Quebec City at Christmas

Years ago, while spending hours pinning all my dream vacations on a little ‘ol Pinterest board, I came across a picture that looked as if it had been taken straight from a Christmas card or Hallmark movie. I later discovered it was a real street. A real place. It was at that moment that I knew, experiencing Quebec City at Christmas was going on my bucket list.

Quebec City at Christmas – Old Quebec

If you are wondering what particular street I had discovered once upon a time thanks to Pinterest- look no further then Rue du Petit Champlain. One of the oldest commercial streets in North America.

Located in what is known as Old Quebec, this area of the city is full of old world European charm without the need to leave the continent.

Decorated boutiques and restaurants line the cobblestone streets.

Their window displays appear right out of a Christmas movie.

Don’t even get me started on how amazing the pastries are in the local cafes.

If I could live on Pain au Chocolat and Croissants for the rest of my life, I would.

Tip– If you want to experience the true beauty of this area, wait until the shops have closed for the evening. You get all the pretty pictures, but with less people in your shots.

This area of Quebec is located in what’s known as the Lower Town because it sits below the rocky cliff separating this area of the city from Upper Town.

It’s a wonderful area to simply walk around and explore.

And gasp with delight as around every corner you get stunning views like this one.

Old Quebec is close to the St. Lawrence River and is the site of the first French settlement in North America.

This stunning little city square is known as Place Royale.

I wish my panoramic picture would do justice for how completely charming this little area of the city is.

I mean- look at these buildings!

But the star of the show in my opinion (and why I have approximately 54.8 pictures of it on my camera) is the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Catholic Church.

Built in 1688, it is the oldest stone church in North America.

And a perfect backdrop for the square’s Christmas tree.

Quebec City at Christmas – German Christmas Market

Another reason for my wanting to experience Quebec City at Christmas was to attend their German Christmas Market- Marche de Noel Allemand de Quebec.

I’ve always wanted to experience a traditional Christmas market, and this one in Quebec City delivered in every way possible.

Little wood kiosks are spread out in five different areas of the city.

With each little booth holding a local vendor selling their goods.

And food.

(I promise to come back and write a post just dedicated to all the wonderful eats I had on this trip).

And drinks.

This was where my love for mulled wine was born.

Did- I mention food?

Because eating my way through the market, was one of my favorite activities of the whole trip.

Tip– while the line for fondue is long at this market- it is 100% worth the time and effort. Trust me.

The market runs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from the end of November until Christmas.

It offers a wide variety of music, activities, and fun for the whole family.

Like ice skating for example!

The crowds (especially on the weekend) can be large, but people are polite and friendly.

You may even spot a few pups hanging around as they even have special events catered just for them.

Like meeting Santa!

The market was a highlight of the trip for me.

Even if it pointed out the obvious. My French is rubish.

Quebec City at Christmas – Churches

Because France was the first country to settle in Quebec City, it’s easy to see its influence and culture through much of the region.

Especially in its gorgeous churches that are in and around the city.

Like La Basilique-Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Quebec in the upper town.

After visiting their nativity scene set up outside the church, and walking through the cathedral’s holy door, I attended one of the basilica’s daily masses.

Which was quite the experience since it was all in French!

(See above comments about my foreign language skills being garbage).

The award for the most beautiful church I’ve ever been inside of, goes to the Sainte Anne de Beaupre Shrine, located about a 20 minute drive outside of Quebec City.

It honestly, took my breath away.

Stunning.

Quebec City at Christmas – Countryside Tour

I visited the Saint Anne Shrine with one of the many bus tours offered in Quebec City. The tour I chose, was the one that took us outside the city to see some of the neighboring towns and attractions.

We made stops at the Albert Gilles Copper Museum and Montmorency Falls.

One of my favorite stops of the tour was the Chocolaterie in Sainte Petronille which sits on the tip of the l’Île d’Orléans.

Not only did it include by far the best hot chocolate of my life…

But a variety of handmade chocolates, candies, and…

Of course, maple products.

I was in Canada, afterall.

The little shop was one of the most adorable stores I’ve ever been to.

It honestly looked plucked from one of the Hallmark Channel’s perfectly curated Christmas movies.

Quebec City at Christmas – Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

I knew, if I was going to travel to Quebec City, I was going to try and stay at “the most photographed hotel in the world”.

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.

While it is a little higher class and fancier than my normal hotel, I was able to book through a Christmas special rate that was offered.

Le Chateau goes all out at decorating for the season.

Making sure every inch of the lobby was festive.

Including a hall decorated with Christmas trees that raise money for charity.

I plan to do a whole post later, detailing my stay at this iconic location, but in the meantime, just enjoy this glimpse of some looks behind the scenes of their onsite restaurant- Le Champlain.

And their Bar 1608.

Booze and books- what’s not to love?

Every inch of Le Chateau was what you’d expect from such an establishment and honestly, I couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else while in Quebec City.

Quebec City at Christmas – A Dream Destination for the Holidays

To say, my trip to Quebec City at Christmas was a dream of mine, is probably an understatement.

Every person I met and every store I popped into-

All the food I ate and every decoration adorned window or door I saw-

Every building and side street-

Had a way of simply taking my breath away.

Had a way of letting me discover something not only about the destination, but myself too.

Quebec City- You were a dream.