Quebec City is one of North America’s most beautiful cities.  The ambiance is that of a smaller, European town with its cobblestone lanes, beautiful architecture, and fort surrounding Old Town.  This is where we began our Canadian Christmas trip and it was pure magic!

Top Things to do in Quebec City

Here is a quick list of the top things to do in Quebec City for a winter visit:

1. Visit Old Town
2. Ride the 1884 Tobaggen
3. Visit Petit Champlaign
4. Go ice skating at Place d’Youville
5. Explore the German Christmas Market
6. Check out the Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac
7. Ride the Funicular

1.) Explore Old Town

Quebec’s old town is full of charm and just wandering its streets makes for a great day. 

Peruse the shops and restaurants and relax at a cafe while taking in the cozy ambiance.

2.) Ride the 1884 Toboggan

The 1884 Toboggan is one of Quebec City’s must see sites, especially in the winter.  Ride down the icy slope on an old-fashioned toboggan at around 40 miles an hour!  

Located at Dufferin Terrace, the views here are stunning.  Take in the views of the St. Lawrence River and Chateau Frontenace while waiting your turn to sled.

3.) Petit Champlaign

Quebec City’s most photogenic street lies just below Dufferin Terrance.  Petit Champlaign’s cobblestone lanes and charming European architecture makes for a fairytale-like ambiance. 

Besides the cozy atmosphere, there are great shops and cafes here, featuring everything from chocolates, coffee, and outdoor-made maple syrup concoctions.  At night, the ambiance is next level!

This is a must see spot in Quebec City!

4.) Go Ice Skating at Place d’Youville

Place d’Youville is located just outside the walls of Old Quebec, in the heart of the city.  In the wintertime, the park transforms into an ice skating rink with one of the most cbeautiful backgrounds.

Ice skating here is free and skate rental is available for a nominal fee.  My nephew and I enjoyed skating one evening with snow falling – it was absolutely magical!

5.) Visit the German Christmas Market

The big draw to Quebec City in the winter is the authentic German Christmas Market.  The market spans several areas of Old Quebec.  There is a small market at Place d’Youville, while the majority is near Chateau Frontenac and Québec Basilica-Cathedral.  

The charming wooden chalets are decorated in rustic Christmas garland and decor. 

While you wander enjoy the delicious smell of roasted nuts while sipping flavorful mulled wine, known as Glühwein.  Chalets sell a variety of handicrafts, with everything from knit winterwear to traditional German Christmas items.

Make note of the dates the market is open during your visit.  We planned our trip to Canada to ensure we would be in Quebec City when the market was still open.  In 2025, it closed on December 23.

6.)  Check out the Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac

The historic Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac is one of the world’s most photographed hotels and for good reason.  Its imposing, castle-like facade makes it a stunning piece of architecture.  Located above Differin Terrace, just above Petit Champlaign, it is in an excellent location to see some of Quebec City’s best.  The 1884 Toboggan is also located here.

You can wander the shops inside while checking out the beautifully decorated trees and scrumptious looking gingerbread houses.

The Chateau Frontenac has a few incredible restaurants as well.  If here during Christmas, consider a festive holiday brunch.  We had bunch here on Christmas morning and it was amazing!

We were greeted with a refreshing mimosa before heading to the buffet.  Breakfast items included french toast, sausage, bacon, eggs, and a variety of pastries.  Cold cuts, salads, a sushi station, and meat carving station rounded out the brunch, but the dessert area was next level!

One evening we enjoyed a cocktail in the cozy bar, 1680.  The cocktail menu was expansive and the drinks were excellent!

7.) Ride the Funicular

From the Chateau Frontenac, take the 19th century cable car from Dufferin Place down to Petit Champlaign.  This quick ride easily transports visitors down to Quebec City’s famed Petit Champlaign.  This makes a great thing to do either before or after visiting the Chateau Frontenac.