Photos from a snowy winter’s day in Québec City.
I recently spent a few days in Québec City over the final weekend of the 2014 Winter Carnival. I had previously visited in the summer with my family but this was the first time that I had ever been during winter and I discovered that the city has a unique charm and beauty when covered with snow.
The provincial capital of Québec (Ville de Québec) was founded more than 400 years ago by Samuel de Champlain in 1608 and the historic district of Old Québec (Vieux Québec), surrounded by the only fortified city walls remaining in the Americas north of Mexico, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Rich in history, culture, and tradition, the city of Québec has a European flair that makes it one of the most interesting cities to visit in North America.
These are a few of my favourite photos from my first snowy day in Vieux Québec.
A major winter storm had been predicted to hit Québec City on the first full day that I was in the city. Flights were cancelled and schools closed as the snow began to fall and the winds began to blow. We were scheduled on a walking tour of Vieux Québec and opted to bundle up and head out despite the dire forecast. The snow was only falling lightly at first and it seemed like the severity of the storm might have been exaggerated as we left the Hilton Québec with our tour guide.
The weather quickly deteriorated, however, and we found ourselves tramping through drifts and covered in snow as the blowing winds and falling snow seemed to be coming at us horizontally at times. We took refuge at La Brulerie St-Roch café for a time to fortify ourselves with caffeine before heading back out into the storm and down toward the Old Port of Québec.
After visiting the Marché du Vieux-Port (Old Port Market) we headed back uphill toward Haute Ville (Upper Town) walking past the outdoor skating rink in front of Palais Montcalm and Le Capitole de Québec before passing through Porte St. Jean (St. John’s Gate) to the other side of the city’s walls.
After a short break at our hotel, another blogger/journalist and I decided to head back out to explore Basse-Ville (Lower Town). By this time, the winds had died down but a light snow continued to fall, blanketing the streets and buildings of Vieux-Québec and giving them a magical appearance. We walked down Rue St. Jean toward Château Frontenac, however, the majestic hotel was barely visible through the falling snow.
From the Terasse Dufferin in front of the Frontenac, visitors can ride the Funicular to Basse-Ville or take the stairs. We chose to climb down in order to get the view of Rue Petit Champlain as we descended.
The Quartier Petit Champlain is a neighbourhood of quaint boutiques and bistros with a decidedly European atmosphere. With the twinkling decorative lights and the falling snow, the street looked like a scene lifted from a post card.
As we were short on time, we didn’t pause to shop but continued our walk through the heritage district to Place Royale.
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is the oldest stone church in North America dating back to the late 17th century and likely one of the most photographed buildings in Vieux Québec.
The mural Fresque des Québécois is an incredible work of art and one of my favourite sights in this neighbourhood. The trompe l’oeil mural tells the story of Québec City and the details must be closely observed to note that it includes both historical and contemporary figures.
As we retraced our steps back up the Frontenac stairs, the skies cleared and we were treated to a clearer view of the Château.
I hadn’t anticipated spending my first day in Québec walking in the snow but was glad that I did as it would seem that Vieux Québec might be at its loveliest on a winter’s day in a gently falling snow.
Related Articles
10 Things To Do at the Quebec City Carnival
Winter in Québec City via Instagram
A Photo Tour of Québec’s Hôtel de Glace
Winter Fun in Montebello, Québec
Thank you to Tourisme Québec, Québec City Tourism and Carnaval de Québec for organizing this memorable media trip to Québec City that I attended as a representative of Trekaroo.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
Looking at your photos, this wintery day looks very scenic and inviting — probably because I cannot feel either the cold or the wind. I’m afraid that I’d turn into a popsicle after 5 minutes. If I had the proper coat and boots, I think I’d truly enjoy wandering around Quartier Petit Champlain.
Cathy Sweeney
These photos are so enticing for a visit to Quebec City. I was there during the summer when I was a teenager and fell in love with it — it was how I always pictured Paris. Being there in the winter would be ideal for me. It’s so beautiful and romantic.
Lisa Goodmurphy
My only prior visit to Québec City was in the summer so I was excited to see what the city was like in winter. It’s as lovely just in a completely different way and I think it’s one of those cities that can be enjoyed at any time of year!
Leigh
I think your photos looks so pretty with all the snow falling. Quebec City has so much charm and I just love the old buildings. We have only one night there at the end of next week but Quebec City Tourism has arranged a tour nonetheless so I may be following in your footsteps. Then it’s off to Mont. Ste-Anne for some xcountry skiing.
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thank you, Leigh! It was my first winter visit to the city and I loved discovering that it is just as charming in the winter when the snow is falling as it is in the summer. Enjoy your trip to the city and to Mont St. Anne – I would love to try x-country skiing there some time!
Keryn from Walking On Travels
Ah! I love the old stone and brilliant colors used on the buildings. You had me with all of the snowmen (and olaf of course!) but this really makes me want to go lady!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Keryn, you would love Québec City so much – we should meet up there for a weekend!
Mary {The World Is A Book}
I have enjoyed following you around Quebec on FB last week. I’m shivering looking at all that snow but it also looks so pretty. I have always wanted to explore Quebec and now even with it covered in snow makes me want to go. It looks so charming. I’d love to see that mural up close. Love, love your shots of Quartier Petit Champlain. So postcard perfect.
Lisa Goodmurphy
You would love Québec, Mary – it’s perfect for a family visit any time of the year!
Jeff Titelius
You couldn’t have timed your visit more perfectly my friend! I would have reveled in every single snowflake-moment of the day! How very fortunate you were!! Love all of your enchanting images of the picturesque city! Sadly, I have never visit but have always wanted to since the 80s for all the reasons you state above and more, especially the Chateau! It’s magnificent to say the least!
You know, Quebec is like a slice of Europe in our own backyard. I must go and when I do, I will be sure to visit in the wintertime! By the way, the mural Fresque des Québécois is fascinating and I want to see more pics of this please.
Thank you for this wonderful visit to Quebec!
Freya
It looks so beautiful and very charming. I love snow, well actually I love when everything is full of snow but it just stopped snowing and the sky is blue again and the sun shining 🙂 I’m so jealous, where I live we haven’t seen one day of snow so far. Great post and Photos Lisa.
Tonya
I watched all your tweets and pictures on Facebook and thought Quebec looked like such a beautiful city blanketed in the snow. I guess if it has to snow and be cold, there may as well be something fun to do. 🙂
Muza-chan
Great photos 🙂
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thank you, Jeff! You should plan to visit in both the summer and the winter – both seasons are equally marvelous in Québec!
Lisa Goodmurphy
I agree, Freya, there’s nothing more beautiful than a fresh, white snowfall and sunny, blue skies!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Exactly, Tonya! And it’s wonderful to see how Québécois embrace winter. Winter is coming every year no matter what so they get outside and have fun in it!
Lisa Goodmurphy
Thanks, Muza-chan!!
Lisa
Stunning, the snow adds a magical feel to Quebec township. It must have been cold exploring while its coming down, but the photos made it look so worth it! How do the people get to work with that much snow?
Lisa Goodmurphy
Lisa, people here are quite used to getting around in the snow – especially in Québec – we get a lot of it! It was snowing so hard this day that the schools were actually closed but there were still quite a few cars out on the street. It is mandatory to put snow tires on cars in Québec in the winter so that helps getting around in the mess and the local governments are quite efficient at getting the streets plowed and sidewalks cleared.