Enjoy celebrating winter

Lace up your skates and experience the magic of winter on The Little Penguin Trail! Located on the Touraine Golf Club site, just 25 minutes from Ottawa and 15 minutes from Gatineau, this icy trail stretches over 5 km in the heart of nature. Skate in a magical setting and take a break by the fire. Whether with family or friends, The Little Penguin Trail promises unforgettable moments, far from the hustle and bustle, in a peaceful and enchanting setting.

Portneuf is the place to be come wintertime! Pont-Rouge’s Festiglace welcomes the world’s ice-climbing elite and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. This year’s Festival de la banquise will be holding the 20th edition of Portneuf’s famous race across the pack ice of the St. Lawrence River as well as numerous activities for the whole family. For snowmobilers, the region boasts five clubs providing access to trails across all of Portneuf. Whether you’re looking for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking or winter hiking, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to do your favourite sport amid spectacular landscapes. Make the most of your stay by spending a few nights in a chalet or inn, catching an indoor show or discovering the very best of local produce! 

Why hibernate when you can enjoy some of the liveliest festivals of the year during winter? From January 16 to February 8, 2025, Igloofest invites you to dance under the starry sky to electronic beats that promise to warm both your body and soul. Then, from February 27 to March 9, 2025, the Quartier des Spectacles will bathe in a magical winter glow thanks to Montréal en Lumière and its unique lineup of art, music and family activities, plus incredible food! And from March 20 to 23, 2025, Cabane Panache will take over Wellington Street with its modern and festive take on the traditional sugar shack, featuring lively music, decadent culinary offerings, and free camp activities.

Winter is shaping up to be unforgettable in Québec City: the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion in style, it has partnered with the legendary Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to offer visitors a truly unique experience! From January 17 to March 15, 2025, a 52-seat pop-up restaurant — the only one built entirely out of ice and snow in the Americas — will open within the hotel, where you’ll be able to enjoy a three-course gourmet meal in the enchanting setting of this iconic establishment. But that’s not all, other exciting surprises are in store! Plan your visit or book your themed room or suite now to make the most of this winter wonderland experience.

Renowned for the abundance and quality of its snow, the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region is a destination of choice for snowmobile enthusiasts. The region’s 1,100 km of groomed and marked trails allow you to discover the breathtaking scenery of the boreal forest. In addition, various snowmobile clubs and specialized companies, such as Marina Chibougamau and Chibougamau Aventure, offer a wide range of packages, including guided expeditions, to help you plan your ride. And to make winter even more enjoyable, check out the Défi polaire Baie-James on February 8, 2025 or head up for the Festival Folifrets Baie-James, a snowmobile festival from February 27 to March 8, 2025, where you can look forward to a welcoming celebration and incredible snowmobile races!