Shaped by Indigenous culture, Francophone heritage and Canadian history, Québec possesses a special je ne sais quoi, making it one of Canada’s most unforgettable provinces to visit. Experience Québec in autumn and winter for authentic multicultural immersion from the cities to the countryside.
Embrace radical openness in Canada with open spaces, open minds and open hearts during autumn and winter in Québec, where cosmopolitan cities shimmer with seasonal style and abundant historic and natural landmarks will take your breath away with their wintry charm.
Radical Openness shares the storytelling heart of Canada, where travellers can connect directly with welcoming locals, diverse communities and the pristine natural environment for an enriching and unforgettable travel experience that is uniquely Canadian in context.
Tuque & Bicycle Experiences Founder Émilie Pelletier shares the Québecois love of making the most of winter and wintry outdoor activities and how the season transforms Québec City with accessible adventures for all.
Access all areas
Air Canada flies direct from Australia to Vancouver and then onwards to Montréal and Québec City via its domestic network. You can also fly nonstop to Vancouver with Qantas from Australia.
It’s also easy to get around the eastern province of Québec by road and rail, so you can explore beyond the city gateways. Car hire is available from airports or downtown areas.
Alternatively, you can travel from Montréal to Québec City in three hours with VIA Rail. It’s also a short journey from Ottawa to Québec City or five hours between Toronto and Montréal by train.
Why visit Québec in autumn and winter
From the crisp climate and fall foliage of Québec in autumn to the festive wonderland spun from ice in winter, this Canadian province is simply magical to visit from September through to March.
Autumn is also cider season and the ideal time for a road trip to visit Québec’s orchards and agritourism operators to savour the seasonal harvest, including ice cider, as well as gourmet goodies from artisanal chocolates and cheeses to baked pastries.
The province is renowned for its multicultural festivals that highlight its unique Indigenous and Francophone cultures.
Some of the highlights include Igloofest – an electronic dance music festival that touches down annually in Montréal and Québec City in February and March, the world’s biggest winter festival – Carnaval de Québec in Québec City, and Montréal en Lumière – an all-encompassing winter festival with more than 600 artists.
Indigenous culture in Québec
Québec is home to 11 Indigenous nations and 55 communities, including Inuit and Cree cultures in the north, that can be discovered year-round. Visitors can encounter enriching experiences through culinary exploration, hands-on workshops, traditional activities and First Nations gatherings, such as the annual Pow Wow in Montréal during autumn.
In Northern Québec, Nunavik Parks highlights eco-tourism experiences that showcase both Inuit culture and Arctic wildlife through storytelling and traditional practices. Inuit Adventures will also take you into the heart of the cultural and community experience in Nunavik with guided and sustainable immersive tours.
You can also enjoy an Indigenous experiential stay close to Québec City. Wendake (Québec) offers a destination steeped in Huron-Wendat culture, from an onsite museum and artisan shops to restaurants and traditional longhouse accommodation.
Montréal
Montréal is Québec’s largest city with a decidedly European feel and a progressive culinary and festival scene. Step back in time to Old Montréal for a juxtaposition of historic and contemporary styles, winding through the art, architecture, fashion boutiques and culture contained in cobblestone streets.
Wander Place Jacques-Cartier, a public square filled with restaurants, shops, live music and street artists, stopping by the famous Basilica de Notre-Dame at Place d’Armes – an exquisite cathedral with soaring, starry ceilings and ornate wood carvings.
Savour the culinary scene at Joe Beef, known for its innovative Québecois cuisine, and Schwarz’s Deli – the place to go for Montréal-style smoked meat sandwiches.
Make sure you experience a Cirque du Soleil performance under the Grand Chapiteau (big-top circus tent) at the Old Port of Montréal. From its origins in a small village near Québec City to global recognition, Cirque du Soleil is synonymous with Québec’s avant-garde appeal.
Québec City
If Montréal is cool and modern, Québec City is a fairytale destination with old-world architecture, immersive historical experiences, natural beauty and French-Canadian fare.
Québec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico, wrapped in centuries-old stone walls, bestowing UNESCO World Heritage status on its historic district. Old Québec features the star-shaped Citadel fortress, complete with its Changing of the Guard ceremony, and Place Royale, a historic square considered the birthplace of French civilisation in North America. Dive deeper with Cicerone Tours’ guides in period costumes.
Work up an appetite for Québecois fare at Plains of Abraham – Québec City’s Central Park equivalent. In autumn, cycle, wander and picnic in the park at leisure, or go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during winter. Ice canoeing is another popular winter pastime. Get kitted up with the Canot à Glace experience, enjoying ice canoeing on the St Lawrence River followed by an ice bar and Nordic sauna in Québec City.
For a taste of Québec City, try Le Saint-Amour and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s Champlain restaurant for fine dining with local flavours.
Montmorency Falls
On the fringe of Québec City, at 1.5 times the height of Niagara Falls, Montmorency Falls is a statuesque local landmark. The 83m-high cascade can be seen from the city and up close at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (Montmorency Falls Park) – either from the mist-laden base or taking a gondola to the top.
You can also hike one of three Via Ferrata trails and zipline across the falls for the ultimate views. At the top, enjoy a celebratory meal or drink at the elegant Manoir Montmorency.
Mont Tremblant
Located in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant is a 1.5-hour drive from Montréal for easy access to one of the province’s top skiing spots.
Mont Tremblant has plenty of natural powder complemented by a snowmaking system that provides a long season for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Off the slopes, other wintry activities include ice skating, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
In autumn, hike or bike the mountains, enjoy the gondola views or enjoy a round of golf on the public course.
Eastern Townships
Visit the Eastern Townships, a big collection of small cities, towns and villages in southeastern Québec where the Québecois summer, that’s also home to some of the province’s oldest vineyards – perfect for a foray in Québec in autumn.
Follow La Route des Vins (the Wine Route), which connects 21 vineyards in the Brome-Missisquoi region, and pair your tastings with gourmet accompaniments from fromageries (cheese shops) and chocolatiers along the way.
Fast facts about Québec in autumn and winter:
- How to get there: Air Canada and Qantas fly direct from Australia to Vancouver with frequent domestic flights available to Montréal and Québec City. You can also fly to Vancouver with one stop in Auckland through Air New Zealand or via Nadi with Fiji Airways.
- When to go: Autumn in Québec is from September to November, while the winter months and seasonal festivals stretch from December to mid-March.
- Did you know? Carnaval de Québec, aka Québec Winter Carnival, is one of the world’s oldest (and biggest) winter festivals and takes place annually in February.
- A fresh fact: Québec contains more fresh water than any other province – more than one million lakes are here and 130,000-plus rivers run through it.
- A yum fact: Québec invented the quintessentially French-Canadian dish of poutine – fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
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