Quebec, Canada
Montreal
Quebec City
Mont-TREMBLANT
Summary
For residents of the U.S., Quebec affords the "exotic" feel of a European vacation, but with a much easier "commute". While we visited in the summer, this destination should also be considered for fall, winter or spring travel as there's never a shortage of outdoor activities and the historical, cultural, culinary and shopping scenes are awesome all year round. There's much to love in this largely bi-lingual province!
Trip Tic
For: Families Travel Days: 7 Mileage: 480 Car Hours: 8.5 hours (one 4-hour driving day) Temps: 50-75° F (early summer)
Route Map
Itinerary Outline
Day 1
Arrive at Montreal Trudeau Airport at mid-day
Check in to the hotel and walk to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art for lunch and to browse the exhibits
Walk .75 miles to the Old Port to visit the Science Center and Imax Theatre, rent a quadricycle, participate in one of any number of water diversions, enjoy the urban beach, or walk the labyrinth
Dine in Vieux Montreal at Garde Manger (lobster poutine, folks!)
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Montreal
Day 2
Take the Metro to the Montreal Botanical Garden and wander the grounds and greenhouses
Next spend an hour at the adjacent Parc Olympique to tour The Tower via it's glass funicular and watch skateboarders at The Big O
Return to the hotel area by way of one or more of the city's chocolatiers, or enjoy the novelty of ice skating in the summer, indoors, at the Atrium Le 1000
If available, take in a Cirque du Soleil show in the evening, or spend some time shopping in the Underground City (it's a little less exciting than in sounds, but can be interesting)
Lodging: Hyatt Regency Montreal
Day 3
Drive 2.75 hours from Montreal to Parc du Chute Montmorency just outside Quebec City, traversing via a route south of the St. Lawrence River and crossing over near the city... take a short hike to see the falls which are taller than Niagara's and consider trying the zipline if you're feeling adventurous
Drive a few short miles to Quebec City
Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of Old City, an UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting the Petit Champlain District
Dine in Old Port
Lodging: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Day 4
Have breakfast and shop in Old Port before the 4 hour drive to Mont-Tremblant via Routes 40, 640 and 750
Wander the adorable village to get oriented, find a place to dine, and people watch
Day 5
Ascertain whether there are any festivals and associated festival activities that are of interest to plan around... otherwise:
Take the panoramic gondola ride to the top of the mountain and choose a trail to hike
Head back down to the village for lunch then spend the afternoon swimming, sun-bathing, and/or water-sporting at the beach club
Check out the evening's concert before or after dining in the village
Lodging: Ermitage du Lac - Les Suites Tremblant
Day 6
Walk to the Tremblant Adventure Course, choosing from among ropes courses with varying degrees of difficulty (we found Le Nansen et Le Johannsen perfect for our kids who ranged in age from 7-16 at the time)
Enjoy another afternoon at the beach, ride the luge, go rock climbing, or choose from a host of other local activities
Lodging: Ermitage du Lac - Les Suites Tremblant
Day 7
Drive 1.75 hours to Montreal Trudeau Airport for your departing flight