honeymoon/montreal, vancouver or alberta
 

I am trying to help a young couple plan their honeymoon, Dec. 16-Dec. 23. I am having a hard time in deciding whether to direct them to eastern or western Canada. Both seem to have certain features they would enjoy. Here are their wishes: snow is a must, but not really skiing, Christmas programs such as plays or concerts, a sleigh ride, nice romantic restaurants, and they prefer a cabin to a hotel. They also would prefer everything to be fairly close by, so they don't have to do a lot of driving. That's a pretty tall order, but it is their honeymoon. Thanks for your suggestions.

Quebec City would be perfect!!!

I have been to Montreal on a couple of November anniversaries and I have to say it is quite romantic.
Our hotel is the Le Germain, beautiful with a roaring fire in the lobby and soft cushy furniture where you can appreciate the fire.
Service is outstanding.
Montreal has a ballet company, a world class orchestra / Charles Dutoit and a surplus of romantic restaurants, great shopping and most likely snow in December.
You do not need a car in Montreal.

Just spent 3 nights in Montreal and 2 in Quebec City. Wished we hadnt bothered with Montreal. Couldnt find anything romantic or pretty about it. Good food and friendly people though! Quebec City was really romantic - I bet it will be breathtakingly pretty covered in snow. Loved every minute we spent there.

Hi Melanie,

I might be partial since we spent our honeymoon in Quebec City, but I love it there.

In the winter they would have a wonderful time:

<< WINTER QUEBEC CITY ATTRACTIONS
Quebec celebrates Christmas

An extravaganza of make-believe, culture, gastronomy, tradition, history and childhood pleasures. The oldest parts of Old Quebec City come to life. Magical activities: music and song, delicious goodies, storytelling, street theatre (live Nativity scene), etc...>>>>

If they aren't worried about skiing, but just romance, then it would be lovely. But to be in the midst of everything, a small hotel or B&B would be a must..not a cabin, especially if they don't want to drive. Have a look at some past posts for more info on accomodations. This is one B&B that is highly recommended:

http://www.gitedelamontagne.com/

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=29

If they really want a cabin experience with the amenities of a hotel then Jasper Park Lodge would be perfect. It is fairly close to the townsite of Jasper but still gives you the feeling of being away from it all. I don't think there are as many Christmas/cultural events going on, but it's a beautiful spot.

http://www.fairmont.com/jasper/

From Edmonton it is a 4 hr (longer in the winter) drive so that may have some bearing on their plans as well as flights, budgets, etc.

Hope that helps somewhat.

From Edmonton, you can catch the train to get to Jasper without difficulty. Check the www.viarail.ca site for dates. This train is part of the larger Canadian Express, which travels from Toronto to Vancouver approx. 3 times a week, and returns also 3 times a week. Car rentals are available in Jasper, and you can access Pyramid Lodge for ice skating, take an Ice Canyon Crawl in Maligne Canyon, take a dog-sled trip...check http://www.discoverjasper.com/
for winter activities and accommodation.
Have fun!