Quebec was made for winter. The province gets reliable snow from December through March, its ski resorts are world-class, and its winter festivals — Carnaval de Québec, the Ice Hotel, winter tubing and dog-sledding — are among the best in Canada. Here are seven of the best winter weekend getaways in Quebec, all within a half-day's drive of Montreal or Quebec City.
Quick Answer
The best winter weekend getaways in Quebec are Mont-Tremblant (90 min from Montreal), Quebec City and the Ice Hotel (2.5 hr from Montreal), Charlevoix (4.5 hr from Montreal), the Laurentians (45 min from Montreal), Mont-Sainte-Anne (30 min from Quebec City), Le Massif de Charlevoix (90 min from Quebec City), and Saint-Sauveur (45 min from Montreal).
1. Mont-Tremblant
Driving distance: approximately 130 km from Montreal (90 minutes).
Mont-Tremblant is Quebec's premier ski resort, with a colourful pedestrian village, a gondola, a ski school and a tubing park. The village is car-free and walkable, with restaurants, shops and an après-ski scene. The ski school starts at age 3, and the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Where to stay: The pedestrian village has ski-in/ski-out lodges; the lakeside areas have kitchens and space for families. The old village has budget-friendly inns.
2. Quebec City and the Ice Hotel
Driving distance: approximately 270 km from Montreal (2.5 hours).
Quebec City is a European-style winter destination with the Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace, typically open January to March), the Carnaval de Québec (typically late January to mid-February), and the old town's cobblestone streets. The Dufferin Terrace toboggan run and the winter tubing at the Plains of Abraham are highlights.
Where to stay: Old Quebec has the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and boutique inns.
3. Charlevoix
Driving distance: approximately 450 km from Montreal (4.5 hours), or 90 minutes from Quebec City.
Charlevoix is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve where the mountains meet the St. Lawrence. In winter, the region offers downhill skiing at Le Massif, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding and snowshoeing. The drive from Quebec City on Route 138 is scenic even in winter.
Where to stay: La Malbaie has resort lodges and B&Bs. See our Montreal to Quebec City road trip guide for the first leg.
4. The Laurentians (Saint-Sauveur and Val-David)
Driving distance: approximately 60–90 km from Montreal (45–60 minutes).
The Laurentians are the closest ski region to Montreal, with several small resorts along Highway 117. Mont Saint-Sauveur is known for night skiing and its water park; Val-David has cross-country skiing and the P'tit Train du Nord trail. The region is ideal for a one-night weekend.
Where to stay: Saint-Sauveur has ski-in/ski-out condos; Val-David has cabins and B&Bs.
5. Mont-Sainte-Anne
Driving distance: approximately 30 minutes from Quebec City.
Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of eastern Canada's largest ski resorts, with 71 trails and a vertical drop of 635 m. The resort has a ski school, a tubing park, and cross-country skiing with 200 km of trails. The summit views over the St. Lawrence are spectacular.
Where to stay: The base of the mountain has lodges; Quebec City is a 30-minute drive.
6. Le Massif de Charlevoix
Driving distance: approximately 90 minutes from Quebec City.
Le Massif has the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies (770 m) and runs that drop right to the shore of the St. Lawrence. The resort is known for its powder, its scenic views and its gastronomic dining. The train from Quebec City to the resort is a winter highlight.
Where to stay: The resort has a boutique hotel; nearby Baie-Saint-Paul has inns.
7. Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace) and Valcartier
Driving distance: approximately 30 minutes from Quebec City.
The Hôtel de Glace is North America's only ice hotel, rebuilt each winter from January to March. Nearby, Village Vacances Valcartier is a winter playground with ice slides, snow tubing and an indoor water park. It's an ideal family winter weekend.
Where to stay: The Ice Hotel itself offers overnight stays in ice rooms; Valcartier has a hotel.
Practical Tips
- Snow tires: Snow tires are mandatory in Quebec from December 15 to March 15.
- Driving: Highways 40 and 138 are well-maintained, but check road conditions before driving to ski areas. Carry an emergency kit.
- Booking: Winter weekends in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec City and Charlevoix book up early. Reserve at least two weeks ahead.
- Budget alternatives: Saint-Sauveur is the closest ski area to Montreal for a day trip. The Carnaval de Québec is free to attend (some events ticketed). Provincial park winter day passes are the best value for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Plan Your Winter Weekend
Browse winter destinations, explore things to do in Quebec City, or check hotel availability in Mont-Tremblant.