Places to Love Quebec City, Quebec
In Quebec City, winter is paradise. Here, snow and ice only increase the opportunities to head outdoors and feel alive. It’s a city with incredible history, where the architecture is regal and the streets enchanting. Centuries-old traditions are met with a jubilance even the biggest parka, scarf and toque (that’s what Canadians call beanies) can’t cover up. But what really made me fall for this city is the people. The Québécois exceptional gusto and generosity is as welcoming as crackling fire, or a mug of hot chocolate. They love winter, and when you’re there, it’s impossible not to have that enthusiasm rub off on you. See why Quebec City, Canada is a place to love.
ICE CANOEING: THE MOST CANADIAN THING EVER?
When I saw that there was a thing in Quebec City called ice canoeing, I thought, “that’s the most Canadian thing I’ve ever heard!” The creation of the sport was born out of necessity. Long ago, people needed to get to the other side of the river year-round. Hence ice canoeing, where you paddle until you hit ice, then scramble over the flows with one leg in the boat and the other on the ice. Trust me when I say this is one winter sport that won’t make you cold.
WELCOME TO THE SUGAR SHACK
La Beauce is a region in the province of Quebec, and it’s known for one thing: producing the most maple syrup in the world. I met with Pierre Faucher, owner of La Cabane à Pierre. His family bought this land over 115 years ago, operating a simple farm with some maple syrup production. Today, he’s still making maple syrup the old-fashioned way, collecting buckets of maple water and boiling it down to syrup in his shack. Most sugar shacks are open seasonally, between February and April.
THE GRANDE DAME OF QUEBEC CITY
Soaring over the St. Lawrence River, the Fairmont Château Frontenac is not only an icon of Quebec City, but the country of Canada. Its spires, turrets and gables have served as a regal entrance to this World Heritage city. The Chateau was built on a hill in 1893, and for over 125 years, the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac has been a sight no one forgets. The romanticism of this hotel, inspired by the 14th- and 15th-century châteaus of the Loire Valley, will have you feeling like you’re living in a fairytale. You’re never too old to love that!
RUE DE PETIT-CHAMPLAIN: POSTCARD PERFECTION
Outside the Fairmont Château Frontenac, you’ll fi nd a funicular dating back to 1879. This elevator takes you down to the beautiful district of Petit-Champlain, the site of the first French settlement in North America. The area sprung up in 1608, making it a wonderful area for a historical walking tour. One of its biggest draws is its main street, Rue de Petit-Champlain, a postcard-perfect street. Today, it’s the heart of the city—an absolute treasure almost lost entirely.
WINTER WONDERLAND
You might think winter isn’t the ideal time to visit Quebec City. But this city shines come late January or early February. It’s their Winter Carnival, where Quebecers’ full embrace of winter is on display. People of Quebec don’t hide and hunker down from the cold – they embrace it. Check out snow and ice sculptures, ice canoe races, snow baths (yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like) and giant slide and more.
BABY, IT’S COLD INSIDE
Another reason to visit Quebec City in winter? Hotel le Glace, the only ice hotel in all of North America. With its majestic snow arches, crystal clear ice sculptures and beautiful rooms, the Hôtel de Glace o ers its guests a one-of-a-kind winter experience. The hotel transforms itself year after year to charm its visitors… and the fact that the whole thing is made entirely of ice and snow simply boggles the mind.
