Compare Fête de Noël: Christmas in Québec City 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, Quebec

Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At the hotel.

Day 2 World Heritage City, Upper Town, Gastronomical Adventure Quebec City, Quebec

Walking up to 2 miles; some standing on field trips. Dress in layers for winter weather; be prepared for slippery conditions, snow covered or icy terrain, some stairs.

A presentation at the hotel by a local expert will give us an excellent overview of Québec City from its founding to the present day. Learn about the principal historical events that occurred here. The city was awarded its World Heritage City designation in 1985 based partially on the preservation of the fortifications around the Old Town, which date from 1745. This area has a distinct European feel with its stone buildings and winding streets lined with shops and restaurants. Porte St-Louis and Porte St-Jean are the main gates through which people and traffic flow between the Upper Town and the Old Port. Set out on a walk with our local expert of Upper Town - visit the Cathedral-Basilica Notre-Dame-de-Québec, site of the first diocese in Canada. Arriving at Place d'Armes, we’ll visit the monument of Samuel de Champlain, the “Father of New France” and founder of Québec City who established his first “abitation” here in 1608. Dufferin Terrace offers magnificent views of the mountains and the St. Lawrence River.

We will set off on foot with local food experts and embark on a gastronomical adventure exploring the European-style food district. We will have the opportunity to learn about present day society on an expert-led walk and tasting, meeting with local vendors and shop owners, specializing in Quebec produce and sampling specialty foods and other local products.

At leisure. As you stroll the streets of the Old City, imagine Christmas of yesteryear.

At the hotel.

During the gastronomy walk this afternoon.

At a local restaurant in the heart of Old Québec.

Day 3 Then & Now, Musée des Beaux Arts Quebec City, Quebec

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1 mile; some standing on field trips. Dress in layers for winter weather, be prepared for slippery conditions, snow covered or icy terrain, some stairs.

A presentation from a local historian will focus on the "Then and Now" in Québec and the periods of war and peace that have riddled Quebec’s history. What are some of the political and social events that have given rise to a strong nationalism and the creation of a political party whose main objective is to separate from Canada and create an independent country? Following the British conquest in 1763, French Canadians have resisted attempts at assimilation in order to ensure the survival of their distinct culture. Today, this culture is vibrant and alive but many feel that it is continuously under pressure. Next, we will board a motorcoach for a city exploration with our local expert, followed by a visit to Musée National des Beaux Arts, The National Museum of Fine Arts. We will meet a museum expert for an in-depth presentation and examination of the works of art. Musée National des Beaux Arts du Québec is home to the most important collection of paintings and sculpture by Québécois artists. Over 22,000 selections of works are displayed in three chronological exhibitions: The earliest date from the beginnings of Québécois art and are largely influenced by religion. The second covers the European-influenced modernist period up to 1945. The third showcases figurative and abstract art from the mid-20th century.

After some more time at the museum, we will return to the hotel mid-afternoon; those who wish to stay independently may do so.

At leisure. Enjoy the ambiance of Christmas in the Old City.

At the hotel.

At Café du Musée.

On your own to enjoy local fare, or join the Group Leader at a local restaurant at your own expense.

Day 4 Petit Champlain, Musée de Civilisation, Réveillon de Noël Quebec City, Quebec

Walking up to 1.5 miles; some standing on field trips. Getting on/off a funicular to travel between upper and lower town. Dress in layers for winter weather, be prepared for slippery conditions, snow covered or icy terrain, some stairs. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. While there is no dress code, participants may wish to dress up for Christmas Eve dinner; NO jeans or jean-like material.

Our historian will lead us through the Lower Town of Quebec. We will visit Place Royale, lined with fine old stone merchant houses and dominated by the church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. We’ll walk through the lively commercial district of rue du Petit-Champlain, lined with craft shops and cafés. Next, with an expert, we’ll explore the Musée de la Civilisation, the city's most popular museum, located close to the historic site of Place-Royale. This internationally renowned museum features four permanent and six temporary thematic exhibitions. We will visit the permanent exhibition, “This is Our Story”, which aims to familiarize visitors with the aboriginal cultures of today, their diversity, their visions of the world, and their identity processes in relation to their stories. The exhibition offers a reflection on what it means to be aboriginal in the 21st century. The grand narrative of the exhibition is based on aboriginal words. Throughout the process of creating this exhibition, the Museum collaborated with Québec’s 11 aboriginal Nations. The museum’s teams and its partner, La Boîte Rouge Vif, worked closely with aboriginal representatives on the development of the concept, the choice of themes and objects, and their descriptions and meanings. Accompanied by a docent, the visitor “meets” the aboriginals in their territory, through a storyline and through their vision of history, through what they have become beyond romanticism and prejudice, and finally, through their concerns and questions about the challenges of the future.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. Take in over 400 years of history in a single glance, from Quebec City's highest point, the Observatory de la Capitale. Remember that winter has much to offer for outdoor lovers, and it is during the cold season that Quebecers express their "Joie de Vivre". Skate in the very heart of Old Quebec, next to Saint-Jean Gate, in Place d'Youville; skate rental available on site.

Solemn and impressive, filled with hymns of joy, the Midnight Mass reaches its high point with the procession of the Christ Child. Information on local Christmas services will be provided in your informational materials on arrival.

At the hotel.

On your own to enjoy the market or try one of the many bistros and restaurants in the area.

We’ll enjoy a Réveillon dinner with some traditional foods of Québec at the hotel. The Réveillon de Noël (réveillon means "to stay awake") typically begins a few hours before the Midnight Mass with a traditional feast and lasts well into the wee hours of the night. Friends and relatives, children, and adults join in traditional songs, dances, and exchanges of presents. This French-Canadian tradition, still alive today in many households, stems from centuries-old traditions imported to the New World from France. Experience a “Réveillon de Noël” in the company of newfound friends.

Day 5 Trolley Ride, Chateau Frontenac Christmas Dinner & Dancing Quebec City, Quebec

Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Dress in layers for winter weather, be prepared for slippery conditions, snow covered or icy terrain. While there is no formal dress code in effect for Christmas Day dinner-dance at the Chateau Frontenac, most wear semi-casual to dressy attire; NO jeans or jean-like material.

Free time.

Delight in the little hidden treasures of the Old City during a horse-drawn tram ride with an expert who will draw us into the spirit of the holiday season. We will have warm blankets to keep the chill out, but make sure to dress for the weather. We’ll end back at the hotel, where we will have some time to get ready before our elegant Christmas dinner.

Along with the fine cuisine, you're welcome to join in the dancing as the musicians play contemporary popular music throughout the evening. Complete your Christmas Day festivities with this celebratory feast in a setting that is trés magnifique! Truly an unforgettable experience. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Christmas brunch at the hotel.

Perhaps the grandest Christmas tradition in Québec City is the annual Christmas dinner-dance at the Château Frontenac — the most photographed grand hotel in the world and a proud symbol of the city. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Day 6 Program Concludes Quebec City, Quebec

Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel. This concludes our program.

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.