There’s nothing quite like winter-time in Quebec. On this exhilarating itinerary, you will experience the very best that this magical province has to offer, from sampling local delicacies in Montreal to racing down Mont-Tremblant’s pristine, powdery slopes.
Arrive in the bustling city of Montreal and be privately transferred to your accommodations at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. This Fairmont property is a 1960s-classic hotel that boasts brand new contemporary stylings. Sitting in the heart of Montreal’s thriving business district, it perfectly blends a vintage flair with modern design with accessibility to all of the best sites in the city.
Overnight at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Today, you will enjoy a multi-sensory tour of Montreal! Your insider guide will reveal the city’s rich history, beautiful architecture and let you savour the flavours of its world-famous cuisine. Begin your day by tasting some of Montreal’s signature food specialties, including Montreal smoked meat prepared the same way since 1928 at the only original deli left in Canada. Stop in the Mile End neighbourhood, Villeray, and Little Italy, tasting Canadian hand-rolled bagels, authentic Italian sauces, local cheeses, and the mosaic of unique fruits and flavours found only in the Jean Talon Market.
Throughout your afternoon adventure, your guide will also provide insight into the heritage and architecture of the various neighbourhoods of your visit. Enjoy the sights in each unique district, including the cobblestoned Vieux-Montreal and the luxurious “Golden Square Mile.” Your guide will note the historical landmarks as well as the locals’ hot spots throughout this ever-changing vibrant city. At the end of your thrilling cultural experience, return to your hotel for a night of luxurious comfort.
Overnight at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
This morning, head to the airport, where you will board a ski-plane and soar over Quebec’s picturesque countryside to engage in a thrilling snowmobile excursion. Ride along a path that leads deep into the forest before arriving at a hidden, century-old log cabin where you will enjoy a warm, cozy lunch. Afterward, you will be transferred back to the city to relax and prepare for dinner. In the evening, take a tour of a charming, mountain-top sugar shack and witness traditional artisanal techniques of maple syrup production in action. Then, join guests in a social dining hall to feast on a hearty mountain meal. Enjoy live music and camaraderie as you celebrate the delicious confection that is maple syrup!
Overnight at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
After breakfast, today, say farewell to Montreal and set out for the nearby town of Mont-Tremblant. Meet your wilderness guide for a customized snowshoeing trek into the backcountry, tailored to your interests and fitness levels. Along the way, your naturalist guide will point out the unique flora and fauna that you come across and instruct you on basic game tracking techniques.
After your hike, check into the Hotel Quintessence and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure, enjoying the view of the lake from your private balcony, walking through the town or relaxing with an après-ski.
Overnight at Hotel Quintessence
After breakfast, you head out to meet your guide at the base of the slopes for a private ski lesson. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a total beginner, your instructor will tailor your training so that you get the most out of your time on the mountain.
Enjoy the evening at leisure, opt to indulge yourself with a spa treatment at the opulent Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant. At this traditional Scandinavian bathhouse, you may relax your muscles in a social spa setting or opt for a private massage in a treatment room. Either way, you will surely leave feeling rejuvenated and restored.
Overnight at Hotel Quintessence
This morning, you will be privately transferred to the provincial capital of Quebec City. Upon arrival, check into the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Stroll through this stately castle and soak in the history as you unwind in your comfortable quarters.
In the afternoon, your guide will pick you up and lead you through Vieux-Québec, or Old City, on a private sightseeing tour. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic stone buildings and magnificent views of the Saint Lawrence River, this UNESCO world heritage site maintains a distinct old-world charm. Proceed with your guide along the Beaupre Coast to the Ile d’Orleans to visit local and farms and taste homemade maple products and the local delicacy that ice cidre. Ice cidre, or cidre de glace, as it’s known in Quebec, is a cross between ice wine and hard cider. It is produced from apples that are intentionally left on the vine during chilly winter frosts until they shrivel up and yield ultra-sweet nectar. These concentrated juices are then pressed and fermented to add a little zing, leaving the final product with an alcohol content of 7-13%. Enjoy this unique experience as your expert guide introduces you to winemakers and artisans who uphold the traditional flavours of this region.
Overnight at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
This morning, take a short trip out of town to experience one of Quebec’s most exciting past times: dog mushing. Born to run, these well-trained, furry dogs love racing through winter trails and following the calls that you will learn during this ride of a lifetime. Following a scenic trail deep into the forest, enjoying tranquil views of the surrounding landscapes along the way. After your ride, enjoy a celebratory cup of hot chocolate before returning to the city for lunch. In the evening, have some time for leisure. Relax until your dinner reservation at Le Restaurant Initiale, where you will enjoy exquisite French-Canadian cuisine in elegant, understated surroundings. After dinner, stroll through the sparkling night or return to your delightful accommodations.
Overnight at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
After lunch, check out and make your way to Charlevoix’s famous Le Massif for some private skiing instruction. Feel the exhilarating cold air as you race down the mountain rising up from the St. Lawrence River. Take in the stunning views of miles snow-dusted pine trees crowding around the dark waters of the river. Glide down the slopes with the skill and technique learned from your personal instructor, and enjoy a skiing experience like no other. After your instruction, continue to the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu where you can settle in comfortably and unwind for the night.
Overnight at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Early today, you will meet your helicopter pilot and guide at the nearby helipad and depart on a winter wonderland adventure to a snowy mountain peak! During your scenic flight, keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including moose and bighorn sheep, while enjoying incredible views of the mountainous landscapes that make up the region of Charlevoix.
You will then land on a mountain top with sweeping views of white forests. All the wonder you saw from the air you will then experience in proximity. On the mountaintop, your guide will help you gear up and pull on snowshoes to explore the mystifying area up close, without missing even the slightest piece of beauty. When you’ve finished leaving fresh marks on the deep snow and exploring the unknown, ride back on the helicopter and return to your hotel.
Overnight at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
This morning, your driver will assist you with check out and transfer you back to Quebec City for your flight home
