Things to do in Quebec City in winter with kids: 12 snowy ideas
Quebec City is made for winter, and it's best enjoyed outdoors with kids: century-old toboggan slides, free rinks, a carnival and skiing 20 minutes from downtown. Here are twelve ideas.
In short: in Old Quebec, the Dufferin Terrace slides and the free Place D'Youville rink; 25 minutes away, the 35 slides at Village Vacances Valcartier; in February, the Quebec Winter Carnival.
In Old Quebec
1. Au 1884 – Dufferin Terrace slides
A tradition of over a century: toboggan down an icy wooden run with views of the river and Château Frontenac. Toboggans provided.
- Dufferin Terrace
- December to late March
- See the listing
2. Place D'Youville rink
Refrigerated, free, at the foot of the fortifications, with skate rentals.
- 995 Place D'Youville
- See the listing
3. German Christmas Market — November 19 to December 23, 2026
Six Old Quebec sites linked on foot, free admission.
4. Jean Castor – Maple Syrup Museum
Animated beavers explain how maple syrup is made. A short, warm break during your walk.
- 1143 Rue Saint-Jean
- See the listing
Elsewhere in the city
5. Plains of Abraham ice ring
A free refrigerated ring in the snowy setting of the Plains.
- Battlefields Park
- See the listing
6. Pointe-aux-Lièvres
A free lit 1.5 km ice ring and sledding hill, plus cross-country skiing.
- 25 Rue de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres
- See the listing
7. Aquarium du Québec
Polar bears, seals and jellyfish: about 10,000 marine animals to see indoors.
- 1675 Avenue des Hôtels
- See the listing
On the outskirts
8. Village Vacances Valcartier
More than 35 snow slides served by lifts, a lit skating trail and Bora Parc, an indoor water park open year-round.
- 2280 Valcartier Boulevard, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
- See the listing
9. Parc de glisse du Grand Héron
Snow slides, forest skating trails lit at night and cross-country skiing, about 30 minutes from Quebec City.
- 4 Rue Louis-Jolliet, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier
- See the listing
10. Le Relais ski centre
20 minutes from Quebec City: 33 runs, 28 of them lit at night, and a ski school.
- 1084 Boulevard du Lac, Lac-Beauport
- See the listing
11. Mont-Sainte-Anne
A big resort 40 minutes from Quebec City, with runs for every level and night skiing.
- 2000 Boulevard Beau Pré, Beaupré
- See the listing
In February
12. Quebec Winter Carnival 2027 — February 5 to 14
Night parades with Bonhomme, snow sculptures, slides and maple taffy. Pass required from age 13.
Our tips
- Old Quebec is best on foot: the funicular saves little ones the Breakneck Stairs.
- Dress kids in layers and bring spare mittens: you'll be outside a long time.
- For free outings, see our article Free things to do in Quebec City.
Frequently asked questions
Where can families go sledding in Quebec City in winter?
At the Dufferin Terrace slides in Old Quebec, Village Vacances Valcartier and Pointe-aux-Lièvres (free).
Where can kids ski near Quebec City?
At Le Relais in Lac-Beauport (28 runs lit at night) and Mont-Sainte-Anne.
What can we do in Quebec City when it's very cold?
The Aquarium du Québec, Valcartier's Bora Parc or the little Jean Castor museum.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Dates, prices and hours may change: confirm with each place before you go.
