Christmas is the perfect time to escape into a winter wonderland, and in 2023, we decided to make the scenic journey from Hamilton to Quebec City. With snow-dusted streets, twinkling lights, and breathtaking landscapes, it was a holiday adventure we’ll never forget. In this post, we’ll take you through our 4-day road trip, sharing highlights from the charming streets of Quebec City to the peaceful trails of Jacques-Cartier National Park.
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas getaway filled with festive charm and outdoor exploration, this guide has everything you need for a magical holiday trip!
Why Visit Quebec City for Christmas?
Quebec City transforms into a storybook setting during the holiday season. With its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and Christmas markets, the city is the epitome of festive charm. It’s the perfect destination for couples, families, and anyone looking for a mix of adventure and cozy holiday vibes.
How to Get There
Day 1: Drive from Hamilton to Cornwall (or Montreal)
- Departure: We left Hamilton on December 23rd in the evening, excited to start our adventure.
- Option 1: Cornwall Stop: We chose Cornwall as our overnight stop, approximately 5 hours (450 km) from Hamilton.
- Option 2: Montreal Stop: If you have time, consider staying in Montreal instead. At just 6 hours (600 km) from Hamilton, it’s a livelier option with plenty to explore. If possible, spend 1–2 days enjoying Montreal’s winter activities, such as ice skating at Parc La Fontaine or visiting Old Montreal’s Christmas Market. We skipped Montreal this time as we’ve visited many times before.
Day 2: Cornwall to Quebec City
- Departure: After a quick breakfast, we hit the road early on December 24th.
- Distance: Around 4.5 hours (410 km) from Cornwall or 3 hours (260 km) from Montreal.
The drive was smooth and scenic, and we arrived in Quebec City just before noon, ready to explore!
Where to Stay
We stayed in a cozy Airbnb in the suburbs of Quebec City. Staying outside the city center was no problem for us since we had our car, and we love the flexibility that Airbnbs provide, like cooking our meals or having extra space to relax. If you prefer being closer to the action, there are plenty of boutique hotels in Old Quebec that offer a more immersive experience.
Things to Do in Quebec City
December 24: Explore the Old City
Using the above walking map from Lonely Planet, we explored the best of Quebec City’s Old Town. Here’s the route we followed and the highlights:
- Terrasse Dufferin: We started at this scenic boardwalk near Château Frontenac, offering sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Château Frontenac: A must-see! We stopped inside to warm up with hot chocolate from the Starbucks located in the hotel and enjoyed the luxurious holiday ambiance.
- Tobogganing: For a fun winter activity, don’t miss the iconic toboggan slide near Château Frontenac. It’s great for families with kids (and kids at heart!).
- Plains of Abraham and the Museum: From there, we strolled to the Plains of Abraham, an expansive park with stunning snowy views, and visited the museum to learn about the city’s rich history.
- Petit Champlain (Quartier Petit-Champlain): One of the oldest shopping streets in North America, Petit Champlain is a magical spot during Christmas. Its quaint shops, festive lights, and cozy vibe make it a highlight of any Quebec City trip.
- Place-Royale and Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires: This historic square is like stepping back in time, and the church is a peaceful spot to reflect during the holidays.
- Fresque des Québécois: This massive mural tells the story of Quebec City through colorful depictions of key moments in history.
Our walk was leisurely and allowed us to fully soak in the charm of Old Quebec while hitting all the key landmarks.
December 25: Jacques-Cartier National Park and Christmas Dinner
Morning Adventure: With most city attractions closed, we ventured out to Jacques-Cartier National Park, a peaceful retreat just 30 minutes away. Hiking the snowy trails was breathtaking, but crampons are essential. The trails are not maintained in winter and can become dangerously slippery near steep drops.
- Trail Details: Easy to moderate trails, with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos.
- Tip: Dress warmly and bring waterproof boots for the snow!
Afternoon Stop: On our way back, we visited Montmorency Falls. The frozen waterfall was breathtaking and made for an unforgettable holiday sight.
- Tip: Parking at Montmorency Falls can be pricey, but you can save by finding free street parking in Boischatel. Look for streets that allow parking and use the upper-level entrance.
Evening Christmas Lights: Before dinner, we visited the Joan of Arc Garden, lit up with dazzling Christmas lights. Outdoor fireplaces throughout the garden provided a cozy place to sit and warm up.
Dinner at Cochon Dingue: This cozy restaurant near the garden offered delicious French-Canadian cuisine and a perfect holiday vibe.
December 26: Île d’Orléans
Island Drive: Île d’Orléans, just 20 minutes from Quebec City, offers a picturesque escape. We spent the day driving the island’s 67-km loop, stopping at charming shops and viewpoints.
- Chocolate Treats: Our favorite stop was the Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans, where we picked up handmade chocolates to enjoy on our drive home.
With one last look at the snowy island, we began the long journey back to Hamilton.
Practical Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Late December for the full Christmas vibe.
- What to Pack: Warm layers, snow boots, crampons, gloves, and a good winter coat.
- Driving Tips: Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly in winter.
- Parking Tip: Look for free street parking near Montmorency Falls (Boischatel area) to save on costs.
Closing Thoughts
Our Christmas road trip to Quebec City was the perfect mix of festive charm, outdoor adventure, and cozy moments. Whether you’re exploring the magical streets of Old Quebec or hiking snowy trails, this trip is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Looking for ideas on some other weekend getaways in Canada? Checkout our Canada focused posts here.
