5 magical places to spend Christmas in Quebec

Snow-covered fir trees, cosy log cabins, villages lit up for Christmas… A Christmas holiday in Quebec feels like stepping straight into a festive film, complete with hot chocolate! But where should you stay to make the most of it?

Here are 5 magical places to spend Christmas in Quebec, from charming historic towns to snowy wilderness retreats, for a festive holiday you'll remember for years to come.

Quebec City: for a picture-perfect Christmas

With its cobbled streets, stone houses and thousands of twinkling lights, Old Quebec looks like a Christmas village brought to life. Add a thick blanket of snow and the scene is complete! You half expect to bump into Father Christmas around the next corner.

With its European traditions and unmistakable Quebec charm, the city is a wonderful place to spend the festive season. Here are a few things you won't want to miss:

• Wander through Petit-Champlain, with its beautifully lit façades, charming boutiques and narrow streets straight out of a Christmas card.
• Explore the German Christmas Market, browsing decorated wooden stalls, handmade gifts and traditional festive treats.
• Go ice skating at Place D'Youville, gliding beneath the city walls, surrounded by historic buildings and Christmas decorations.

Our favourite place to stay:

Just a short walk from Old Quebec, Hôtel Château Laurier Québec is an excellent base for enjoying the festivities on foot. After a day exploring the snowy streets, you'll appreciate coming back to a warm, comfortable hotel. Best of all, you can leave the car parked!

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Portneuf: for a cosy Christmas in a snow-covered log cabin

Picture a log cabin tucked away among snow-covered fir trees, a crackling fire and the whole family gathered together in the warmth… It sounds like something from a Christmas film, but in the Portneuf region, you can experience it for yourself!

Here, you can leave the bustle of the city behind, slow down and enjoy a proper Quebec winter. And when you're not curled up with a hot chocolate, there's plenty to keep you busy:

• Go snowshoeing, following snowy trails through the peaceful forest.
• Try dog sledding, for a winter adventure the whole family will remember.
• Relax in an outdoor hot tub, surrounded by snow, and soak up the warmth after a day in the fresh air.

Our favourite place to stay:

Au Chalet en Bois Rond offers beautiful, fully equipped log cabins, perfect for a family Christmas or a romantic getaway. With their cosy interiors and private hot tubs, it's hard to imagine a better place to wait for Father Christmas!

Upper Laurentians: for a magical Christmas in the wilderness

Forget the usual Christmas celebrations and streets lined with festive lights. In the Upper Laurentians, Christmas is all about getting outdoors and embracing winter. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing and vast snowy landscapes: this is Quebec winter at its best!

When evening comes, head back to the warmth of a wilderness lodge, share a hearty meal and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Try ice fishing, drilling a hole through the frozen surface of a lake and seeing if you can catch something. It's a classic Canadian winter experience.
• Become a musher for the day, learning how to guide your own team of sled dogs. Expect plenty of excitement and a chance to bond with the dogs!
• Head out on a snowmobile adventure, following snowy trails through the wild landscapes of the Upper Laurentians.

Our favourite place to stay:

Tucked away in the forest, Pourvoirie Mekoos is a wonderful place to experience Quebec's wilderness. With its welcoming atmosphere, wooden accommodation and winter activities available on site, it's a chance to celebrate Christmas away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Saguenay Fjord: for a Christmas full of winter adventures

Winter is spectacular around the Saguenay Fjord! Towering cliffs, snow-covered forests and breathtaking scenery set the stage for a Christmas that's anything but ordinary.

The festive holidays become one big outdoor adventure, with plenty of experiences to enjoy as a family. You'll certainly come home with some stories to tell!

As well as snowmobiling and dog sledding, you can:

• Meet the animals at Ferme 5 Étoiles, getting close to Quebec's wildlife and enjoying a special family experience. If you're staying on site, you can also take part in the animal feeding activity.
• Explore Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, walking along snowy trails with ice cleats. The views over the fjord are spectacular, so have your camera ready!
• Spend a day as a traditional trapper, heading into the forest on snowshoes with an experienced guide to follow animal tracks. Round off the adventure with a hearty meal around a campfire in the woods!

Our favourite place to stay:

Located in Sacré-Cœur, on the doorstep of the Saguenay Fjord, Ferme 5 Étoiles is much more than just somewhere to stay! With a range of accommodation surrounded by nature, a wildlife sanctuary and plenty of winter activities, it's an ideal choice for families looking for something a little different this Christmas.

Mont-Tremblant: winter sports in the run-up to Christmas

In Mont-Tremblant, festive celebrations happen with your skis on! Nestled in the heart of the Laurentians, this famous ski resort charms visitors with its pedestrian village of colourful facades, lively little streets and snow-dusted mountains as a backdrop.

At Christmas, the festive lights add a touch of magic to an already spectacular setting. Between days on the mountain and lively evenings in the village, there is plenty to keep you busy over the festive season:

• Hit the ski slopes, with runs suited to all abilities and brilliant views across the Laurentians. Even the most reluctant skiers will find plenty to love here!
• Feel like a kid again with snow tubing, flying down the snowy slopes at top speed. It brings out the laughs for the whole family.
• Take to the skies in a helicopter over Mont-Tremblant, admiring the mountains, snow-covered forests and frozen lakes from above. It is a spectacular experience that might just steal the show from your Christmas presents!

Our favourite place to stay:

Just minutes from Mont-Tremblant, Auberge Le Cosy is a charming base for embracing winter in the Laurentians. Its warm, intimate atmosphere makes it a cosy refuge after a day on the slopes or exploring the region.

So, are you tempted by a magical Christmas in Old Quebec, a cosy fireside celebration or a wilderness adventure in the great outdoors? One thing is for sure: spending Christmas in Quebec means making memories that will outlast the snow! And to experience all this magic without the hassle of planning, have a chat with our local travel experts. All that is left to do is choose your winter wonderland! Mélaine