19 Winter Adventures You Need To Add To Your Quebec Bucket List If You Love The Snow
- It's easy to do the same thing over and over again once the cold hits, which is why we've made a list of 20 winter activities in Quebec, to make sure you make the most of the season!
- Find out where your next winter adventure could be below!
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
If you're like me, you've likely started a bit of a Quebec winter bucket list, with tons of things to do across the province during this special and snowy season. Well, if you're a snow lover, this list is for you because it's got 19 winter activities to do in Quebec that will get you off the couch, out of the house and into the great, white outdoors. It's an action-packed list!
There is a solid mix of high-adrenaline, somewhat extreme activities below, like scaling an icy canyon.
But I've also included a good number of significantly more chill activities, like hitting up a winter wonderland spa or going ice fishing.
A lot of these activities can also be done in pretty much any region across Quebec.
So, all you have to do is decide which activity you want to do and then just decide where in Quebec you want to explore next!
To perfect the occasion, why not rent an adorable Airbnb where you can crash in the woods blanketed by snow?
It sounds like it's time to rent a car and take an adventure! Take a look at some awesome bucket list ideas below.
Go On A Dogsledding Adventure
When: December - April, weather permitting
Where: All over Quebec!
Why: Travel in this time-honoured tradition with a pack of dogs leading the way as you wind through a winter forest, your breath puffing out in front of you as you twist through the snowy trail.
Plus, there's almost always puppies.
Climb Over An Icy Canyon
Where: The Via Ferrata cable climbing course through Canyon Sainte-Anne in Beaupré, near Quebec City.
When: By reservation, visit Projet Vertical for details.
Why: This is the world’s third uninterrupted Via Ferrata, which is a steel cable circuit that allows even beginners to reach ridiculous heights.
Reach Record Speeds While Tubing
Where: Super Glissades, 2650 Route Louis-Cyr (Route 131 Nord), Saint-Jean-de-Matha
When: Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6pm
Why: The Super Glissades tubing course will have you reaching speeds up to 100km/h.
(If you're looking for something a little more quaint, maybe try this toboggan ride in Quebec City instead.)
But Super Glissades is open evenings on weekends and often will be open late all through March Break, so you can even do some night tubing!
Build An Igloo Or A Snowman Army
Where: Anywhere with snow!
When: You don't have to wait for someone to start singing the Frozen soundtrack, just grab a shovel and go for it.
Why: Igloos are a time-honoured shelter method in the wintertime that be surprisingly warm and protective of winter elements. Plus, they're fun to hang out in!
Go On An Adrenaline Pumping Snowmobile Ride
Where: There are tons of snowmobile trails all over Quebec just waiting for you to zoom through on a snowy day, along with a bunch of companies linked below that can help with rentals and instructions.
When: Whenever you can escape the city!
Why: If you can't find yourself a sled and some dogs, this is definitely your next best bet. You can feel like a Bond villain speeding through the forest.
Go Ice Fishing
Where: All over Quebec! Find a list of outfitters linked below.
When: Conditions are usually most favourable in January and February.
Why: Called "pêche blanche" in Quebec, this is another winter activity we can thank Indigenous ancestors for introducing to settlers, and current Indigenous communities for keeping the tradition alive across the province.
Give it a try - it's like nothing you've ever done before!
Luminotherapie
Where: Place des Festivals, 1499 rue Jeanne Mance, Montreal
When: Until January 26, 2020
Why: You don't have to leave Montreal to find yourself enamoured with the snow all around.
Have an old-school snow adventure by snowshoeing
Where: All over Quebec!
When: Whenever and wherever there is snow!
Why: Snowshoes are yet another tried-and-true method of getting around the snowscapes of winter in Quebec. Though you don't have to use the big, old, wooden ones - there have been some upgrades.
If you have your own equipment, this map will show you all the free snowshoeing tracks in Quebec.
If you're trying it all out for the first time, there are tons of outfitters that offer rentals, instructions and guides, in any region you're eager to explore.
Take It Slow While Cross-Country Skiing
Where: All over Quebec!
When: As long as the snow lasts.
Why: Another slow-and-steady way to see some nature and get some awesome exercise. If you're living in Quebec, you've got to try ski de fond at least once.
If you're in Montreal, give it a try right on Mount Royal with Les amis de la montagne.
If you're trying it out for the first time, there are tons of outfitters that offer rentals, instructions and guides, in any region you're eager to explore.
Test Your Skills On A Fat Bike
Where: All over Quebec!
When: Fatbiking is not just for the winter! You can actually rent and ride fat bikes all year round.
Why: While a lot of these activities have been around forever, fatbiking is a relatively new phenomenon that is picking up popularity pretty fast.
If you're trying it out for the first time, there are tons of outfitters that offer rentals, instructions and guides, in any region you're eager to explore.
Relax In A Jacuzzi As It Snows
Where: Rent an Airbnb with a hot tub for a private oasis, or go full-out and spend the day at a winter wonderland spa.
When: As long as the snow lasts - though most spas are open year-round.
Why: Whether it's for an après-ski or a girls day out, visiting a spa is a great way to stay warm while being in the great, wintery outdoors.
Skate Away On An Ice Trail
When: Dependant on the weather. Keep yourself well-informed on ice thickness when skating on open bodies of water.
Where: There is no shortage of spots to go skating all over Quebec, from municipal rinks to lakes and rivers.
Why: Feel like a woodland princess as you glide through a snowy forest or embrace your inner speed skater as you circle around the rink - skating delivers on all the fantasies.
Plus, more and more rinks are introducing fun themed music nights, like up on Mount Royal and down in the Old Port.
Take A Winter Road Trip
Where: All over Quebec! Stay up to date on weather and road conditions.
When: The next time the desire to hit the road strikes you!
Why: If you love the snow but hate getting stuck in it, opt for a little winter roadie instead.
This way you can take in the most that the naturally beautiful Quebec landscape has to offer, from the warmth of your car!
Visit The Iconic Ice Hotel In Quebec City
Where: 1860 Boulevard Valcartier, Quebec City
When: Visits until March 29, 2020; Overnights until March 21, 2020
Why: This is the only true ice hotel in Quebec and it is worth a visit, whether or not you stay overnight.
Plus, the grand opening on January 17, 2020, will feature a DJ, fireworks and circus performances!
Take A Hike In A Winter Wonderland
When: Whenever skies are blue!
Where: Try one of these boardwalk trails that will lead you to stunning winter views.
Sépaq is also making 14 national parks free of a day in January, including Mont Orford, pictured above.
Why: You can enjoy rare free admission on the Journée d'Hiver this January 25, 2020. But, the cost of admission to stroll through Quebec's natural beauty is totally worth it on any other day.
Festilumières
Where: Aquarium du Québec, Quebec City
When: Saturday nights from January 11 to February 29, 2020
Why: Wander through a magical lighted forest that will feel like you've been transported to another world.
Stroll Through Vieux Quebec
Where: Explore rue Saint-Jean, Old Port, Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale.
When: Whenever you can escape Montreal!
Why: Not everything needs to be full-tilt adrenaline. Maybe you just want to stroll through the snowy city, sip some cocktails and explore the amazing restaurants.
Plus, the old part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site... So bring a camera.
Hit The Slopes
When: Most hills are now fully open for the season, so take your pick of when and where!
Where: All over Quebec!
Why: A classic activity that honestly is a must on any winter bucket list.
Whether you're a seasoned skier or it's your first time on a snowboard, this is a winter pastime that you'll never regret learning.
Visit A Cabane À Sucre
Where: All over Quebec!
When: The season usually begins near the end of February until mid-April.
Why: Sure, we'll have to wait until winter is almost over to participate in this classic Québécois tradition. But, if you're making a bucket list, a cabane à sucre better be on it.
I hope this inspired your winter bucket list. It sure has made me feel like it's time to rent a car and get the hell out of the city!
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
