Quebec Winter Holiday

Day 1 – Saturday, December 2, 2023 – Home to Montreal 

This morning fly to Montreal, the second largest city in Canada well known for its own joie de vivre. Arrive in the city founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie (City of Mary) and check in to your historic hotel built by the Canadian National Railway, the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth where John Lennon and Yoko Ono wrote the anti-war song "Give Peace a Chance" in their 1969 bed-in. This evening’s elegant dining marks the start of creating camaraderie as you dine with your Tour Director and travel companions. 

Today’s dinner is included

Day 2 – Sunday, December 3, 2023 – Montreal 

Today depart on a city tour with an expert local guide to view iconic landmarks from a bygone era Fort-Ville Marie to modern day Montreal. The beautiful, preserved architecture surrounding the city creatively blends old world charm evident in Old Montreal and the Old Port earning Montreal the designation of UNESCO City of Design in 2006. Savor the view from atop Mount Royal where the city of Montreal gets its name. This afternoon, step back in time at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum showcasing history and archeology from major time periods. Return to your hotel for a leisurely evening where an elevator ride will take you down to the underground city with plenty of stores to browse and dining options or take a stroll along nearby Sainte Catherine Street that has evolved over time into the city’s main artery and cultural and entertainment hub. 

Today’s breakfast is included. 

Day 3 – Monday, December 4, 2023 – Montreal – La Malbaie 

This morning we leave Montreal and travel between the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains to the picturesque countryside of the Charlevoix region. On the way stop for a delightful presentation at an authentic Sugar Shack. It will warm your heart as you tuck into delicious local fare during a traditional Quebecois sugar shack meal. You may want to get some maple taffy jars to bring home as a thoughtful gift for friends and family or for your own sweet tooth. Later arrive at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie. The first vacation resort in Canada and nicknamed “White House North” as US President Hoover spent much time here. Stay two nights at this historic French-style castle perched high atop a cliff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

Today’s breakfast, lunch and dinner are included 

Day 4 – Tuesday, December 5, 2023 – La Malbaie

Today nature pulls back the curtain on the landscape which has been a source of inspiration and creativity for many an artist. Visit the small but unique Charlevoix Museum to learn French colonial history from the days of beaver trapping, how the region got its name from a Jesuit priest and the devastating strike by a massive meteorite millions of years before. Next visit Papeterie Saint-Gilles where artisans produce paper using 17th-century techniques. The handcrafted papers are made of pure cotton fibre, with some local flower petals being mixed into the pulp. Another opportunity to pick up some delicate Christmas figurines as souvenirs or gifts or even an artist’s reproduction. We will stop in Baie-Saint-Paul, the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil and artist Clarence Gagnon who was captivated by the natural landscape of the Charlevoix region along with artists like Rene Richard and the famous Group of Seven. There’s time to take in the artsy ambience in Baie-Saint-Paul and the impressive Eglise de Baie-Saint-Paul in the heart of the town. Enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch in the picturesque little town before returning to tranquility at your historic castle. This afternoon a guided historic tour of the magnificent property will unveil a few of the hotels many secrets. This evening is free to luxuriate in your surroundings or perhaps try your luck at the adjoining Casino du Charlevoix. 

Today’s breakfast is included 

Day 5 – Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - La Malbaie to Quebec City 

This morning leave behind the picturesque Charlevoix region and visit the 1934 Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré designated a national shrine in Canada and the oldest pilgrimage site in North America. Wood can speak and you will be bewitched at the remarkable Atelier Paré Wood Sculpture and Legends Économusée where traditional Québec legends are interpreted through wood sculpture. Meet knowledgeable local sculptors passionate about their works and producing meaningful pieces based on Quebec folklore. Next visit the towering Montmorency Falls and the Manoir Montmorency built in 1781 and occupied by Prince Edward, father of Queen Victoria. Later arrive through the gates of the ancient, fortified walls of Old Quebec City, where the imposing Fairmont Château Frontenac hotel will host you for two nights. 

Today’s breakfast is included

Day 6 – Thursday, December 7, 2023 – Quebec City 

With a local guide accompanying you, tour the historic walled city with four gates that will transport you back in time with stops at Place Royale where Quebec City was founded and visit the oldest church in Canada, the Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec in the heart of Old Quebec. Next, we visit the famous Plains of Abraham where the epic battle between French and English for control of the “New World” took place. Later you will return to the legendary castle and National Historic Site where you will be led on a grand historic tour of the 1893 Chateau Frontenac, a dream come true for William Van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. You may not have time to peer through all 2,000 windows but you will have plenty of time to peer through your own. Tonight, as our trip concludes, enjoy a delicious dinner at a popular French-Canadian restaurant in the heart of Old Town Quebec.

Today’s breakfast and dinner are included 

Day 7 – Friday, December 8, 2023 – Quebec City to home

As we leave the iconic hotel say Au revoir to the sights, tastes, and nuances of Quebec. Boarding our return flights to the west coast we arrive home late this afternoon where your driver will be waiting to take you back home with many new memories of the winter beauty of La belle province. 

Today’s breakfast is included