Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City

Inviting winter cityscapes await on a sojourn through the dazzling French-Canadian cities of Montreal and Quebec City. Arriving in Montreal, discover a blend of all things old and new. Spend the evening as you wish, exploring the city independently. Throughout this festive adventure, you’ll get to experience the wonderful Christmas markets in Montreal and Quebec City, which run Thursday to Sunday throughout the holiday season.

Today, set out on a sightseeing tour of Montreal in all its holiday splendor, featuring Jacques Cartier Square, McGill University, and the Underground City – a haven for Montrealers during the long and cold winters. Make a stop high atop Mount Royal and take in the spectacular surrounding view! Christened by Jacques Cartier in 1535, Mount Royal is the small, emblematic mountain in the city and Montreal’s namesake. Enjoy some free time for lunch in Old Montreal (maybe warming up with a cup of hot chocolate) and soak in more of the joyful holiday atmosphere. Get ready to experience the Christmas market of Montreal,* meandering through the rows of local vendors and holiday stalls. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Leaving Montreal this morning, travel northeast to say bonjour to Quebec City, the heart of Canada’s French heritage. Every winter, the city lights up with the magic of the holiday season. Upon arriving, enjoy free time for a bite to eat and to explore the Old Town (UNESCO), strolling along picturesque cobblestone streets and beside 17th-century buildings. After checking into your hotel later this afternoon, stroll through the Old Town some more and gather at a restaurant for dinner amid this holiday fairy-tale setting.

Join your local guide for a city tour, learning about Quebecois holiday traditions while viewing the city’s historic sites and getting an up-close glimpse of the gorgeous Chateau Frontenac. Spend the afternoon exploring as you wish, where you can stroll among the wooden stalls in Quebec City’s German Christmas markets.* Enjoy the evening at leisure.

This morning, roll up your sleeves for a workshop in how to create a beloved holiday dessert, the Bûche de Noël. A culinary take on the ancient practice of burning a Yule log at Christmastime, the Bûche de Noël, indeed resembling a log, has a special place on the holiday table. Practice your hand at the elaborate process of rolling the delicate chocolate sponge with a rich mousse filling and decorating with a buttercream made to look like tree bark and meringue mushrooms. Today is yours to surround yourself in the holiday spirit of Quebec City. Wander through the enchanting streets of Old Quebec, adorned with lights and festive decorations. Stroll through Christmas markets, sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine and tasting other seasonal treats. Throughout the city, experience the essence of a traditional Quebecois Christmas.

Begin your day with breakfast at a local sugar shack, situated in the heart of the Quebec countryside. Learn about the traditions of maple syrup-making and enjoy samples of delicious traditional foods. Before leaving, try a favorite regional treat – maple taffy on the snow! Next, enjoy a visit to the impressive Montmorency Falls and marvel at this natural wonder plunging 272 feet off the Canadian Shield (approximately 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls). Arrive back in Montreal this afternoon and enjoy some free time, perhaps to visit the holiday markets* for some more shopping. Tonight, gather to toast to your festive adventure during a farewell dinner.

Your tour ends today. May your memories be full of cheer!