Quebec City: Winter walking tour with local guide
Exploring Old Quebec’s snowy heart with a local
You’ll follow a local guide through Old Quebec’s snowy lanes, hear stories of early winters at Royal Square, and see Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral up close. From Dufferin Terrace to Petit-Champlain’s glowing lights, you’ll feel both the chill and warmth of Quebec City in winter — moments you’ll remember long after your boots dry out.
1h 30m
Step-by-step itinerary
Winter Highlights of Old Quebec
- Discover Quebecers' winter activities
- Visit first Anglican cathedral outside British Isles
- Explore Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
- See unique link from upper-town to lower-town
- Learn about key historical characters
- Discover Samuel de Champlain's and Jacques Cartier's winter experiences
- Learn about ice fishing in Quebec winter
The Experience
The first thing I noticed was the crunch of snow under my boots — not the soft kind, but that squeaky, packed-down stuff you only get in real winter. Our guide, Lucie, waved us over near Place-Royale, cheeks red from the cold but smiling like she’d just come in from a warm kitchen. She started telling us about Samuel de Champlain and Jacques Cartier surviving their first winters here. I tried to imagine it, but honestly, even with my layers, my nose was already tingling.
We wandered through narrow streets where the wind whipped around corners and carried the smell of wood smoke from somewhere (someone’s fireplace maybe?). Lucie pointed out Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral — she said it’s older than most things in North America. I liked how she didn’t rush; she let us linger on Dufferin Terrace so we could watch kids sliding down little hills and locals chatting in French. There was this moment when a woman passed by pulling a sled full of groceries — just normal life here, apparently.
I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a winter walking tour in Quebec City, but Lucie had stories about ice fishing and old winter festivals that made everyone grin (she even mimed catching a fish with her bare hands — not sure if that’s how it really works). My favorite part was ducking into Petit-Champlain district; lights strung overhead made everything glow against the snow. The cold kind of faded into the background after a while. I still think about that view down the street — blue dusk settling in, people’s breath hanging in the air.
What’s included
Operated by Cicerone Tours
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
Is this winter walking tour in Quebec City suitable for all fitness levels?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for this tour.
Are service animals allowed on this guided walking tour?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.
What happens if it rains or snows during the day trip?
The tour takes place rain or shine every day of the year.
Is public transportation available nearby for this Quebec City walking tour?
Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby.
Quebec City: Winter walking tour with local guide
1h 30m · EN · FR
from CA$ 32 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8020 reviews
