From an epic toboggan run to Bonhomme’s famous ice castle
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Like all Canadians, the people in Québec have learned to embrace winter. Even on the darkest nights and in the coldest temperatures, the people of this beautiful province find ways to gather together and celebrate. From sampling fine cuisine to snowshoeing through the woods, to exploring art and creativity, there’s plenty of things to do Québec City, Montréal and their surrounding areas.
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For those looking for an epic adventure during the colder months, here are nine bucket-list experiences for every Canadian.
Historic toboggan run
Québec’s famous ice hotel
Located in the village of Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, North America’s first and only ice hotel opened in 2001. The Hotel Valcartier purchased it in 2017, adding to their hub of winter activities. Up to 2,000 people a day visit the resort’s tubing slides, and it also boasts an indoor water park and an indoor arcade.
Québec City’s annual Carnaval festival
Ice canoe racing
Ice canoe racing has a long history and is one of the many outdoor events that make up Carnaval de Québec. It hearkens back to a time when the canoe was the only way to traverse from one side of the river to the other. Now an extreme sport, ice canoe competitions challenge teams of racers to paddle across the St. Lawrence River between large floating chunks of ice. The teams sometimes have to get out to push their canoes over an ever-changing landscape of ice floes before getting back in the water to paddle to victory. The blue sky, crisp air and more shots of Karibou made it feel like a truly Canadian experience
Nordic spa with a view
Montréal’s Lumino festival
Experience the beauty of Montréal in winter with this dazzling display of art. Now in its 15th year, Lumino takes place in Quartier des Spectacles, in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. The festival includes dynamic art installations including projections on the sides of buildings. There’s also free skating at Esplanade Tranquille’s refrigerated skating rink. This expression of creativity will pierce through the darkest of winter nights and reconnect you with the fierce creativity of human beings. This yearly festival runs from late November through to March.
Igloofest
Gather music lovers under the stars at Old Port Montreal, add in some top DJs and firepits to roast marshmallows and you have a recipe for a mid-winter blast. Since it started in 2007, Igloofest continues to provide happy relief to the doldrums of winter. It’s a chance to dance away the winter blues and strut your stuff in a colourful vintage snowsuit. There are vintage shops around the city that can provide a rental if needed. Igloofest also lights up Winterlude in Gatineau and Carnaval in Québec City.
Fine cuisine
While you’re in Québec, this is a great time to indulge in fine French cuisine without the airfare to Paris. But the food scene encompasses so much more than just French-style cooking. It is a fusion of so many different cultures and tastes. For instance, you can enjoy a traditional cheese fondue in a heated dome outdoors at L’Auberge St. Gabriel. Or you can sample Québec originals such as poutine or a smoked meat sandwich at a local microbrewery. Or snack on a Korean-style corndog on an outdoor terrace. Maybe you’ll be brave enough to try escargot.
Snowshoeing in Parc Jean-Drapeau
