After years of wanting to see the Ice Hotel in Quebec City , I booked a two-night trip. Before I go further the best way to stay warm layers layers layers. It’s the only way, Quebec cold is different for the Toronto cold I am used to ,as the Quebec cold is bone-chilling.
On arrival at the Jean Lesage international airport I purchased an $ 8.00-day pass for the transit system.. I took the number 80 bus towards Dorchester, which was about 50 minutes then walked about 1.5 k to the Auberge du Tresor Hotel where I was staying in the old city. This Hotel was close to everything to my surprise my room was ready. It was a mix of old and new and from my window, I could see the Chateau Frontenac hotel.
My first venture was to Montgomery Falls also known as Parc de la Chute. It was a 50-minute transit ride on the number 800 bus from the Gare Palais stop toward Beauport. You get off at Brideau stop and walk about 5 minutes to the park entrance and its free to enter
The Montgomery Falls are higher than Niagara Falls and were not frozen when I went this January so you could not walk on the base, but you got great views of the semi-frozen falls from the observation deck and the bridge. It was a clear day and you could see the suspension bridge that takes you over to Orleans. Once back in the city I took a walk in the area in front of the Chateau Frontenac known as Dufferin terrace and took a toboggan ride down the hill. It cost $3.00 a ride and you have to walk your toboggan up the hill the gate of the hill
Montgomery Falls
Dinner was at La Bouch 49 Rue Saint Louis, which is a farm to table restaurant, and the food was delicious. I had the slow cook ribs
The next day I was off the see the Notre Dame Basilica, which was amazing inside and artwork on the ceiling. I then took another walk along Dufferin terrace but went past the tobogganing hill and up 325 steps and along the Terrace and found myself at Plains of Abraham. ( not this was the backside of the park but you could see the cross country trails. I am told the rental equipment for cross-country ski and snowshoes are at the front) I went back to the start of my walk.
I had an afternoon tour booked with OLD QUEBEC TOURS to see the Ice Hotel in Valcartier. At 1230 we left the starting point in front of the tourist information center for the Ice Hotel. It was a 45-minute ride. The Ice Hotel Is impressive both in and out with ice sculptures and ice carvings and the ice beds. Even beverages alcohol and non-alcohol come in ice glasses.
The Ice Hotel
After arriving back in the city I took the stairs down to the Petti Champlain. (You can also take the funicular). The area is charming with narrow streets decorated with lights. There are Lots of small shops, galleries, and restaurants in this area. You feel like you are in Europe but your not.
Petti Champlain
Dinner was at Les trios Gancon Bistro Burgers 1085 Rue St-Jean
On my last day, I took the ferry across $ 3.25 the river to see the Chateau Frontenac and the surrounding from a different perspective. It was worth it but I would do it again at sunset
Once back on the other side a little walking then time to head home