Curator’s statement
Quebec City and Montreal are the perfect family holiday escape, offering all the charm and festive magic of a European Christmas—twinkling markets, historic streets dusted with snow, cozy cafés, and dazzling light displays—without the need to cross the Atlantic. Families can enjoy skating rinks, snow tubing, holiday markets and parades, world-class dining, and cultural traditions that feel wonderfully Old World, all within a short, easy flight from the US.
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Day 1: Arrive in Quebec City
Land in Quebec City and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon and early evening stroll through Old Quebec, lit up with holiday decorations, and enjoy some yummy local snacks—like pretzels, mulled wine, raclette, and products from local artisans.
Then make your way to the famous Toboggan early, a Quebec winter staple since 1884! Make sure to have hand and foot warmers, plus grab a hot cocoa with your ticket.
Cozy dinner at Cochon Dingue—Pro tip: Don’t be shy to ask for a blanket for the kiddos if you need!
Day 2: Quebec City magic
After a cozy breakfast at your hotel, day trip to North America’s largest snow tubing park: Valcartier Winter Playground for tubing and snow slides. Have your travel advisor arrange your transport roundtrip (I wouldn’t suggest relying on Uber outside of the city). You’ll eat lunch on property, so make sure to bring extra snacks in between tube rides and visit the vendors on the top of the mountain for hot chocolate and light snacks.
Make SURE to add on a visit to the remarkable Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel) at the end of your day to check out the only hotel fully made of ice in North America.
Return to Quebec City for a relaxed dinner at Le Sam Bistro (reserve in advance!) or La Pizz for casual family-friendly Italian right in Petite Champlain.
Day 3: Festive adventures
Morning: Cozy breakfast at your hotel. Family ice skating at Place D’Youville—the most cost-efficient ice skating ever!
Afternoon: Check out the funicular, which costs $5 cash (USD or CAD) each way. You’ll get a cool view of the city as you go up and down. Take some photos of the castle hotel and of the amazing views of the St. Lawrence River. Grab lunch at one of the cafes along the old port & get ice cream at Queues de Castor in Beaver Tails (famous Quebecois chain). Round out the afternoon with a Chateau Frontenac tour by a costumed period guide or a visit to the Museum of Civilization.
Evening: End your last night in Quebec at farm-to-table Chez Muffy or if the kids enjoy seafood, head just out of the old gate and make an early res at Restaurant AlbaCORE.
Day 4: Montreal & markets
Train or private transfer to Montreal ~3.5 hours (if your taking the train, bring lunch or book first class!) and check into your hotel.
Late afternoon/evening: After the travel day, indulge in one of Montreal’s finest for an early dinner—Joe Beef for steak or Modaive for fine (but still family-friendly) cuisine and live music. Head to Grande Marche De Noel after dinner & make sure to make it the stage for a family dance party! Enjoy seasonal treats and local artisan souvenirs.
Day 5: Montreal festivities
Morning: Breakfast at your hotel or a local café (try La Cave A Manger) then stroll through Old Montreal and try Ice skating at Old Port.
Afternoon: Lunch along the port at super authentic and kid-friendly Tzatzi-qui. Next, check out Pointe à-Callière: Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, home to the very birthplace of Montréal—which includes an actual dig site and hands-on exhibits.
Evening: Dinner at Kyo Bar Japonais, just across from Notre Dame’s Basilica, then check out their amazing holiday light show (get tickets in advance)!
Day 6: Montreal finale
Morning: Breakfast at your hotel, or head to the iconic St-Viateur Bagel. Go to the location near Mont Royal for some park action later!
Afternoon: Check the conditions and gear up for epic snow tubing or ice skating in Montreal’s beautiful and largest city park, Mont Royal. Grab a quick lunch for fuel at a pounite or street food vendor inside the park.
Alternative plan if the weather isn’t favorable: Head to the Biodome and Insectarium for indoor fun and hours of amusement for the family.
Evening: Enjoy one last Montreal dining experience at Damas, a Michelin recommended enchanted Syrian restaurant.
Need to know
Pro tips:
Boulangerie Le Marquis is an incredible ALL gluten-free bakery in the old port. Grab some chocolate croissants for the plane ride home!
During the festive season, it is important to make ALL dinner reservations in advance!
The sun sets early in these parts during this time of year, so prepare for short days and long (cold) nights and pack those long-johns (multiple pairs), and beanies—you will NEED them for everyone in the fam!
Travel Advisor
Jenny Liu
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