Destination of January: Old Québec City!
A European getaway in... Canada? Find out where to stay, what to do, and why you'll get a bang for your buck in this charming northern city.
Happy New Year, Everyone!
I’m kicking off 2025 with my first-ever Destination of the Month guide. If you didn’t get the white Christmas you were hoping for, the Winter season is just beginning in the far north so there’s still plenty of time to plan a cozy, snowy, getaway to a place that feels European but is closer to home (for my North American readers).
Keep scrolling to find an exclusive Breaking Thru Airbnb wishlist, heaps of fun activities and experiences, as well as financial insight on how this holiday won’t break the bank.
Pack your bags and say, “bonjour” to a UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Québec City!
WHY YOU’RE SAVING MONEY
From December 14, 2024 – February 15, 2025, the Canadian government has put a hold on Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST). This means that you will save money on essential holiday items such as groceries, restaurant meals, drinks, snacks, children’s clothing, and gifts. To read more info about this click here.
At the time of writing, the currency conversion from USD to CAD stands at: $1 USD = $1.44 CAD. Your money goes a lot further because things aren’t as expensive as they are in the States. For example, a huge container of strawberries at the grocery store in Old Québec City cost me $5 CAD ($3.50 USD) compared to a container of strawberries half that size in Los Angeles which costs $7 USD ($10 CAD)!
ACCOMMODATION
I consider myself a bit of an Airbnb connoisseur after years of traveling and hunting down the best prices for a combination of location, amenities, and reviews a property includes.
That being said, this is the Airbnb my boyfriend, Tommy, and I stayed in right off of a super cute street, Rue Saint-Jean, with many restaurants and shops, including the oldest running grocery store in North America, Épicerie J.A. Moisan.
Want some more options? Here are 10 other properties that have been hand-picked by me for your stay in OQC:
Under $100 USD/night
$100 – $150 USD/night
Above $150 USD/night
ACTIVITIES
If you choose to come late November – December, right before Christmas, like we did, then the Christmas markets scattered all over the city are so fun. They are the perfect place to drink some mulled wine or hot cider while you find unique gifts for your loved ones. Check dates and locations here.
Quebec Winter Carnival runs from February 7 – 16, 2025, and includes an ice palace, night parades, an ice canoe race, ice and snow sculptures, a snow bath, musical performances, and more! Talk about a winter wonderland.
Strøm Nordic Spa Thermal Experience
Entry to the thermal experience starts at $64 CAD, and includes outdoor whirlpools, thermal and Nordic baths, Finnish saunas, a eucalyptus steam bath, thermal and Nordic waterfalls, and indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces. Open daily from 9 AM - 10 PM and located right on the St. Lawrence River, this place can’t be beat.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic hotel was built in 1883 and has 610 guest rooms and suites, a couple of shops full of chic winter wear and accessories, as well as 4 restaurants and a bar. My boyfriend and I enjoyed a glamorous date night at Bistro Le Sam with a delicious charcuterie platter, wine, and dessert in a dining room overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The service was impeccable with a luxurious, old-world ambience. If it’s in your budget, you can follow in the footsteps of royalty and celebrities with an overnight stay here.
Ice skating through the woods at Domaine Enchanteur
This one is a bit of a drive sitting 1.5 hours outside of Old Quebec City just above Trois-Rivières between Québec and Montreal, but it is so worth it! Make sure to buy a ticket for your desired date online beforehand, they cost $23 CAD per adult. Skate rentals are $10 CAD per person.
You can stop and feed farm animals (alpacas, goats, rabbits, deer, emus, geese, etc.) along the way by buying food from the converted phone booths along the trail for .25 Canadian cents so have some coins on you! There are also a couple of food stands and a chalet where you can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.
When the sun sets, the Zamboni-maintained trails are lit up by colorful lighting so you can skate after dark. After a day of skating, make sure to grab your gift included with the price of admission on your way out. You have a choice of a jar of pure honey, Canadian maple syrup, or dried worms (odd, I know but they are a local delicacy and full of protein).
Called the cradle of French North America, don’t miss this historical square where Samuel de Champlain founded the City of Québec in 1608. One of the main features of the square is the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, which is the oldest stone church in North America, built in 1688.
We stopped into a cute cafe called Maison Smith for a hot chocolate and croissant as we admired the square’s Christmas tree and soaked up its charm from our cozy table. You can also take your hot beverage to-go and check out some artwork from Québec and Canadian artists at Galerie Québec Art around the corner.
This section of Old Québec City was by far my favorite, with Rue du Petit Champlain full of restaurants and shops. Don’t worry, you won’t have to climb back up the steep hill when you’re finished exploring because there is the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, an electric cableway, that rises 195 feet between the upper and lower city. It costs $5 CAD per person.
Shopping
There’s plenty of shopping to do as you roam the charming cobblestone streets - need a new scarf or hat? Hold off on buying them until you get to OQC as the city is full of independent shops selling locally made products.
I’ve heard that in the Summer and Autumn, Rue du Trésor turns into an open-air gallery lined with artists exhibiting their work.
Whether you’re there around Christmas time or not, visiting La Boutique de Noël de Québec is a must. It’s literally like a Hallmark Christmas movie wonderland inside – I’ve never seen so many unique ornaments in my life.
I loved Old Québec City and know you will too. Take these recs and plan the ultimate Winter vacation… you’re welcome. ❄️