Québec’s Winter Wonderland

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If snowy white landscapes, sporty outdoor adventures and vibrant urban festivals spark joy in your life, it's time to plan the ultimate getaway to Québec.

Enchanted River

Québec’s St. Lawrence River transforms during winter, with enormous slabs of ice covering its surface. This allows for some truly unique experiences, such as observing the harp seals of the Magdalen Islands. From late February to early March, tens of thousands of seals come to mate. Travel via helicopter to observe the adorable pups up close. If you’re keen for active winter fun, make your way to Parc National du Bic and strap on your cross–country skis. You’ll be able to glide over 28 km of trails, while admiring spectacular views of the St. Lawrence. Another family–friendly activity is ice fishing, and there’s no need for expert skills – everyone can try their luck on Rivière Sainte–Anne in Mauricie while keeping warm in one of the 500 heated cabins.

December 1, 2019
A white seal lays on a bed of snow staring at the camera

Nature Calls

The province’s landscape, ranging from mountain peaks to glacial valleys, is sprinkled with skating rinks, 75 ski resorts and more than 33,000 km of marked snowmobile trails. Located just an hour’s drive from picturesque Québec City is Le Massif de Charlevoix, which offers the perfect playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. An equally iconic Canadian activity to try is snowshoeing: Gaze upon fairytale–like scenery as you explore trails through resorts and within national parks, such as Valley of Phantom in Parc National des Monts–Valin in the Saguenay–Lac–Saint–Jean region. Make time for the most relaxing après–sport activity: a Nordic spa circuit of hot soaks, cold dips and saunas. Spas not to be missed include Chelsea’s Nordik Spa–Nature and the Eastern Townships’ Spa Eastman.

Two peaks on an ice hotel with pointed roofs made of snow and walls made of transparent blocks of ice. The one on the right has an open wooden door

Winter Celebrations

Embrace the magic of the season at one of the province’s many urban festivals. In the capital, the Carnaval de Québec, the largest winter carnaval in the world, runs from February 7 to 16. A 15–minute drive from the lively city will land you at Hôtel de Glace, the only place of its kind in North America. This year, the extraordinary structure, made entirely of ice and snow, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. For more giant slides, magnificent snow sculptures, winter activities and shows, head to the Snowflake Kingdom of Winterlude in Gatineau (January 31 to February 17).

For more information, visit quebecoriginal.com.