<p>Quebec came up on the travel thread several times. It is somewhere I have suggested to H several times. It isn’t high on his list but he has a tendency to actually end up liking the destinations I push him to go to. Before anyone gets up in arms I go on a lot of sailing adventures which is his idea of an ideal trip.
We have several mileage options. I am thinking fall so we can catch some foliage color. How long? Best airport to fly into? Should we see Montreal as well? Not to miss places?</p>
<p>Quebec City is a beautiful spot, with lots of charm. Great restaurants, shopping, historical sites, accomodation options. It is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Montreal. Depending how much time you have, dividing it between the two cities would be a nice vacation. Here’s the Quebec official tourism website, it will give you a start on your research.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.bonjourquebec.com/us-en/accueil0.html”>http://www.bonjourquebec.com/us-en/accueil0.html</a></p>
<p>I would fly into Montreal, spend a few days in the city and then take the train (viarail) to Quebec city. Depending on how early you book, ticket prices can be as low as $40 round trip. Of course you could also rent a car.</p>
<p>They told us fall is spectacular and given the number of maple trees there, I can well imagine.
I fell in love with Quebec City to the point of being “homesick” for it when we got home. It’s so charming. Utterly.</p>
<p>I would recommend renting a car and driving from Montreal, especially if you want to explore and view the foliage. You could then also visit Montmorency Falls just outside the city. Beautiful spot and falls that are taller than those at Niagara.</p>
<p>Thank you. I am trying to make the trip happen. Would definitely rent a car. </p>
<p>Just the word Quebec brings back great memories. Quebec City is lovely and the food is delicious. We walked all around the city. We stayed in B & B’s and they were great. If you can, try to go over to I’le de Orleans. It is an island in the St Lawrence and is fun to drive around. There are many small farms with food stands, wineries and maple syrup places. Love, love Quebec City!</p>
<p>Love, love, love Quebec City! We’ve been quite a few times now. Agree about I’le de Orleans and Montmoerncy Falls, too. I want to go back!</p>
<p>Me too! Although next time, I want to drive up to the Gaspe Peninsula. We ran out of time last time. Just east of QC is one of the best whale watching areas of the world.</p>
<p>I second going to MOntmorency Falls and Ile D’orleans. We really liked both Montreal and Quebec city. Unfortunately, they had an unprecedented heat wave when we were there which made it harder to enjoy walking around.</p>
<p>Add me to the list of people who love Quebec City. I’ve only been there in the winter, just after Carnival, and it was wonderful. I’ve heard that the Gaspe Peninsula is fabulous. I would like to do both.</p>
<p>I’ve been to Montreal a couple of times, once as a student, once on business. Also a great place, although not quite as entrancing as Quebec for a quick visit.</p>
<p>In Quebec, the Chateau Frontenac is a fairly remarkable place to stay, in terms of location and history and beauty. I haven’t stayed there, but I’ve walked through it a few times. If you are more budget minded, we stayed in a B&B that was just a little way up from it, with a similarly great view of the river ice in winter.</p>
<p>If you are going for foliage season, remember that it comes earlier the farther north you get, rates may well be higher, and things become fully booked WAY in advance.</p>
<p>We rented an apartment in the old city for a week last summer. Wonderful food, lots of good biking (with some serious hills). We brought back flats of berries from Ile D’orleans; they were the most delicious I’ve ever eaten. :)</p>
<p>Where do you live? We have driven through Canada, including Montreal and Quebec City from Wisconsin. Also- that part of Canada is not that far north relative to many US areas. We have driven to Ottawa (long and boring from WI) and Toronto was on the way to Quebec. Don’t remember which trip included Niagara Falls. years ago by now. Road trip!</p>
<p>I’m in Ca. It would be a long drive. I have never been to Niagara falls.
I’m keeping notes.</p>
<p>Ah- too long to drive. West of the Mississippi distances are LONG even to drive places there. Since you are unlikely to do more than one eastern Canadian trip flying into one city and driving to others is a good idea. Two weeks would be great for seeing Toronto, Montreal, Quebec and Niagara Falls (both sides- staying in Buffalo, NY can be cheapest- but your rental has to be valid for both countries- we had no problem with WA state and BC). Seeing the forts on the St Lawrence and hearing about the wars from the British/Canadian viewpoint is interesting. For us, living in a Great Lakes port city it was nice to see the locks dividing Canada from Michigan and the eastern portion of the waterway. Toronto had bilingual signs, as did Ottawa, but everyone spoke English. The French speakers in Quebec didn’t always know English, despite the Canadian laws about learning both languages. The latest separatist movement efforts failed again recently.</p>
<p>We moved to Florida two years ago and there are many Canadians- full time and snowbirds here. A local paper has a weekly section (1/4 page or less) devoted to Canadian news including exchange rates. They’ve been favorable to Americans the past several months at least (they weren’t 2 years ago). </p>
<p>Be sure to figure out how your cell phone company handles Canadian calls- do you get extra charges or not. Also find out about currency exchange fees on your credit card and let them know where you will be so they let charges be made. It is sometime easy to forget Canada is a foreign country until these little things pop up. They have rules about rain and headlights on, etc. Oh- and there’s some paperwork needed to prove car insurance for Canada specifically, even if you drove your own car.</p>
<p>Definitely enjoy your trip!</p>
<p>Wis75- I wish I had 2 weeks. If I am lucky I will get H to commit for a week. I am thinking Montreal and Quebec and what we can see on day trips.
Any recommendations for places to stay? </p>
<p>When we go to Montreal often and stay at this B&B. It is lovely and not budget busting. </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.montrealbedandbreakfast.ca/a/index.htm”>http://www.montrealbedandbreakfast.ca/a/index.htm</a></p>
<p>We have also stayed at Loews Vogue. Beautiful boutique hotel. Pricier than B&B, of course. </p>
<p><a href=“Luxury Hotel Locations | Loews Hotels & Co”>Luxury Hotel Locations | Loews Hotels & Co;
<p>In QC - <a href=“Fairmont Le Château Frontenac - Luxury Hotel in Québec City (Canada)”>http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/</a></p>
<p>We stayed at Auberge St. Antoine in Quebec City. It was wonderful. Every single thing about it.</p>
<p>On the I’le de Orleans, we stayed at Le Giron de L’lsle and the breakfast was fantastic.</p>
<p>What a wonderful trip idea! We live in CA as well, but our daughter is attending university in Montreal so we have spent quite a bit of time there over the last few years. When in Montreal we stay at Le Cantlie Suites, which is in the Golden Mile area of Montreal rather than the Old Port area. Close to museums and the high end shopping if that is your preference. Not fancy but large rooms with a kitchenette and smack in the middle of the luxury hotels like the Sofitel and Ritz Carlton. We have also stayed at the Omni which us in the same area and wonderful!</p>
<p>Our favorite B&B in Quebec City is the James Thompson House. Historic, wonderful host, great location and reasonable to boot!</p>