Essential Québec

Day 2&3 : Montréal

Two days to discover the delights of this charming city. The island city of Montréal was once a tiny village in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, now it is the second largest French speaking city in the world. To travel in Montréal is to discover the French-speaking metropolis of North America. With French inspired elegance and a lively café and nightlife culture, it has a joie de vivre you’ll find nowhere else. Ride in a horse drawn carriage over the cobbled streets in old Montréal, see exquisite architecture, indulge in fine dining, discover the city’s history at one of many local museums and galleries, and shop in the 18 mile network of connected shopping outlets. Montréal has it all. Discover the history, architecture and secrets of Old Montréal on included guided walking tour, or the best of the city sights on a guided sightseeing excursion. 
 

Day 4 : Wendake

Collect your rental car from the downtown office and head out along the banks of the St. Lawrence River to Wendake on the outskirts of Québec City. You’ll stay for three nights at the First Nations owned Hotel Musée Premieres Nations. Set back amongst the lush canopies of the Wendake protected parklands along the ambling waters of the Akiawenrahk River, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations is the meeting place of modern, elegant accommodation and an authentic First Nations cultural experience. With an emphasis on existing in harmony with the rich, natural setting, the property employs an open concept design with many of the exterior walls being constructed of floor-to- ceiling glass panels, flooding the building with sunlight filtering through the groves of surrounding trees. The Wendake Region, populated by the Huron-Wendat Native people is conveniently situated 15 minutes away by car from Québec City. Walking trails weave through the surrounding parkland and beautifully cultivated gardens, truly giving guests a sense of being far from the hurried pace of the city. As the name suggests, Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations is a unique property as it is partnered with a fascinating, interactive Native museum showcasing the rich cultural history of the Huron-Wendat people. Modelled after a traditional Algonquin smokehouse, the museum invites guests to view and touch authentic artifacts used during the community’s colonial and pre-colonial past. Many activities are proposed on premise as art craft sessions, myth and legend, snowshoeing and much more. The Native tradition is explored further at La Traite, the fine dining restaurant housed in the main building of the hotel, which uses local game and other traditional ingredients to create a truly memorable dining experience. Meals created by the Michelin- starred chef may be enjoyed in the main dining room, the covered forest-side patio, or in one of the intimate private lounges. The hotel also features a gym and an indoor pool.
 

Day 5&6 : Wendake / Québec City

Two days to discover and learn about the Huron Wendat people and to explore Québec City.
At Wendake we include: a visit and guided tour at Onhoua Chetekbe Traditional Site. Here you will learn more about Aboriginal culture at the traditional Huron site, the most authentic reconstruction of an Aboriginal village in Québec. Located in the heart of Canada's only Huron community in Wendake, you will have the opportunity to discover the history, culture and way of life of the Hurons of yesterday and today. The 1 hour guided tour will be led by a guide in traditional period costume

An evening in the National Ekionkiestha’ Longhouse where, sitting by the fire, you’ll be mesmerised by the myths and legends of the First Nations people told to you by a member of the Wendat nation. In Québec City you can enjoy a guided historical walking tour of Old Québec and learn about its colourful past beginning in 1608 and continuing into the present day. The tour is designed to give you a general sense of the history of the fortress and hub that is Québec City, as well as an understanding of the lives of the people that have inhabited it throughout the centuries. You’ll be in a small group led by a guide who is always open to questions, offering a relaxed and personal sightseeing excursion.
 

Day 7-8 : Depart Québec City - Arrive UK

Be sure to leave to get to the airport and drop your car in time to check in for your homeward flight.