Quebec City — Snow‑dusted forts, maple treats & toboggan thrills (2 days) — Family
A cozy, playful two‑day family itinerary in Quebec City built for parents with little explorers: soft-paced mornings, maple pastries, a snow‑slide adventure, and a gentle introduction to the Citadelle and Montmorency Falls. Packed with stroller tips, bathroom breaks and kid‑friendly meal notes.
Highlights
- Maple pastries at Paillard (kid‑friendly bakery)
- Explore La Citadelle — snow‑dusted fort with short, stroller‑friendly routes
- Big‑kid tobogganing and snow playground at Village Vacances Valcartier
- Montmorency Falls winter views with cable car
- Interactive family exhibits at Musée de la civilisation
- Wander Petit‑Champlain & Terrasse Dufferin for cozy photo moments
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, maple snacks, a gentle fort visit, family dinner in Petit‑Champlain and an evening terrace stroll.
Drop bags & quick settle — Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Check in (or drop bags) and take a 20–30 min breather so kids can shed layers. The hotel lobby is warm and a fun first photo spot under the château roof.
Local tips:
- Ask the front desk for a ground‑floor room if you have a stroller — shorter hallways and quicker exits for naps/late returns.
- If it’s cold, have one parent carry a lightweight foldable stroller to avoid icy curbs when arriving; the hotel staff will help with luggage.
- Request information on nearby public restrooms and changing tables — the hotel can point you to the closest family‑friendly restroom in Old Quebec.
Maple pastry & hot chocolate at Paillard (kid‑friendly bakery)
Warm up with classic maple treats and child‑sized hot chocolate. Paillard has space to park a stroller and grab quick snacks for picky eaters.
Local tips:
- Ask for pastries to go in a small box if you’ll be strolling — less sticky fingers inside jackets; they also heat items on request.
- High chairs and quick service make this a good first stop for tired kids; mention allergies up front (they're used to requests and can suggest nut‑free options).
- Stroller hack: choose a corner table near the entrance so you can tuck the stroller beside the bench and still be ready to move without unstrapping kids.
Explore La Citadelle de Québec (snow‑dusted fort)
Short guided areas and outdoor ramparts give kids a taste of a real fort without long walks — great winter photos with snow on the ramparts.
Local tips:
- Best for ages 3+ — little ones love the big cannons and parade grounds; keep a stroller with all‑terrain wheels for the cobbled sections.
- There are clear, short walking loops — plan for quick stops every 10–15 minutes and locate the indoor museum space if someone needs to warm up.
- Bring extra mittens for kids to clamber safely on low stone walls; check with staff about restroom locations and baby‑changing facilities before the tour.
Hotel break: warm up, nap or quiet play
Back to the hotel for a short rest — perfect window for a stroller nap or a mellow screen time break to recharge little legs.
Local tips:
- Plan a 30‑minute buffer for undressing and a quick nap; hotel rooms with a bathtub are great for warming and washing off snow mittens.
- If one parent needs to explore more, use this time to swap — one rests with kids while the other pops out for a quiet errand (diapers, meds).
- Ask housekeeping for extra blankets or a baby tub if you want to do a quick warm bath; it helps wind kids down before dinner.
Family dinner in Petit‑Champlain — Le Lapin Sauté (kid‑friendly menu)
Cozy, rustic dishes in the heart of Petit‑Champlain. The restaurant is used to families and can simplify dishes for younger palates.
Local tips:
- Reserve a table early or ask for a bench seat — easier for a high chair and quicker service so kids aren’t waiting long.
- Le Lapin Sauté can adapt dishes for allergies and picky eaters; ask for smaller portions or split plates to reduce waste and fuss.
- Bring a small activity (stickers or a single coloring sheet) to manage waiting times; the alley outside has short safe stretches for toddlers to walk supervised.
Wander Quartier Petit‑Champlain & Place Royale — evening stroll
Gently meander the narrow, cobbled lanes lit with cozy lights. Short loop with benches for rest and lots of window‑gazing at toy and chocolatier shops.
Local tips:
- Stroller‑friendly route: stay on the wider parts of Rue du Petit‑Champlain; cobbles can jolt small infants — fold a small blanket over the straps.
- There are several public benches and sheltered alcoves if you need a quick snack or diaper change; scope them out on arrival so you know where to stop.
- For photo ops, head to Place Royale for a quick family picture — it’s a two‑minute walk from most dinner spots so you can limit walking time for little legs.
Terrasse Dufferin — quick evening view of the Château
Short stroll for a castle‑like evening view over the St. Lawrence. A calm final stop before bedtime with wide boardwalk areas for strollers.
Local tips:
- Boardwalk areas are stroller‑friendly; avoid the steps and use ramps near the hotel entrance for smoother access.
- If kids are cold, plan only a 15–30 minute stay and bring hand warmers — there’s a sheltered area near the Château entrance to warm up quickly.
- Look out for the horse carriages (parked nearby) for a quick peek — some kids love seeing the horses, but keep a safe distance if horses are hitched.
Day 2
Big winter play day: toboggan thrills at Village Vacances Valcartier, scenic Montmorency Falls and hands‑on learning at the Musée de la civilisation; family meals and sensible buffers included.
Hotel breakfast & bundle up
Simple hotel breakfast to fuel the family before heading northwest for tobogganing. Double‑check winter gear and spare socks.
Local tips:
- Choose a hearty, warm breakfast (oatmeal, eggs) to keep kids satisfied — alternate with a small pastry if a child is picky.
- Lay out an extra pair of mittens and socks in a small backpack so you can switch wet items quickly between runs.
- If someone will be napping in the car later, pack a favorite small blanket and a familiar toy to help them settle.
Transfer to Village Vacances Valcartier (short drive north)
Drive (~25–35 min depending on winter conditions) to the Valcartier winter park — plan for an easy loading/unloading routine with the car seat/stroller.
Local tips:
- Pack a small cooler with snacks and water to avoid long lines for food once you arrive — kids refuel quickly after outdoor play.
- Park near the main entrance and keep a backpack with essentials (diapers, wipes, hand warmers) within easy reach so you won’t dig through the trunk.
- Check road and parking updates with the Valcartier staff on arrival; they’ll point you to family parking and stroller‑friendly routes to the snow play area.
Toboggan runs & snow playground — Village Vacances Valcartier
Large family winter playground with multiple slides and tubing lanes — different runs for younger kids and big‑kid thrills. Rental options and staff supervision areas on site.
Local tips:
- Age guidance: many family runs are great for ages 3+ with an adult; the fast slides are better for ages 6+ (check posted signs and staff advice).
- Bring a small sled for toddlers to sit on with an adult — park rentals are an option but personal sleds can be quicker for short runs.
- Use the marked warming huts between runs to change damp clothing; plan a 10–15 minute warm‑up every 45–60 minutes for little ones.
Lunch at Village Vacances Valcartier (family‑friendly)
Casual on‑site dining — pizza, soups and simple plates. Good for refueling and drying off before the next stop.
Local tips:
- Look for the family seating area and ask for a high chair; menus include simple kid options and staff can accommodate common allergies if told up front.
- Order one hot dish at a time to keep food warm for little hands; soups and warm sandwiches are good post‑snow picks.
- If lines look long, consider a short picnic in a sheltered spot close to the warming huts — many families do quick packed lunches here.
Return transfer toward Montmorency Falls
Drive back toward the city area and Montmorency Falls park — short scenic drive with a chance for a rest in the car.
Local tips:
- Use this 30–40 minute window for a quiet car nap for younger kids — pack a small travel pillow and familiar blanket.
- Unpack wet gloves/socks into a plastic bag so they don’t soak the car; having a spare set of dry clothes handy is a lifesaver.
- Plan for a quick restroom stop just after leaving Valcartier; staff can point to facilities before you drive off.
Montmorency Falls Park — cable car & short circuits
Playful, dramatic falls with a cable car and accessible viewpoints — short walking routes that are stroller‑friendly near the main lookout.
Local tips:
- Stroller‑friendly sections: the main upper lookout and cable car boarding area have flat, paved paths suitable for most strollers; avoid the lower cliff stairs with a stroller.
- Kids 2+ often love the cable car ride (short and warm) — best to time it between nap windows to avoid crankiness in lines.
- Bring a thermos of warm drink after the falls — there’s a sheltered picnic area and family restrooms with changing tables near the visitor center.
Transfer to Musée de la civilisation (city center)
Short drive back to downtown for an interactive museum visit that suits curious kids and provides warm indoor time.
Local tips:
- Aim for an arrival mid‑afternoon — less crowded and perfect for a steady indoor wind‑down after outdoor thrills.
- Keep stroller folded in trunk unless child naps; the museum has stroller parking and elevators for easier access.
- Use this travel time to change kids into dry clothes and wash up as the museum has family restrooms and changing facilities.
Musée de la civilisation — family‑friendly, hands‑on galleries
Interactive exhibits and sensory‑friendly sections make this museum great for families. Short routes and clear resting spots keep pacing easy.
Local tips:
- Best for ages 3+; look for the 'Cité' or family exhibit areas where kids can touch, play and explore — ask at reception for the family trail map.
- Stroller parking, elevators and accessible restrooms with changing tables are available; bring a small bag of quiet activities for waiting lines.
- Plan two shorter exhibit stops rather than trying to see everything — pick one interactive kids’ gallery and one quick local history display.
Early family dinner — Le Chic Shack (casual, kids' options)
Friendly burger and comfort food spot near the Château with kids' portions, quick service and flexible menu choices for allergies.
Local tips:
- They offer a kids' menu and high chairs; request a bench or corner table if you need extra space for a stroller beside you.
- Allergy note: staff are used to dietary requests — ask for ingredient lists and they can often adapt items (gluten‑free bun options, etc.).
- Order one adult meal to share with a child if they’re dainty eaters — portions are generous and the casual style helps relaxed mealtimes.
Wind‑down at the hotel — quick unpack and pyjama time
Return to the hotel for evening routines: warm bath, storybook time and a gentle end to a full day of winter fun.
Local tips:
- Use the hotel bathtub to warm kids up quickly after a day in the snow — a small plastic cup helps rinse mittens and boots too.
- Have pre‑packed pajamas and toothbrush ready in an accessible spot so the bedtime routine is quick and familiar.
- If someone needs extra rest, ask the hotel for a rollaway or quiet corner in the room so one parent can handle bedtime while the other packs for departure.