Quebec Winter Carnival 2027 in Quebec City: weekend guide and things to do

5 to 21 February 2027 · ExpectedQuebec City, Canada

Quebec Winter Carnival leaves gaps between screenings, shows and events, and companions without a pass have whole days in Quebec City. This guide fills them.

Quebec Winter Carnival in short

When
5 to 21 February 2027 (expected, not yet confirmed by the organiser)
Where
Plains of Abraham and the old city, Quebec City, Canada
Free time
Gaps of two to four hours between screenings or shows, and whole days for companions.
Best base
Old Quebec: Inside the walls.
Getting there
Jean Lesage airport (YQB) is 20 minutes from the old city.
Weather
In February, Quebec City averages highs of about -7°C and lows of -17°C, with roughly 64 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 9 h 44 min of daylight.
Top things to do
Old Quebec walking tour; Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans; Sugar shack visit

Weather during Quebec Winter Carnival

In February, Quebec City averages highs of about -7°C and lows of -17°C, with roughly 64 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 9 h 44 min of daylight.

MonthAverage highAverage lowRain
February-7°C (19°F)-17°C (1°F)64 mm

What to pack

Monthly averages for 2001 to 2025 from NASA POWER. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.

Airport to Plains of Abraham and the old city

Jean Lesage airport (YQB) is 20 minutes from the old city.

Walk from the old city; dress for -20°C.

Public transport directions to Plains of Abraham and the old city

Where to stay by budget

BudgetWhereWhy
BudgetSaint-RochCheaper hotels below the walls.
Mid-rangeOld QuebecInside the walls.
SplurgeChâteau FrontenacThe landmark.

Three hotels we would book

Links search the nights from 4 February to 22 February. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual festival stay schedule for 5 to 21 February 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

A free day

For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.

  • Free ideaPlains of Abraham.

Evenings

After the last show of the day.

  • After darkGrande Allée bars.
  • EatPaillard Bakery

Rainy day

Indoor backups.

  • Rain or heat backupMusée de la civilisation.
  • FreeDufferin Terrace.

Family-friendly picks

Half day · Family

Old Quebec walking tour

Upper and lower town.

Half day · Family

Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans

Falls higher than Niagara.

Half day · Food · Family

Sugar shack visit

Maple taffy on snow.

Half day · Family

Ice Hotel visit

In winter only.

Evening and day-trip tours

After dark

5 tours worth booking for Quebec Winter Carnival

TourLengthGood for
Old Quebec walking tourHalf dayFamilies
Montmorency Falls and Île d'OrléansHalf dayFamilies
Sugar shack visitHalf dayFood lovers, Families
Ice Hotel visitHalf dayFamilies
Dog sleddingHalf dayFamilies

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Getting around on event days

Day trips from Quebec City

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Quebec Winter Carnival.

Plan a group trip

Organiser of Quebec Winter Carnival? Add this guide to your website.

Questions people ask

When is Quebec Winter Carnival 2027?

The next edition is 5 to 21 February 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

What is the weather like during Quebec Winter Carnival?

In February, Quebec City averages highs of about -7°C and lows of -17°C, with roughly 64 mm of rain in the month. Expect about 9 h 44 min of daylight.

How do I get from the airport to Plains of Abraham and the old city?

Jean Lesage airport (YQB) is 20 minutes from the old city. Walk from the old city; dress for -20°C.

Where should I stay for Quebec Winter Carnival?

For most visitors the best base is Old Quebec: Inside the walls.

What can we do between sessions at Quebec Winter Carnival?

Good short outings in Quebec City include Old Quebec walking tour, Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans, Sugar shack visit. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near Quebec Winter Carnival?

Family-friendly picks: Old Quebec walking tour, Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans, Sugar shack visit. Aquarium du Québec.

How far is Plains of Abraham and the old city from Quebec City centre?

About 1 km in a straight line. Walk from the old city; dress for -20°C.

How we put this guide together: dates come from the organiser's published calendar or, when not yet announced, from the event's usual pattern; weather from NASA POWER monthly averages 2001 to 2025; venue access and city tips from our own research. Last checked 2 November 2026. How we research.

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