Quebec City in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Quebec City
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Carnaval de Québec (Feb 7-16, 2025) - North America's largest winter carnival with ice palace, night parades, and canoe races across the St. Lawrence River
- Peak winter magic - Old Quebec under 60-90 cm (24-35 inches) of snow creates a fairytale European atmosphere impossible to replicate
- Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer peak season, with luxury properties like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac offering winter packages
- Outdoor winter activities at their prime - ice climbing this destination at 83m (272 ft), snowshoeing Plains of Abraham, and dog sledding with optimal snow conditions
Considerations
- Brutal cold with wind chill reaching -25°F to -30°F (-32°C to -34°C) - outdoor activities limited to 30-45 minute intervals
- Daylight only from 7:15 AM to 5:45 PM, with overcast skies 18-20 days of the month limiting photography opportunities
- Many outdoor attractions closed or restricted - ferry to Île d'Orléans suspended, and walking tours often cancelled due to ice conditions
Best Activities in February
Carnaval de Québec Festival Activities
February 2025 marks the 71st edition (Feb 7-16) featuring ice sculpture competitions, toboggan slides, and the famous Bonhomme Carnaval mascot. Night parades run despite -15°F (-26°C) temperatures. Snow conditions are perfect for the ice palace construction and outdoor activities. Locals embrace the cold with caribou (mulled wine) and traditional winter games.
Montmorency Falls Winter Experience
The 83m (272 ft) waterfall partially freezes in February, creating spectacular ice formations perfect for photography. Ice climbing conditions are optimal with stable formations. The cable car operates in winter (heated cabins) providing safe access in extreme cold. February offers the best balance of frozen features and accessibility.
Old Quebec Winter Walking Discovery
Cobblestone streets under snow create postcard scenes, but require micro-spikes for safety. Professional guides know which streets are salted/safe and provide warming stops every 20-30 minutes. February snow accumulation creates the most photogenic period, with icicles forming on 400-year-old buildings.
Jacques-Cartier National Park Winter Activities
Located 30 km (19 miles) north, offering pristine snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with 100+ km (62+ miles) of groomed trails. February provides optimal snow depth (80-120 cm/31-47 inches) and stable conditions. Valley temperatures run 5-8°F (-15°C to -13°C) warmer than Quebec City.
Winter Gastronomy and Warming Experiences
February is peak comfort food season - maple syrup farms offer sugar shack experiences with horse-drawn sleigh rides. Indoor food markets like Marché du Vieux-Port provide warm refuge with local specialties. Traditional Québécois winter dishes (tourtière, pea soup) are at their seasonal best.
Hotel Frontenac and Château Winter Experiences
Historic luxury hotels offer winter-specific amenities - heated terraces, fireside lounges, and winter activity concierge services. The Château Frontenac's winter packages include spa access and warming amenities. February rates are 40-50% lower than summer while maintaining full service.
February Events & Festivals
Carnaval de Québec 2025
71st edition running February 7-16, 2025. Features ice palace construction, international snow sculpture competition, night parades with floats, canoe racing across partially frozen St. Lawrence River, and outdoor concerts despite sub-zero temperatures. Bonhomme Carnaval mascot appears throughout the city.
Fête des Neiges Winter Festival
Complementary winter celebration running alongside Carnaval with family activities, outdoor ice rinks, and traditional winter sports demonstrations. Features historical reenactments of New France winter survival techniques.