Mother-Daughter Weekend Trip to Québec City

After getting in late the night before or early morning, check in to your hotel and enjoy a late breakfast/brunch. Spend your first morning wandering around Old Québec. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time, buildings from the 1800’s lining the cobblestone streets, it will give you the European feel without flying over the Atlantic. Make sure to head to Quartier Petit Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America located right at the bottom of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

After a bit of exploring, walk up the stairs or take the funicular up to the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.The funicular costs $5 cash (USD or CAD) each way up and down. You’ll get a cool view of the city as you go up and down. Take some photos of the castle hotel and of the amazing views of the St. Lawrence River.

Head inside Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a castle turned hotel from the 1800's, and walk through their lobby towards the 1608 bar, heading right down the stairs to Place Dufferin. Afternoon tea is served from Tuesday to Saturday starting at 2:00 p.m. Make a reservation ahead of time! Afternoon tea service is delightful. You and everyone in your party will get their own pot of tea along with five courses including scones, sandwiches and sweets. Such a wonderful experience!

Dinner at Le Lapin Sauté, the most charming restaurant known for their rabbit dishes. Sit outside on their outdoor terrace if the weather permits or inside their intimate cozy space. Try their french onion soup and their Québec discoveries shareable plate to try duck breast, salmon gravlax, rabbit “rillettes”country pâté, Quebec cheese, roasted garlic and marina.

Spend the day visiting the Île d'Orléans, a small island right outside of Québec City. Summer is the perfect time to visit since the temperature is around the mid-70’s. Agriculture is the main economic activity on the island so there is much to see, drink and taste. If you have access to a car, spend the day driving around the island. Stop at Vignoble Ste-Pétronille for a wine tasting and a great view of Montmorency Falls from one of their terraces. Grab some chocolate at Chocolaterie de l'Île d'Orléans and walk along the Rue Horatio-Walker for a view of the city. Explore the gardens and lavender fields at La Seigneurie de l'île d'Orléans. Make sure to also stop at Les Fromages de l'isle d'Orléans, where the very first cheese was made in America. If you don’t have access to a car, you can take a bus tour of the whole island which lasts about 3 ½ hours where you’ll stop to try nougats, cider, wine, cheese and chocolate, all made on the island.

For dinner, head to Restaurant Le Continental, the oldest fine-dining restaurant in Québec City. After dinner, enjoy a cocktail at the 1608 Bar located inside the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Their cocktails are unique, delicious and there is an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River. If you like whiskey, I recommend the OPÉRATION NEPTUNE.

Start your day with a free walking tour of Old Québec. This free walking tour starts at the Fountain of Tourny in front of the parliament building and lasts about two hours. After spending some time earlier in the weekend wandering around, it will be interesting to hear about the history of Old Québec — why it is one of the oldest walled cities and why French is still the main language spoken in the province.

After you’ve tired yourself from walking on the tour, head to the Strom Spa. If the weather permits, you can walk alongside the St. Lawrence River to the spa or take a car for five minutes.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the Strom Spa. Have lunch at the Nord Restaurant, a glass of wine and some of their fresh seasonal dishes. There are many saunas and pools (including a lazy river and an infinity pool overlooking the St. Lawrence River) where you can relax and rest your legs. Book a massage or facial treatment too! Best way to end your mother daughter trip to Québec City. Pro tip: if you are able to visit on a weekday or in the evening, you’ll get 50% off of the thermal experience and various packages including massages and other treatments.