Quebec City - Canada's urban winter gem
Located in Canada’s Quebec province Quebec city is often overshadowed by the much larger and more populous Montreal, this does not mean it should be overlooked, however! Founded in 1608 Quebec City is rich in history and its idyllic old town comes to life even as the temperature plummets and the streets are blanketed in beautiful white snow. This makes it a perfect place to wander around at your own leisure and explore what’s on offer in your warmest and cosiest clothes with a hot chocolate in your hands!
Old town, Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City boasts a fantastic citadel, many museums and churches and a plethora of quaint little shops in beautiful little streets. I spent hours and hours happily wandering around exploring and photographing the sights as the snow was falling all around me. There were many historical battles here, and for a while, it was even conquered and occupied by the British. The history of this place is amazing and well worth delving into whilst you are here. You can visit one of the old battlements and if you are lucky like me, even get stay at one!
Old town, Quebec City, Quebec
Auberge Saint-Antoine is a boutique hotel situated down by the old port and right next to the Museum of Civilization. Whilst digging underneath the hotel to create a car park they discovered a lost battlement from the past along with a treasure trove of artifacts including a cannonball encased in the wood that stopped it! Now as you sit at the cosy Bar Artefact drinking a nice Canadian beer you can gaze through the glass at the old battlement! The hotel also doubles as a museum as it features and displays incredible artifacts uncovered from below. Each individually designed boutique room even has a unique artifact welcoming you in a glass case by your front door. Inside you will find information about the artifact along with a gorgeous, unique and extremely cosy room exuding historical vibes and incredible attention to detail. I took dozens of images of my gorgeous room alone! it’s hard not to!
Bar Artefact, Quebec City, Quebec
My beautiful Auberge Saint-Antoine Suite, Quebec City, Quebec
Auberge Saint-Antoine doesn’t stop there, however. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also boasts an award-winning restaurant situated within a historic maritime warehouse dating from the 1820s which was lovingly restored from a severely neglected state by its new owners who kept it as original and authentic as possible. Breakfast is served daily at Chez Muffy for the hotel guests and the restaurant is open to the public for lunch and dinner almost all year round. You may check here for more details. I enjoyed my several dining experiences here as much as I loved the historical context and incredible story of the structure that Chez Muffy now occupies! - And yes, if you couldn’t already tell, I’m a bit of a history geek as well as a huge foodie!
Chez Muffy breakfast, Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City
Chez Muffy restaurant, Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City
If you are able to, you should also visit the cities iconic Montmorency Falls waterfall. In early March 2020, the ice sheet covered the water and you could walk on the ice to within 15 metres of the base of this huge waterfall! there is also a gorgeous staircase and suspension bridge to walk and you are rewarded with an incredible view of the Saint Lawrence River from the top.
Montmorency Falls, Quebec, Canada
Montmorency Falls stairs, Quebec, Canada
I already touched on some of the excellent dining experiences on offer in Quebec city and teased the thought of sipping on a delicious hot chocolate whilst walking through the snow. I can’t help but share some of my favourite culinary memories from Quebec City! You can’t go wrong with going to one of the many chocolate shops and select cafés dotted throughout the city but my absolute favourite came from my little day trip to Chocolaterie de Île d’Orléans chocolate factory on the beautiful island of Île d'Orléans. I got my hot chocolate and then went for a walk along the foreshore taking in the views of the city. Back in the city, I went to a fantastic crêpe house called The Billig, had delicious pizza at Sapristi and I had a fantastic burger at Bistro Sous-le-fort.
Île d'Orléans foreshore, Quebec, Canada
I feel extremely lucky to have visited this incredible city when I did and it was like an absolute fairy tale, winter wonderland scenario with the falling snow, a huge toboggan slide and ice sculptures scattered throughout the city. I would love to go back a different time of year for a different experience for myself, but if you want a proper Canadian winter experience I would recommend Quebec City to everyone!
Old town, Quebec City, Quebec
Author: Jamie Mackrill
