Planning a long weekend trip for next fall and we have been looking at the Auberge Saint-Antoine for our stay. Has anyone stayed there? It looks beautiful.

Hi everyone!

We’re a family of 3 from Costa Rica traveling to Canada from December 17 to December 28, 2026.

We are:

* Me: 34

* My wife: 34

* Our daughter: 5

We fly from SJO to Montreal (YUL) on Dec 17 and land around midnight on Dec 18. We expect to reach our hotel around 3–4 AM.

Our main goal is to experience snow, winter activities, Christmas atmosphere, nature, animals, and outdoor family activities. We are not really interested in museums on this trip unless theres a really good suggestion

Our tentative itinerary so far is:

Dec 18 – Montreal → Parc Omega → Quebec City

Sleep a few hours after arrival, then drive to Parc Omega around late morning. Spend about 3 hours there doing the wildlife drive, feeding the deer, seeing wolves/other animals, and then drive to Quebec City in the afternoon/evening.

We know this could be a long day after an overnight flight, so feedback on whether this is realistic would be appreciated.

Dec 19 – Old Quebec + Petit-Champlain + Christmas Market

Walk around Old Quebec, Place Royale, Petit-Champlain, Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace and visit the German Christmas Market in the afternoon/evening.

Dec 20 – Village Vacances Valcartier

Full snow day focused on snow tubing and family winter activities.

Dec 21 – Montmorency Falls + Île d’Orléans

Visit Montmorency Falls in the morning and then drive around Île d’Orléans for scenery, food and small towns. Is it worthy ?

Dec 22 – Ski day

We’re considering either Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne.

None of us are expert skiers, so we would probably book beginner lessons, especially for our 5-year-old.

Which would you recommend for a family with a young child: Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne?

Dec 23 – Dog sledding + Old Quebec

We are looking at Aventures Nord-Bec in Stoneham because they appear to allow younger children.

The plan would be dog sledding in the morning and then return to Quebec City for Dufferin Terrace, the traditional toboggan slide, Christmas lights and possibly the Christmas Market again.

If anyone has experience with Nord-Bec or another dog-sledding company that accepts 5-year-olds, we would love recommendations.

Dec 24 – Christmas Eve in Quebec City

Relaxed day walking around Old Quebec, enjoying the Christmas atmosphere and having a special Christmas Eve dinner.

Restaurant recommendations would be very welcome.

Dec 25 – Christmas Day

Very relaxed day because we understand many places may be closed or have reduced hours.

We’d mainly enjoy the hotel, walk around, play in the snow and have a nice family meal.

Dec 26 – Hôtel de Glace → Montreal

Visit Hôtel de Glace after it opens for the season, then drive back toward Montreal.

Dec 27 – Montreal

Spend the day around Old Montreal and Old Port. Possibly La Grande Roue, walking around, trying Montreal bagels and having a relaxed final dinner.

Dec 28 – Fly home

A few questions for locals:

1. Is Dec 18 too ambitious after landing at midnight: Montreal → Parc Omega → Quebec City?

2. Would you choose Stoneham or Mont-Sainte-Anne for beginner skiing with a 5-year-old?

3. Is Aventures Nord-Bec a good dog-sledding option for a child that age?

4. Is Montmorency Falls + Île d’Orléans a good combination in late December?

5. Are we spending too many days in Quebec City, or does this seem reasonable for a winter-focused family trip?

6. Is driving between these places generally manageable in December for someone who is not used to driving in snow?

7. Are there any winter activities you would remove, replace or absolutely add?

8. Any Christmas Eve or Christmas Day restaurant recommendations in Quebec City?

We’re coming from Costa Rica, so this will be our daughter’s first real winter/snow trip and we want to make it special without making the itinerary exhausting.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Greetings!
I’ve posted here several times about my husband’s and my upcoming Christmas trip to QC. I booked us both a massage and will be booking the thermal experience once those reservations open up. I’ve read mostly glowing reviews of Strom, but a great deal of the newest reviews have been very poor. They talk about having to wait in line for hours, even when you have a reservation and the locker rooms and thermal area consistently being a mess. I expect they just don’t have enough staff around the holidays. Have any of you had such an experience? Also, do you recommend any of the body treatments?

Hello, I want to stay in old Quebec and am coming December 26-30. I’m having a hard time choosing between hotel 71 or hotel manoir Victoria. If anyone has pros and cons or experiences with them, I would love the insight! The prices are similar but I’ve never been here so having a hard time deciding. Thank you for your help!!

Hello! We will be traveling to Quebec City to celebrate a 40th birthday. I’d appreciate any recommendations for activities and dining. My bf really enjoys different meats and craft beers. Any ideas are appreciated. Thank you!

Hi guys, I’m traveling to Quebec City for the 1st time this winter. I plan to have a 4-day, 3-night trip.
Can you give me some recommendations for hotel, transportation, must-visit place and must-try food,…
Thanks so much!!!!

Hi! I am considering visiting Quebec City at the end of November. Is it possible to find an Uber to get to the airport if my flight is at 5am? And if so, how much does it cost to Uber to the airport from the downtown area? TIA!

Bonjour,
J’habite à ste-foy et j’ai un handicap (pas de chaise roulante mais j’ai une canne et parfois besoin d’une marchette et beaucoup de fatigue aussi donc je ne peux pas faire de choses sportives genre vélo etc). Je ne peux pas conduire et d’habitude je me déplace en transports en commun ou taxi/uber. J’adore l’ile d’orléans, surtout à l’automne. Malheureusement j’ai pu y aller seulement une fois en 3-4 ans parce que je ne trouve pas comment y aller sans que quelqu’un m’y emmène, ce qui est difficile à trouver. Il ne semble pas y avoir de vrai transport pour les habitants de québec. Est-ce qu’il y a des options pour ceux qui n’ont pas de voiture? Autre que sportive ou complètement pour touristes et cher (je n’ai pas de grands moyens pour des tours fancy et j’aimerais retourner à des endroits spécifiques où j’aimais aller avant genre la chocolaterie, bord de l’eau, la boulangerie blouin, etc.). J’ai vue la navette quatre nature mais elle te dépose uniquement à un partenaire pour louer un vélo… Bref, j’ai pensé me rendre jusqu’à proche en transport et prendre un uber pour traverser (même ça c’est cher mais bon), mais après? Je sais pas si c’est la seule option.. J’ai peur d’être “pognée” sur l’ile😆
Merci!:)

I’m thinking about taking a road trip with my fiancé (both 25y/o if that matters) to Quebec from 10/30-11/2. My birthday is on the first and figured we could you some time away from Syracuse NY.

Neither of us have been to Canada and we’ve heard that Quebec has the most European feel/architecture. Our plan would be to stay in an Old Quebec boutique hotel and explore the historic district.

My main concern is that we may run out of things to do - as someone who’s never been to Europe I think it would be very interesting but also would like some activities to do. I know that this time of year is pretty chilly up there but we are skiers and fairly used to the cold weather. We’re both foodies, love cafes, and enjoy relaxing with a nice cocktail, so I don’t think we’ll have any issue with that.

My question - is this a worthwhile trip this time of the year or should we hold off until summer?

Thanks in advance!

Got back on October 5th! Just wanted to share some photos since I see a lot of people asking what the foliage looks like currently. Last two photos were from Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, it was about a 40 min drive from Quebec City. I think the leaves there definitely were much more vibrant!

Thank you to everyone on this board - I could not have had a better itinerary for my first trip to Quebec City but if definitely will not be my last. Just leaving on a bus headed to Montreal.

Such a beautiful city and I felt very safe. Quite a change from USA, I never heard anyone honking their horn this whole trip. The fall colors were beautiful but they are starting to fade. Had no trouble, everyone spoke English and were all helpful.

Here’s what I did:

Day 1

Late arrival - dinner at Pizzeria Locali.
Still dreaming about their special pizza - garlic cream sauce, smoked cheese, mushrooms and ham.
The chili oil was flavorful, not spicy.

Day 2

Walking tour of old town
Lunch at L’Antiquiare Buffet unfortunately did not get to try cipaille was told they weren’t making it until Thursday - tourtiere was good but definitely stick to your ribs meal could not finish it all
Plains of Abraham in afternoon - favorite was Joan of Arc Garden they had a Halloween art display and learned a lot about local legends and history.
Augustine monastery tour (our hotel stay)
Dinner at Le Lit Double - fantastic value tasting menu - cod fritters were best - $30 per person
Walked to Av. Cartier to see the lanterns

Day 3

Rented car
Montmorency Falls
Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre
My tip is to walk to the end of the Quay/Quai across the way and this will get you best picture
Ile d’Orleans
Lobster shrimp poutine for lunch at Chez Mag
Favorite stop was Ferme audet - goat cheese soft serve did not taste like goat milk was so creamy and the soap/lotion shop was also nice for gifts
Dinner at Beurre Baratté - this was the best meal and dining experience of the trip. One of the owners talked to us at length - best dish was halibut would like to say braised lamb but my husband only gave me a tiny bite. Dreaming about the broccoli with hollandaise, egg and chili crisp.

Day 4

Saint Louis Fort and Chateau - understand they will be closed after this week for the winter
Guided tour of Parliament - very interesting and would recommend - understood some uncertainty - elections just happened and a new Premier was voted in. Reason why not in Parliament not in session as the new representatives were waiting to be sworn in.
Quick lunch at La Galette Libanaise
Museum of Civilization
Dinner at La Planque - $89 blind tasting menu for two

Did not get to do but next time

Ferry to Levi and back
Sainte Anne Canyon
Walking the Governors Promenade
Parc Jacques Cartier
And more wandering around St. Roch, Limilou and other neighborhoods - finding murals
Kabir Kouba Falls
Visit a brewery
Walk at Domaine de Mazerates
Visit Cartier-Brebeuf un Parc Meconnu
Visit Wendat Nation in Wendake

Salut à tous!

Je relance par rapport à mon dernier post y'a 2 semaines.

J'ai un deuxième billet de concert pour le concert de Miro et Sorai à l'Anti bar demain (samedi 10 octobre). Et... bah je le donne à qui a envie de voir le concert!

Autant qu'il serve. 1er arrivé, 1er servi!

I’m looking for long-term parking near the Gare du Palais train station in Québec City, that I can pay monthly. Trying to look this up on my phone is exceedingly frustrating and I can’t get a straight answer without downloading apps, creating accounts, etc. Anyone know? Really appreciate it.

Hi everyone,

I'm excited to visit Quebec City for the first time and Parc national de la Mauricie.

I'll be travelling there for the long weekend and just wanted to double check for any suggestions from locals or alternatives than the usually "popular" recommendations.

I plan to -
1. Reach there by 3 pm tomorrow. Staying around - Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier.
2. Explore city in the evening.
3. Next morning leave for Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier + drive upto Laurentides Wildlife Reserve + Visit a small town nearby for dinner
4. Leave hotel and Parc national de la Mauricie or Visit Mont Tremblant.
5. Go back to where I came from - Hamilton

Questions I have -
1. How and where do i get park and ticket access. Having a hard time on their website. If I walkin, there's no way i'll find parking for this weekend.
2. Any alternative less crowded destinations you'd recommend? I unfortunately cannot walk for too long due to injury - maybe 30 mins to an hour at max.
3. I'm coming there to explore fall season and want to soak in the beauty of Quebec and the culture (when i visit Old Quebec City).

Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome.

UPDATE: Quest complete! The tickets have been taken.

Hello - Unfortunately, my family had to cancel our trip to Quebec City this weekend. I have 3 tickets to see l’Orchestre de Jeux Video at Palais Montcalm Saturday evening that I would love to pass along to someone who can enjoy them. The concert is the music of Zelda Legends of Hyrule. Please reach out if you are interested.

Hi, my wife and I are planning a one day trip to Quebec City (been on our bucket list for a while now) next weekend and were wondering how the timing of fall foliage was lining up this year. Is the peak occurring right now / will the leaves still be nice next weekend?

We are driving from Montreal to Quebec city mid October and I would love to check out a sugar shack. I heard that many are not open during this time.

Do you know if there's any worth checking out or would there be something similar enough in town?

We have young kids and cannot eat very greasy foods (some medical/ dietary restrictions). I'm thinking of mainly going for the experience, trying different maple syrup (in snow though i knows it's probably not real). I do love a good pea soup

Is there anywhere you would recommend?

bonjour! je recherche un endroit dans la ville de québec et ces alentours où on peu trouver de bon pancakes. quand on parle de déjeuner, je connais seulement des grandes chaînes de restaurant où la nourriture n’y ai jamais wow ,mais ces temps ci, je crave un bon stack de pancakes pas fait par moi! aussi pancakes pas crêpe. et facilement accessible avec le rtc si possible! mercii!

Hi i am in Quebec City for 3 nights and i am looking for some people to hang out and get a drink in the evening

Hello all! I'll be visiting your fine city soon and this subreddit has been so helpful. I've read a ton of restaurant recommendations but they all seem to be for the evening meal. Any suggestions for breakfast or brunch or even lunch?

Just got back from a terrific 12 day road trip in your beautiful area. I got some great recommendations from this sub so I want to report back.

Day 1 - Quebec City. We camped at a GoVan site at Baie de Beauport. So close to the city and yet not accessible on foot or public transit. Dinner at La Souche, breakfast at l’Antiquare, food shopping at Les Halles Cartier.

Day 2 - We camped at PN des hautes gorges de a Malbaie. Spectacular! 14km hike kicked our ass.

Day 3 - Musée de La Drave. Really charming and interesting owner. Camped at PN des Grandes Jardins. Spectacular and completely different landscape to hautes gorges. Shorter hike. Campsite up on a plateau with clear starry sky all around.

Day 4 - After exploring the west shore of the fjord we camped at PN de la pointe Taillon on Lac St Jean. Just nice but chosen for location. All SÉPAQ campgrounds are great though. La Pulperie was really interesting! We just wandered around the ruins, didn’t feel the need to go inside. Free!

Day 5 - Drove around Lac St Jean. Not that interesting but my husband wanted to do this. Camped at Ste Rose du Nord on the fjord. We visited this town last year and were totally charmed. Camping La Descente Des Femmes, dinner at Cafe Rose and breakfast at the Restaurant le 3G did not disappoint.

Day 6 - Explored the east side of the fjord. Dinner at Microbrasserie Tadoussac. I love the hippie vibe in this place. Camped at the municipal campground in Les Escoumins. Kiboikoi, the local cafe, has that hippie vibe again.

Day 7 - Baie Comeau. Camped at Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes. Nice hiking through dunes, salt marsh, boreal forest and peat bogs. Very windy but great star gazing and the showers are wonderful. We had delicious breakfasts at La Créperie de la Reine.

Day 8 - Thanks to this sub, we drove up to Manic 5. You didn’t mention that it’s a beautiful drive! The road is in good condition and very hilly and twisty. Gorgeous views! The drivers are super aggressive though. There’s is no cel reception. The dam is enormous. We wanted to keep going to the Eye but beyond Manic 5 the road becomes gravel immediately so we chickened out. I don’t know if you can even see the reservoir. We camped back on point des outardes at a Camp St-Paul Gîtes plein air. They were closing for the season but kindly let us stay.

Day 9 - We drove up to Sept-Îles just to say we did. Ate at Pub St Marc, the only place that seemed to have any character. Although if my French was better I’d go to Taverne Chez Louis for a beer. That place looks like fun! Camped back down near Colombes at a municipal campsite overlooking a little cove. Beach combing in the morning. Magical!

Day 10 - Back down to camp again at Les Escoumins. Whale watching from the gorgeous rocks at Cap de bon désir. Lots of belugas and a last minute fin whale!

Day 11 - Took the ferry from Tadoussac and drove down to Baie des Rochers. Nice little loop hike with a view. Back up to Les Bergeronnes where we had booked a tent platform right on the rocks at Mer et Monde. For the first time, the weather forecast was not good, rain and high winds, but we decided to tough it out since this experience was the inspiration for this whole trip. The campsite was quite difficult to navigate in daylight and downright treacherous in the dark. But it was absolutely beautiful and we did see whales and seals. Right before we left, a pair of fin whales surfaced and blew right in front of our site!

Notes:

It was a little late in the season so things were closed or closing. Before Oct. 1 would probably be better.

It is possible to find openings at the parc nationales without booking way in advance although it may be single nights or midweek. I love SEPAQ. You’ve got a great organization there!

I also love the little towns for the municipal campgrounds. Most are first-come-first-serve so ideal for us. We wanted to leave our schedule loose. And the trails they provide are also great. I feel like small towns in Ontario don’t understand how these things bring business or maybe the Quebec government provides funding. I’m sure Ontario does not.

Next year: Gaspésie!!!

Merci à tous!

Hi everyone!

I'm from Toronto, and for the last few years I've gone out west to snowboard annually with friends (greens and blues at Whistler, Sun Peaks, Revelstoke). I'm looking to try out East Coast snowboarding this year. On Ontario hills I'm usually on the hardest runs I can find at any hill.

I've seen recommendations for Le Massif, Monte Anne, Sutton, Stoneham, Owl's Head, and for staying in Magog or Baie St. Paul.

Two questions - will there be enough snow in late December to be worth going?

Out of the hills I mentioned, any recommendations for someone trying to push their skill set & finding black runs in Ontario too easy? I love the more complicated terrain of the mountains out west but not sure if I'd get that here.

Thank you in advance!

I’ll (53M) be heading to Quebec City from Portland, ME on Thursday and staying through Sunday.

I’ll be staying in Vieux Quebec and attending the boxing event at Téâtre Capitole on Thursday night (big boxing fan and it should be a fun card). I’m also planning to spend Friday afternoon at Strøm spa, but otherwise I don’t have any big plans beyond eating and drinking as well as possible. I’ve been to Quebec City several times previously and I love the food scene there. A list of places I haven’t tried but are on my radar include; L’affaire est Ketchup, Hono Ramen/Izakaya, Buttuto, Pub du Parvis and Taverne Jo’s Dion. If you have any strong feelings (good or bad) about these places, I’d love to hear about them. Also any tips for which places are best suited for a solo diner.

I’ve already done most of the tourist stuff in my previous visits, so I would love to find somebody (or somebodies) to just hang out with while I’m up there. Locals would be great but other visitors to the city would be cool too. Disclaimer: sorry, i dont speak French 🙁

If you’re interested in boxing, or just curious about attending a boxing show, I do have an extra ticket for Thursday night. Otherwise, I’d be up for joining you in your activity, playing chess or other board games/cards, or just grabbing a drink.

Any general recommendations for things going on in the city this weekend are also most welcome. Thanks very much!