First-time fam to Canada: Quebec

Quebec City

• Hopped aboard a Via Rail train to Quebec City, enjoying the private business-class lounge, onboard breakfast and views of the autumn colours along the way.
• Strolled among the French‑inspired architecture and historic alleys on a walking tour around Old Quebec, and rode the city’s funicular up to the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac for views over the St Lawrence River.
• Got an adrenaline rush at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, ziplining over Montmorency Falls at 83 metres above ground, before descending gently by cable car to admire the falls from below.
• Visited the Indigenous site of Wendake, which features a replica longhouse, to learn about the culture, cuisine and history of the Wendat people who call the region home.

 

 

• Became further immersed in First Nations culture at Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, home to the Huron-Wendat Museum and rooms inspired by Indigenous heritage.
• Had a taste of authentic Wendat gastronomy at Sagamité restaurant, dining on venison, elk and bison and other native ingredients.
• Deep in the forest after dark, agents experienced Onhwa’ Lumina, a 1.2km enchanting light trail of immersive projections and Indigenous music, which help visitors learn about the Wendat clans, legends and beliefs.
• Drove around Parc Omega, a safari park in the Outaouais region, where bison, boar and elk roam free. Agents had the chance to feed free-roaming deer and spend time with wolves and bears against the backdrop of Canada’s fiery autumn foliage.

 

Agents’ views: before and after

Leilani Bell, Triangle Travel

 

PRE-TRIP: “I thought Canada would be similar to the US, especially the cities and the food – I expected there to be lots of fried foods. And I thought Canada would be really cold!”

 

POST-TRIP: “I was shocked how European the cities felt, particularly Quebec where everyone speaks French. I also expected blistering cold but we had endless sunshine! My favourite experience was Wendake, learning about the Indigenous community, and Parc Omega was amazing – I’ve always wanted to see bears. Montreal gave me mini-New York City vibes: lots of shops and beautiful streets, and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth was one of my favourite hotels.”

 

Louise Oliver, Saga 

 

PRE-TRIP: “I expected Canada to be lovely and safe, based on client feedback. I also didn’t know much about its cities, as the Rockies are so heavily advertised compared with eastern Canada.”

 

POST-TRIP: “I loved the food – we tried deer, bison and elk, which you wouldn’t get anywhere else. Quebec City was beautiful, perfect for someone who’s been to Europe but wants that familiarity, and Montmorency Falls and Wendake are still easily accessible from the city. Parc Omega was my highlight, seeing all the animals, like deer and wolves, up close, and a little blonde bear who we all loved! It was great to see classic Canadian wildlife.”

 

 

Nicola Burgess, Newell’s Travel

 

PRE-TRIP: “Canada brings to mind outdoor living, like hiking in the woods, camping and winter sports, but I wasn’t sure what differentiated the cities from each other. Canada is so big so it can be hard to sell cities without knowing more about them.”

 

POST-TRIP: “Wendake was fascinating, learning about Canada’s history. In Montreal, I walked up to Mount Royal and the views were amazing; a fun fact I learnt was that buildings in the city aren’t allowed to be built higher than this. Quebec City was picturesque and quaint, but I’d recommend not just sticking to the cities. You can easily go and visit places like Wendake that offer an even more wholesome experience.”

 

 

 

Alice Howe, Premier Travel

 

PRE-TRIP: “I thought Canada would be cold, but I knew to expect colourful trees and beautiful scenery. The west coast is more popular so I wasn’t sure what the cities would be like; I expected them to be full of skyscrapers.”

 

POST-TRIP: “I studied a bit of French at school, so I loved the French culture and language in Quebec City. It was probably my favourite place, mainly for the architecture, although I didn’t expect it to be so hilly! The light show in Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica was great – you wouldn’t have even known it was happening but it was amazing inside; and in the Underground City, I didn’t expect there to be so many bars and cafes alongside the metro.”

 

Watch videos of the agents’ adventures by following @travelweeklyuk on Instagram and checking out the Canada highlights.

Plus, see Travel Weekly’s November 13th issue to read about the first-timers’ fam trip to Ottawa.

 

Become a Canada expert: canadaspecialist.co.uk