Quebec’s French-speaking capital, whose walled old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; winter brings a German-style Christmas market and the February Winter Carnival.
A German-style Christmas market spreads across the old town, making the snowy walled city even more storybook (see the Christmas market section). source
February Winter Carnival (5–14 February 2027)
Night parades, snow sculptures and winter games with the snowman mascot Bonhomme. source
June–August (summer)
The season for old-town walks, Montmorency Falls and summer festivals. source
Weather: Summer (June–August) is festival and walking season; in the cold winter come the Christmas market (19 November–23 December 2026) and the Winter Carnival (5–14 February 2027). source
Times to avoid: December–February can drop to around −20 °C; bring warm layers and non-slip shoes.
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Quebec City Christmas market
Québec City German Christmas Market Free entry, with wooden stalls and lights across the snowy walled city.
Where
Several sites around City Hall in Old Québec
Dates
19 November–23 December 2026 (Thursday–Sunday, plus daily 21–23 December)
Dates shift a little each year; check this year’s schedule at: www.quebec-cite.com
Don't miss in Quebec City
Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace The castle-like hotel above the old town and the riverside boardwalk that gets a toboggan run in winter. source
Rue du Petit-Champlain One of North America’s oldest shopping streets, lit with illuminated trees in the snow. source
Montmorency Falls Falls taller than Niagara; in winter the cliffs freeze over into ice walls. source
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec Inside the Plains of Abraham park, with Quebec and Inuit art collections. source
Where to stay in Quebec City
Old Québec (inside the walls)
Walk to the Château Frontenac, the market and Petit-Champlain.
What to eat in Quebec City
Poutine — Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy
Tourtière — Traditional Québec meat pie
Maple Taffy — Hot maple syrup poured on snow and rolled onto a stick
Quebec City tips and things to watch out for
Quebec City travel tips
French is the official language, but English works fine in tourist areas; a “bonjour” goes down well.
The old town is hilly; the funicular links the Lower and Upper Town. source
Good to know in Canada
Sales tax may be included in the displayed price or added separately; check your receipt. source
Contactless card payment works in most shops and on public transit. source
Watch out for in Canada
In parks and on trails you may meet bears and other wildlife; follow posted rules and never leave food out. source
In Canadian cities, do not leave bags unattended and keep valuables and your passport secure. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Quebec City are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Canada.
Quebec City attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
Citadelle of Québec admission with guided tour (Adult): CA$22.00
Musée de la civilisation (Adult): CA$22.00 ~ CA$27.00
Montmorency Falls cable car return (Adult): CA$14.95