As a big fan of cold and darkness, Canada is at the top of my list in terms of holiday destinations.
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But for this article, I’m not talking about the Great North in general—I’m talking about one specific province: Quebec. (Or Québec, if you speak French.)
Quebec is Canada’s French-speaking cultural isolate. Linguistically and culturally, it’s distinct from the rest of the country. Though Quebec is mostly known abroad for its metropolitan hub of Montreal, the province also borders the nation’s capital, Ottawa.
My point: It’s a bigger deal than many Americans think—both in terms of heritage and geography.
And Quebec is Canada’s largest province, meaning there’s plenty to explore. While its size makes it hard to get around, Quebec is home to dozens of quaint towns with major charm factors.
From Montreal, Quebec becomes your (winter) oyster.
Here are my top five picks for the best towns for soaking up a white Christmas. My selections are based on four factors: Christmas spirit, architectural charm, accessibility from Montreal, and blinding snowfall.
So, tire-toi une bû. (That’s Quebecois for ‘take a log’ or ‘take a seat’.) We’re going on a winter wonderland tour of Quebec.
Best towns in Quebec to visit during winter
Mont-Tremblant
This city is nestled in the Laurentian Mountains and is renowned for its Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort. It’s one of the premier spots for anyone escaping Montreal or Ottawa (located further south), especially those who like to ski or snowboard.
That being said, there’s plenty to do in this winter wonderland that’s only 80 miles north of Montreal. The area is home to thick forests with snowshoe trails cutting through them. The town center is also decked out with Christmas décor, including pubs, restaurants, and shops.
Heading to the area?
Quebec City
Surprise, surprise: Quebec City is actually the capital of the province—not Montreal. And there’s no better place than Quebec City’s downtown ‘Quartier Petit Champlain’ to get you in the mood for total Christmas cheer.
From its cobblestone streets to its decked-out shopping district, you won’t mind wandering through the winter chill for hours.
But Quebec City also offers tons of winter-themed activities. There’s a toboggan run, the famous ice hotel (hardly the only one in Canada), the Quebec Winter Carnival, ice canoeing, and all types of other hardy, outdoor winter endeavors.
Heading to the area?
Sant-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
Speaking of ice hotels, they’re a big deal in other Quebec wonderlands. Around the country, you’ll find more than a few ‘hôtel du glace’ offers.
These are exactly how they sound: larger-than-life constructions built entirely of ice. And yes, you can stay in them.
Each year, locals in Sant-Gabriel-de-Valcartier parade through town as they head to the ice hotel. It’s located just outside of town and is regularly decked out and renovated.
In a strange twist of events, Sant-Gabriel-de-Valcartier is also home to a massive, highly rated indoor water park. In winter, it opens up a few tubing lanes outside, too.
Just keep in mind that there’s no ultra-cozy downtown area to explore. This suggestion made it to the list strictly thanks to its full-scale ice hotel.
Heading to the area?
Baie-Saint-Paul
Renowned for its art history and number of galleries, the highly picturesque town of Baie-Saint-Paul might not immediately feel like a standout for winter escapes, but let me paint a picture.
Baie-Saint-Paul has many elements of an artsy, self-determining town, from its showrooms to its gourmet food and craft brewery scenes.
That means you’ll have plenty to do when the sun sets (early). And when you’re ready to leave town, you’ll also have options. In Baie-Saint-Paul, you can find things to do like dogsledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
I’m a huge fan of dogsledding, having experienced the thrill while in Northern Sweden last year. If you like dogs and appreciate working animals, then I highly suggest manning your own sled. The huskies are outright obsessed with pulling you through a winter wonderland.
Heading to the area?
