Quebec City: Winter Magic Tour

Experience the Charm of Quebec City in Winter

The Quebec City: Winter Magic Tour offers a lively and authentic way to enjoy the city’s stunning winter scenery over 3 hours. Priced as a guided experience, this tour is perfect for those wanting to explore without the hassle of planning. The tour departs from the Plaza of the Quartier Petit-Champlain, close to the river shore, making it easy to locate.

Led by a live guide in French or English, the tour combines outdoor activities like sledding down the Dufferin Terrace slide and ice skating, with cultural exploration of Québec’s streets. Its small group size, limited to 12 participants, ensures personalized attention, while the availability of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility.

This tour suits visitors seeking a fun and active winter experience, especially if they enjoy a mix of scenic views, local history, and light adventure. Keep in mind, the tour involves outdoor winter sports gear, and some stops, like the sledding line, may see wait times during busy periods.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• 3-hour guided winter adventure in Quebec City
• Includes sledding on Dufferin Terrace and ice skating with city views
• Cross frozen river by ferry to the south shore
• Led by knowledgeable guides available in French or English
• Small group experience with up to 12 participants
• Flexible reservation options with free cancellation

Scenic Ride on the Funicular with City Views

The tour begins with a scenic funicular ride that offers breathtaking views of Quebec’s winter landscape. From this vantage point, you can admire the stunning Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River blanketed in snow, setting the perfect scene for your day.

The funicular ride provides an easy and comfortable start to your adventure, allowing you to take in the charm of Old Quebec from above. It’s a great way to get your bearings before diving into more active parts of the tour. The view from the funicular is especially memorable during winter, when the city’s architecture contrasts beautifully with the snow-covered surroundings.

Thrilling Slide Down Dufferin Terrace

The highlight for many visitors is the iconic Dufferin Terrace slide. This exhilarating sledding activity takes place on a historic incline overlooking Château Frontenac. The slide is suitable for all ages (excluding children under 3 or those with specific health concerns), and offers a fun rush with a view.

While the line for sledding can take 30 to 45 minutes, especially during holidays, the wait is well worth it for the exciting descent and the scenery. The historic setting combined with the thrill of sliding makes this a memorable part of the tour. Participants are advised to wear comfortable and warm winter clothing, along with winter sports gear.

Exploring Québec City’s Frozen Streets with a Guide

After sledding, the guide leads the group through Québec’s frozen streets, sharing insights about local winter adaptations and the city’s history. This part of the tour emphasizes cultural discovery in addition to outdoor activities.

The guided walk allows for an immersive experience as you learn about Old Quebec’s heritage, architecture, and how residents embrace winter. The guides excel at explaining local traditions, making this segment both educational and engaging. This walking part is ideal for those wanting a deeper understanding of the city’s character beyond the scenic views.

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Crossing the Frozen River by Ferry

An unusual highlight of this tour is the ferry ride across the frozen river to the south shore of Quebec City. This crossing offers unique perspectives of the cityscape and the icy river, adding a touch of adventure to the experience.

The ferry operates in winter, and crossing the frozen water is a special moment that brings a sense of place and season. It demonstrates how the city’s residents utilize the river even during winter, maintaining connectivity and daily life despite the cold.

Ice Skating with a City View

The tour’s ice rink activity provides a relaxing yet lively way to enjoy the winter scenery. Skating is offered with a view of Quebec City’s skyline, making it an attractive spot for photos and leisure. Visitors lace up their skates and glide on the ice, soaking in the crisp winter air and city views.

The ice rink is an accessible activity suitable for most participants, although it is recommended to bring warm clothing and comfortable winter shoes. After skating, a hot chocolate awaits, providing a cozy opportunity to warm up and reflect on the outdoor fun.

Warming Up with Hot Chocolate and Local Flavors

Following the outdoor activities, the tour concludes with a hot chocolate break. This classic winter treat is served in a cozy setting, offering a chance to rest and warm up. The hot chocolate is described as delicious, and this moment of comfort rounds out the outdoor adventure nicely.

The hot chocolate experience emphasizes the warmth of Quebec’s winter hospitality and offers a simple but satisfying end to the tour. It’s a highlight for those who enjoy combining physical activity with cozy refreshments.

Practical Details for Participants

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and appropriate winter sports gear. Since the tour involves outdoor activities, dressing in layers is recommended to stay comfortable throughout the 3 hours.

The tour is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, or those with heart problems or mobility issues, due to the physical nature and outdoor setting. The small group size ensures personalized attention, but travelers should be aware of potential wait times during busy periods, especially for sledding.

Easy Access and Flexible Booking

The meeting point is conveniently located on the Plaza of the Quartier Petit-Champlain, close to the river shore, with coordinates 46.81325149536133, -71.20226287841797. The tour operates with live guides speaking French or English, and offers reserve now, pay later options for flexibility.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, giving travelers peace of mind to plan their winter trip with confidence. The duration of 3 hours makes this an easy-to-fit activity in most Quebec City itineraries.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy active outdoor experiences and want a visual and cultural overview of Quebec City in winter. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking fun, scenic moments, and light adventure.

Participants should be comfortable with winter weather and outdoor sports gear, but no special skills are required. Those interested in history and local traditions will find the guided segments particularly engaging, especially with guides who are experienced and friendly.

Quebec City: Winter Magic Tour – Final Thoughts

The Quebec City: Winter Magic Tour offers a lively blend of scenic rides, outdoor fun, and cultural exploration in a compact 3-hour package. Its strengths lie in sledding on Dufferin Terrace, guided walks, and the ferry crossing, all set against the backdrop of a winter wonderland.

While wait times for sledding can be a consideration during peak times, the overall experience remains engaging and memorable. The inclusion of hot chocolate adds a cozy finishing touch, making this tour a well-rounded way to enjoy Quebec City’s winter charm.

This experience is particularly appealing to those seeking active leisure and authentic local sights without the need for extensive planning. It delivers a fun, scenic, and informative glimpse into winter life in Quebec City, perfect for visitors who want to embrace the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including outdoor activities, guided walks, and the ferry crossing.

What should I wear?
Participants should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and winter sports gear suitable for outdoor activities like sledding and skating.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is suitable for children over 3 years old, but it’s not recommended for infants or those with mobility issues or heart problems.

What activities are included?
Activities include sledding on Dufferin Terrace, guided exploration of Québec City streets, ferry crossing to the south shore, and ice skating with a city view.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for your plans.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is on the Plaza of the Quartier Petit-Champlain, with coordinates 46.81325149536133, -71.20226287841797.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby