The Perfect Getaway: A long-weekend family vacation in Quebec City
Discover the quaint streets, river views and meticulously preserved historical sites that give Quebec City plenty of European charm.
By Alina Dizik | October 24, 2024
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, family, real estate, work trends and dining. She has visited more than 50 countries. She lives in Chicago and has spent time living in New York, Europe and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. Her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian and other top publications.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets of Quebec City and it’s easy to see why this storybook town is a much-loved destination. Known for being a slice of France in North America, you can stop in historical squares or explore quaint shops while taking breaks for tarte au sucre, a gooey maple syrup-filled pie. A popular location year-round, the city’s holiday markets and snow-covered paths make the winter season an extra special time to visit. Here are our top recommendations for a long-weekend getaway that’s sure to please the entire family.
Friday
Morning
Welcome to Quebec City! There’s a lot to do, so quickly settle into your home base at Hilton Quebec, which offers stunning views from your guestroom window. Grab coffee and a snack at CABU Grab N Go, the hotel’s quick service cafe, before heading out to explore. Start with a free guided tour of the nearby majestic Parliament building, where you’ll also see the Tourny fountain. Discovered at a flea market in France, the fountain was purchased by a local business owner and restored as a gift for the city’s 400th anniversary.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at the picture-perfect Place D’Youville, a bustling square that turns into an ice-skating rink each winter. Take a few laps on the ice and enjoy the backdrop of the historical city walls. Afterward, stroll over to the Erico Creative Chocolate Shop and Museum to warm up with artisanal hot chocolate and handmade bonbons. Don’t miss the museum exhibits to learn how chocolate is made! For lunch, nearby Buvette Scott offers simple yet well-executed regional cuisine and extensive beer and wine list.
Image credit: Laetitia photographe
Evening
Spend time exploring the hip Saint Roch district. Check out Saint Joseph Street, one of the neighborhood’s busiest areas, filled with cafes and local shops selling everything from clothes to housewares and toys. Stay in the neighborhood for dinner at Le Clocher Penché, a seafood-centric spot with cozy banquette seating and an adventurous wine list. The restaurant is known for inventive modern Canadian cuisine using local ingredients, including crisp arancini, beef tartare and bluefin tuna.
Image credit: Étienne Dionne, Destination Québec cité
Saturday
Morning
Just a few blocks from the hotel, walk over to Le Billig for savory galettes from France’s Brittany region, along with mouthwatering sweet crepes. With dozens of toppings, there’s plenty to choose from for even the pickiest eaters. Located on Rue Saint-Jean, one of the city’s main shopping streets, the charming creperie bistro is also the ideal choice for those looking to explore the nearby boutiques and stroll through the city’s Old Town.
Image credit: Étienne Dionne, Destination Québec cité
Afternoon
A winter visit to Quebec City is incomplete without exploring one of the town’s celebrated winter-themed markets and festivals. If you’re in town in November or December, be sure to check out the German Christmas market with traditional wooden stalls and plenty of mulled wine. For those traveling in January and February, the Quebec Winter Carnival brings a party atmosphere that’s not to be missed, with parades, snow sculptures, live music, ice canoeing and more.
Image credit: Gabriel Rancourt
Evening
For a pre-dinner adrenaline rush, snag a ticket for the toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace. With speeds reaching more than 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour), visitors have descended its three icy lanes for more than 135 years. Then head to Restaurant Le Clan, an unpretentious prix-fixe spot with a focus on locally procured items such as its seawater bread and foraged mushrooms. Oenophiles are sure to enjoy the restaurant’s adventurous wine pairings, as well.
Image credit: Simon Clark, Destination Québec cité
Sunday
Morning
For a classic diner feel, head to Buffet de L’Antiquaire in the city’s Lower Town. The restaurant, opened in 1976, is known for hearty breakfasts that include Quebecois specialties such as parmesan cheese fondue, traditional navy beans (known as fèves au lard) and creton pork spread. Portions are large and perfect for splitting. Keep in mind: The popular spot has a line that tends to move quickly on weekend mornings.
Afternoon
Relive the historic conflict that pitted the French against the English atThe Plains of Abraham Museum. With interactive displays and a focus on local history, it’s sure to appeal to the entire family. Continue your visit at Battlefields Park, which includes the Plains of Abraham, where the battle – and a British victory – took place in 1759. Battle enthusiasts can walk among artillery and historic plaques to better understand the area’s rich military past.
Image credit: Pierre-Nic Lessard, Destination Québec cité
Evening
Tucked away in the city’s antique district, Chez Rioux & Pettigrew is a local favorite for its nightly “soupers.” Once a general store dating back to 1860, the restaurant is now a favorite among diners looking for hearty yet modern fare. Entrees including roasted duck breast, cavatelli with mushrooms and marbled rabbit are a must for dinner but save room for the to-die-for desserts. Regulars love the tables near the large windows overlooking Rue Saint-Paul.
Monday
Morning
Before you depart, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel's CABU - Boire et manger. The sit-down spot offers a breakfast buffet with favorites like scrambled eggs, Belgian waffles and house-smoked fish. Afterward, get your steps in by climbing the stairs to the top of Saint-Louis gate, one of the entry points to the fortified walls surrounding the Old Town. Depending on the weather, visitors can walk almost the entirety of the nearly 3-mile (4.6- kilometer) wall.
Afternoon
Located on top of Cap Diamant, the star-shaped Citadelle of Québec is built on the highest natural point in the city, offering stellar views of Quebec and the St. Lawrence River. Sign up for a guided tour to truly appreciate this historic site that’s still an active military base. In the warmer months, visitors can witness the changing of the guard ceremony. History buffs should also peak inside The Royal 22nd Regiment Museum that encompasses more than 300 years of military history.
Image credit: Étienne Dionne, Destination Québec cité
Until next time!
With plenty of shopping, delectable cuisine and activities to pique everyone’s interests, Quebec is a delightful destination for travelers of all ages. Add the special events, activities and celebrations that come along in winter, and there’s no doubt that this city makes for the perfect family getaway. And once you’ve enjoyed winter in Quebec, you can’t go wrong with another visit to experience this glorious city in spring, summer or fall, too.
Hero image credit: Stéphane Audet, Destination Québec cité
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