Having read through this thread, it would appear that i have never actually experienced anything within 2 seasons of winter in my life!

Big respect to you.

Well one thing I like about quebec city is that while it's cold enough to be dry during the winter, it's not too cold. Some info from environment canada:

daily minimums: novembre -4.3 decembre -13.4 janvier -17.6 fevrier -16 mars -9.4 avril -1.3
Real minimums go to -30 -35 depending on months, no -40 stuff for me!
Number of days per month with < -20: december 7 january 2weeks febuary 9 march 2 days
Unfortunately winds become ~1.5X as strong as in summer, also it seems you're ~10X more likely then in summer to get days with winds > 52 km/hr.

Add to nice winters, quebec city also has nice summers where you're actually comfortable!
Does it get any better?