Mountain Retreats & Thermal Spas: A Winter Getaway to Quebec

Now that you are relaxed to the max, it's time to get out and soak in the charms of the city. For a creative, contemporary view of Montreal, admire the various murals dedicated to Leonard Cohen, who lived in the Portuguese quarter, or stroll through the alleys of Old Montreal, popping into the many trendy cafes and art galleries along the way. Enjoy a warming hot chocolate after a ‘shop-til-you-drop’ outing in the Underground City and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Montreal. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the adorable marmots that roam the city – don’t worry, they don’t bite!

It’s time to hit the road and get some miles under your belt on your journey from Montreal to Quebec. After breakfast this morning, collect your rental car and drive an hour and a half to Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, a beautiful town nestled in the Laurentian mountains. Your home for the next three nights is a refined hotel nestled on the shores of Lac des Sables. Everything here is geared towards relaxing and unwinding, so after settling in and freshening up, spend the rest of today enjoying the excellent facilities at the hotel.

The next two days are yours to spend further soaking in the scenic delights of your mountainous environment and the indulgent offerings of your hotel. At some point during your time here you’ll have the opportunity to discover your inner musher (dog-sled driver) with an adventurous outing in the hills with sled dogs. You’ll learn about the training, diet and raw physical strength of the dogs, before letting them weave you between the snow-covered alpine trees of the Laurentian mountains. If you’re feeling more adventurous, we can also arrange for you to head out for a helicopter ride over the dramatic mountain range before tucking into a gourmet dinner.

Today you’ll be hitting the road again to your final destination: the delightfully French city of Quebec, an hour’s drive away. The journey is seriously scenic, so we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re on the road for longer than expected after a few pitstops. On arrival, settle in for two nights in a charming hotel nestled in the heart of the picturesque downtown and spend the rest of today enjoying the French influences of your neighbourhood – we’re talking sweet-smelling boulangeries housed in classic French buildings and elegant cafes offering a cosy respite from the chilly weather.

The provincial capital of Quebec City dazzles visitors with its delightful mix of old and new. After a hearty breakfast this morning, wrap up warm and head out for a stroll inside and outside the city walls of the historic centre, before climbing the rampart walkway. Under a blanket of white snow, the Old Port and the Petit Champlain district are particularly enchanting. You could also sample the tasty sweets at the Jean-Alfred Moisan house; visit the citadel and royal museum; stroll through the fabulous Château de Frontenac; explore the contemporary Saint-Roch district and its dynamic, creative galleries; learn about local history at the Plains of Abraham, in the heart of the Battlefields Parkor; or even head out to Montmorency Falls, a 270ft high natural wonder. After a day of walking and exploring, it’s time to end your winter getaway the same way you started it: relaxing and unwinding in a thermal spa nestled in the heart of Old Quebec. Here you’ll combine lazing in the thermal waters with a one-hour Swedish massage to completely soothe the mind and body.