Advice for Christmas in Quebec
 

My husband and I are arriving in Montreal the morning of Dec 23, will stay at the Auberge Du Vieux Port which includes Christmas dinner then depart Dec 26 for Quebec City. Has anyone had Christmas dinner here? We will return to Montreal Dec 29 to fly out Dec 30.

We will rent a car for all or part of our trip because we enjoy exploring a region more than sticking to the central area and walking around. I'd like to know from those who also enjoy driving a new area, would you rent a car at the airport for the entire stay or would you wait and rent a car the day we are leaving Montreal? Will their be anything to do Christmas day/eve or might it be a nice time to drive to the Eastern Townships or Laurentians?

In Quebec City, we'd like to tour the city, but we are also interested in snowmobiling (but not skiing). Any suggestions on how to accomplish both the few days we are in the area (Dec 26-29)? Also, any suggestions on accomodations for a very nice hotel/resort/or cabin with fireplace (no B&B)? Thanks!

Hi,

I am also interested in the same information re: Montreal for Xmas. We are also staying from December 23 to 26 at the Hotel Nelligan (sister hotel to AVP -- sounds like we bid on similar packages at Luxury Link??).

Normally, I don't think you need a rental car in Montreal b/c you can take the metro lots of places. But, at that time of year, the walk to/from the metro can be bitterly cold! As a result, we are bringing our car. Parking will probably be $ at your hotel though -- you may wnat to check what the valet parking costs at AVP.

Not sure that too much will be open on Xmas day -- you may want to consider a day trip to the LAurentians. Mont Tremblant has fantastic skiing and a great village. As for Quebec city, we always stay at Hotel Dominion 1912. It is another boutique hotel similiar to AVP.

Can any other Fodorites recommend activities for Xmas day? (maybe a ride around Mont Royal or skating somewhere?).

Thanks!

Jacolis. I saw the package on luxurylink but went straight to the hotel to book to avoid the auction fee and got the same package for the same price. We are probably going to do a day trip Christmas to Laurentians. If you find other activites open Christmas, please post and I will do the same.

We will be at the Auberge Saint Antoine while in Quebec City. Thanks for replying. I wasn't sure anyone would!

Please post back and let us know how you liked Auberge St. Antoine. My husband and I can't decided between this hotel and the Dominion for our trip.

Hi Taylor,

That's a good tip -- I didn't think to call the hotel directly!

Just to let you know about some of our fave restaurants in Quebec city. For a really great splurge-worthy dinner we love L'Initiale. We thought Le Saint Amour was a bit overrated but the setting is beautiful. Mesculun was a good lunch spot. We also enjoyed a seafood dinner at Le Marie Clarisse. Cafe du monde is good for breakfast and coffee.

Also, in Montreal the restaurant at AVP (Les Remparts) is highly regarded. I have heard good things about "Aix", a provencal restaurant in the other sister hotel (Hotel place d'armes). I also like the food at Bonaparte which is also in old Montreal.

Do post back if you hear of any good Xmas activities!

Christmas in Quebec City will be very, very European. We just returned from there on Nov 30 and many of the live Christmas trees that are set up outside and lighted up and running already. Since the Winter Carnival starts on January 28, it will be quite as the town settles in for the winter. The Ancient Canadians resturant on rue St Louis will be serving traditional French fare. Resturants like the Peche Veniel on rue St Paul will have wonderful European delights. Enjoy! Ole Quebec in December will be like a French village ...without the jet lag.

wanderer: Not sure whether I posted this advice to you on another thread. At the risk of repeating myself: The St Antoine was perfectly nice -- I stayed there 10 days ago. But Dominion 1912 is smaller, smarter and much more special, IMO.