0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Citi Strata℠ Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Book a Quebec City Winter Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Quebec City Winter Trip

Break the cost of a snowy Canadian getaway into manageable monthly chunks with an 18-month interest-free window.

Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $122.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Quebec City in February feels like a European capital dropped into the Canadian woods. You go for the Carnaval, where the streets fill with massive ice sculptures and people drinking caribou from hollowed-out canes. It is cold, but the bonfire pits and night parades keep the energy high. The cobblestone streets of the Old Town are the closest you can get to France without a transatlantic flight.

A solid trip for two costs about $2200. We suggest using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to manage the cost. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you spread the $2200 cost into $122.22 monthly payments over a year and a half.

The 18-month window is a hard deadline, not a permanent interest-free loan. If you still have a balance when the period ends, you will start paying the standard interest rate on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Book Tuesday through Thursday

    Weekend rates during the festival spike because everyone from Montreal drives up. Mid-week stays are quieter and much cheaper. You will also have shorter lines for the ice slides and outdoor bars.

  2. 02

    Pack for real cold

    Buy high-quality wool socks and thermal layers before you go. Quebec winter is a dry, biting cold that will cut through denim or cheap synthetic fabrics. Good gear means you stay outside longer.

  3. 03

    Use your interest-free window

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) for your bookings. You get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This keeps your monthly bill at $122.22 to clear the balance before interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Stay inside the city walls

    Look for small boutique hotels or inns within the historic district. You will save money on transport because the festival sites are all within walking distance. It also lets you duck back inside to warm up.

  5. 05

    Stick to traditional comfort food

    Find local bistros for poutine and meat pies. These are filling meals designed for the climate and cost less than the upscale restaurants geared toward the luxury hotel crowd. Many festival zones also sell affordable street snacks.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need to speak French?

Most locals in the tourist spots are bilingual. Learn a few basic phrases to be polite, but you will have no trouble ordering food or checking into a hotel.

Is the festival free?

Many events like the parades and ice sculpture viewings are free. Some specific zones require an Effigy, which is a small plastic tag that acts as your season pass for the festival grounds.

How do I get from the airport?

A taxi or ride-share is the easiest way to reach the Old Town. It is about a 20-minute drive and usually has a flat rate for the downtown zone.

What if I miss the 0% window?

If the 18 months pass and you still owe money, you will start paying the regular APR on the remaining balance. Set up autopay for $122.22 to make sure it is cleared in time.