11 reasons Quebec should be your next winter escape

I know cold weather places, and Canada, in particular, is known for making snow sports a lifestyle. But Quebec takes it to another level. There are multiple ski hills close to most major cities — Saint-Bruno near Montreal, Mont Orford and Mont Bellevue near Sherbrook, and Charlevoix near Quebec City. Additionally, every park is full of cross-country skiers, a packed skating rink, and hockey sticks. It’s the winter version of how Americans show up to parks with basketballs, baseball gloves, and bikes.

Quebecois cuisine is best enjoyed in the cold. I mean, poutine, hot chocolate, smoked meat, bagels, and maple-flavored things don’t exactly scream warm weather bites. Bonus: all of these eats will help you warm up from freezing temps!

Those who are not necessarily cold-weather exercise enthusiasts can still get some movement in. I learned to tolerate and love hiking and running in the snow. It’s a nice novelty, and I could listen to the soundtrack of snow crunching under boots.

The cities, Montreal and Quebec, are beautiful year-round. But nothing beats the sight of both covered in a fresh blanket of snow sparkling under the sun of a bluebird day. The countryside and mountains are also the most magical post-winter storm.

Mont Royal, located In the heart of Montreal, lends its name to the city. People ski all over and around the mountain; there’s a vast sled hill for the kids, snowshoe trails, and a skating rink. It’s also just lovely to walk around and embrace the winter wonderland. Additionally, Mont Saint Hilaire and Mont Bruno are just outside the city, providing lovely day or weekend escapes. Or head further afield to the Laurentians or Mont Orford.

A winter ferry ride from Quebec City to Levis is something out of a movie. That stereotypical postcard picture of the city? Likely taken from the water. Snap your own pic and enjoy wandering the waterfront of Levi.

A quintessential winter experience, you must visit a cabane à sucre or sugar shack at least once. These maple syrup production houses are like Quebecer winter wineries. Sample the local’s favorite condiment (typically served frozen, as pictured), enjoy a meal and tour the production houses. Many have seasonal hours and may not be open should you visit outside of winter.

“Chalet” is a word you will constantly hear throughout the season, whether it’s in reference to weekend plans or conversations about where to go for a getaway with the family, bachelor/bachelorette weekend, or birthday celebration. You better believe multiple people are going to suggest a chalet. They dot Quebec’s countryside, begging you to spend a weekend in a winter wonderland.

The province is well-known for its unique mix of North American and European cultures. Any bar during hockey season will be full of fans, like many other American cities, BUT most of these fans will be screaming at the TV in French. Other popular pastimes like lacrosse (Canada’s national sport) and snowshoeing date back to pre-settle times, with deep roots in First Nation cultures. The hearty food also shares this unique mix, from baguettes and cheese that would be right at home in France to more and more Indigenous restaurants popping up.

Or rather, lack thereof. Well-known for heavy snow and brutally low temps, most cold-season vacationers aren’t flying somewhere that extreme in winter. Rather, they’d prefer a tropical beach escape or the desert sun. However, for those who venture to Quebec during arguably its most breathtaking season, we’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds.

This is one of the few places in North America that truly embraces the winter for what it is — brutal but full of opportunities for fun. Sure, other places like New England and the Midwest know how to deal with winter, but rarely with the same joy as Quebec. The season is embraced here rather than endured, as demonstrated by all of the above.