In Quebec City, Quebec, you can step back in time and enjoy a charming winter scene as you stroll down cobblestone streets, hop in and out of French restaurants and cafés and ride toboggans down slides made of ice. This dreamy city sits on the St. Lawrence River and has preserved so much historical character it’s impossible to not feel romantic and sentimental.
I visited Quebec City with my boyfriend, Bryon, for New Years. Despite his sincere hatred for the cold (saying Quebec City is cold in the winter is an understatement) he and I both really enjoyed our long weekend there. As soon as we entered through the gates into Old Quebec City it felt like we were going through time travel. This city has done such an excellent job at preserving its historical significance. There was a generous blanket of snow on the ground, mini Christmas Trees strung with lights at the doorstep of almost every shop and restaurant and garland on many of the storefronts. It was so amazing to see.
There’s something for every winter-lover here. If you go outside the city, you can go snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding, dog sledding and enjoy other outdoor recreational activities. But if you stay in the city, you can wander around the historical streets, enjoy gourmet French meals and sip on boozy coffee to warm up. Bryon and I stayed at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. The location was convenient because everything is centered around this iconic hotel, so it’s easy to get to all the attractions. While it was extremely expensive (we decided to treat ourselves just this one time) it was a really great experience. The staff was so helpful and there are three really great restaurants located within the hotel that kept us from going out into the cold after a day of sightseeing. However, if you’re looking for something a little more charming and less grandiose, there are plenty of lovely little hotels that have lots of character and great service, such as this one.
Experiencing the city in winter starts with layering and bundling up, lacing up your warmest winter boots and walking around the city. If you go to Dufferin Terrace, just beside the Château Frontenac, there is a massive ice slide you can ride down on a toboggan for $3 a person. It’s the oldest attraction in the city and has been running since 1884! Bryon and I did it twice, and the toboggan is so nostalgic and reminded me of my childhood. After, I recommend enjoying the views of the St. Lawrence from the terrace. It’s an absolutely spectacular view and when it is cold, there is a layer of ice and snow that floats down the river with the strong current.
After you’re finished enjoying the views, wander down the hill (take the funicular or walk down the stairs by the Château) and walk down Rue du Petit Champlain. Here, you will find quaint shops and restaurants. For a good time, Pub Borgia is a warm place to enjoy boozy coffee and hot chocolate, Caribou (a warm traditional Canadian drink) and French onion soup. They also sell 6 shots for $20 if you have some ambitious friends in tow. For a beautiful French meal, Lapin Sauté and Sous Le Fort are exceptional restaurants – make sure you make reservations! You can easily spend an entire afternoon on this little street, popping in and out of shops and taking a half hour here and there for a drink or coffee to warm up. Of course, you don’t have to stick to Rue du Petit Champlain. There are plenty of other things to see including Montmorency Falls, Hotel De Glace or bring your skates along to ice skate on one of the many ice rinks in the city.
On New Years’ Eve, we enjoyed an outdoor party with fireworks, but had that not been the case we would have enjoyed a bottle of wine in our hotel room. In Old Quebec City there are plenty of places to buy bottles of French wine so you can enjoy a cozy night in your hotel room out of the cold. After a day of exploring you will be a little exhausted, but satisfied. It’s one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. If you can’t afford the plane ticket to Europe, Quebec City is the next best thing!
