Winter in Quebec: a Canadian family adventure

Montreal

Day 1: Arrival in Montreal

Arrive in Montreal, the city of a hundred spires. Private transfer from the airport to your hotel in the city. Enjoy your first winter's night in Canada. To help keep your luggage light, we can help with winter clothing rentals for a few days or your entire stay. Get the complete package with snow outfit rental, winter coat, snow pants, hats, gloves, tubular scarf and boots, as well as ski goggles, phone pouch, and a glove and boot dryer.

Once you've settled into your accommodation, the rest of today is yours to spend at leisure, discovering the city or just unwinding after travelling. 

Montreal

Day 2: Montreal city tour

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then get ready for a half-day private walking tour of Montreal. This two-hour tour will take you through the lively and cosmopolitan streets of downtown Montreal, visiting many of the main monuments. Take in the juxtaposition of modern architecture with the neo-baroque style of Marie Reine du Monde Cathedral. Stroll along Montreal's most important shopping street and discover RESO, the world's largest indoor pedestrian network, which stretches over 30km. Cool in summer and warm in winter, this underground pedestrian network connects subway stations with buildings such as cinemas, shops, museums, restaurants and universities, without having to go outdoors.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax at your hotel or explore the city some more.   

Montreal - Mont-tremblant

Day 3: Drive into the mountains

After breakfast, pick up your rental car in Montreal and head out of the city. Your destination is the village of Mont-Tremblant in the heart of the Laurentians and the drive should take just under two hours. In winter, the village hums with the energy and fun of snow sports. In the heart of the mountain ranges and lakes, the village's narrow streets welcome you for a stroll. Check-in at your hotel and take a walk around town to see what's on offer here.

Mont-tremblant

Day 4: Dog sledding & ice tubing

Today, you'll set off on an extraordinary experience in the magical winter wonderland of Quebec. After breakfast, it's time to meet your guides for the day, along with your canine companions, for an introductory course in sled driving. Help the guides harness the dogs before gliding into Mont-Tremblant's magnificent winter landscapes dotted with frosted pine forests.

In the afternoon, switch things up with a tubing slide experience. This fun, family-friendly activity is very popular in Quebec. Tubing here involves sliding down a long, snowy slope on inflatable inner tubes. The Mont-Tremblant ski area has eight trails and a mechanical elevator to pull you up after each run. Spend a couple of fun-filled hours playing in the snow before heading back to your hotel for a free evening.

Mont-tremblant - Saint-paulin

Day 5: Drive to Saint-Paulin

Set off after breakfast on the next leg of your journey to Saint-Paulin, in the Mauricie region. After a scenic drive of around three hours, you'll arrive at Le Baluchon, a large, family-run hotel in the midst of nature. The estate stretches over many acres and is completely self-sufficient. There are many outdoor activities available, as well as a top-of-the-range Nordic spa. Several different dining options showcase local produce and offer top-quality gastronomy.

Arrive, settle into your home for the next few days, then enjoy dinner way out in the wilds of Quebec.

Saint-paulin

Day 6: Winter wanderings

Have a hearty breakfast this morning, as it's time to get out in nature and take part in some of the activities on offer at the hotel, all included with your stay. There are 35km of trails in the forest and along the river offering beautiful snowshoeing or Nordic walking. Another option is cross-country skiing on the ski area's groomed trails. Or perhaps you’d like to go ice skating on the river or even ice tubing? Stop by and visit the farm or explore the estate on a special electrically-assisted Fat Bike (bike rental available onsite). Another option is to book a half-day spa session (additional cost) at the Nordic Spa.

After a full day's activity, head back to the hotel for dinner and some well-earned relaxation. 

Saint-paulin

Day 7: Ice fishing & winter fun

After another wholesome breakfast, it’s time to get out into the snowy landscape for some more wintery activities. This afternoon, enjoy a guided ice fishing experience, a Nordic tradition that is regularly practised in the region. Your fishing guide will give you safety instructions and explain the basics of ice fishing. If you want, you can drill your own hole in the ice under the supervision of the guide. The whole session will last around 1.5 hours then it’s back to the hotel to warm up over dinner.

Saint-paulin - Quebec

Day 8: Winter in Quebec City

This is your last morning at Saint-Paulin, so enjoy a final snowy walk or some time in the spa before hitting the road.

Your drive takes you from the frosty landscapes of Saint-Paulin to Quebec City, about two hours away. Check-in at your self-catering apartment with parking. The rest of the day is left free for you to discover this vibrant city, which offers a host of attractions such as family-friendly tobogganing, outdoor hot tubs and skating rinks. If you’re visiting at the right time of the year the Christmas markets are wonderful for a festive stroll.

Quebec

Day 9: Quebec city tour

Today, meet your guide for a group tour of Quebec City, the cradle of French civilisation in North America. Quebec, and especially its historic centre, contains many treasures. Your guide will walk you through the unique history, culture and architecture of the city, with several indoor stops along the way to warm up. Only on foot can you appreciate all this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer. Walk through the charming walled city, with the Château Frontenac and its view of the St Lawrence River as a backdrop, and discover the Old Port and the Place Royale. You will finally arrive on Petit-Champlain Street, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America. The rest of the day is left free for you to explore independently.

Quebec - Montreal

Day 10: Homeward bound

Today, you'll drive from Quebec City to Montreal along the St Lawrence River, passing through several beautiful Quebec villages on this three-hour drive.

Then it's time to drop off your car at Montreal Airport, bid goodbye to Canada as you connect to your international flight.