Winter getaway to Quebec City!!
 

Hello friends!
My husband and I are not looking forward to an exhausting holiday season with what looks to be only work on the horizon. Nevertheless, we are making it a mission to get away, if even for a weekend! We would like to visit Quebec City, from NY, for 3 days (January 3-5). Its a nice short trip that will hopefully be more than fulfilling. This will be our first time to Quebec and we are extremely excited! We will have a car to get around, so that's not a problem.

I was thinking to stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, I know its not amazing but its only 3 days and we didnt want a "regular hotel" or a really expensive one.

What I am writing for is this, since it will be the middle (or beginning?) of winter and all of the holiday festivities will be over, what should we do?

I was hoping for something more than just strolling around and eating (even though there will be plenty of that too!!). For example, when we went to Czech Republic a few years ago we stayed in the snowy mountains and would go to a relaxing spa during the day and marinate in beer baths (literally!). It was very fitting considering the outside weather and extremely relaxing. I have never heard of beer baths anywhere else and it was a lovely and unique experience. I am looking for these types of adventures.

We are not big skiers or snowboarders but we do ice skate, so that would be an option. I also forgot to mention that it will be our one year wedding anniversary during the trip! I wanted this mini-vaca to be a mix of seeing a new place and just relaxing and not doing anything.

Can't wait to read your recommendations!

O.

I'm confused about your hotel suggestion. The Chateau Frontenac is one of Canada's most famous buildings, the city's signature, and priced accordingly. You may get a discount but it is still the most prestigious place in the city centre, never usually a place to think cheap.
Any chance you mean the Chateau Laurier, less grand, not a chateau, and a little less centrally located?
Since you are only there three days I suggest forgetting about the car. The city centre is better navigated on foot and parking can be a real challenge.
Lots of attractions continue year-round, such as the beaux-arts and humanities museums, and the Citadel and its museum (plus the adjacent second vice-regal residence for Canada's Governor-General.) Concerts or theatrical presentations should be gearing up after the Christmas break.
There's no way to know how wintery it might be but on the heights the icy winds will be blowing across the river as it freezes. Quebecois challenge winter by dressing for the weather and getting out there to have fun. Tourism info http://www.quebecregion.com/en

Look into joining the Presidents Club..I just saw rates for the chateau Jan2 to 5 starting at 126$.. Membership has its perks and is free if I remember correctly. Chateau Frontenac is well worth the $. You will enjoy Q. city and try to have lunch or dinner at Aux Aciens..

Southam,
I am sorry I didn't clarify. I was choosing between Auberge Saint-Antoine and Chateau Frontenac, the Auberge is somewhat more expensive but according to the reviews that I read the Chateau Frontenac has construction going on which generated some unpleasant reviews. Normally I try to avoid hotels under construction but the Chateau looks so beautiful and since it will be a short stay I don't mind, also the Chateau Frontenac fits into our budget.

I was looking for more activity/restaurant recommendations though, since we have settled on the hotel.

And, about the car, we need to drive to Quebec city from NY due to other circumstances so we will have a car there regardless. Is the parking really difficult?

I was in the Frontenac lobby and cocktail lounge in October and business was going on as usual. Can't say if the bedrooms are affected but it is a big hotel so you should be able to get a room away from any disruption. At the price range you quoted, I'd jump at the chance to stay in the Chateau. Also the hotel can tell you about parking. This page from the website mentions indoor parking http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac-qu...ls/fact-sheet/
scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Winter outdoor experiences are great around Quebec. If you can delay your trip a couple of days the Ice Hotel is an amazing experience.

www.hoteldeglace-canada.com/

or Nordic Spa's (excellent in winter)

http://www.spastoneham.com/

or Dog Sledding - great fun! Did it for my first time in my 50's Just Google 'Dog Sledding Quebec City'.

Dress for the weather and you will have a great time.

If spending 3 days in Q.C.... and if you can afford the Chateau Frontenac (among the most photographed hotels in the world?)... then do so.


In early January, the unreal winds and cold in the nearby air, up on that bluff, will be bone-chilling, and then some... so you might as well know some luxury in the event you don't get out much while in town.

It will be fun... <I>but I'm inclined to add some 'caution' (all weather-dependent) in my tone</i>

Be sure to have a scarf to cover your nose and mouth..No frosted bronchi for you hopefully!! Even brutal winds and cold will not deminish the charm of Q.C.