Quebec City Winter Fun for Families

Founded over four centuries ago, Quebec City is one of the most romantic spots on the planet, especially when enveloped in a beautiful blanket of snow. But it's also super kid friendly. Bien sûr, this UNESCO World Heritage Site in French Canada appeals to all ages. From wintry outdoor adventures and cultural activities to a life-sized snowman mascot, you’re sure to have a (snow) ball in one of the safest cities in North America! Here's a look at Quebec City winter activities for families. 

Say Bonjour to Bonhomme, the Quebec Winter Carnival mascot (Photo credit: Francis Gagnon, Office du Tourisme de Québec)

1. Quebec Winter Carnival

Not only is the Quebec Winter Carnival the world’s largest outdoor winter festival, but also it's the most fun. The carnival typically takes place in late January and early February. Kids have a blast trying out winter activities like snow tubing, hockey, and dog-sledding. Bonhomme, a 7-foot-tall snowman, is the symbol of this frosty festival. No Quebec City winter visit is complete without spotting this dapper dude.

Kids enjoying maple taffy at the Quebec Winter Carnival (Photo credit: Office du Tourisme de Québec)

2. Musée de la Civilisation

A museum day provides a great way to warm up in winter in Quebec City. Tops for families is the interactive Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilization). Look for exhibits and rotating daily activities that explore science, culture, and history. Downstairs you'll discover a play zone with a forest, dungeon, secret passageway, and ballroom where kids can bring fairy tales to life. Take a look at their virtual exhibits, which you can explore from home.

Entrance of Musée de la Civilisation (Photo credit: donogl, Depositphotos.com)

3. Valcartier Village Vacances Snow Tubing

About a 30-minute drive from the city lies Valcartier Village Vacances. With dozens of tube runs, this winter playground is a paradise for adventure seekers. The runs range from easy to difficult and it’s set up like a ski hill with the green, blue and black diamond designation. In fact, you can reach speeds over 40 miles per hour on some tubing runs at Valcartier Village! There are smaller runs for preschoolers and a kid’s zone for toddlers to swoosh down mini slides.

Snow-tubing in Valcartier Village Vacances (Photo credit: Francis Gagnon, Québec City Tourism)

Inside is an arcade and several restaurants. While tubing is the big draw, you'll also find an ice skating trail and a maple taffy shack, where you can taste the wonders of icy Canadian sweets made from maple syrup. Open year-round, Valcartier Village also boasts more than 35 waterslides for summertime fun.

Ice skating at Valcartier Village Vacances (Photo credit: Benoit Camirand, Office du Tourisme de Québec)

4. Old Quebec

Exploring Quebec City's history can be fun for all ages. Just don’t tell your kids they're getting a history lesson as they stroll through 400-year-old streets and squares. Old Quebec is a charming mass of quaint cobblestone streets flanked by stone buildings. Pop into the many shops selling hot chocolate, maple syrup and touristy items that are sure to enthrall the kids.

Old Town Quebec City in winter (Photo credit: windjunkie, Depositphotos.com)

5. Hôtel de Glace

While children are welcome to spend the night at Hôtel de Glace in Quebec City, an overnight isn’t the only way to see inside this ice hotel. Between January and March visitors can take a tour of this impressive chilly site. Rent snowshoes and trek around the property or simply marvel at the amazing murals and ice sculptures. There’s a café on site and a fun ice slide to wow the kiddies.

Hôtel de Glace in Quebec City (Photo credit: Renaud Philippe, Office du Tourisme de Québec)

Explore More of Quebec

For a heart-pumping winter activity, read about what it's like to go dog-sledding in Quebec.

Discover what there is to do in sister city, Montreal with kids.

Relax at one of these amazing Nordic Spas in Canada, with or without kids.

Dog-sledding at Chiens-Traineaux Petite-Nation in Quebec (Photo from Chiens-Traineaux.com)

Save Quebec City Winter Tips

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Are you up for some Quebec City winter fun with your family? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Saucy Travel Mama: Merci beaucoup to Quebec City Tourism for hosting my visit. The host did not pay Travel Mamas any monetary compensation. As always, my opinions are my own.