5 Winter Activities in Quebec City for Families
When to visit Quebec City:
If you long to visit Europe for a winter holiday, but cannot make it across the Atlantic, then Quebec City is perfect for old world vibes and a fun family getaway. We have visited this city twice and our planning our third visit back to Quebec. We love how walkable it easy and how many family-friendly activities there are in Quebec City.
In December, the city is filled with German-style Christmas markets.
In January, the Hotel de Glace (ice hotel) is open to explore and the hills are covered with snow.
In February, the popular Carnaval de Québec, a celebration of winter offers unique festivities in the city.
Here are our favorite winter activities in Quebec City:
1884 Toboggan (Dufferin Terrace)
Ice-skating at Place d’Youville
Snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier
Sledding and cross-country skiing in Jacques Cartier National Park
Dog-sledding near Jacques Cartier National Park
1884 Toboggan
1. 1884 Toboggan (Dufferin Terrace)
If you do one activity in Quebec City, let it be this epic toboggan! We’ve taken this ride a few times and were able to fit our family of 3 on one sled. You could probably fit up to 4 people, but the more you weigh, the faster you will go.
The 1884 toboggan sits next to the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and overlooks that Saint Lawrence River.
Logistics: The slide is open from mid-December to mid-March. It will closing occasionally if the weather is too warm. The cost $4 CAD per person. Buy the tickets inside the cafe at the bottom of the toboggan, wait in line to grab a sled, and then pull it up to the top yourself. From there, you will be guided on how to sit properly and secure everyone into the toboggan.
2. Ice-skating at Place d’Youville
Just outside the wall of the city is Place D’Youville. In winter, this features a free ice-skating rink which is surrounded by a small section of Christmas market stalls, illuminated Christmas trees, and a multimedia animation that is projected on Le Diamant building across the street.
Whenever I think of an iconic winter scene, this is what comes to mind. While the ice skating rinks in New York City are larger, there is something incredibly charming about skating in this smaller city. Place d’Youville is by far the coziest ice-skating rink we have encountered.
Entrance to the ice-skating rink (patinoire) is free, and there is a rental facility right next to the rink, which includes lockers and a restroom. Skate rentals are $8 CAD per person and helmets are available too. For this price, we usually try to skate a couple times each trip. But, if you bring your own skates, you can enjoy some laps around the rink as many times as you want.
3. Snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier
Snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier is a must-do family activity that delivers thrills with minimal effort. There are a variety of tube sizes and runs with lots of space for kids to bop around. It’s easy for anyone from toddlers to grandparents to take part.
The park features long, groomed chutes and convenient lift systems and conveyor belts keep lines moving so you spend more time sliding than waiting. We especially loved the massive snowtubes that would fit an entire family, and then some. This would be a great place to visit with extended family or friends so that the kids can all enjoy screaming as they safely launch down the hill together.
Village Vacances Valcartier also has a hotel on site with an indoor water park.
4. Sledding in Jacques Cartier National Park
Jacques Cartier National Park is only 40 minutes away from Quebec City and is a beautiful, expansive park with lots of winter activities. The park’s visitor’s center features clean bathrooms, a fireplace, lots of tables, a small store, and many options for gear rental. You can walk (or ski) right out the door, and find yourself on a snow-packed trail. We found that one hour is usually enough for small children to be out and about.
There are also cabins on site in Jacques Cartier National Park that you can rent.
5. Dog-sledding near Jacques Cartier National Park
For families looking to experience dog sledding near Quebec City and Jacques-Cartier National Park, Aventures Nord Bec Stoneham is a great option. This company is known for its reputable, family-friendly approach, and they offer a well-structured introduction to dog sledding that feels both exciting and approachable.
The experience we chose includes a brief lesson and safety briefing, a 15-minute guided ride through scenic forest trails, and finishes with treats and hot beverages. While the ride itself is short, the length is intentional—dog sled drivers stand throughout the ride and the activity is physically demanding, making this an ideal introduction rather than an overwhelming first experience.
Families should note that two adults are required per sled—one to drive and one to ride with a child. This was perfect for our family of 3, but larger families may need to communicate with Nord Bec ahead of time to plan how they will ride.
Rates per sled – for 2 people
$179 CAD (low season)
$249 CAD (high season)
➕ + $51 CAD for a child (8 years old or under)
Where to stay in Quebec City (or near the city)
Throughout our visits, we’ve tried a few hotels in Quebec and a cabin in Jacques Cartier National Park. Here’s everywhere we have stayed and are exploring for future stays:
Old Town (inside the walled city):
The Hotel Manoir Victoria is within the walled city
You can read our full review of the Fairmont Frontenac. It’s a beautiful hotel at Christmastime and the pool and game room are great for kids. There’s also a Starbucks in the basement for those that need their daily caffeine fix. The Frontenac is pricy, so we never stay more than 2 nights.
This is right next to Place d’Youville. If you pack your ice skates, you could skate for free and then head back to your hotel to warm up within minutes. It’s a great location, but will be a little noisier and busier, especially in December.
Outside the city:
Cabin in Jacques Cartier National Park
