The temperature may have been in the teens, but the cold air was no match for the warm winter vibe pouring out of Quebec City's European streets and the friendly smiles of the French Canadians. 

I've heard of cultures embracing the seasons, yet I don't believe I've seen a city go crazy for winter quite like Quebec. Between the largest outdoor winter carnival in the world, a cross-country ski trail downtown by the river, and small shops serving up hot chocolate, it became hard to imagine the place without a few inches of snow on the ground. 

I snowshoed, slept at the Ice Hotel, and watched grown men and women canoe through an ice-infested river (see photo). Factor in that French is the number one language in an otherwise English-speaking country, and a trip to Quebec City becomes far more than a trip to Canada. 

Photos:

Streets of Old Quebec.

 

Aerial view of Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence River.

 

Ski and walking trails on the Plains of Abraham. 

 

Cross-country skiing on the Plains of Abraham.

 

Ice skating and cross-country skiing on the Plains of Abraham.

 

Ice canoe races at the Winter Carnival. 

 

Every room is different at the Hotel de Glace, each with unique carvings and lighting. All are open for exploration during the day (Ice Hotel guests only get the room from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.). 

I highly recommend wandering through all of them -  there is some beatiful work being done, a lot to be impressed by.

Here are my favorites: