Québec City has so much to offer for every traveler. Not only is Old Québec the most charming and beautiful town, but the outdoor adventures and nature so close to the city make this a perfect destination for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. We were amazed by how many adventures we fit into our 3 day Québec City itinerary. We stayed in a floating lake cabin, ice climbed, tried ice canoeing, meditated at a Nordic spa, rode a toboggan, drank champagne in an ice hotel, saw a national park, visited a huge waterfall, and explored the quaint streets and beautiful architecture of Old Québec.
How to get to Québec City
If you are not within driving distance, the best option is to fly into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. The airport is small which makes navigating and picking up the rental car extremely easy.
Another option is to fly into Montréal-Trudeau International Airport which is about a three hour drive from Québec City.
If you live in southern Québec or the northeastern United States, it is also quite easy and scenic to drive to Québec City. This also eliminates the need to rent a car.
Where to Stay in Québec City
Our first night in the city, we stayed at Atypiq Hotel in Old Québec. This charming hostel-style hotel has private rooms and a focus on self-service such as a large kitchen for your use, a self-serve wine dispenser, and a beautiful common area to relax. They utilize the space well and actually have your bed on the ceiling that you lower when it’s time to sleep.
Our last two nights, we stayed about 30 minutes from Québec City in a beautiful floating cabin called Bora Boreal. During the summer, the cabin floats on a lake and during the winter, it rests on ice. The remote setting immerses you in nature and makes for a true winter wonderland! The modern and beautiful decor and large windows are so cozy. You can even pre-order food to have ready in your fridge. We had salmon risotto ready for us to cook and they even had a s’mores kit with a stove for us.
Québec City Itinerary: Day 1
Lunch at Boulangerie Palliard
The first stop on your 3 day Québec City itinerary is food! We arrived in the afternoon and immediately headed to lunch at this cute bakery. We tried macaroons and beignets while listening to live French music, drinking lattes, and eating sandwiches.
Explore Old Québec
There is so much to see and do in the city! You could spend days marveling at the architecture.
We loved exploring the quaint streets of Rue du Petit Champlain. This place feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.
From November through December you can catch the German Christmas market that is spread throughout Old Québec City.
If you’re in need of some refreshments, visit Pub L’Oncle Antoine, a brick cellar tunnel that has the coziest vibe.
Don’t forget to try some Maple taffy which you can find at the sugar shack in the Petit-Champlain district.
Au 1884 Toboggan Ride
During the winter, the Au 1884 Toboggan Ride is a must! Reaching speeds of over 40 mph, this is an exhilarating activity right in the city!
Outdoor ice skating at Place d’Youville
This was the most magical setting we’ve ever seen for ice skating! Did you know Québec City keeps its Christmas lights on all winter?! It’s absolutely stunning! You can rent ice skates at the rink and they even have adult-size helpers for beginners which we fully took advantage of.
Dinner at Les Mordus
We were so impressed with this restaurant! They are known for their seafood and it did not disappoint. They also had a large cocktail list including maple syrup old fashioneds that we fell in love with!
Québec City Itinerary: Day 2
Ice Canoe Experience
After cooking breakfast at Atypiq Hotel, we set out to try something totally new to us — ice canoeing! Ice Canoeing originated in Québec as a means of transport across the Saint Lawrence river, but has evolved into a sport. We went with Canot a Glace Experience and the guides told us exactly what to do. You transition between canoeing on the lake and “scootering” on the ice, aka pushing the canoe with your legs across the ice! It feels like a roller coaster.
Lunch at Maison Smith Cafe
More delicious baked goods and fresh lunch options! We had pasta salad and curry rice bowl. We also got a selection of macarons which we enjoyed at our cabin later.
Visit Hotel de Glace
Hotel de Glace, the only ice hotel in North America, is open January to March.
This is a must stop unique and bucket list experience and one of the largest ice hotels in the world!
We were amazed by the detail in the ice carvings. They even had an ice bar and we got to drink champagne out of ice cups.
They have a slide, saunas for guests, and 30 rooms and suites. Each suite has a different theme and is so detailed.
They even have a chapel and you can get married there!
Nordic Spa Stoneham
If you haven’t been to a Nordic Spa, you need to! A Nordic spa is a type of spa that typically features hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms. They promote relaxation and blood circulation and you are supposed to do the hot followed by the cold. This spa had a cold plunge area by the river which we both tried, but we both didn’t make it far in before we started going numb.
The Stoneham spa has a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat before heading in for the night.
Check in to Bora Boreal
Throw your bags onto a sled and make the short trek to your cabin while you marvel at the stars. Light a fire in the wood stove and get cozy under the blankets.
Québec City Itinerary: Day 3
Ice climbing at Montmorency Falls
Did you know you can climb on a frozen waterfall? You have to make time for this adventure during your itinerary! Montmorency Falls is located less than 15 minutes from Old Québec, but feels a world away! Visitors have the option to walk above the falls on a foot bridge and explore the nearby trails.
You can also go ice climbing with AventureX next to the falls like we did! The 270 ft roaring falls are a must visit. They never completely freeze during the winter.
Explore Jaques Cartier National Park
There’s a lot to do at this beautiful park including miles of hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and wildlife viewing. You can also rent snowshoes, skis, fat tire bikes, and more.
Dinner at Bora Boreal
End your trip with a delicious dinner and maple syrup whiskey that you picked up at the liquor store. The cabin has a full size grill to cook your packaged meals. To end the night, crack open the s’mores kit and give in to your sweet tooth!
We hope that we’ve inspired you to visit Québec City during the winter or that we’ve helped you plan your 3 day Québec City itinerary.
In partnership with Destination Québec cité.