buckminster

We are just starting to plan a trip to Quebec City for about a week in early September. We may fly into Burlington VT and drive from there or fly right into Canada from Chicago. It looks like it is cheaper to go through VT, although we may be able to use some frequent flyer miles.

We plan to rent a car, not sure if that is an issue bringing it into Canada.

We would like to spend about 3 nights in Quebec City and spend the rest of the time in a more rural setting. We are in our 50s and like hiking, good restaurants, and nice accommodations. Not looking for a lot of shopping other than what we'll do in the city and we don't golf.

It looks like the Charlevoix region is closest to Quebec City, so if we fly in and out of there, that will probably be the "rural" part of the trip. Or, if we go in and out of VT, perhaps we'll spend a few days there instead.

We've never been to either place, so any advice is appreciated.

buckminster

I should also mention that last year we flew to Halifax and toured Cape Breton Island which we loved. The year before, we went to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, which was also wonderful.

zootsi

We were in Charlevoix several years ago, and loved it. Althuogh we didn't hike, there are many hiking opportunities in this beautiful area. We did rent bikes and circumnavigate Ille Aux Caudres, which is flat and quite scenic. The Ille D'Orleans just outside of Quebec City is also very rural, but not known for hiking. Of course Vermont is also very beautiful, and there are tons of hiking trails in the Green Mountains just outside of Burlington. Either option is great. Just realize that in rural Quebec very little English is spoken.
In the Quebec City, stay in or near the old city, which is far more scenic and interesting than the rest of the city.

buckminster

Thanks for your reply. I hadn't thought about the language barrier in the rural areas. We read a bit about the Gaspe peninsula and that sounded magnificent but it's too far to drive from Quebec City for a one week trip.

In Quebec City, is it better to stay in the lower town or the upper? Or no difference as long as you visit both?

Vttraveler

You can easily stay in either the upper or the lower old town. It is easy to walk back and forth or take the funicular. You will want to visit sites in both areas.

You should have no trouble renting a car in Burlington and taking it into Canada. Many people fly into Burlington for trips to Montreal and Quebec City due to better prices.

zootsi

Quebec City's old city is fairly small, so either upper or lower is fine. With the upper, you get spectacular views, the lower is a bit less touristy. We usually stay at one of the b&b's on St. Ursule, which is in the upper.

buckminster

We decided to take advantage of the Fairmont's summer promotion (3rd night free) and stay at the Frontenac for 4 nights and then at the Fairmont Richilieu for 4 nights in the Charlevoix region. I'm assuming we won't need a car in Quebec City so we will just rent one for the second half of the trip.