New Years in Quebec City

New Years in Quebec City
New Years in Quebec City

Since having children our we’ve made the conscious choice to have more subdued (and frankly, uneventful) New Year’s Eve celebrations than we have in the past years. We’ve been content staying close to home and celebrating with family and friends in the comfort of our own home.

Until this year, when I had the brilliant idea to surprise my husband and celebrate New Years in Quebec City! For someone who despises the cold, this getaway was bittersweet for me-braving the cold for hours on end for days (and nights) yet doing so in such a breathtaking city and with my own personal agenda (a foodie-inspired getaway) as my driving force!

Getting ready to brave the cold – minus 17 degrees to be exact.

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Stopping for a photos at the majestic Chateau Frontenac.

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Quartier Petit Champlain; a quaint, picture-perfect neighbourhood comprised of narrow streets lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques and bistros.

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Le Cochon dingue; a casual, bistro-style chain restaurant in Petit Champlain (where my husband had his first ever poutine!).

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We almost gave up on our search for Cafe du monde restaurant after having roamed around aimlessly to find it (with the windshield temperature of minus 28!). It’s a good thing the delicious food was worth the frozen toes!

Appetizer: Escargots sauteed with peppers, spinach, and osso bucco.

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Authentic cheese and meat plate with (over-sized) capers and ‘shrimp in a jar.’

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Main: Baked salmon with a citrus dill sauce and rice.

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Strolling through the quaint streets of Petit Champlain and stopping to admire one of the gorgeous murals.

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Pouring some fresh maple syrup on ice…

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and making ‘tire d’érable’ lollipops!

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Pre-drinks and poses at our BnB before heading out for dinner at Café Sirocco!

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Our last day, strolling through the downtown area before heading to Chateau Frontenac for a much-deserved massage!

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Taking in the breathtaking view of winter in all it’s glory before walking through the Plains d’Abraham.

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58 thoughts on “New Years in Quebec City”

  • debbie jean mcmullen 9 years ago

    That looks like it was a lot of fun! We’re living in Quebec actually and there’s always tons going on here in the winter, but kudos for braving it this year – its been pretty cold!

  • Oh my goodness you look amazing!

  • Carly Anderson 9 years ago

    What an amazing trip!!!! Our daughter just turned one….and a new year’s eve like this looks like HEAVEN!

    • I hear you, I felt the same way for a couple of years too! You’ll get there! And my suggestion is when you are able to get away, DO it and enjoy yourself! 😉

  • oh! I want to visit Quebec someday! looks so beautiful and you have captured some lovely photographs here 🙂

  • This looks like a magical place! I’ve never been to Quebec…but it sounds so great! It’s now on my list of places to visit!

  • The place is so wonderful – I would love to visit Quebec one of these days myself as well.

  • Chrysa Duran 9 years ago

    Oh, it looks so beautiful there! I have always wanted to visit Quebec City. The closest I have gotten is Montreal.

  • Nicole E. 9 years ago

    It looks like you had an amazing time! I also went out this NYE for the first time in years, although nowhere as awesome as where you went! That mural is so cool!

  • As a resident of Quebec, I’m perplexed by the use of “tire d’erable” in english and calling it a lollipop.

    We call it maple taffy, plain and simple!

    • That’s what we were told, lol! I’m not too familiar with ‘tire d’erable’ but I know it has the same consistency and colour (or is it lighter?) than maple syrup so I took they’re word for it! Maybe they thought their term would sound more enticing to us tourists. As for the lollipop..kind of looks like one, don’t you think?! 😉

  • Rashell Abril 9 years ago

    Oh my! I love the place and I wanted to try those ‘tire d’érable’ lollipops. What’s the taste? Great photos by the way!

  • Jennifer Juro 9 years ago

    The food looks amazing! That is my favorite part of traveling all the new food!!! Looks like a great place to visit!

  • I want to visit this place now! The food you guys had looks truly amazing!!

  • Jennifer 9 years ago

    How gorgeous! It looks more like Europe than Canada. Although, I’ve never actually been to Canada.

    • It definitely looks like the downtown area of a European city. I’ve been to Montreal too and people say it’s so European but I beg to differ! I think Quebec had that European flair 😉

  • That mural is GORGEOUS! I love a city with great street art! Quebec City looks so wonderful <3

  • Wed on’t have kids, but it’s def been less and less eventful every year.. i think we just get too lazy to make a big deal about it every year.

  • April Mims 9 years ago

    That looks like an amazing trip! I’d probably pick a warmer weather location though 🙂 I especially love the mural.

  • This looks absolutely freezing, but beautiful. Plus you are looking hot mama! 🙂

  • Rebecca Swenor 9 years ago

    It looks and sounds like you both had an amazing time. Your pictures are awesome. The food that you almost frozen for looking for the restaurant, looks so worth the frozen toes. Thanks for sharing.

  • Looks like you had a great NYE! My husband and I spent the night in this year. We usually rotate between going out or staying in for NYE. That meat and cheese platter looks amazing!

  • What great pictures of some fun times. They’re absolutely beautiful and so is your green dress. Love that building with the painted on picture. Thanks so much for sharing. I wish my husband liked sightseeing. This is some really quality times for you. You make beautiful memories.

  • Robin Rue 9 years ago

    It sounds like a great getaway. I have never been to that part of Canada before and would love to visit. In the warm weather, though.

  • Wow, those are great photos! You could use the second last one as your holiday car for next year! I have been to Quebec City only once, but I loved it! What B&B did you stay at?

  • Monica 9 years ago

    This looks like a dream getaway Lisa! I love your photo story and can we talk about how hot you are?!! In that dress and bundled up coat!

  • leigh 9 years ago

    Top of our list for places to go!! Start skiing Lisa!

    • Won’t do it, lol! Actually, I have skied in the Alps…but that’s when I was younger and without any physical issues (like a herniated disc, weak joints, etc!)!

  • Terri Lynn Grothe 9 years ago

    great celebrations!
    The food looks magnificent, your dress is gorgeous. I love Quebec

  • What a romantic NYE celebration, Lisa! How did hubby like his first poutine? 🙂 Btw you look gorgeous in that dress!

    • It wasn’t actually THAT romantic-we went with another couple, lol! As for the poutine, my husband wasn’t that impressed (maybe we hyped it up a bit too much! lol!). Thanks for the compliment by the way 😉

      • Awww… double date! That’s cute! At least you can take pictures for one another. When we travel by ourselves, either we have to ask others to take a picture for us or sometimes I think of bringing a tripod. (my husband is against the later idea… I guess because he knows, who would end up caring the tripod) lol

  • Gosh, it looks gorgeous. What a beautiful place! Love that mural. Would you believe I have never had escargot?

    • It was! The murals there were stunning! Also, I could believe it…not many people have! I love escargot! My aunt makes a traditional Sardinian dish that is my favourite-escargot cooked in tomato sauce!

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