Over Thanksgiving, we drove from Washington, DC to Quebec City and later headed to Montreal. On this trip we were met with quaint small town charm in Old Quebec City, vibrant and bustling city streets in Montreal, and ample opportunities for outdoor adventures in between. We’re sharing our full road trip itinerary below, in hopes to inspire your holiday visit to Quebec.
Day 1: Old Quebec
The small region of Old QuĂ©bec lies on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River and is as charming as it is rich with history. If you’re lucky enough to be there between late November and Christmas, you are in for a special treat. The little town turns into a real life Hallmark movie and is absolutely stunning. From a traditional German Christmas market to the holiday decorated Quartier Petit Champlain, this place will make you forget you’re in the real world and that there isn’t a camera crew following you awaiting the moment you happen to wander underneath some mistletoe.
-Stroll down Rue du Petit Champlain and check out all of the galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Spend time admiring the cute storefronts that are decked out in holiday style.
-Ride the funicular that connects the upper level of Old Québec to Petit Champlain for an amazing view and to save yourself a trip up or down the stairs.
-Spend the evening at the German Christmas Market. It truly looks like a Hallmark Christmas movie set and will leave you feeling both holly and jolly.
Day 2: Montmorency Falls & ĂŽle d’OrlĂ©ans
-Drive out to Montmorency Falls and walk over top of the waterfall. Hike the paths in the park surrounding the fall as well.
-Drive onto ĂŽle d’OrlĂ©ans, an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River. Farmland, wineries, and restaurants encircle this little piece of land, so take your time and stop by a few. There is even a dog sledding outfit on the south side of the island if mushing is your cup of tea.
Day 3:
-Visit La Citadelle de Québec, the oldest military building in all of Canada.
-Drop below the Dufferin terrace and explore the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux archeological site. While walking down Terrasse Dufferin, you are able to see some of the ruins through viewing windows that the terrace has protected for years.
Day 4: Sommet Saint Sauveur & Old Port Montreal
-Shred the day away at Sommet Saint Sauveur.
Just about an hour outside of Montreal lies Sommet Saint Sauveur, a ski resort and the perfect place to send it after a few hours of driving.
-Hit the town and check out Old Port Montreal for a Ferris Wheel ride.
-Get your first helping of some delicious poutine at John Michaels Pub along with some brews.
Day 2: Exploring Montreal’s Green Spaces
The beautiful, bustling city of Montreal is the most populated city in the Québec province and second most populated in all of Canada, after Toronto. This city is packed with bars, restaurants, shops, street art, endless sights to be seen, and even an underground tunnel system. Montreal is both lively and fun, so you are bound to have nothing short of a good time. And bonus: you will consume more delicious poutine than any human ever should.
-Wake up and head to Mount Royal for an awesome view of the city below and the sun rising behind it.
-Stop in at the Botanical Gardens. Yes, they are open all winter; and yes, they are beautiful all year round. If you’re lucky, the gardens will be covered in snow, which makes for a picturesque stroll.
-Check out the 1976 Olympic Stadium and hitch a ride to the top to get a new perspective of the city.
-Bar hop your way up Saint Denis Street and back down Saint Laurent Street for a memorable night of fun and meeting new friends.
Day 3: Discovering Montreal from Different Perspectives
-Burrow underground and explore the RÉSO, a homonym of rĂ©seau, meaning network in French. Known in English as The Underground City, these tunnels connect many parts of the city and are the perfect way to avoid the cold winter days and shop the many stores that inhabit the subterranean maze. Check the link above for a map of the tunnels and don’t miss the big blue fountain in the center that puts on a brilliant water show all day long.
-Fill a photo album with shots of all the street art this city hosts. Montreal is home to a lot of talented artists whose art rotates regularly.
– If your muscles are still a little stiff from your snow day, or if you just simply want to relax, book an appointment at Bota Bota. This historic river ferry, has been docked for good and transformed into a fully functional spa with multiple steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, cold pools, massage rooms, and a restaurant. We chose the “Layover Water Circuit Option” which afforded us access to the spa for three magical hours.
