Oh my gosh, I couldn’t wait to get out of here. I love “random” side quests, but I was questioning myself like, why am I here?
I visited Quebec City on a train from Montreal on Christmas Day. It was cold, and I was severely unprepared. Wearing old Ugg boots with two pairs of socks and a Tommy Hilfiger coat from Macy’s.
It was -22°C (-9°F), but felt like -40.
Distance note: The train from Montreal takes roughly 3 hours to Quebec City — an easy day trip if you’re already in Montreal.
Quick History & Fun Facts
- Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of North America’s oldest settlements.
- Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and a European vibe in the middle of Canada.
- French is king here. English is understood, but mostly French.
- Famous for the Carnaval de Québec, one of the world’s largest winter festivals: ice palaces, giant snow sculptures, and sledding like a local.
- Quebec City is the only North American city with fortified walls still intact.
The Day I Learned Celcius (LOL)
A very American story.
I quickly realized my old Uggs were not cutting it and I needed new shoes. I walked into a store and saw that some pairs had a sign: “-40°C / -40°F.”
I thought: “Wait… -40°C and -40°F are the same temperature? How can that be? Are these shoes even real? This store is selling fake products — that doesn’t make any sense.” I didn’t understand Celsius and assumed the store was peddling counterfeit winter gear. But these are indeed the same temperatures and the shoes were in fact very real.
So I left, confused, convinced the shoes were nonsense, and trudged on in my old Uggs, freezing. At least I walked out knowing Celsius from that day on — roughly.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency: The Showstopper
Hands down, the most memorable part of my visit was Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Trails, suspension bridges, and viewpoints perfect for photos.
The waterfall is 83 meters tall, taller than Niagara Falls. In winter, the spray freezes into giant icy formations, creating a surreal, sparkling landscape. There’s also a cable car if you don’t want to freeze walking.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: Fairytale in the City
You cannot visit Quebec City without seeing Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Canada must really love Fairmont — I also visited two more while in Calgary. (Fun fact: the Canadian railways built these hotels to make sure tourists had somewhere fancy to sleep along the tracks.)
- Opened in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a luxury hotel to attract travelers.
- Its iconic copper roofs, turrets, and grand architecture dominate Old Quebec’s skyline.
- Served as a military headquarters during WWII and is rumored to be haunted.
Ninkasi Bar & Bistro: Beer & Vibes
After nearly freezing to death, I rewarded myself at Ninkasi Bar & Bistro and it was so fun. It’s a 2-story beer hall with live music, patio tables (for summer, I imagine), and karaoke nights. With a Large craft beer selection — and I tried several local brews.
Verdict
Quebec City in winter = freezing, beautiful, and unforgettable. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency alone makes the trip worth it. Add a local beer, and it’s pretty fun.