Winter Time in Quebec

WINTER TIME IN QUEBEC 

My feelings were a mix of nerves and excitement as I arrived at the Air Canada desk for my trip to French Canada. But as soon as I met up with my group of fellow travel agents, I relaxed and I knew we were going to have a lot of fun! In no time we were boarding our flight to Montreal. Our Air Canada flight was just a short seven and a half hour flight anyway. We touched down in a very snowy Montreal, where Raynald from Tourism Quebec was waiting to take us to The Hotel Delta Centre -Ville. Although conveniently central, in this busy and lively city, we decided to relax in a quiet restaurant nearby and sample a local drink “Caesar” – something like chilled tomato soup with a dash of Tabasco sauce and vodka!! A delicious cure for jet lag.

Montreal was pretty next morning with a fresh layer of snow, for our city tour. This included a visit to Old Montreal, and the Notre Dame Basilica, an amazing and beautiful building, it is a must visit even for the non religious! That afternoon I had a chance to enjoy my favourite hobby, shopping! Montreal has some huge department stores and an underground shopping haven.  Prices are about 40% cheaper than home - If only I had another suitcase!

Next stop, Tremblant! And a snowstorm meant the resort was deep in snow. It was beautiful, a picture postcard of twinkling lights and falling snow.

After a quick tour of the slopes and a short sneak preview of the Ice Hotel we headed on to Quebec City.

We tried our skills at Le Massif Ski Centre about an hour from the city, and it’s an ideal day out for those who love winter activities.

In contrast that evening we gambled for fun in the casino at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu! The next morning we were on our way back to Quebec City,

with a stop at the bottom of Montmorency Falls, the view was breathtaking! Quebec City has been proclaimed a World Heritage Treasure because of its unique

architectural and historical value, its cobblestone streets and small curio shops. That night we sampled the nightlife of Quebec City – dinner at the Loews Le Concorde hotel in the revolving restaurant. I’ve never dined in a revolving restaurant before but I learned “take note of the table number,” as it won’t be where you left it when you come back from the buffet!! And then the clubs!…. somehow I don’t think you could get away with jeans, jumpers and thermals at home but it is the norm here!

My summary? Quebec has something for everyone. History, scenery, great food, shopping, excellent accommodation, and lovely friendly people!

Thank you Tourism Quebec for showing it all to me!