Winter in Québec

Day 1: Montréal

Welcome to Québec. On arrival, transfer to your downtown hotel and enjoy the sights of Québec’s largest city, Montréal, where old-world charm meets modern vibrancy. Set on an island in the St. Lawrence River and named after Mount Royal, the three-peaked hill located at its heart, it blends European elegance with a cosmopolitan edge. 

Wander through historic Old Montréal’s cobblestone streets, admire stunning architecture and savour world-class cuisine in a city celebrated for its culinary creativity. From poutine to Arctic Char, there are many culinary combinations worth sampling.

An unmissable highlight is the immersive and luminous light show at the Notre-Dame Basilica.

Day 2: Montréal

This morning, join a guided tour to explore bustling downtown Montréal from above and beneath. Known to locals as the Underground City, Montréal is home to an underground pedestrian network of almost 33 kilometres, one of the largest in the world. Your guide will showcase some of the highlights of the network, as well as some of the city’s above ground features including Quartier International, Place Ville-Marie, Victoria Square and Place d’Armes. Your tour will conclude in Old Montréal.

Day 3: Montréal – Le Baluchon Eco-Resort

Farewell Montréal for now as you take your private transfer to Le Baluchon Eco-Resort. 

Le Baluchon Eco‑Resort transforms into a true winter wonderland during the colder months, offering a cosy and immersive escape in the Mauricie region. Set along the snow‑covered banks of the Rivière du Loup, the resort combines rustic charm with warm hospitality, featuring crackling fireplaces, inviting accommodations and refined Québécois cuisine made with local ingredients.

Once you’ve arrived, settle in and enjoy your included intimate carriage ride and set off to discover the immense Baluchon estate and explore the tightly knit trails. This beautiful horse-drawn experience allows you a cosy moment to breathe the fresh air and appreciate the magnificent Nordic landscapes.

Day 4: Le Baluchon Eco-Resort

One of Le Baluchon’s most iconic winter experiences is its guided dogsledding tour, offering an authentic introduction to this traditional winter activity. Led by experienced mushers from the resort’s partner kennel, the excursion begins with a visit to the dogs, where guests learn about their training, care and remarkable physical abilities before setting off on the trail.

The ride follows a scenic route through snow‑covered forest trails on Le Baluchon’s protected estate, immersing you in the quiet beauty of the winter landscape. You can take turns actively driving the sled under the guidance of the musher, making the experience both hands‑on and engaging, even for first‑timers.

After a day of outdoor activities, relax by the fireplace with a hot drink and enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the lodge.

Day 5: Le Baluchon Eco-Resort

Spend the day exploring the vast beautiful landscapes around Le Baluchon on snowshoes or cross-country skiing. There are more than 35 kilometres of trails in the forests surrounding Le Baluchon, and all include Canadian winter icons such as maple stands and towering, snowy pines. Alternatively, unwind and relax at the spa facilities. Treat yourself to a massage, soak in a hot tub or enjoy a sauna session to warm up.

Day 6: Le Baluchon Eco-Resort – Québec City

Farewell Le Baluchon Eco-Resort this morning and transfer to Québec City, the only fortified city in North America. Québec City is the heart of French Canada. It combines natural beauty with a proud and vibrant French culture and the spoils are many: a superb culinary scene heavily influenced by French cooking, stunning countryside and locals deeply passionate about their heritage.

Steeped in history, Québec City is arguably the most charming city in Canada, almost four hundred years old and most of the original architecture and buildings have been lovingly preserved.

Day 7: Québec City – Wendake

This morning in Québec City is at your leisure. Perhaps you’d like to embark on a guided walking tour of Old Québec and learn about its colourful past beginning in 1608 and continuing into the present day. Stroll its cobblestone streets, discover a fortified city wall and 17th century architecture, artisan shops, cafes, parks and monuments. Here, you’re walking the trail of the history of French America, and all the European charm that comes with that legacy.

Located just 20 minutes from Québec City, Wendake, a traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat Nation, is where you will spend the next two nights at the Indigenous-owned Hôtel Musée Premières Nations. 

There’s much to discover in Wendake, where Huron-Wendat indigenous history and culture take centre stage. Situated on the tranquil shores of the Akiawenrahk (St Charles) River, the town proudly showcases the traditions of the Huron-Wendat. 

Once you arrive at the hotel and meet your hosts in the expansive glass and wood reception lounge, you’ll immediately be connected to the tranquillity of the surrounding forest. 

This evening, enjoy a five-course meal introducing you to a cuisine inspired by indigenous hunting, gathering and fishing traditions and French terroir.

Day 8: Wendake

Be immersed in a culture whose origins date back centuries to the earliest days of North American habitation. Take a self-guided audio tour of the museum and Maison Longue Nationale Ekionkiesth, highlighting the culture and artifacts of the Wendake-Huron people.

In the late afternoon, join a workshop where a local artisan will guide participants in the creation of a traditional talking stick used to share personal and community stories.

Between activities, you'll have access to snowshoes to explore the wooded trails surrounding the hotel.

This evening is yours to explore. 

Depending on their operating schedule, consider embarking on the magical Onhwa’ Lumina trail. The night comes alive with light displays, music and traditional songs projected along the forest paths.

Day 9: Wendake – Valcartier

After breakfast, you’ll depart Wendake and head to Valcartier, renowned for its picturesque winter landscapes and activities amidst snow-covered forests and rolling hills.

Once you’ve arrived at Hotel Valcartier, get checked in and settled before your visit to the Ice Hotel. The only ice hotel in North America, this glistening marvel is a captivating take on the European-style grande dame hotel.

Enjoy an included refreshment at this world-famous attraction as the lights dance across the sparkling ceiling of ice. Afterwards, take some time to explore the hotel, its shops and common areas.

Day 10: Ice Hotel

Today is spent in one of Québec's most exciting and activity-focused hotels. Five large sliding and tubing runs bring the thrills to the hills, racing down the slopes on individual tubes or as a group in a large raft. Skating tracks wind around the park, and snow-laden play areas entertain the youngest travellers. This evening provides the unique opportunity to sleep in the Ice Hotel, which is built from scratch with new designs and features every winter.

Day 11: Ice Hotel – Montréal

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Ice Hotel and transfer back to downtown Québec City, where you will board VIA Rail’s corridor train for a comfortable journey back to Montréal. Here, you’ll have a final evening to enjoy the city.

Day 12: Montréal

Your winter in Québec journey comes to end this morning with a transfer to the airport. If you have the time, ask our team about extending your trip.