Canada in the Cold: 7 Tips to Survive in Quebec and Montreal

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Let’s talk about that special kind of cold that makes your nostril hairs freeze on contact and turns your phone into a useless brick. You know, just another balmy day in Quebec. After several winter adventures here – including one weekend when temperatures plunged to record lows – I’ve learned the hard way that surviving a Canadian winter takes more than just a cute puffer jacket and positive thinking. That time I thought my “winter coat” from back home would cut it? Bless my heart.

But here’s the thing: Quebec in winter is pure magic if you know the tricks. From essential gear that actually works to local secrets for staying toasty, here’s everything I wish someone had told me before I found myself doing the penguin waddle down an icy Saint-Paul Street.

My Best Survival Tips to Survive a Canadian Winter: At a Glance ❄️

Temps can hit -35°C (-31°F), but with the right prep, you’ll actually enjoy it. Here’s how:

• 🔥 Layer Like a Pro – A winter coat alone won’t cut it. Wear thermal layers, wool socks, and insulated boots to stay warm.
• 🧤 Use Hand & Foot Warmers – Cold zaps heat from your extremities fast. Keep disposable or rechargeable warmers inside gloves and boots.
• ☕ Plan Your Day Around Cafés – Limit outdoor time to 15–20 mins at a time and warm up with croissants and hot drinks at cozy cafés.
• 📱 Protect Your Phone Battery – Cold kills phone batteries. Keep it in an inside pocket, use a thermal pouch, and bring a power bank.
• 🧊 Walk Safely on Ice – Black ice is everywhere. Use microspikes on boots and take short, deliberate steps to avoid slipping.
• 🏨 Stay in the Heart of the City – When it’s -20°C, you want a hotel near the action to minimize time in the cold.
• 🎭 Visit a Winter Festival – Quebec Winter Carnival (late Jan–mid Feb) has ice sculptures, canoe races, and Caribou shots.
• 🚇 Use Underground Walkways – In Montreal, escape the cold via the RESO underground city—33km of heated tunnels connecting malls and metro stations.
• 🌬 Block the Wind – A down jacket means nothing if wind cuts through it. Get windproof outer layers, scarves, and ear protection.

During my recent trip to Montreal and Quebec City, it felt like I was in the arctic tundra, with temperatures reaching as low as -35 degrees including the wind chill. How on Earth do you survive, and most importantly enjoy a destination with such frigid temperatures? Below are my survival tips to best enjoy Canada in the cold. ❄

1. Wear an obscene amount of layers 

As a Boston native who is accustomed to sub-zero winters, I was always told to “wear a lot of layers” and “bundle up”. I did not always heed that advice, but I’d at least wear a jacket, hat, gloves, and warm socks to get me through the coldest winter days. In Montreal and Quebec City, where it was between -10 and -25 degrees for the duration of my stay, it was impossible to get by with just a couple of layers.

In fact, the cold seeped through my gloves, socks, and jackets within seconds of walking outside. Frostbite could form in a matter of minutes if proper precautions were not taken.

Therefore, I had no choice but to wear copious amounts of layers in order to survive the cold for more than 10-15 minutes at a time:

Here’s some essential gear that came in handy for me:

• Warm winter hat that tightly covers the ears

• Scarf wrapped around face and neck

• Two pairs of gloves

• Long-sleeve shirt

• Two athletic sweatshirts

• Warm sweater

• Halfzip sweater

• Fleece jacket

• Peacoat

• Spandex pants underneath jeans

• Two pairs of socks

• Snow boots

It may seem like an exaggeration to wear so many layers, but I assure you…I have never experienced any place this cold in my life. By wearing the items above, I was able to survive the freezing cold for long enough to capture the magic of Quebec City and Montreal in the winter time!

• Pro tip: for winter coats, look for down-filled parkas with a windproof and waterproof outer shell. Brands like Canada Goose, The North Face, Arc’teryx, or Columbia are solid picks. I recommend avoid cotton, as it absorbs sweat and makes you colder. Go for wool or thermal layers instead!

2. Invest in hand and foot warmers

When temperatures drop to -30°C (-22°F) with wind chill, standard gloves and boots won’t be enough to keep your fingers and toes warm. The extreme cold causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing circulation to your extremities, which makes them the first areas prone to frostbite.

Why You Need Hand and Foot Warmers

• Gloves and boots alone don’t generate heat—they only trap whatever warmth your body produces. But in extreme cold, your body prioritizes keeping your core warm, reducing circulation to your fingers and toes.
• Wind chill accelerates heat loss, making it feel even colder than the actual temperature.
• Frostbite can develop in minutes at these temperatures, especially on fingers, toes, ears, and the tip of your nose.

Best Types of Warmers & How to Use Them

1️⃣ Disposable Air-Activated Warmers (Budget-Friendly & Easy to Use)

💡 Best for: Travelers who need quick, no-fuss warmth

• Brands like HotHands, Grabber, and Little Hotties offer single-use warmers that heat up when exposed to air.
• They last 5–10 hours, depending on the brand and temperature.
• Available in hand, foot, and toe-specific sizes for better heat distribution.

✅ How to Use:

• Hand Warmers: Slip one inside each glove or mitten, ideally between your palm and fingers.
• Foot Warmers: Stick one on top of your socks, inside your boots (never directly on the skin).
• Toe Warmers: These are adhesive and stick to your socks, perfect for tight-fitting boots.

🚨 Pro Tip: Open the pack 10–15 minutes before going outside to activate them fully.

2️⃣ Rechargeable Electric Warmers (Long-Lasting & Eco-Friendly)

💡 Best for: Digital nomads, frequent winter travelers, or those who hate waste

• Electric hand warmers like OCOOPA, Zippo, or Karecel offer adjustable heat settings and recharge via USB.
• Most models double as a power bank to charge your phone—super useful in extreme cold when batteries drain quickly.
• Rechargeable heated socks and insoles (by brands like Autocastle or Savior Heat) provide consistent warmth for 6–10 hours on a single charge.

✅ How to Use:

• Hand Warmers: Carry in pockets and warm your hands in between walks.
• Heated Insoles: Slip them into boots and adjust heat settings via Bluetooth on some models.
• Heated Socks: Perfect for extended outdoor activities like walking tours, skiing, or dog sledding.

🚨 Pro Tip: Charge them overnight so they’re ready to go in the morning!

3. Plan your day around cafés

Quebec City and Montreal are known for their pastries, breads, crêpes, and coffee…so there are plenty of reasons right there to check out as many cafés as possible! When the cold hinders you from staying outside for more than 15 minutes at a time, it’s important to plan ahead before stepping outside.

By strategically planning your day around both the cafés and tourist sites you wish to see, you will maximize your sightseeing in the freezing cold, while consuming as many croissants as possible. My personal favorite was La Maison Smith in Quebec City.

This café has been around since 1653, nearly 40 years after Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City. La Maison Smith truly has some of the most delicious chocolate croissants and baguettes I’ve ever had (right up there with the Alsace region of France!).

By planning your walking path around the cafés and tourist sites you wish to visit, you will effectively maximize your time, survive the cold, and become a croissant connoisseur!

4. Protect your phone battery from dying instantly

Extreme cold doesn’t just make your fingers numb…it drains your phone battery in minutes. If you’re not careful, you could go from 100% charge to dead in under 30 minutes just from the cold. This happens because lithium-ion batteries struggle in freezing temperatures, causing them to temporarily lose their ability to hold a charge.

Luckily, with a few simple tricks, you can keep your phone alive long enough to snap those epic winter shots and navigate without issues.

Why Does Cold Kill Your Phone Battery?

• Lithium-ion batteries slow down in the cold, reducing their ability to discharge power properly.
• At -20°C (-4°F), a phone can shut off completely, even if the battery was half-full.
• The battery isn’t actually damaged—it just temporarily loses efficiency and will work again once warmed up.

How to Keep Your Phone From Dying in the Cold

1️⃣ Keep Your Phone in an Inside Pocket (Use Your Body Heat) 🔥

💡 Best for: Everyday winter outings, short walks, or sightseeing

• The closer your phone is to your body, the warmer it stays.
• Keep it in an inner jacket pocket or pants pocket, rather than in a backpack or outer coat pocket.
• If you’re wearing multiple layers, place it in the layer closest to your chest for maximum warmth.

🚨 Pro Tip: If you’re using your phone outside (for maps, photos, or calls), hold it in a gloved hand close to your body when not in use.

2️⃣ Use an Insulated or Thermal Phone Pouch 🏔️

💡 Best for: Extended outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or dog sledding

• Brands like Phoozy and Saltwrap make thermal phone cases that reflect heat back to the phone, keeping it warm in subzero temps.
• These cases slow down battery drain by 2–3x, giving you extra time to use your phone before it shuts off.
• If you don’t have one, a neoprene sunglasses case or wool sock can work in a pinch!

🚨 Pro Tip: Wrap a small hand warmer (like HotHands) around your phone inside the pouch to keep it even warmer.

3️⃣ Bring a Portable Power Bank 🔋 (Because Your Phone Will Die Faster)

💡 Best for: All-day winter sightseeing, road trips, or emergency situations

• Cold weather drains batteries faster than usual, so always carry a fully charged power bank.
• Look for a lightweight and high-capacity (10,000mAh+) power bank, like Anker or Mophie, to recharge your phone 2–3 times on a single charge.
• Keep the power bank in your inside pocket so it stays warm and ready to use.

🚨 Pro Tip: If your phone dies suddenly in the cold, don’t try to force it back on right away—bring it inside, let it warm up naturally, and then plug it in.

4️⃣ Turn On Low Power Mode & Close Unused Apps 🚀

💡 Best for: Making your battery last longer when outside

• Before heading out, turn on Low Power Mode to reduce background activity.
• Close all unnecessary apps—especially those that run in the background like maps, social media, and email.
• Lower screen brightness and turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi if you’re not using them.

🚨 Pro Tip: If you’re using Google Maps, download offline maps before heading out to reduce battery drain.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Quebec City and Montreal is absolutely magical, but not if your phone dies before you can capture it! Keeping your phone warm, using a power bank, and adjusting settings can make the difference between staying connected and being left in the cold. ❄📱🔥

5. Stay at a hotel in the heart of the city

Though you’ll have to pay more to stay in the best location, it’s totally worth it to not miss out on the winter wonderland of Quebec City and Montreal! When we’re talking about wind chills below -20 degrees, it’s simply not feasible to rely on public transport to arrive in the heart of the city.

In Quebec City, I stayed at the Fairmont Frontenac, which majestically overlooks Old Quebec and the St. Laurence River. The Frontenac is truly in the middle of all the action, and serves as the picture-perfect postcard of the city.

In Montreal, I was fortunate to stay at the Sofitel Montréal, which is in the heart of the bustling Golden Mile district of the city.

As a traveler seeking a cultural journey, the Sofitel is ideally located nearby the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, McGill University, Mount Royal Park, and the Golden Square Mile.

I highly recommend checking out these hotels during your visits to Quebec City and Montreal!

During the extremely cold Canadian winters, when you can realistically only stay outside for 10-15 minutes at a time, it pays to be in the best locations. Fortunately, as wintertime is the off-season for Canadian tourism, you can expect to get the best rates for hotels or Airbnbs.

6. Walk safely on icy streets (avoid the penguin waddle)

Quebec winters turn sidewalks into ice rinks, and if you’re not careful, you’ll be doing an unintentional split on the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec and Montreal. Black ice is everywhere, especially on slopes, making it easy to wipe out if you’re not prepared.

Luckily, there are ways to walk safely and confidently without looking like a penguin (unless you want to). Here’s how to stay upright and avoid a winter wipeout.

1️⃣ Get the Right Footwear: Traction is Everything 🥾❄

💡 Best for: Walking in Old Quebec, exploring Montreal, and hiking snowy trails

• Regular boots won’t cut it—you need footwear with deep treads or added grip.
• Look for winter boots with rubber soles (Vibram soles are a great option).
• Add Yaktrax or microspikes for extra traction—especially if you’re walking up steep paths like the hill to Château Frontenac.
• If you don’t have traction devices, stick a piece of duct tape on the soles for a bit of extra grip in a pinch.

🚨 Pro Tip: Don’t wear fashion boots like Uggs or Doc Martens—their flat soles have zero grip, making them a slip-and-slide disaster.

2️⃣ Master the “Winter Walk” Technique 🏃‍♂️❄

💡 Best for: Navigating icy streets, avoiding black ice, and walking uphill/downhill

Instead of walking normally, adjust your stance to increase stability and prevent falls.

✅ How to Walk on Ice Safely:
✔ Take small, deliberate steps (avoid long strides).
✔ Keep your center of gravity low and lean slightly forward.
✔ Bend your knees slightly to absorb impact.
✔ Use your arms for balance—keep hands out of your pockets.
✔ Step down flat-footed instead of rolling heel-to-toe.

🚨 Avoid These Mistakes:
❌ Walking too fast (increases chances of slipping).
❌ Putting your hands in your pockets (reduces balance).
❌ Running or sudden movements (you’ll go down fast).

3️⃣ Be Extra Careful on Stairs & Slopes ⬆️⬇️

💡 Best for: Walking up to Château Frontenac, exploring Old Montreal, and navigating public transit stations

• Always use railings when walking on outdoor stairs.
• Watch out for frozen slush near subway entrances—it’s like stepping onto a skating rink.
• If you start to slip, bend your knees and fall onto your side rather than landing on your wrists or back.

🚨 Pro Tip: If you’re walking downhill, turn slightly sideways and take side steps instead of walking straight down. This gives you more control and prevents sliding.

4️⃣ Watch for Sneaky Black Ice 🕵️‍♂️

💡 Best for: Avoiding those embarrassing wipeouts in front of locals

Black ice is nearly invisible but forms in high-traffic areas like:
🔹 Sidewalks near bus stops & metro entrances
🔹 Cobblestone streets in Old Quebec & Old Montreal
🔹 Bridges and overpasses (they freeze faster than roads)
🔹 Outdoor staircases and pedestrian crossings

🚨 How to Spot Black Ice:
✔ Look for glossy or shiny patches on the ground.
✔ Test it with your foot before stepping forward.
✔ Avoid stepping on wet-looking areas—chances are, they’re frozen.

5️⃣ Use Walking Poles (If You’re Exploring Beyond the City) 🚶‍♂️

💡 Best for: Snowy parks, trails, and longer walks

If you plan to visit places like Montmorency Falls or Parc du Mont-Royal, bring a collapsible trekking pole for extra stability. It’ll act like a third leg for balance and prevent nasty falls.

🚨 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a pole, a sturdy umbrella can also help with balance.

7. Take a winter festival detour (if you can)

If you’re visiting Quebec between late January and mid-February, you can’t miss the Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec)—the biggest winter festival in the world. This legendary event transforms Old Quebec into a snow-covered wonderland, complete with massive ice sculptures, vibrant parades, outdoor parties, and quirky winter traditions.

Even if it’s freezing, bundle up and experience it—trust me, it’s 100% worth the cold.

What Makes the Quebec Winter Carnival Special?

✅ Bonhomme’s Ice Palace 🏰 – The festival’s mascot, Bonhomme, has his own huge ice castle in the city. You can walk through it, explore its frozen rooms, and even catch light shows at night.

✅ Night Parades & Fireworks 🎆 – Expect massive nighttime parades with floats, performers, and light displays, especially on the last weekend. Fireworks over Old Quebec add to the epic winter vibes.

✅ Ice Canoe Racing 🚣‍♂️ – One of the most insane winter sports you’ll ever see. Competitors paddle and push canoes across the frozen St. Lawrence River, dodging ice chunks along the way.

✅ International Ice Sculpture Competition ❄️ – Artists from around the world carve massive ice sculptures in front of live audiences—some are bigger than cars and incredibly detailed.

✅ Outdoor Winter Bars & Caribou Shots 🍷🔥 – Need a warm-up? Locals drink Caribou, a mix of red wine, whiskey, and maple syrup (best served hot!). You’ll find outdoor ice bars serving drinks in glasses made of ice—a must-try experience.

✅ Winter Sports & Activities 🎿 – Try snow tubing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, or ice skating at various festival sites. Dufferin Terrace’s toboggan slide (open year-round) is an absolute thrill ride with speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

✅ Wear a Bonhomme Sash for the Full Experience 🇨🇦 – The arrowed sash (ceinture fléchée) is the festival’s symbol of winter pride. Locals and tourists wear one over their coats—it’s both a tradition and a great souvenir.

Pro Tips for Enjoying the Festival

• Plan your visit around the main events. The biggest parades and races happen on weekends, and Bonhomme’s Ice Palace is best seen at night when it’s fully illuminated.
• Book accommodations early. Hotels fill up months in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute.
• Wear multiple layers (and bring hand warmers). Most of the festival takes place outdoors, and it can be brutally cold at night.
• Try traditional Quebecois food. Grab a beaver tail pastry, poutine, maple taffy on snow, and of course, a shot of Caribou.
• Check for free & ticketed events. Some activities (like the ice canoe race and parades) are free, while others require a festival pass.

Other Winter Festivals Worth Checking Out

If your dates don’t line up with Carnaval de Québec, consider:

❄ Montréal en Lumière (Late Feb–Early March, Montreal) – A massive winter arts, music, and food festival, complete with outdoor light installations, performances, and a night-long party (Nuit Blanche).

❄ Fête des Neiges (January–Early February, Montreal) – Family-friendly winter fest with ice slides, tubing hills, snowshoeing, and dog sledding at Parc Jean-Drapeau.

❄ Valcartier Winter Playground (December–March, near Quebec City) – Canada’s biggest winter amusement park, featuring snow tubing, ice skating trails, and the famous Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace).

Surviving Canada in the cold water

Next time you decide to make the trek up north, be sure to heed this advice and plan accordingly! Shortly before my trip, I found out that I’d be in Canada during the so-called “bomb cyclone”, which lent itself to some of the coldest days on record. Though I looked like an abominable snowman with all my layers, I stayed “warm” and was able to fully appreciate the magical allure of Quebec City and Montreal. If you are an American that wishes to experience Europe’s Old World charm during the wintertime, look no further than our northern neighbor.

To follow my journey around the world, feel free to connect with me on Instagram: @Global.Viewpoint!

Happy Travels! -Jon