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Eastern Canada Winter Adventure

Celebrate Winter in Eastern Canada

Each year from November to March, eastern Canadians embrace winter with festivities and outdoor adventure. Join in the fun, as you explore three historic cities blanketed in snow and ice.

  • Starting From

    $2,330 USD

    per person
  • Trip length

    8 days

    7 nights
  • Hot Spots
    Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa
LET’S PERSONALIZE THIS TRIP
Quebec City’s Ice hotel

Unique Winter Experiences

Spend a day at Québec City’s Ice hotel - an architectural wonder made entirely of ice and snow. Or join locals on their way to work, as they skate along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa.

Winter Carnivals

If you time it right, you can partake in festivities of two winter events – Carnaval de Québec or Winterlude in Ottawa. See night parades, snow sculptures, sample traditional Canadian cuisine and much more.

Food, History, and Culture

In Québec, Montréal and Ottawa, join a local guide to learn more about Canada’s history, culture and culinary scene.

YOUR TRIP DAY-BY-DAY

Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.

View Map List days
Day 1 View Map

Your Canadian Winter Adventure Begins in Québec!

Overview Activities Accommodations

Québec City is one of the oldest cities in Canada – once fought over by the French and the English in the early days of Canadian history. Admire the mountains on the horizon, peruse lovely local shops and galleries and discover Québec City’s charms.

○ activities

Private Transfer from Airport

(1 of 2 activities)

A private vehicle and driver will meet you at the Québec City Airport and take you in comfort to your downtown hotel.

Dinner in Québec City

(2 of 2 activities)

This evening, dine in the historic Maison Jacquet built in 1675. Feel the history of the historic home, as you dine on traditional Québécois cuisine!

Overnight in Québec City

Overnight in a Deluxe level hotel, such as the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. In Deluxe hotels, you'll be staying in some of Canada's most iconic hotels and resorts. Enjoy outstanding locations, attentive service, and world-class amenities.

Day 2 View Map

Explore Québec City

Overview Options

Spend the day discovering the beauty of Québec City in winter, with all its French-Canadian culture. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the fortified city, visit historic sites and discover the many warm and cozy local shops and galleries.

○ options

Private Sightseeing Tour of Old Québec by Vehicle

(1 of 3 options)

Relax in the comfort and convenience of a vehicle with your local private tour guide. Witness history firsthand and hit all the top spots including the Château Frontenac, the Latin Quarter, Ramparts, and the Plains of Abraham.

Private Historic Walk with Pub Stop

(2 of 3 options)

Explore picturesque Québec City with your knowledgeable guide. This private historic walk and pub stop, features an introduction into the history, economy and culture of Québec City, ending with some local beer tasting.

Private Walking Tour of Old Québec

(3 of 3 options)

Explore the cobblestone streets of fortified Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will take you through 400 years of history and give suggestions on what to do next in Québec City.

Day 3 View Map

Discover Québec City and the Hôtel de Glace / Ice Hotel

Overview Options

Québec City is truly a winter wonderland. With Christmas markets decorated with enchanting snow-covered lights in the holiday season, to the world’s biggest winter carnival, Québec City is a world class destination throughout the entire winter season.

○ options

Ice Hotel Visit with Cocktail at the Ice Bar

(1 of 3 options)

Travel by bus from downtown Québec City to the amazing Ice Hotel. Explore the famous Hôtel de Glace and take in the beautiful carvings. Taste some local maple taffy at the Maple Shack and then head to the Ice Bar for your handmade cocktail served in a glass made out of ice!

Québec City Private Walking Tour with Christmas Market

(2 of 3 options)

This private walking tour covers the sights and history of the Old Town. Enjoy free time to explore the German Christmas Market, have some homemade mulled wine or a famous German pretzel. Afterwards, navigate the city and learn why Québec is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Québec Dog Sledding Adventure (Extra Cost)

(3 of 3 options)

On this true winter experience learn how to handle a dog sled and mush on your own. Spend time meeting the dog pack before discovering the winter paradise trails of the Jacques-Cartier Valley. Stay warm and cozy with round-trip transportation right from your hotel.

Day 4 View Map

VIA Rail – Québec City to Montréal

Overview Activities Accommodations

Enjoy the morning at leisure exploring more of the beautiful landmarks and sights the city has to offer or relax at one of the cozy cafés in Old Québec. Later today, you make your way across beautiful landscapes on the Corridor train.

○ activities

Private Transfer to Train Station

(1 of 3 activities)

A driver will pick yo up and take you to the Gare du Palais train station.

VIA Rail Corridor Train - Business Class

(2 of 3 activities)

Travel by rail from historic Québec City to vibrant Montréal, and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Private Transfer from Train Station

(3 of 3 activities)

A private driver will pick you up at the train station and take you to your Montréal hotel.

Overnight in Montréal

Overnight in a Deluxe level hotel, such as the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. In Deluxe hotels, you'll be staying in some of Canada's most iconic hotels and resorts. Enjoy outstanding locations, attentive service, and world-class amenities.

Day 5 View Map

Explore Montréal

Overview Options

In Montréal, the winter chill adds to the atmosphere as frost blurs bistro windows and snowflakes sparkle against glittering skyscrapers. This fairytale French Canadian hub comes to life like an idyllic Christmas village each winter.

○ options

Private Sightseeing Tour of Montréal

(1 of 3 options)

Discover Montréal on a private tour tailored to your interests. By vehicle, choose to visit historic Vieux-Montréal, beautiful Mont Royal, the bohemian Plateau neighbourhood, the city centre, and more.

Private Food Tour in Old Montréal

(2 of 3 options)

Discover the cultural and culinary charms of historic Old Montréal, guided by a passionate local foodie. Sample Montréal staples such as smoked meat, pâtés, and much more.

Private Walking Tour of Old Montréal

(3 of 3 options)

Explore the winding cobblestone streets of Old Montréal on a privately guided walking tour. Travel back in time to Fort Ville-Marie in 1642, to today’s modern city and find out more about all the eras that shaped Montréal.

Day 6 View Map

VIA Rail – Montréal to Ottawa

Overview Activities Accommodations

Spend you morning at leisure before you make your way to our nation's capital Ottawa! Home to seven national museums that recount the tales of Canada’s colourful past, a thriving restaurant scene, and plenty of stunning historic buildings to explore. Spend the afternoon at your leisure.

○ activities

Private Transfer to Train Station

(1 of 3 activities)

A private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the train station.

VIA Rail Corridor Train - Business Class

(2 of 3 activities)

Travel by train from the bilingual city of Montréal to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa. Sit back and relax and take in the scenery as you travel past the mighty St. Lawrence River and through open farmland.

Private Transfer from Train Station

(3 of 3 activities)

You will be met by your own private driver and vehicle to make your way in comfort from the Ottawa train station to your downtown hotel.

Overnight in Ottawa

Overnight in a Deluxe level hotel, such as the Fairmont Château Laurier. In Deluxe hotels, you'll be staying in some of Canada's most iconic hotels and resorts. Enjoy outstanding locations, attentive service, and world-class amenities.

Day 7 View Map

Explore Ottawa

Overview Options

Ottawa has so much to explore including impressive museums – the National Gallery of Canada is home to a permanent Canadian collection and often features exhibitions by Canadian artists.

○ options

Private Sightseeing Tour of Ottawa

(1 of 3 options)

With a local Ottawan as your guide, enjoy an immersive tour full of anecdotes only a local would know! This tour visits the top sights around Ottawa, and is fully customizable to your interests - from photography to food, your guide will show you the best in Ottawa.

Food Tour of the Byward Market

(2 of 3 options)

There’s nothing quite like exploring a city on a culinary adventure! Explore little known spots in the city’s most historic district and meet the chefs, producers and food artisans while experiencing the Market the way the locals do. Of course, you get to sample tasty offerings along the way so bring an appetite.

Private Walking Tour of Ottawa

(3 of 3 options)

Stretch your legs on this privately guided walking tour where you visit the historical highlights of Ottawa located in the downtown core. Hot spots include; Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, Sparks Street, the Fairmont Château Laurier and the ByWard Market.

Day 8 View Map

Depart Ottawa

Overview Activities

Sadly, your vacation is at an end but not without fond memories made to savour for a lifetime. A private driver will take you from your hotel directly to the airport.

○ activities

Private Transfer to Airport

(1 of 1 activities)

A private vehicle and driver will meet you at your Ottawa hotel today and take you in comfort to the Ottawa Airport.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options.
Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.

WORKING TOGETHER
Let's personalize this trip idea with your own flair so that it's unique to you.
INSIDER EXPERTISE
We're always here to open up possibilities and clear up uncertainties.
HELP ON HAND
We're with you every step to help you plan and enjoy your trip, and get you home safely.

HERE'S WHAT YOU GET

To make sure that your holiday is full of only good surprises, here's a comprehensive list of what is (and isn't) included in your package.

Accommodations:

  • 7 hotel nights

Québec Activity Options:

Day 1 – Choose 1 of 3:

  1. Private Sightseeing Tour of Old Québec by Vehicle
  2. Private Historic Walk with Pub stop
  3. Private Old Québec City Walking Tour

Day 2 – Choose 1 of 2:

  1. Ice Hotel Visit with Cocktail and return shuttle
  2. Quebec City Private Walking Tour with Christmas Market (Seasonal)
  3. Québec Dog Sledding Adventure with Return Shuttle

Montréal Activity Options:

Choose 1 of 3:

  1. Privately Guided Sightseeing Tour of Montréal by Vehicle
  2. Old Montréal Private Walking Food Tour
  3. Privately Guided Old Montréal Walking Tour

Ottawa Activity Options:

Choose 1 of 3:

  1. Privately Guided Tour of Ottawa by Vehicle
  2. Food Tour of the Byward Market
  3. Privately Guided Historical Highlights Walking Tour

Meal Inclusions:

  • Feature Dinner in Québec City
  • Meal service and complimentary beverages for business class guests on VIA Rail’s Corridor Train

Transfer Inclusions:

  • Personalized pick up from your arrival airport, and drop off at your departure airport
  • All train station private transfers

Other Inclusions:

  • Gratuities on private tours and transfers (unless otherwise mentioned)
  • Digital Travel Documents
  • Fresh Tracks Canada customer service – from the time you book, you are assigned your own personal Vacation Coordinator with whom you can reach out to with any questions or requests

Important Schedule and Trip Notes:

  • Any trip falling over Dec 15, 2019–Jan 1, 2020 may have limited tour options as some activities may not run every day over the Christmas period.
  • Choose to substitute your tour in Québec for the German Christmas Market tour for trips leaving in Nov 14–Dec 14, 2019 *ask your Vacation Advisor for more details if interested.
  • Ice Hotel Visits only available on Jan 1– March 20, 2020 departures.
  • Skating on the Rideau Canal is likely to be available from roughly January to late February or early March based on historical opening trends.
  • Québec City Carnival runs from February 7–16, 2020 (weekends in Québec City are the best.)
  • Winterlude event in Ottawa runs every weekend between Jan 31 - February 17, 2020 (weekends Jan 31-Feb 2, Feb 7-9, Feb 14-16.)
  • The Québec Dog Sledding Adventure (optional upgrade) has a max sled weight of 350lbs with 2 people per sled.
  • Meals, other than those mentioned
  • Airfare (but do not hesitate to ask for help)
  • Gratuities for rail, hotel, and scheduled tour & transfer staff
  • Trip Cancellation or Travel Medical Insurance (highly recommended - please ask for your personalized quote)
  • Canadian Sales Taxes
  • There are currently no seasonal restrictions

PRICES & DATES

This trip is available for departures between December and March.

Starting From

$2,330 USD
per person

based on double occupancy, December 2019 departure and our base class.

We offer a range of packages across all four seasons. Please speak with one of our travel advisors about personalizing your trip and getting a comprehensive quote.

Get a personalized quote
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