A great winter getaway: combine a family ski trip with a visit to 400-year-old Quebec City. It's like a mini-trip to Europe, with the bonus of a snowsport holiday.
1. Wander In The Old Town of Quebec City
Photo courtesy of Quebec City Tourism.
400 years of history gives Quebec City some charming streets to stroll: in fact, the town's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander down lanes lined with shops and restaurants with names like Le Cochon Dingue ("The Crazy Pig", a good place for hot chocolate.)
2. French Canadian History, English Speakers Welcome
Photo courtesy of Quebec City Tourism.
Quebec City was founded by a French explorer in 1608, and was an important part of France's vast holdings in N. America. By 1763, however -- after a key battle in Quebec City-- the French territories came under British rule. Today the province of Quebec is the only French-speaking province in Canada, but don't hesitate to visit: the "Quebecois" (kay-bek-waw) extend a warm welcome and those who work in tourism speak English.
3. Fun For Families - Museum of Civilization
Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Don't miss this imaginative and interactive (and bilingual) museum, designed to fascinate kids. For instance, one exhibit looked in-depth at dragons: from myths, to paleontology, to fantasy fiction. Admission cost is modest, and free for kids under 12.
4. Treats, Poutine, and Molecular Cuisine
For foodies of all ages: start with treats or hot chocolate in Quebec's old town. Be sure to introduce your kids to poutine: french fries topped with cheese bits and covered with gravy; most fast food places serve poutine (-even McDonald's.) And as a treat for grownups: Quebec City has sophisticated restaurants, such as l'Utopie, with the latest in "molecular gastronomy".
5. Stay in Quebec City, Ski at Mont-Ste.-Anne
Photo courtesy of Mont- Sainte-Anne.
Just a half-hour drive away -- on flat roads, past farms and views of islands in the St. Lawrence River-- is a family-friendly ski resort. A shuttle bus takes skiers from several Quebec City hotels. Some hotels have ski packages-- such as the charming Hotel Manoir Victoria (which also has a "Family Plan", with discounts on kids' meals, and kids under 18 free in parents' room.*)
6. Mont-Sainte-Anne Ski Resort
Photo courtesy of Mont- Sainte-Anne.
Mont-Sainte-Anne is a mid-sized mountain with over fifty runs; its 2065 feet of vertical drop is a good size for eastern Canada. Boarders can try the snow park and half-pipe. Cross-country skiers, meanwhile, can bliss out on 223 km of ski trails plus 125 kms of x-country skating trails.
Mont-Sainte-Anne tends to open early in the ski season, and to stay open into April.
Mont-Sainte-Anne tends to open early in the ski season, and to stay open into April.
7. Stay at Mont-Sainte-Anne
Photo courtesy of Mont- Sainte-Anne.
Visitors can stay right at the mountain at Chateau Mon-Sainte-Anne: ski-in ski-out, at the base of the lifts; loft-style rooms; and upscale high-design condos coming soon. Check the web site for updates, and for packages.
8. Mont-Sainte-Anne - Gondola
Photo courtesy of Mont- Sainte-Anne.
Left: click on the photo to see the gondolas: such a nice refuge in cold or snowy weather, especially when you're on the mountain with kids.
Mont-Sainte-Anne is popular with locals, and a remarkable number of young skiers barrel down right under the lifts -- impressive!
Mont-Sainte-Anne is popular with locals, and a remarkable number of young skiers barrel down right under the lifts -- impressive!
9. Maple Sugar Shack on the Mountain
Photo courtesy of Mont-Sainte-Anne.
Kids love to take a break at this sugar shack, half-way down an easy run: a big dollop of pure maple syrup gets poured onto a slab of snow; wait while the syrup hardens, then wrap it onto a stick. Sweet.
Also sweet, on the slopes: free tours with Mountain Guides; on-mountain restaurants with great views.
Also sweet, on the slopes: free tours with Mountain Guides; on-mountain restaurants with great views.
10. Mont Sainte Anne - Extra Fun
Photo courtesy of Mont- Sainte-Anne.
Adventurous types can try paragliding ("parapente") from the mountain-top (- fun just to watch.) Also in the area are dog-sledding, ice-canyoning, ice-skating, snow-mobiling.
And highly recommended, for grown-ups, is the unique experience of a Nordic Spa: get hot in a steam bath or sauna, plunge into cold water; rest in a quiet room or rustic yurt with wood-stove; repeat three times. Guaranteed relaxation!
And highly recommended, for grown-ups, is the unique experience of a Nordic Spa: get hot in a steam bath or sauna, plunge into cold water; rest in a quiet room or rustic yurt with wood-stove; repeat three times. Guaranteed relaxation!
11. Mont Sainte Anne - Kids
Photo courtesy of Mont- Sainte-Anne.
Every ski resort these days has programs for young skiers and boarders. Mont-Sainte-Anne has half and full-day programs for kids and teens age 6 to 14, and multi-day camps during school break weeks; ages 3 to 6 have a day-care camp with an introduction to skiing. (Always check the web site for the latest programs.)
12. Quebec City Carnival
Photo courtesy of Québec City Tourism.
A great time to make your visit to Quebec City and Mont-Ste.-Anne is during Quebec City's winter Carnival (two weeks, late Jan.-early Feb.): with Ice Palace, night parades, tube slides, snow rafting, ice fishing, concerts, snow sculptures, horse-drawn sleigh or dogsled rides, and ice-skating. "Bonhomme" (left) is the beloved mascot of the Carnaval de Quebec.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and experiences for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and experiences for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
