Compare Christmas at the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec by Road Scholar vs Canada (Western): See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Quebec City, QC D Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Afternoon: Following your independent arrival, HOTEL CHECK-IN begins at 4:00pm. Get your room assignment then at 5:30pm come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet containing the most up-to-date schedule of program activities and general information on your stay. Shortly thereafter, we’ll gather for an ORIENTATION session for introductions, to review the program schedule, note any updates, review roles and responsibilities, address safety issues, and answer any questions you may have. PRESENTATION: A talk about the Frontenac will reveal its history — even some secrets! — as well as its role in Québec’s economic and social development and influence in the development of winter sports.

Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in the heart of Old Québec, a 5-minute walk from the Château Frontenac. After dinner, stroll with your coordinator through the streets of the Old City to the famous Terrasse Dufferin to form your first impressions of Quebec and discover the city or return to the hotel after dinner.

Day 2
Old Québec City History, Spirit of Christmas
Quebec City, QC B,L,D Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Breakfast: We'll enjoy a breakfast buffet in the restaurant at the Frontenac with a wide variety of options amid opulent seasonal surroundings. The Chateau embraces its role as the “star” atop the city’s figurative Christmas tree with a beautiful display of decorations and a wonderful sense of revelry and bonhomie.

Morning: PRESENTATION: A local expert will tell you about the history of Québec City — the birthplace of French America and the first settlement in Canada. You’ll learn how winter has shaped the military and political destiny of Québec, how residents deal with it in their daily lives, and get an overview of Québecois culture and Christmas traditions. This program is based at one of the world’s most historic and charming hotels, in one of the world’s most historic and charming cities, within easy walking distance to all that Old Québec has to offer. Part of the learning experience will consist of delighting in the city itself decked out in a magical array of seasonal lights and decorations. The spirit of Christmas radiates throughout Québec City, and Christmas at the Château Frontenac is truly unique and special.

Lunch: Another favorite local tradition is Onion soup for lunch. We’ll dine at a Brasserie Française in a cheerful ambiance.

Afternoon: Led by our local guide, explore the neighborhood surrounding the Château Frontenac. We’ll walk along narrow streets to illustrious monuments and significant buildings that eloquently illustrate aspects of the city's history and architecture. The spirit of Christmas is all around you, from exquisitely decorated storefronts to beautifully-lit cobbled alleys — a wondrous scene to behold. Our walking field trip concludes at Christmas Farmer Market featuring local flavors in the Old Port.

Dinner: We’ll dine out to savor traditional food of Québec at the renowned restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens, located in the oldest house in the city (1675). Its thick walls, solid joints, marvelous wainscoting and recessed cupboards are characteristic of the houses constructed during that era. Specialties of the house include a "tourtière" meat pie and an exquisite maple dessert.

Evening: PRIVATE CONCERT: End the day with classical musicians who've prepared a program of classical and seasonal music just for you.

Day 3
Old Quebec City Christmas Eve, Architecture & History
Quebec City, QC B,L Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Breakfast: We'll enjoy a breakfast buffet in the restaurant at the Frontenac with a wide variety of options amid opulent seasonal surroundings.

Morning: Guides visit at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (National Museum of Fine Arts). The museum is located in Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham, a site of exceptional beauty and significance in Canadian history. You’ll hear about the fascinating history of the museum itself — comprising three buildings, styles, and periods — and of course its impressive collections including 35,000 works by 4,000 artists, dating from the 17th Century to the present.

Lunch: Lunch in a local Café.

Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: You may stay to examine the museum's fascinating exhibits or explore more of what the historic district has to offer. Your packet will include a list of suggestions and our coordinator will be happy to answer your questions. You may want to learn more about the Quebecers or the First Nations we suggest a visit to Musee de la civilisation, a voucher is included in the program.

Dinner: Dinner is on your own, allowing you to explore the multitude of Quebec City eateries. Our coordinator will offer guidance and suggestions. For this dinner, a reservation will be made by Sylvie in one of Quebec's fine restaurants (5 minutes walk from the hotel) for anyone who wishes to accompany her. (optional) See our suggestion list for more restaurants.

Evening: EXTRACURRICULAR: You have two options this evening if you wish to attend a traditional Christmas Eve service full of liturgical pageantry and music. Both the Basilica of Notre Dame (Catholic) and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Anglican) inhabit magnificent historic buildings. Immerse yourself in the joyful sounds of voices and organ for an evening to remember.

Day 4
Caleche Ride, Rue du Petit-Champlain
Quebec City, QC B,D Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: EXCURSION: Christmas continues with a festive ride in an authentic calèche (horse-drawn carriage). From your cozy seat, get a different perspective on North America’s only walled city including the beautiful 19th Century Parliament building.

Lunch: Lunch is on your own. Our group leader will offer guidance and suggestions. For this lunch, a reservation will be made by your group leader in one of Quebec's fine bistro for anyone who wishes to accompany her. (Optional)

Afternoon: EXCURSION: Walking is key to appreciating all Old Québec has to offer. To absorb more of the city’s holiday spirit, we’ll stroll along cobblestoned Rue du Petit-Champlain in the lower town, named for Samuel de Champlain who founded Quebec City in 1608. You might imagine yourself in Old France thanks to the beautifully preserved architectural character and charm of North America’s oldest commercial district. You’ll feel as if you’re walking through history — no cars allowed! — as you look into distinctive boutiques and little artisan shops in old stone or half-timbered buildings while carolers on street corners sing traditional Christmas favorites.

Dinner: CHRISTMAS DINNER-DANCE: Perhaps the grandest Christmas tradition in Québec City is the annual dinner-dance at the Chateau Frontenac — the most photographed grand hotel in the world and a proud symbol of the city. The centerpiece is a semi-formal, six-course dinner in the ballroom.

Evening: Along with the fine cuisine, you're welcome to join in the dancing as the band plays contemporary popular music. Complete your Christmas Day festivities with this celebratory feast in a setting that is très magnifique! Truly an unforgettable experience.

Day 5
Program Concludes
Quebec City, QC B
Breakfast: Say farewell to Québec and Christmas at the Frontenac as we gather for one more breakfast buffet in the restaurant. This is the time to share your fondest memories of the program with new-found friends. Au revoir! The program concludes with breakfast. Hotel check-out is 12:00 Noon.We hope you have enjoyed this very special program and have gained an appreciation for the Christmas traditions of Old Québec and its grandest and most historic hotel. Please join us for other rewarding Road Scholar programs in the future, and best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: Welcome to the Rocky Mountains

Through the city of Edmonton, we reach our first destination. This is none other than the resort town of Jasper. It is home to the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper National Park attracts those seeking vast wilderness, majestic peaks and lots of wildlife.

Note that if you cannot arrive at the Edmonton Airport by 2:00pm, you will need a ‘pre-tour’ day. You would sleep in Downtown Edmonton for that evening and would start our tour the following day. We would make all arrangements for you in the event you need to sleep in Edmonton.

Day 2: A Fantasy Boat Ride & Abundant Wildlife

As a daytrip from Jasper, we visit Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake as well as do a boat cruise from Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. Maligne Canyon contains waterfalls, underground stream outlets, birds and plant life. Wildlife is surprisingly abundant along Medicine Lake. Grizzly bear, black bear, mule deer, wolves, moose, mountain sheep and bald eagles are some of the animals which frequent the lake area during the summer season. The lake cruise is scenic and is arguably the highlight of the day.

Day 3: A Monster Bus on a Glacier & One of the Most Scenic Drives on Earth

Although we are relocating from Jasper to the resort town of Banff, a lot of important stops are made along the way: Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield (ride on the actual glacier with a specially designed, stretched out monster bus!), Weeping Wall Waterfalls, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake. Today is best described as one of the most scenic drives on Earth! Note that lunch is included on today’s tour.

Day 4: A Pilot’s View of Paradise & a Canyon Deservedly Displayed on Postcards

As a daytrip from Banff, our morning starts with a visit to the town of Canmore. It is from there we take a helicopter ride. The mountainous scenery is like no other. In the latter part of the day, after returning to Banff, we visit the nearby Johnston Canyon. Limestone rock eroding over thousands of years led to a picture-perfect creation combining sheer canyon walls, waterfalls, tunnels and natural pools.

Day 5: Instagram-Famous Photo Stops, a Lake Cruise & Thundering Waterfalls

As another daytrip from Banff, today we visit Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, Hoodoos Viewpoint, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. We also go on an enjoyable boat cruise at Lake Minnewanka. The evening ends with a ride on Banff Gondola. We ascend Sulphur Mountain (2,281 meters or 7,484 feet) and then follow the well-designed skywalk.

Day 6: The Ultimate Seaplane Tour & an Ice Bar

After relocating by both land and air from Banff to the resort town of Whistler, we go on a seaplane ride: rugged peaks, majestic glaciers, lush alpine meadows and turquoise glacial waters. After this flightseeing tour, we return to town. Over two million people visit Whistler annually. Its pedestrian village has won numerous design awards. Whistler has been voted among the top destinations in North America by major magazines since the mid-1990s.

We encourage you to end the day with a visit to the town’s most famous ice bar. It is fascinating even to those who do not drink.

Day 7: The Outdoor Adventurist’s Favorite Day of All

As excursions from Whistler, we go off-roading, whitewater rafting and ziplining. These are three of the very most popular activities in Whistler…and we are doing them all in one day! Even if we ignore the thrill aspect, the nature we see today gives enough reason why not to miss out.

Day 8: Walking a Suspension Bridge, Touching Peak to Peak by Cable Car & Nightlife

Before relocating by land to the city of Vancouver, we go on the so-called ‘Peak 2 Peak’ Gondola. Until 2017, it held the world record for the longest free span between ropeway towers. Adding to the overall experience is the ski lift ride and a 425-foot suspension bridge called Cloudraker Skybridge.

Once in Vancouver, we head to another suspension bridge. It is called Capilano. It is 140 meters (460 feet) long and 70 meters (230 feet) above the river. Capilano draws over 1.2 million visitors per year. We recommend you end your evening in Downtown Vancouver, specifically in an area called Gastown. There you will find lots of restaurants, galleries, shops and places to party.

Day 9: Whales, Islands, Beaches & a Food Market

Before making a daytrip by seaplane to the village of Tofino, we visit Vancouver’s most famous public market. It is located on Granville Island. Established in 1979, Granville Island Public Market is located in an enclosed facility where customers can purchase fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheeses and other products, many of which are locally sourced. There are approximately 50 vendors in the market, some of which are food vendors. They sell a range of items from Mexican, Asian, Greek and deli food to candy and snacks. The market attracts both local residents and tourists.

The seaplane ride between Vancouver and Tofino is quite scenic. On a clear day, we can see whales as well as Clayoquot Sound. This is a body of water with many inlets and islands. While in Tofino, we have time to walk around town. A visit to Chesterman Beach is recommended for those who wish to swim.

Day 10: Our Tour Ends This Morning

Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport or port in Vancouver.