Village Vacances Valcartier: Winter & Family Fun Resort in Quebec

Introduction: The Ultimate Family Winter Escape in Quebec

Located just 30 minutes from Québec City, Village Vacances Valcartier stands as Canada’s premier winter and family resort destination. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or planning a multi-night stay, this all-season resort offers thrilling snow tubing rides, indoor waterpark adventures, and one-of-a-kind experiences like sleeping in the iconic Hotel de Glace Quebec North America’s only ice hotel.

This guide provides in-depth details on everything families, couples, and adventure seekers need to know before visiting Valcartier Resort Quebec. From practical logistics and ticket prices to accommodation options and local travel tips, consider this your go-to source for planning an unforgettable winter getaway near Quebec City.

Quick Overview of Village Vacances Valcartier

Valcartier Winter Playground: Canada’s Largest Snow Tubing Park

One of the standout reasons families choose Village Vacances Valcartier is its Valcartier Winter Playground, the largest snow tubing park in North America. With over 35 different valcartier snow slides, there’s something for all ages and thrill levels.

Types of Snow Slides at Valcartier

• Green Runs: Gentle slopes for beginners and younger children
  
• Blue Squares: Moderate slopes ideal for families
  
• Black Diamonds: Advanced tracks for adrenaline-seekers
  
• Tornado Ride: A swirling group ride in an 8-person raft
  
• Snow Rafting: Group ride in a 12-person inflatable raft
  
• Everest: The tallest and steepest tubing slide at Valcartier
  

Tip: Families can enjoy ski lift style tubing to reach the top effortlessly using the tethered tube elevator system.

What is the price of a ticket to Valcartier?

Ticket prices vary based on the season and combo packages. As of 2025:

• Winter Playground Day Pass: ~$39–$49 CAD per person
  
• Hotel Guests: 10% discount on valcartier snow tubing and Bora Parc tickets
  
• Combo Ticket: Includes both tubing and indoor waterpark access, starting at ~$75 CAD
  

For seasonal deals like Valcartier winter package deals or discounts for March Break Quebec travel, check the official Valcartier site regularly.

Experience the Hotel de Glace: North America’s Ice Hotel

Another highlight of Valcartier Resort Quebec is the Hotel de Glace, an architectural marvel built each winter using thousands of tons of snow and ice.

What Awaits at the Valcartier Ice Hotel?

• Themed Ice Rooms: Each suite offers artistic snow sculptures, unique themes, and ice-carved furniture
  
• Ice Bar Valcartier: Sip cocktails or mocktails served in actual ice glasses
  
• Wedding Chapel: Host an unforgettable icy ceremony
  
• Grand Hall: Central gathering space with ambient ice lighting
  
• Outdoor Ice Slide: Slip into fun with your family before heading back inside
  

How cold is the ice hotel in Quebec?

Inside the Valcartier ice hotel, temperatures remain steady between -3°C and -5°C (23°F to 26°F), no matter how cold it gets outside. Arctic sleeping bags and thermal wear are provided for overnight stays.

Can Kids Go to the Hotel de Glace?

Yes, children can visit with adult supervision during tour hours. However, overnight stays are typically recommended for guests aged 8+ due to the chilly conditions.

Bora Parc Valcartier: Year-Round Indoor Waterpark

Looking for indoor fun after a day in the snow. Bora Parc Valcartier offers a tropical escape for all ages. Spread across 102,000 square feet, the facility includes:

• 14 Water Slides: From mild to extreme drops
  
• Wave Pool: Simulates ocean waves for added excitement
  
• Lazy River: Drift at a relaxed pace
  
• Flow-Rider Surf Simulator: Surf anytime, regardless of the weather
  
• Family Locker Rentals: Available for ~$10 CAD
  
• Restaurants: Enjoy snacks and meals poolside
  

What’s the age limit for Bora Parc?

There’s no strict age limit, but kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 39″ enter free. Toddlers must wear swim diapers.

Where to Stay: Hotel Valcartier Quebec Family Suites

For those planning to stay overnight, Hotel Valcartier Quebec offers family-friendly accommodations. Choose from:

• Standard Rooms
  
• Valcartier Family Suite: 2 Bedroom Suite with King + Queen Beds, living room, and mountain views
  
• Balcony Suites
  
• Accessible Units
  

Amenities Include:

• Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea stations
  
• Cribs and rollaway beds on request
  
• Indoor access to Bora Parc and Hotel de Glace
  
• Proximity to Valcartier tubing park, skating area, and spa
  

Where to stay in Valcartier with kids?

Hotel de Valcartier is the most convenient choice, offering direct access to the resort’s top attractions and on-site dining.

How to Get to Village Vacances Valcartier from Quebec City

Wondering how to get there?

• By Car: 30-minute drive north from Quebec City
  
• Shuttle Services: Offered during peak winter season from downtown hotels
  
• By Plane: Arrive via Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, then taxi/rental to Valcartier
  
• By Train: VIA Rail to Quebec City, then local transfer (~30 minutes)
  

How can I get from Village Vacances Valcartier to Quebec City?

You can drive, take a shuttle, or use local taxis or ride-shares. Some packages include round-trip transportation from downtown Quebec hotels.

Family-Friendly Activities for All Ages

Besides snow tubing and the waterpark, Village Vacances Valcartier includes:

1. Kids Winter Wonderland:

• A dedicated area with slides, tunnels, and snowball zones
  
• Great for toddlers and younger kids
  

2. Ice Skating Track:

• 1 km-long illuminated forest trail
  
• Skates available for rent (~$5 CAD)
  
• Free passes for hotel guests
  

3. Espace Jeux:

• Arcade-style entertainment on the second floor
  
• Virtual games, traditional machines, and prize centers
  

4. Aroma Spa:

• For adults (14+), with hot/cold baths, saunas, and massage services
  
• Indoor-outdoor pool access
  

What is the Opening Date of Village Vacances Valcartier?

The winter season typically begins in early December and runs until mid-to-late March, depending on snow conditions and weather. It’s best to book ahead for popular periods like Quebec City Winter Carnival or March Break.

For updated opening and closing dates, consult the official Valcartier site as conditions may vary year to year.

Things to Do Near Quebec City in Winter: Extend Your Valcartier Vacation

A visit to Village Vacances Valcartier offers a full day (or several) of adventure, but you can greatly enrich your trip by exploring things to do near Quebec City in winter. The region is known for its cultural charm, seasonal celebrations, and winter-specific activities that blend nature with history.

Must-Do Winter Experiences Near Valcartier

Consider booking a winter tourism package that combines Valcartier Winter Playground with Quebec City Winter Carnival dates for a complete seasonal itinerary.

Food & Dining at Valcartier: Family Options with Local Flair

While the focus of Valcartier family resort is play, there are several dining options on-site that cater to both kids and adults.

Restaurants at Village Vacances Valcartier

• Resto Safari: Casual sit-down meals with burgers, pasta, breakfast items, and Quebec specialties like crepes and bison
  
• O’Grill: Known for grilled fare and quick lunches
  
• Café Etcetera: Great for snacks and hot drinks between tubing runs
  
• Resto Polynesia: Serves poolside at Bora Parc Valcartier
  
• Tahiti Bar: Offers drinks and light meals with a view of the wave pool
  

Unique Local Treat: Maple Sugar Shack

Don’t leave without trying Cabane à Sucre located near the winter park. Here you’ll find:

• Maple taffy on snow
  
• Maple lollipops and cookies
  
• Hot beverages with maple syrup
  
• Quebec’s most iconic winter snack
  

This element taps into the unique Canadian experiences that travelers seek when choosing a Quebec winter vacation.

Is Valcartier Good for Toddlers? Family Travel Tips

Absolutely. Whether your child is 3 or 13, the resort has winter sports for all ages. Here’s how:

For Toddlers:

• Kids Winter Wonderland: Soft slopes, mini tunnels, snowball zones
  
• Bora Parc Water Play: Splash areas, shallow zones, and stroller access
  
• Indoor rest zones and easy access from Quebec City make it manageable for short stays
  

For Older Kids:

• Tornado Ride, Snow Rafting, and Valcartier snow tubing park
  
• Ice skating, arcade games, and Flow-Rider surfing
  
• Bilingual signs and staff support kids who speak English or French
  

Bonus: Kids under 39 inches enter Bora Parc FREE and children under 4 often qualify for discounted winter passes.

Where Is the Valcartier Vacation Village Located?

Located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, the resort sits northeast of Quebec City, surrounded by snow-covered forests and quiet countryside.

Location Facts:

• 30–35 minutes from downtown Quebec City
  
• Close to Jean Lesage International Airport
  
• Serviced by resort shuttles, ride shares, and private cars
  
• Offers free parking for hotel and day guests
  

The peaceful setting and proximity to city life make Village Vacances Valcartier an ideal family-friendly winter resort near Quebec City.

What to Do in Valcartier in Winter: Best Experiences by Category

Answering Top Travel FAQs About Valcartier Resort

Let’s now answer the key voice search optimized questions that real users ask when planning a trip to Valcartier Resort Quebec.

What is the opening date of Village Vacances Valcartier?

The resort usually opens in early December each year for the winter season. Hotel de Glace opens shortly afterward once construction is complete. Closing typically happens in late March, depending on snow and weather conditions.

For exact updates, visit the Valcartier website or check their social media pages.

What is the age requirement for Valcartier?

There is no strict age requirement. The resort is designed for all ages, but here are some general guidelines:

Always check the Valcartier tubing park guidelines for age/height restrictions, especially on black diamond slides.

Design & Architecture: Hotel de Glace’s Cultural Appeal

One of the most unique Canadian experiences offered at Valcartier is the Hotel de Glace Quebec. Rebuilt annually with a different theme, the hotel is not just a novelty, it’s a celebration of ice architecture, artistry, and cultural craftsmanship.

Features include:

• Ice chandeliers
  
• Sculpted animal and mythical figures
  
• Wedding chapel built entirely of ice
  
• Drinkware, furniture, and even beds made from frozen material
  

For culture-minded visitors, this attraction adds depth to the Quebec winter tourism experience.

Accessibility and Inclusivity at Valcartier

This is a content gap in many competitor articles but an important one for families and seniors.

Accessibility Features:

• Hotel rooms include wheelchair accessible options
  
• Indoor walkways are heated and flat, reducing ice/snow challenges
  
• Spa and waterpark facilities offer accessible changing rooms
  
• Skating loop and tubing areas are accessible via lifts with staff support
  

In future searches, terms like accessible winter playground Canada or wheelchair accessible resort Quebec will matter more for SEO and user trust. Including this also strengthens your article’s EEAT profile.

Booking Tips: Save Time and Money

To maximize your trip, consider these lesser-known insights:

• Book early for February’s Quebec City Winter Carnival
  
• Bundle tickets with lodging for best discounts
  
• Visit after 4 PM for discounted tubing rates
  
• Combo passes for Bora Parc + Winter Playground are great for full-day visits
  
• Play n’ Save packages allow access to multiple attractions with one wristband
  
• Valcartier bora parc tickets are cheaper for hotel guests
  

EEAT-Focused Takeaway

From massive snow slides and luxury spa treatments to immersive architecture and toddler-friendly fun, Village Vacances Valcartier combines the thrill of outdoor winter play with the comfort of all-season hospitality. It’s more than a park it’s a destination for multi-generational families, travel enthusiasts, and winter lovers.

Every activity is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, bilingual, and accessible. Whether you’re tubing down Everest or sipping hot chocolate in a themed ice suite, this is an experience you’ll want to repeat every year.

 Real Family Experiences at Village Vacances Valcartier

A resort may offer attractions, but it’s the family experiences that leave lasting impressions. Guest feedback and shared moments online paint Village Vacances Valcartier as more than a collection of snow slides it’s a place where families make life-long memories.

Testimonials Reflecting User Intent

The valcartier snow tubing rides were fast, thrilling, and completely safe. My kids didn’t want to leave. We stayed two nights at the Valcartier family suite and had space, warmth, and convenience right on site.”
Angela M., Ottawa

We visited during March break and were blown away. The Valcartier ice hotel was an architectural masterpiece. I never imagined we’d drink out of actual ice glasses! A must-visit.”
Leonard H., Toronto

My toddler had a blast in the kids’ winter wonderland, while my older kids raced down the Everest slide. Truly a family-friendly winter resort near Quebec City.”
Catherine S., Montreal

Easy to reach from downtown. We flew into Quebec City and used a shuttle. The Valcartier resort in Quebec really impressed us with how organized and bilingual the service was.”
Mark B., Vancouver

Is Valcartier good for toddlers?

Yes, Village Vacances Valcartier is a great destination for families with toddlers. The resort features a Kids Winter Wonderland, a dedicated snow play zone with gentle slides, tunnels, and soft snow areas for young children. In Bora Parc Valcartier, toddlers can enjoy shallow water areas and splash zones, and strollers are allowed indoors. For added convenience, family suites at Hotel Valcartier Quebec are stroller-friendly and offer plenty of space for winter gear and toddler essentials.

Where to stay in Valcartier with kids?

The best place to stay with children is the Hotel Valcartier Quebec, located directly on the resort property. Families can choose from a variety of options like the Valcartier Family Suite, which includes multiple beds, a living space, and in-room amenities such as mini-fridges, coffee stations, and entertainment systems. Staying onsite also gives families direct indoor access to Bora Parc, the ice skating track, and quick walks to Valcartier Winter Playground, making it easy to rest, play, and dine without leaving the resort.

What to do in Valcartier in winter?

Winter at Village Vacances Valcartier offers a wide range of activities for all age groups. Families can enjoy over 35 snow tubing runs, from beginner to expert levels, at the Valcartier Winter Playground. Adventure-seekers can try the Everest slide, Tornado ride, or snow rafting in group tubes. Indoors, the Bora Parc waterpark features 14 slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. For a unique experience, visit the Hotel de Glace Quebec, North America’s only ice hotel, and enjoy drinks at the Ice Bar Valcartier or take a self-guided tour of the themed ice rooms.

Not Just Winter: The All-Season Appeal of Village Vacances Valcartier

While winter is its peak season, Valcartier Vacation Village is a true all-season resort, a powerful semantic SEO concept missing from many competitors.

What Happens at Valcartier in Summer?

When the snow melts, the Valcartier Winter Playground transforms into a massive summer water park second only to Calypso Waterpark in Ontario.

Summer Highlights:

• 35 outdoor water slides
  
• Wave pool and themed rivers
  
• 100+ water games
  
• Family campground with 600-site capacity
  
• Events, music, and on-site entertainment
  

This means you can return for a summer family getaway and experience an entirely different side of the resort all while staying in the same comfortable hotel valcartier quebec accommodations.

Phrases like Valcartier summer packages, Quebec family camping, and summer things to do near Quebec City can also drive off-season traffic to your article.

Final Planning Tips for a Successful Valcartier Trip

To wrap up your journey, here’s a compact checklist of expert-backed advice for planning a seamless trip to Village Vacances Valcartier:

Booking & Budgeting

• Reserve early for high-demand periods like February and March Break
  
• Look for combo tickets to save on valcartier bora parc tickets and snow tubing passes
  
• Hotel guests receive 10% discounts and priority access to attractions
  
• Explore Attraction Passports if you want to pair Valcartier with Quebec City Winter Carnival or local parks
  

Packing Essentials

• Bring goggles or sunglasses for snow tubing (protect from glare and wind)
  
• Pack thermal layers for the Ice Hotel tour
  
• If skating, bring your own skates or rent for ~$5
  
• Bring waterproof gloves, snow boots, and a second pair of dry clothes for the kids
  
• Swimwear for Bora Parc even in winter
  

Transportation & Navigation

• If arriving by plane or train, use a rental car or pre-arranged shuttle
  
• Day guests: arrive early (before 10 AM) to avoid queues
  
• Parking is free, including a private hotel lot with room key access
  
• Staff are bilingual and helpful with orientation
  

Accessibility & Family Considerations

• Stroller-friendly pathways and accessible winter resort design
  
• Espace Jeux arcade offers indoor downtime
  
• On-site lockers (~$10) help store essentials during rides
  
• Multiple indoor lounges and rest areas for breaks

Final Thoughts

Village Vacances Valcartier is more than just a winter park it’s an immersive family resort experience that delivers on every front: adventure, comfort, culture, and access. With a strategic location near one of Canada’s most scenic cities, year-round activities, and tailored experiences for all age groups, it is rightly positioned as Quebec’s most complete winter resort.

Whether you’re searching for the best snow tubing park near Quebec City, curious about the age requirement for Valcartier, or looking for where to stay in Valcartier with kids, this resort delivers clear answers and memorable experiences.

It’s the kind of place families return to not just because of what it offers, but because of how it makes them feel: excited, safe, connected, and rejuvenated.

What is the opening date of Village Vacances Valcartier each year?

Village Vacances Valcartier typically opens its winter season in early December and continues operations through mid to late March, depending on snow and weather conditions. The Hotel de Glace Quebec often opens shortly after, once its ice construction is complete. It’s best to check the resort’s official website or social media for the exact dates before planning your Quebec winter vacation.

How much does a day pass cost at Valcartier Winter Playground?

The cost of a Valcartier Winter Playground day pass ranges from $39 to $49 CAD per person, depending on the day and age group. Hotel Valcartier Quebec guests receive 10% off snow tubing and Bora Parc Valcartier tickets. Discounted combo passes and evening rates (after 4 PM) are also available. For updated pricing, visit the official website.

What is the age requirement for snow tubing and Bora Parc at Valcartier?

There is no official minimum age for entering the resort, but activities have height and safety guidelines:

• Snow tubing: Children 3 years and older can use beginner slides. Advanced slides like Everest require a minimum height of 1.32 meters.
  
• Bora Parc Valcartier: All ages are welcome. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 39 inches can enter for free.
  

Always check the Valcartier tubing park and indoor waterpark policies before arrival.

How can I get to Village Vacances Valcartier from Quebec City?

Village Vacances Valcartier is located just 30 minutes north of Quebec City in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier. You can reach the resort by:

• Driving (free parking available)
  
• Shuttle service from select Quebec City hotels (check seasonal availability)
  
• Taxi or ride-share
  
• Arriving by plane (Jean Lesage International Airport) or VIA Rail, then taking a transfer
  

The easy access from the city makes Valcartier a top choice for a family-friendly winter resort near Quebec City.