Taking a winter walk through Quebec City might be cold, but it’s sure to leave visitors awed by the legendary attractions, including historic architecture, delicious food and drink, and classic holiday decor.
In this episode of Walk With iBestTravel, guide Francis Pichette of Tours Voir Quebec takes viewers on an enchanting tour through the snow-packed streets across Quebec City. A cozy wintertime ambience is imbued in every corner of the city, from an ice-skating rink under the Saint John Gate to shop windows decked in lights and garlands.
Quebec’s Architectural Highlights
Quebec has plenty of architectural highlights that are easily accessible on foot, including City Hall, Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral, Quebec Seminary, and some of the oldest houses in North America dating back to the 1600s. Pichette mentions that Saint-Pierre Street is “probably one of the rare places…where you can see a little bit of every era of architecture of the continent.”
A Cozy Culinary Experience
During the tour, Pichette enjoys a classic lunch at restaurant La Buche, which has the hygge feel of a Canadian fishing cabin. While indulging in decadent cheese fondue, viewers learn about a traditional drink called Kariboo—a warm wine mixed with liquors and spices—which is the star of Quebec’s annual Winter Carnival every February.
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The Magic of Place Royale
When Pichette turns a corner and finds himself in the Place Royale Town Square, the holiday magic really comes to life, with twinkling lights and festive greenery adorning the historic stone buildings. Nearby, whimsical Petit Champlain Street has won recognition as the most beautiful merchant street in Canada; striking red Adirondack chairs encircle roaring outdoor fireplaces for guests who need a quick pit stop during a long day of window shopping.
Explore Hôtel de Glace
The tour concludes just outside of town at North America’s only ice hotel, Hôtel de Glace. Made from 2,000 ice blocks and 15,000 tons of snow, guests sleep on carved ice beds (with plenty of warm blankets) in this beautifully designed crystal palace. Giant snow sculptures adorn the halls, with intricate snow carvings taking the place of traditional paintings. Visitors can slide up to the cocktail bar or even host a wedding ceremony in the ice chapel. This frozen wonderland is just one of the gems Quebec has to offer.
