Winter doesn’t last forever, so I really think that we should enjoy it while we can! Just make sure you are dressed appropriately, bundle up – and embrace every season our lovely country has to offer. You don’t always have to hop on a plane and head somewhere exotic to have a fabulous vacation! There are so many awesome spots closer to home that are great year-round.
One such awesome place is Québec Region.
Designated a World Heritage treasure by UNESCO, Old Québec is the only walled city north of Mexico. As the cradle of French civilization in North America, it’s a living history lesson with a remarkable mix of architecture, heritage, art, and culture.
Did you know that Québec City is the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico, with close to 4.6 km of walls and imposing gates to explore?
Bundle up and take a walk as you discover beautiful cityscapes and see how Québec’s defenses developed under the French and English regimes.
Cannons, loopholes, a star-shaped Citadel and its changing of the guard, Artillery Park, and fortresses are all easily accessible through this walking tour.
Image Credit: Ville de Québec
When I tell you Québec City (Old Québec, especially) is romantic, believe you mean it is ~*rOmAnTiC*~ alright. So after you’ve walked the walls and learned some history, grab your sweetie and your skates and pick one of the many, easily accessible skating rinks and natural surfaces for a date night.
Québec City, and the surrounding Québec Region – is well-known for their many Nordic spas.
I was lucky enough to visit Siberia Station Spa when I visited Québec Region for Carnaval de Québec. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect
Experience winter like you’ve never done before with an outdoor hot bath! The temps may be below -20 C, but the invigorating experience from altering between outdoor hot tubs, to cold baths, to infrared saunas was like no other. I highly recommend it!
Head outside of the city core and take in some of the beautiful nature that Québec Region has to offer. One such natural phenomenon that is definitely not to be missed is Montmorency Falls. Montmorency Falls sit at 83 m high (30 m higher than Niagara Falls) and can actually be seen from all the way across the St. Lawrence River. But if you are looking for the best views – head to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, where you can feel the full force—and spray—of the falls for yourself.
Depending on the weather, you can take a gondola ride, hike one of the three Via ferrata circuits or cross the cove of the falls on the double zip line. In winter the spray freezes at the foot of the falls to form a huge “sugar loaf,” and you may even see some climbers attempting to climb the falls!
Between Januaray 4, 2016 – March 28, 2016, you can visit the one and only ice hotel in all of North America. The Hôtel de Glace is made entirely of snow and ice and is something to be seen. Slide down the indoor ice slide, head over to the Ice Bar for a drink, or if you’re really feeling adventurous – head over the Chapel and get married!
In addition to being a great windshield, the thick snow walls keep the Hôtel de Glace well insulated. The ambient temperature varies only by a few degrees between -3°C and -5°C / 26°F and 23°F, no matter what the outside temperature is.
The Hôtel de Glace is perfect for a wintry romantic retreat or a get-together for family or friends. I really want to go back and spend a night in one of their themed suites!
photo credit: carnaval.qc.ca
Of course – one of the main attractions of winter in Québec Region is most certainly the world-renowed Carnaval de Québec!
