Your Next Trip TRAVEL GUIDE
Quebec City
In this winter episode of Your Next Trip, Dayvee explores the icy magic of Quebec City—North America’s only walled city. From walking Old Quebec’s cobblestone streets to ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence River, visiting Wendake’s Indigenous cultural center, and sleeping in a hotel made entirely of ice, this trip blends adventure, history, and heart.
Now, check out our recommendations featured in this episode and more!
What to do
Walking Tour of Old Quebec
A guided walking tour is one of the best ways to understand Old Quebec’s layered history. Stroll through Upper and Lower Town, learn about the British and French conflicts, see the fortified walls up close, and get local insight into architecture, culture, and daily life beyond the postcard views.
Address: Tours usually depart from central Old Quebec meeting points such as near Château Frontenac or Place d’Armes
Hours: Daily, with multiple departures depending on season
Cost: Guided tours are a paid experience, often with small-group or private options
Website: Quebec City Tours
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (Montmorency Falls)
Just minutes from downtown, Montmorency Falls towers 83 meters high, even taller than Niagara. Ride the cable car up the cliff, walk the suspension bridge over the falls, or hike the trails for sweeping views. In winter, the falls partially freeze into a dramatic ice formation that’s a favorite with photographers and ice climbers.
Address: 2490 Avenue Royale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Open year-round, generally daylight to early evening for facilities
Cost: Park access is low-cost per adult; extra fees for parking and activities like the cable car
Website: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Wendake & Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations
Wendake is a self-governing Indigenous territory and home to the Huron-Wendat Nation. Visit Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations to learn about Wendat history and living culture, tour the national longhouse, walk riverside paths, and take part in storytelling or craft experiences led by community members.
Address: 5 Place de la Rencontre Ekionkiestha’, Wendake, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Hotel open daily; museum and cultural activities run on scheduled daytime hours
Cost: Museum visits and cultural experiences are paid; prices vary by program
Website: Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations
Ice Canoeing on the St. Lawrence River
Try one of Quebec’s most unique winter adventures: ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence River. You’ll gear up, learn the basics from a guide, then push and paddle your canoe across shifting ice and open water with the Quebec City skyline in the background.
Address: Departure points vary along the St. Lawrence River near Quebec City
Hours: Winter only; outings typically run in scheduled time slots during daylight hours
Cost: Guided tours are a paid activity; expect premium pricing for small-group adventure experiences
Website: Ice Canoeing
Where to stay
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
This iconic “castle” hotel overlooks the St. Lawrence River in the center of Old Quebec. A National Historic Site, it has hosted royalty, world leaders, and travelers who want to stay right inside the city’s fortified walls, with easy access to Dufferin Terrace, historic streets, and winter festivities.
Address: 1 Rue des Carrières, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Open year-round, 24-hour front desk
Cost: Luxury; nightly rates are higher and vary by season and room type
Website: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations
Set along the Akiawenrahk River in Wendake, this boutique First Nations hotel blends contemporary comfort with Indigenous design. Guests have direct access to the on-site museum, national longhouse, forest and riverside paths, and Indigenous-inspired cuisine at La Traite.
Address: 5 Place de la Rencontre Ekionkiestha’, Wendake, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Open year-round, 24-hour reception
Cost: Mid-range to boutique-luxury; rates vary by season and room category
Website: Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations
Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel)
North America’s only ice hotel is rebuilt each winter with themed ice suites, an ice chapel, ice slide, and Ice Bar. You can book a guided visit or stay overnight for the full experience, complete with a pre-sleep briefing, access to outdoor hot tubs, and a warm backup room at the nearby hotel if you need it.
Address: 2280 Boulevard Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Open seasonally from January to mid-March, with day and evening visit hours
Cost: Day visits are a moderate ticketed activity; overnight stays are premium, starting in the high hundreds per night
Website: Hôtel de Glace
And there’s tons of other fabulous places to stay during your trip.
Check out the best accommodation deals below.
What to eat
Poutine at Chez Ashton
Poutine was born in Quebec, and Chez Ashton is a classic stop to try the local favorite: fries, squeaky cheese curds, and hot gravy in a simple, no-frills setting. There are several locations around Quebec City, including convenient spots near Old Quebec for a quick, filling meal.
Address: Multiple locations in Quebec City; one central location is 54 Côte du Palais, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Hours vary by location; many are open from late morning into late evening
Cost: Budget-friendly; expect a casual meal price per person
Website: Chez Ashton
La Bûche
Located in Old Quebec, La Bûche serves Quebecois comfort food with an updated sugar-shack feel. Expect hearty plates like tourtière, pea soup, and maple-inspired dishes in a lively, rustic space that feels very local and very cozy, especially in winter.
Address: 49 Rue Saint-Louis, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Generally open daily from morning through late evening, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
Cost: Mid-range; mains are priced in a typical sit-down restaurant range
Website: La Bûche
Café-Boulangerie Paillard
Paillard is a popular bakery-café in Old Quebec known for fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches, and good coffee. It’s an easy stop for breakfast, a mid-day warm-up between sights, or a light lunch while exploring Rue Saint-Jean and the surrounding historic streets.
Address: 1097 Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Typically open daily from early morning into the evening
Cost: Affordable; pastries, coffee, and light meals are moderately priced
Website: Café-Boulangerie Paillard
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Winter (December to early March) is ideal if you want that snow-globe experience: Carnaval de Québec, ice canoeing, Hôtel de Glace, tobogganing, and festive lights everywhere.
Summer (June to August) is best for warm weather, patios, and festivals.
Shoulder seasons (late May, September, October) are quieter, with fewer crowds and better hotel rates, but less of the extreme winter or peak summer buzz.Getting Around
Old Quebec is very walkable, and many of the main sights are within a short stroll of each other.
Quebec City has a reliable public bus system (RTC) that connects downtown with neighborhoods, Wendake, and some suburban areas.
Taxis and app-based ride services are available, but not as omnipresent as in larger cities, so plan ahead late at night or in bad weather.
For day trips to places like Montmorency Falls or Hôtel de Glace, a rental car, shuttle, or organized tour can be the most convenient option in winter conditions.Safety Tips
Quebec City is generally very safe, including at night in tourist areas. Still, use common sense: keep valuables secure, be mindful of icy sidewalks and stairs in winter, and wear proper boots with good traction.
In extreme cold, limit exposed skin, layer properly, and take breaks indoors to warm up.
When driving outside the city in winter, make sure your car has proper winter tires and leave extra time for snowy or icy roads.Helpful Notes
Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, including at most hotels, restaurants, and attractions, but it is useful to have some cash for small purchases and tips.
French is the primary language, and you will hear it everywhere. Many people working in tourism speak English, but learning a few phrases like “bonjour,” “s’il vous plaît,” and “merci” goes a long way.
Winter gear matters: think waterproof boots with good grip, thermal layers, a real winter coat, hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens. For major winter experiences like Hôtel de Glace or certain tours in Wendake, advance reservations are strongly recommended in peak season.
Plug Type: Type A (two-pin) and Type B (three-pin, grounded)
Voltage: 120V
Frequency: 60Hz
Packing list
Here’s our suggested items to pack for this destination. Please always consider the weather and activities you will be doing. This list is packing for icy adventures.
Clothing
Insulated winter coat (waterproof or water-resistant)
Packable down or synthetic mid-layer jacket
Thermal base layers (tops and bottoms, 2–3 sets)
Warm sweaters or fleeces
Long-sleeve shirts for layering
Comfortable pants/jeans for city walking
Waterproof snow pants (for ice canoeing, tobogganing, and Montmorency Falls)
Indoor/casual outfits for dinners and hotel time
Footwear
Insulated, waterproof winter boots with good traction
Warm everyday shoes/boots for city walking (optional second pair)
Thick wool or thermal socks (multiple pairs)
Sock liners if you run cold
Cold-Weather Accessories
Warm hat/toque that covers your ears
Neck gaiter or scarf
Insulated gloves or mittens (plus a backup pair)
Glove liners if you’re filming or using your phone a lot
Hand and foot warmers (especially for outdoor activities and ice canoeing)
Traction cleats/microspikes for extra grip on icy streets and trails
Activity Gear
Base layers specifically for ice activities (quick-dry, non-cotton)
Lightweight backpack or daypack for outings
Reusable water bottle (insulated if possible)
Sunglasses (snow glare can be real)
Lip balm with SPF and rich moisturizer (cold + wind + dry air)
Swimsuit and flip-flops for spa/hot tubs at Hôtel de Glace or other hotels
Sleepwear that works under a provided sleeping bag for the ice hotel (thermal top and leggings)
Toiletries & Health
Basic toiletries kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
Hydrating face and body lotion
Travel-size sunscreen (for bright snowy days)
Any prescription medications, plus a small pain reliever and cold medicine
Travel tissues and hand sanitizer
Tech & Essentials
Smartphone and/or camera with extra batteries (cold drains them fast)
Power bank
Protective case or dry bag for electronics during snow and ice canoeing
IDs, travel insurance details, and reservation confirmations
Credit/debit cards plus a small amount of Canadian cash
Optional Nice-to-Haves
Compact binoculars for views and wildlife spotting around Montmorency
Small travel towel (for spa/ice hotel transitions if you like your own)
Notebook or journal if you like to capture impressions and stories on the go
Get a full packing list and free downloadable template at Pack Better.
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Find the perfect customizable packing list for all of your travel situations on our sister website Pack Better.
This episode of "Your Next Trip" explored the ancestral lands of
We extend our respect and gratitude to the Indigenous communities who have been the stewards of these lands for generations. Research for this acknowledgment was made possible using the NativeLand.ca.
Learn more about responsible travel practices in the TWD Responsible Travel Guide.
Visit the guideTrip provided by: Destination Québec cité
Special Thanks: Tourisme Wendake, Dominic Ste-Marie, Pascale Boivin, Patrick Lemaire
