City but don’t want to splurge on a hotel, then Auberge Internationale de Quebec is the answer to your prayers! With both private rooms and dorms, it’s a great option for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking to explore the city without breaking the bank. You’ll be within walking distance of iconic spots like the Citadelle and Battlefields Park, and you can meet fellow travelers in the cozy common areas or at the on-site café bistro.
Dorm beds at Auberge Internationale de Quebec start at around $100 CAD per night. Discover all prices and availability at Booking.com!
Looking for more choices? Check out the full list of hotels in Quebec City here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Quebec City, have a look at our detailed Where to Stay guide!
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
Renting a Car or Camper in Canada
One of the best ways to experience Canada is by hitting the road. Some of the best things to do and attractions are located in remote areas between destinations. For that reason, we highly recommend getting your own wheels!
- Rent a car – To simply rent a vehicle, search on Discover Cars where they compare tons of different rental companies near you. This way you can easily compare prices, features, policies, and more!
- Rent a campervan or motorhome – Motorhome Republic is great for finding a motorhome or campervan to rent in Canada. With your own home on wheels, you can camp in beautiful places and save money on accommodation!
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Thanks for reading!
Quebec City is great to visit any time of year, but winter brings a charm unlike anywhere else! You’ll find hidden gems, historic sights, and charming buildings, plus amazing restaurants! Follow this itinerary, and you’ll see the best of the best.
Let us help you plan the rest of your travels and check out our other Canada blogs! As a Canadian myself, I’ve traveled all over the country and have hand-picked the best places to visit and things to do. Here are a few more blogs to get you started:
44 MAGICAL Things to do in Banff this Winter
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Lake Louise, Alberta: 3-Day Winter Itinerary
5 SAFEST Places to Escape the Cold this Winter
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore with confidence.
