Canada, North America

Quebec City in February

Carnival season, ice slides, and snow-covered ramparts. If you want winter at its most festive, this is the month.

BestFrigid, highs near 22F (-6C), deep snow

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City — Quebec CityPhoto: Wilfredor, CC0

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Quebec City. Carnival season, ice slides, and snow-covered ramparts. If you want winter at its most festive, this is the month.

Weather: Frigid, highs near 22F (-6C), deep snow
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What February is like in Quebec City

February is Quebec City's winter at its most festive. Highs hover near 22F (-6C), snow is deep, and the ramparts and rooftops of Old Quebec are frosted white. Carnival fills the streets and the Plains of Abraham, the ice hotel is open, and Montmorency Falls builds its frozen ice cone. Crowds and prices rise, especially on Carnival weekends.

This is the best month for anyone who wants a true winter holiday, and it suits families, couples and first-timers who dress properly. It is not for travelers who want mild weather or easy walking. If cold is a dealbreaker, come in June or September instead.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Quebec City this month.

Carnaval de Quebec

One of the world's biggest winter carnivals, with night parades, ice canoe races on the St. Lawrence and snow baths. It runs about ten days, with dates varying by year.

Frozen Montmorency Falls

The 272-foot (83 m) falls freeze into a huge ice cone. The site stays open in winter for views.

Snow on the Plains of Abraham

The old battlefield becomes a winter park for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

What to pack for February

Insulated winter boots with good traction
A heavy parka and thermal layers
Hand and toe warmers for parades and outdoor events
A neck gaiter or balaclava
Ski goggles or sunglasses for bright snow

Our timing tip

Go to Carnival events on weekdays, since weekend nights draw crowds from across the province, and book Old Quebec hotels early.

Book Quebec City for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Quebec City
Opens a hotel search for Quebec City in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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Vacation rentals in Quebec City
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Quebec City
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Quebec City for February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Carnaval de Quebec

About ten days between late January and mid February

One of the world's biggest winter carnivals: night parades, ice canoe races on the St. Lawrence, snow baths, and Bonhomme the snowman.

Things to do in Quebec City

Full guide

Old Quebec and the Fortifications

Walk the walls, then descend to Petit-Champlain by the Breakneck Stairs or the funicular. Early morning before cruise passengers arrive is best.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Chateau Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace

Often called the most photographed hotel in the world. The terrace boardwalk has river views year-round and a toboggan slide in winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Plains of Abraham

The 1759 battlefield is now the city's great park: festivals in summer, skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Montmorency Falls

About 272 feet (83 m) high, roughly 100 feet taller than Niagara. Cable car, suspension bridge, and a frozen ice cone in winter.

Tickets and tours →

Ile d'Orleans

A pastoral island of farms, orchards, and cideries. Summer and fall harvest are best; many producers close in winter.

Tickets and tours →

Musee de la civilisation

The city's best museum, strong on Quebec and Indigenous history, and a good cold-day refuge.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Walk Petit-Champlain and Place Royale before 10am or after 6pm: cruise ship passengers crowd the lower town midday from late summer through October.
Stay inside the walls in the off-season, when rates drop; in July, the Saint-Roch and Montcalm neighborhoods offer better value a short walk away.
For Carnival, visit on weekdays; weekend nights draw crowds from across the province.
Book the Festival d'ete hotels as soon as festival dates are announced; Old Quebec's small hotels fill first.

Know before you go

Old Quebec is fully open in winter: hotels, restaurants, and museums run year-round, and the city leans into the season rather than closing for it.
Ile d'Orleans farm stands, cideries, and many rural attractions are seasonal, mostly open late spring through fall. Sugar shacks open in the maple season, roughly March and April.
June 24 and July 1 are public holidays in Quebec. Some shops and services close; the celebrations themselves are free.
The Montmorency Falls cable car and some trails run on a seasonal schedule; the site stays open in winter for views of the frozen falls.

Quebec City in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Quebec City?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Quebec City. Carnival season, ice slides, and snow-covered ramparts. If you want winter at its most festive, this is the month.

What is the weather like in Quebec City in February?

Frigid, highs near 22F (-6C), deep snow.

Is Quebec City crowded in February?

Crowds in Quebec City are moderate in February; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Quebec City in February?

Carnaval de Quebec (about ten days between late january and mid february).