Quebec City is a charming winter wonderland straight out of a fairy tale. The old cobblestone streets leading up to the famed Chateau make for some wonderful photos and relaxing days strolling about the city. Visit in the winter for the holiday markets and festivities Quebec City has to offer.
Where to Eat
- Champlain at Le Chateau Frontenac: For a truly lavish brunch, we recommend dining at Champlain at Le Chateau Frontenac. The prix fixe five course menu, paired with top notch service, will satisfy your luxury cravings and include some really delicious dishes. Over the course of our 2.5 hour meal we were able to enjoy amazing pastries (LOVE the maple scone and croissant), beef wellington, an eggs benedict, and hot chocolate served in very elaborate china with a unique story behind the coat of arms decorations. In case that isn’t enough, you’ll also be welcomed to the restaurant with some delicious juices. The meal is not cheap by any means, but considering the quality and everything included, we honestly thought it was a value.
- Pub L’Oncle Antoine: For the best french onion soup in the city (and the best that we’ve ever had), visit Pub L’Oncle Antoine. This hole in the wall restaurant is legitimately a hole in a wall – it’s a cellar turned into a charming tavern with a classic pub feel. After a day walking around town in the cold, you won’t find a better comfort than this nice, warm restaurant serving out soup and delicious melted brie.
- L’Echaudé: On a whim we decided to grab dinner at this French restaurant near our Airbnb in the center of town. Like most of the restaurants in Quebec City, it had an upscale feel and pricier menu, but the food was great. We especially liked the warm goat cheese, duck confit, seared tuna, and half-baked chocolate cake with coffee ice cream. L’Echaudé also has a great wine list that won’t break the bank.
- Mary’s Popcorn Shop: This cute little shop located on the hill beneath the Chateau has delicious popcorn. It makes for a perfect midday snack or late night indulgence. We got the Quebec style mix – which includes a combination of caramel, maple, and cheese – and we will without a doubt be visiting again on our next trip.
Things to Do
- Walking Tour: Quebec City has an interesting history, and we recommend learning about that storied past by signing up for a walking tour. We didn’t see any free options in the city, so we chose an option on Airbnb. If you do a walking tour in the winter though, make sure to layer up and wear proper footwear!
- Christmas Markets: Without a doubt, the Christmas markets are some of the main attractions for Quebec City in the winter. For many living in the United States, they are seen as a great, more convenient substitute for the Christmas markets you can find around Europe over the holidays. Just don’t plan to have dinner there unless you want to wait in long lines. These markets get packed. That said, there are plenty of cute shops and vendors, great apple mulled wine, and plenty of holiday cheer.
- Old Quebec: If you book a historic walking tour, you’ll likely spend some time walking through Old Quebec. Regardless though, this area is worth some extra time. The beautiful Le Chateau Frontenac is found here, along with the Dufferin Terrace, city walls, plenty of shops (some selling frozen maple syrup lollipops), and even a toboggan ride. Arrive early if you want to avoid a long line for the toboggan. Otherwise, take some time to relax and soak in the atmosphere as you get lost on the cobblestone streets.
- Montmorency Falls: Just outside of Quebec City you’ll find Montmorency Falls. There are a couple short hiking trails that will take you right up to the waterfall, and after dark you’ll get to see colored lights shining on the running water. Sometimes there are even people way more adventurous than us ice climbing beside the falls.
Other Tips & Tricks
- Where to Stay and Getting Around: Old Quebec is the place to be. The upper town will be more convenient for visiting the Chateau and other attractions, but the lower town is better for parking and restaurant variety. It’s worth noting that driving through Old Quebec isn’t really a thing and there isn’t public transit, so you’ll want to stay somewhere within walking distance of your planned stops. If you are arriving to Quebec City by car, you can find affordable overnight parking in the lower town.
- Currency Exchange: Everywhere that we visited in the city took card (including vendors at the Christmas markets), but it’s always good to have some cash just in case. There weren’t a ton of exchanges around town, so we recommend taking advantage if you happen to pass one.
- Language Barrier: Most tourist locations in the city will speak English, but you’ll likely encounter some shops and restaurants speaking exclusively French. It is helpful to know some French to get around, but you’ll be fine without it.
- Visiting in the Winter: Quebec City gets really, really cold. You’re bound to spend a good amount of time walking around outside, so it is important that you prepare and pack appropriately. That means warm base layers, proper snow boots, a hat, and a good winter coat.
- Overnight Trip to Montreal: Quebec City is only 3 hours from Montreal, so we definitely recommend pairing the two cities on the same trip. You can read about our recommendations for visiting Montreal here.
Happy traveling!
Kitrina & Jordan