Destination: Quebec City

Have you ever taken a trip that you reminisce about so fondly, a trip so perfect that just the thought of it makes you ache to return? Maybe there were even some mishaps during the trip (like your flight home was cancelled and you ended up having to drive home in the worst rental car ever) but the whole of the trip was so wonderful that you skirt those memories aside.

I'm lucky enough to have had a couple of those but one that sticks with me, even years later is Quebec City just after Christmas. I have a bit of a thing for Europe, Paris especially, and Quebec City is the perfect escape to give you a taste of Europe without the transatlantic trip. Taking a trip to Quebec around Christmas will definitely be chilly but it is a picture perfect winter village that the whole family can enjoy.

Where to Stay

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

A historic hotel inside the walls of Old Quebec in Upper Town, the Frontenac is at the center of everything, including the city skyline. This hotel is perfect for families, offering a Family Studio room that can sleep up to 6 as well an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, restaurants and bars. Be sure to stop in the 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar after and afternoon in the cold for a drink to warm you up and unbelievable views of the St. Lawrence River.

Auberge Saint-Antoine

The Auberge Saint-Antoine is a beautiful blend of old and new Quebec. A contemporary boutique hotel surrounded by the cobblestone streets of Lower Town highlights the past with beautifully displayed artifacts from an archeological dig done on the site of the hotel. The room sizes are best for a romantic weekend or small family and the hotel has an onsite spa, gym, business center and private cinema. The restaurant Panache is not to be missed.

Things to Do

Take a tour and see the changing of the guard at Citadelle of Quebec, an active military installation and official residence of both the Canadian monarch and the Governor General of Canada.

Visit Musée de la civilisation à Québec, an interactive museum of Quebec's culture and history or The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the national art museum.

Walk around town and visit some of the historic sights of Old Quebec - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During December the town will be decorated as a true Christmas village of times past.

 Be sure to ride the Funicular from Lower Town to Upper Town, stop in the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, visit the Christmas Market in Old Port or The German Christmas Market in Old Quebec and of course peek in the shops of the cobblestone lined streets of Lower Town for some souvenirs to bring home.

Try some ice skating on the outdoor rink at Place D’Youville and then follow it up with some hot chocolat or cafe au lait in a nearby cafe.

Getting There

Quebec is about an 8 1/2 hour drive from the New Jersey area and an 1 1/2 Hour flight. Once you are there you don't need a car if you plan to stay within Quebec City.

"Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship." according to the US State Department Website. (Disclaimer: Always check and verify passport and document requirements on your own prior to taking a trip) 

Its not too late to plan a Christmas Getaway to Quebec City or for The Quebec Winter Carnival which takes place January 27th - February 12th. 

Give me a call or send me an email for more information or to talk about a trip to Quebec! 

marykay@thetravelexchange.biz

(877) 344-0799 Ext 705