Winter Getaway to Québec City - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Québec City, Evening Cruise on the St. Lawrence River

Welcome to Québec City, the capital of the French-speaking province of Québec! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can refresh. When you're ready, venture out to explore the city on your own or join a tour of the annual German Christmas Market in Old Québec if you're visiting during the holiday season. Follow your guide down the cobblestone streets lined with decorated stalls selling handmade crafts and German delights, like freshly baked pretzels or stollen, a classic Christmas cake filled with fruits and nuts.

Wash everything down with a glühwein, a traditional mulled wine typically served hot or warm. In the evening, make your way to the shores of the St. Lawrence River to board an evening boat cruise. Pass the city's illuminated landmarks, like the city walls surrounding Old Québec and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. After 3.5 hours on the water, return to shore and wander to the Old Port to choose from an array of local and international restaurants overlooking the water. 

Day 2: Dogsledding Adventure, Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls

Bundle up warm and start your morning with the ultimate winter activity: dogsledding across Québec's snow-covered countryside. Meet the friendly dogs and your musher guide, who'll explain how to drive and steer the sled. When you're ready, set off and lead your dogs into the forest to admire the pristine winter landscapes. After dogsledding, your day continues with a guided tour to Montmorency Falls, just 15 minutes north of the city. Admire the 272-foot (83 m) cascade that's 98 feet (30 m) taller than Niagara Falls from the different observation decks, then cross the suspension bridge for a bird's-eye view.

Continue to the Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, one of eight national shrines in the country. Admire the basilica's grand exterior, renowned as a pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint Anne, before stepping inside to see the ornate altars, sacred artworks, and stained glass windows. On the way back to the city, stop at Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orléans to indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates. Then, end the tour at the Cuivres d'Art Albert Gilles Boutique et Musée, where you can learn about the artistry and craftsmanship behind Albert Gilles' renowned copper artwork.

Day 3: Visit the Huron-Wendat Museum & Huron Traditional Site of Wendake

Spend the day learning about the Wendat people, a First Nations group indigenous to North America, starting with a self-guided visit to the Huron-Wendat Museum, just 25 minutes outside of the city in the Wendake First Nation territory. Step inside and browse the exhibits showcasing ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, and insightful displays that unveil the customs, beliefs, and achievements of this community. Explore the museum yourself or join a guided tour to deepen your understanding of Wendat traditions, values, and contemporary life. 

Gain even more knowledge of the First Nations group with a guided tour of the nearby Huron Traditional Site of Wendake. Follow your guide through authentic recreations of traditional longhouses, a smokehouse, and a sweat lodge, where you can learn about ancient customs, storytelling, and craftsmanship. Engage in hands-on activities, such as making traditional crafts, cooking, or participating in interactive performances before ending the tour at the on-site boutique. Look out at the First Nations crafts, books, and clothing to find a unique souvenir to take home.

Day 4: Guided Tour of Old Québec, Visit the Canadian History Museum

Join your guide for a tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Québec this morning. Learn about the city's colonial roots as a French settlement as you wander down the cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old stone buildings. Stroll along the snow-covered Dufferin Terrace to admire the Fairmont Château Frontenac, a grand hotel that stands as a testament to the city's storied past, and the tranquil St. Lawrence River. Continue to Petit Champlain, a picturesque neighborhood with boutique shops and cozy cafés, before ending the tour at Place Royale, where Samuel de Champlain founded New France in 1608.

After the tour, make your own way to the Canadian Museum of History in the neighboring city of Gatineau. It's one of the most-visited museums in the country because of the diverse collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that chronicle the nation's history from ancient times to the present day. Step inside and learn about Canada's First Nations communities, ancient civilizations, and innovations. Then, end the day at Restaurant Alentours, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner made with ingredients sourced exclusively within a 93-mile (150 km) radius of the city.

Day 5: Unwind at Strom Nordic Spa or Go Skiing or Snowboarding

After all the sightseeing, you may want to spend a day relaxing at Strøm Nordic Spa, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation inspired by Scandinavian wellness traditions. The spa is open year-round, but the warmth of the hot springs is particularly inviting in the winter. Step inside the tranquil oasis and explore the array of hydrotherapy facilities, from soothing hot baths to saunas and steam rooms. Indulge in a blissful massage or holistic treatment to melt away tension and restore balance. End your visit at the on-site restaurant overlooking the river for a delicious Scandinavian-inspired meal. 

If you're looking for a more active adventure, you could visit a nearby ski resort instead, such as Mont-Sainte-Anne or Stoneham Mountain Resort, both 30-35 minutes outside of the city, to go skiing or snowboarding. Both resorts have a wide range of terrain suitable for all levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging runs for advanced thrill-seekers, so don't worry if you don't have experience with these winter sports. After a day on the slopes, warm up in the chalet with a cup of hot chocolate and a warm soup.

Day 6: Depart Québec City

As your winter adventure in Québec City draws to a close today, you can spend your last few hours revisiting landmarks or going on a horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Québec. Step up into the carriage and snuggle under the warm blankets as the horses trot along the snow-covered cobblestone streets of the historic district. Listen to the rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves as you get a new perspective of landmarks like Place Royale. When it's time, return to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!