Thursday, December 22, 2016
Québec is winter country. And Québec City is a real winter city. So when the snow falls, we get our coats and boots on and get outside. You won’t believe how much there is to do here in the winter!
1 Try Fatbiking
Credit: VBN, Philippe Jobin
This is the new winter sport that everyone’s talking about. You can hit the trails at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, Sentiers du Moulin, or Vallée Bras-du-Nord. Let the good times roll!
2 Visit the New Hôtel de Glace
Credit: Luc Rousseau
The Hôtel de Glace is now located at Valcartier Vacation Village. That means you can brave “L’Everest”—the highest acceleration slide in North America!—on an inner tube and then stop by the Ice Hotel for a visit.
3 Go for the Ice Canyoning Experience
Credit: Canyoning-Québec
Thrill‑seekers, this one is for you! Plus, Bistro Nordik at Château Mont-Sainte-Anne is just minutes away. A delicious way to catch your breath!
4 Before You Play, Brunch
Credit: Catherine Côté
Enjoy a Sunday brunch at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, then get some fresh air in the Old City. Fly down the hundred-year-old winter slide on Dufferin Terrace or try the picturesque skating rink at Place D’Youville.
5 Take a Stroll in a Romantic Setting
Explore the Petit-Champlain district under a blanket of falling snow, stop by the Petite Cabane à Sucre for a sweet treat, then cozy up by the fireplace with a nice cup of hot chocolate at Café-Bar Artefact in the Auberge Saint-Antoine.
6 Experience the Traditions and History of Québec City
Credit: Village Nordik at Port of Québec
Try your hand at ice fishing in the Village Nordik at Louise Basin, then check out an interactive exhibition at Musée de la civilisation or see a show on Québec City’s military history at Musée du Fort.
7 Relax in a Nordic Spa
Credit: Le Nordique Spa Stoneham
For a truly invigorating spa experience, dip into the icy waters of the Jacques-Cartier River (Le Nordique spa), the Jaune River (Sibéria Station Spa), or the 17th‑storey waterfall at SkySpa (in Sainte-Foy).
8 Rediscover the Plains of Abraham
Slip on your skates and take a few turns around the rink on the Plains of Abraham, then warm up as you visit the new Pierre Lassonde Pavilion.
9 Get Silly in Your Snowsuit
Credit: Ville de Québec
What to do when it’s -20°C (-4°F) out? Dance around and have fun at Aquarium du Québec’s Festi Lumière, at the New Year’s celebrations on Grande Allée (don’t forget to try the zipline!), and with Bonhomme at #moncarnaval.
10 Take Time for You
Credit: André-Olivier Lyra
Make the next snowstorm your perfect excuse to go on a wellness retreat at Monastère des Augustines.
This article was written by Annie Lafrance and published in the 2016 winter edition of the 16.08 magazine.
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