Montreal is the world's second-largest French-speaking city. Begin with a visit to
Saint Joseph's Oratory (suggested donation: CAD $6 per person), the world's second-largest domed church, located on Mount Royal. Next, see the Notre-Dame Basilica (exterior view; optional interior visit donation:
CAD $16 per person). This Gothic Revival church is the sister of Paris's Notre-Dame. Note: Entrance may be restricted during Sunday Mass or special events.
Proceed to the site of the 1976 Summer Olympics -
Olympic Park Village (exterior view) for photos. Then visit the newly renovated
Montreal Biodome (optional, at your own expense), which showcases five natural ecosystems: the tropical rainforest, polar region, Canadian deciduous forest, Saint Lawrence River, and Labrador Coast. It provides a comprehensive display of North American ecology and natural environments.
Next, travel to Quebec City. En route, enjoy a traditional
French-style maple sugar farm lunch (optional, includes farm entry fee). Experience the maple syrup collection and production process in a lively rural atmosphere accompanied by folk music.
(Note: The farm is private property; if you do not join the lunch, a CAD $12 per person entry fee applies.)
Winter Snow Activities:
Optional visit to the Ice Hotel, North America's only ice sculpture hotel (seasonal, approx. January to early March). Over 12,000 tons of ice are used each year to create a brand-new design in a sparkling winter setting. Early openings may occur in late December.
If the Ice Hotel is closed: Visit the Marie Tower Observation Deck (31st floor, optional, subject to government approval) to enjoy panoramic views of Quebec City, the Saint Lawrence River, and the Old Town.
Finally, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quebec. Built on a cliff, the city preserves North America's oldest intact city walls and features historic churches, convents, Citadel Park, French-style squares, the Quebec Parliament Building, and various historic sites including Château Frontenac. The city's architecture exudes distinctive French charm, exemplifying a fortified city. The Saint Lawrence River, known as the "River of Empires," adds to the city's allure, and the historic castle-style hotels invite you to linger. Optionally, enjoy a romantic French dinner (at your own expense) before checking into your hotel for the night.
