Quebec

Quebec is where we find ourselves feeling as though we’ve crossed the Atlantic without ever leaving Canada. With its French influence, distinctive architecture, café culture and wonderful food, this province feels quite different from the rest of the country.Two cities in particular deserve a place on any Canadian itinerary: Quebec City and Montreal. Each has its own personality, and both offer a taste of European charm with a distinctly Canadian twist.

Quebec City is one of my favourite destinations for a summer getaway. In particular, I’m partial to the area inside the gates of Old Quebec, where cobblestone streets, historic buildings and inviting patios create an atmosphere that makes you want to linger over a meal or a glass of wine and simply enjoy the surroundings.Quebec City is equally enchanting in winter, when the historic streets take on a magical quality. Just be prepared for the cold! With the right layers, though, a winter visit can be every bit as memorable as a summer escape.

If your budget allows, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the place to stay. This magnificent castle-like hotel towers over Old Quebec, with a regal atmosphere, comfortable beds and an exceptional location. Staying here makes the hotel part of the experience rather than simply a place to rest your head.If that stretches the budget a little too far, I’d recommend looking at the many boutique hotels within the walls of Old Quebec. You can still enjoy the historic surroundings and step outside straight into the heart of the action, without paying for the grand-hotel experience.Hotels outside the gates may offer better value, but location matters. If you choose to stay beyond Old Quebec, I’d look for somewhere as close to the gates as possible so you can easily walk into the historic district and make the most of your time there.

Visiting in winter? Make sure you add Les Glissades de la Terrasse Dufferin to your itinerary.Located on the boardwalk beneath Château Frontenac, this historic wooden toboggan slide is covered in ice and offers a surprisingly thrilling ride. It's fun for visitors of all ages, and you don't need to be a child to enjoy the rush of racing down the hill with the magnificent château towering above you.It's one of those experiences that makes a winter visit to Quebec City so memorable: a little history, a little adventure and a lot of fun, all in a spectacular setting.Quebec City is a destination we would happily return to in any season. Whether you're wandering its patios on a summer afternoon or embracing the winter chill on a toboggan run, it offers a European-style escape without the long-haul flight.

For Ontarians, Montreal is a go-to destination for an exciting weekend getaway, and it has certainly played a part in our family’s story. It was my first trip on my own as a young adult, the first trip for Ben, and it was supposed to be Andrew’s first visit too, although that one unfortunately fell through! With Jim’s family roots in Montreal, it has always felt like a place we should return to.Montreal is also a convenient stop for travellers heading to Mont-Tremblant for a ski trip, making it easy to combine a city getaway with a few days on the slopes.But Montreal deserves a visit in its own right. The city really does offer something for everyone, from a lively bar scene and late-night dance clubs to an excellent restaurant scene, upscale shopping and historic neighbourhoods that are wonderful to explore on foot. Whether you're planning a couples' weekend, a family visit or a getaway with friends, you won't be short of things to do.

Montreal has accommodation options for almost every budget, but we've enjoyed two very different stays that are worth sharing.The Ritz-Carlton, MontrealFor an indulgent stay, we've had an outstanding experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal, in the Golden Square Mile. This historic and upscale neighbourhood is known for its grand architecture, elegant streets and excellent shopping. If you're looking to make your weekend feel like a special occasion, this is a wonderful choice.Hotel Épik, Old MontrealIn 2025, Jim and I decided we needed a quick overnight getaway to reconnect and enjoy a change of scenery. We chose Hotel Épik in Old Montreal, and it was just what we were looking for.The rooms were charming, clean and comfortable, and one of the nicest touches came at check-in, when we were offered a choice of breakfast options to enjoy in our room the following morning. Having breakfast delivered so we could take our time and eat in bed made the stay feel particularly relaxed.The location was another highlight. We spent our time strolling along the waterfront and wandering Rue Saint-Paul, with its restaurants, cafés and inviting spots to stop for a glass of wine and watch the world go by. Old Montreal is made for this kind of unhurried exploring, and it was the perfect setting for a short couples' escape.Montreal is a city we keep finding reasons to visit. Whether you're looking for a lively weekend filled with restaurants and nightlife, a little luxury or a quieter escape in the historic old town, it's a destination that rewards a return visit