Quebec’s winter landscape transforms into a wonderland where wildlife thrives despite the cold. Many animals remain active, foraging and hunting through the snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Spotting these creatures offers a unique glimpse into nature’s resilience and beauty during the harshest months.
Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and never approach or feed wild animals. Respect their natural habitats and follow local wildlife viewing guidelines.
1. White-Tailed Deer
Graceful and alert, white-tailed deer are among the most commonly sighted animals during Quebec winters. They gather in small herds, browsing on twigs and bark when snow covers the ground.
Look for their tracks near forest edges at dawn or dusk. Their reddish-brown coats turn greyish in winter, providing camouflage against bare trees and snowy landscapes.
2. Red Fox
With fiery orange fur and a bushy tail, the red fox becomes even more striking against winter’s white backdrop. These clever hunters rely on their acute hearing to locate mice and voles beneath the snow.
Watch them pounce dramatically into snowbanks, diving headfirst after hidden prey. Their thick winter coats keep them comfortable even in extreme cold.
3. Snowy Owl
Few sights are more magical than a snowy owl perched silently on a fencepost, scanning open fields for prey. These Arctic visitors migrate south to Quebec each winter, bringing their ethereal beauty to farmlands and shorelines.
Males display almost pure white plumage, while females show darker barring patterns across their feathers.
4. Canadian Lynx
Sporting oversized paws that act like natural snowshoes, the Canadian lynx moves effortlessly through deep powder. These elusive wildcats hunt primarily snowshoe hares, their populations rising and falling together in predictable cycles.
Their tufted ears and silvery coat make them unforgettable. Spotting one requires patience and luck in remote forested areas.
5. River Otter
Playful and energetic, river otters turn winter into a playground, sliding down snowy banks into partially frozen waterways. Their dense, waterproof fur and high metabolism keep them active throughout the coldest months.
Look for their distinctive slide marks near rivers and lakes. They often travel in family groups, creating multiple tracks through the snow.
6. Moose
Towering above the snow, moose are Quebec’s largest land mammals, weighing up to 600 kilograms. Winter finds them browsing on woody plants and tree bark, their long legs allowing them to navigate through deep snowdrifts.
Males shed their impressive antlers after mating season. Watch for them in areas with willow and birch trees.
7. Snowshoe Hare
Masters of winter camouflage, snowshoe hares transform from brown to brilliant white as temperatures drop. Their enormous hind feet distribute weight evenly, preventing them from sinking into soft snow.
These herbivores remain active all winter, feeding on bark and twigs. Their populations fluctuate dramatically, influencing predator numbers like lynx and foxes throughout the region.
8. Beaver
Though rarely seen during winter, beavers remain active beneath the ice in their lodges. They survive on underwater food caches, swimming through frigid water to retrieve stored branches.
Their impressive lodges and dams remain visible throughout winter. Steam sometimes rises from lodge vents on extremely cold mornings, revealing the warmth generated inside by the family group.
