# Quebec Winter Carnival: what to do between sessions in Quebec City

Source: https://eventweekends.com/culture/quebec-winter-carnival/
Last checked: 2026-11-02

## 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 and what to pack

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.
- A warm coat, hat and gloves: nights can drop close to freezing.
- A light rain jacket, just in case.
- Comfortable walking shoes and a small day bag.

## Airport to venue

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

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

## Where to stay

- **budget:** Saint-Roch. Cheaper hotels below the walls.
- **mid:** Old Quebec. Inside the walls.
- **luxury:** Château Frontenac. The landmark.
- Hotels we would book: Auberge Internationale de Québec (budget), Hotel Le Germain Quebec (mid), Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (luxury)

## Day plans for the free hours

### Between screenings or shows

A two- to four-hour gap: something close by.
- Half-day: Old Quebec walking tour. Upper and lower town.
- Eat: Aux Anciens Canadiens, Québécois classics

### A free day

For companions without a pass, or attendees taking a day off.
- Free idea: Plains of Abraham.

### Evenings

After the last show of the day.
- After dark: Grande Allée bars.
- Eat: Paillard, Bakery

### Rainy day

Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backup: Musée de la civilisation.
- Free: Dufferin Terrace.

## Tours worth booking

- [Old Quebec walking tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Quebec%20City%20walking%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-quebec-winter-carnival): Upper and lower town.
- [Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Montmorency%20Falls%20tour&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-quebec-winter-carnival): Falls higher than Niagara.
- [Sugar shack visit](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Quebec%20sugar%20shack&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-quebec-winter-carnival): Maple taffy on snow.
- [Ice Hotel visit](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Hotel%20de%20Glace&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-quebec-winter-carnival): In winter only.
- [Dog sledding](https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Quebec%20dog%20sledding&partner_id=BJZNH3H&cmp=ew-md-quebec-winter-carnival): Winter.

## Where to eat

- Chez Ashton: Poutine
- Aux Anciens Canadiens: Québécois classics
- Paillard: Bakery

## With kids

- Aquarium du Québec.
- Valcartier winter park.

## Rainy-day backups

- Musée de la civilisation.

## Getting around

- Walkable; RTC buses. Videotron Centre hosts the pee-wee tournament.

## 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.

More in Quebec City: https://eventweekends.com/city/quebec-city/