Why visiting Quebec City in the winter should be on your bucket list

Dear, Quebec City, you might be one of the most romantic and beautiful destinations in North American… perhaps in the world, but let’s be real, your winters are very cold and snowy. I was born in Quebec City and lived there for 28 years, so I basically went through 28 winters and learned to embrace it, rather than whine about it and hate it. Obviously, my love for photography helped me a lot when it comes to embracing winters in Quebec City. Here’s a look back at my best photos of Quebec City in the winter, that I’m pretty sure, will help you love winter in this city. If you’ve never been to the only walled city north of Mexico, now’s the time to book your winter trip to my fabulous hometown.

1. Winter sunset from Île d’Orléans, what a spectacular view! Only 15 minutes away from the city center

2. Stroll by the St-Charles river that divides Lower town from Limoilou, two very popular resdential & commerical neighbourhoods

3.House row at sunset on Grande-Allée on a very cold day. My beard completely froze that day

4. That unique view is from Observatoire de la Capitale which offers a 360º view of the city from the top floor of Édifice Marie-Guyart also known as Complexe G. This photo was taken on a huge snowstorm day

5. This reminds me of the famous London neighbourhood, Notting Hill, only with lots of snow!

6. Residential building in the Old Port area playing hide and seek in the snow

7. Snow canoe competition. Would you try it?

8. Chemin St-Louis in the middle of Old Quebec. Right behind me is world famous Fairmont Château Frontenac

9. Love this street corner. Every time I go back to Quebec City, I make sure to take a new photo of it!

10. Walking through the narrow streets of Old Quebec, near Séminaire de Québec

11. Pro tip, if you want the best photo of Fairmont Château Frontenac, head over to  Terrasse Pierre Dugas-de Mons

12. How fantastic is that? An ice skating rink right by the Old Quebec

13. There is an ice hotel where you can sleep and have a few drinks!

14. Ice fishing in the Port area

15. Right in the middle of the bustling St-Roch neighbourhood is St-Roch church. Have a look inside, it’s beautiful!

16. Fairmont Château Frontenac from another angle

17. Here is another favourite view of mine of Fairmont Château Frontenac, it never gets old!

18. Taking all the photos in beautiful Petit Champlain commercial area

19. Love these narrow streets and stone buildings

20. Getting lost in Old Quebec is the best thing that can happen to you. Beauty at every turn

21. Rue Saint-Denis is perhaps one of my favourite in the Old Quebec area. Can you tell why?

22. Taken from Rue Saint-Denis, looking towards Édifice Price

23. Isn’t this the cutest hotel ever?

24. If you travel by car, you might find your vehicle completely covered in snow, it’s part of the winter pleasures!

25. Having coffee on a snowy day at one of my favourite coffee shop in the city: Saint-Henri micro torréfacteur

26. Back when I lived in Quebec City, I used to go to Île d’Orléans at least once a week to take shots like this

27. Stopping everywhere on the road whilst on Île d’Orléans is totally normal because you’ll find so many beautiful views like this…

28. … and this!

29. This building doesn’t exist anymore, it’s where le Théâtre Diamant is now.

30. The oldest store in Quebec City: Simons!

31. Would you consider biking during a snowstorm?

32. On top of the walls that separate Colline Parlementaire from Vieux-Quebec, looking towards Old Quebec

33. And if you turn around, you’ll get this view of the Parlement du Québec where all the québécois political stuff happens

34. House in Limoilou covered in snow during a heavy snowstorm

35. Did you know you can find views like this about 30 minutes away from the city center? Impressive, right!? Even more during winter if you ask me!

36. Right after the snowstorm…

37. Perfect  tree alley leading to a cute house on Île d’Orléans

38. No need to go to Iceland to see cute horses in the snow, just go to Île d’Orléans!

39. Another epic sunset from Île d’Orléans, did I say I like this view?

40. I mean, how can you not like it when it’s lit like this?

41. Houses covered in snow on Île D’Orléans

42. When the sun is at the right place!

43. This cute house in St-Roch can’t hide in the snow!

44. Crossing the bridge from Vieux-Limoilou to St-Roch

45. Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier has some of the best scenery around Quebec City if you’re seeking some nature vibes

46. This cabin looks very cosy. Would definitely sleep there for a night or two…

47. Step by step, on my way to Fairmont Château Frontenac

48. Édifice Price seen from rue Couillard, another favourite street of mine in Old Quebec. Reminds me of Copenhagen

49. Petit Champlain viewed from above, after a snowstorm

50. Dare to take the ferry to Lévis, not only will it give you an amazing view of the city but it’s quite impressive to see a boat go through all the floating ice

51. Walking on Rue St-Ursule after a snowstorm with friends

52. Fairmont Château Frontenac playing hide and seek in the snowy trees

53. Another one of Edifice Price, right after a snowstorm

54. Taken near the entry of the Citadelle de Québec

55. On rue D’Auteuil, there is some of the nicest buildings in the city and also the most expensive ones!

56. If you go on top of the walls, you’ll get a terrific view of Rue D’Auteuil and Fairmont Château Frontenac

57. I call this one man feeding birds. I love how the yellow stands out of this very wintery scene

58. Blue and pink scene from Limoilou

59. Man in red headed towards Colline Parlementaire, viewed from Grand Théâtre de Québec

60. Complete whiteout during a snowstorm

61. I remember freezing my fingers taking this photo on a very cold morning in St-Roch

62. Sunrise on Île d’Orléans is quite beautiful

63. Post-storm run on Plains d’Abraham

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