Quebec Archives - Page 3 of 5

Cross-country Skiing in Gatineau Park, Quebec

Quebec, Skiing
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Growing up in Ottawa, I was very lucky to live within spitting distance of Gatineau Park. As a kid I didn't take advantage of the cross-country ski trails very often but if I lived in the area now, I would be a frequent visitor. Here's why. Gatineau Park is only 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. In the winter, it offers fabulous cross-country skiing on over 50 trails stretching from Gatineau to Wakefield. There are trails for every level of skier - and loads…

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5 Reasons to Visit Quebec City in Winter

Why visit Québec City in the depths of winter you might ask? The city receives up to 400 cms (13 feet) of snow per year and the average daily high in December, January and February is only -5.9°C (21°F). Yet the city has an infectious joie de vivre and there's plenty to do. Late last winter I had a chance to return to Quebec City, after a hiatus of some 30 years. Although John and…

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Hiking in La Mauricie National Park, Quebec

The hiking in La Mauricie National Park in Quebec took me aback. First, it was way more beautiful than I expected. And the hikes that were labeled moderate, turned out to be on the tough side of moderate. I think because I live near the Rocky Mountains, I figure nothing can be quite as hard in comparison. I was proved wrong on this trip and again hiking to the summit of Le Mont Albert in…

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A Paddling Trip in La Mauricie National Park, Quebec

Canada’s 23rd National Park - La Mauricie National Park protects a chunk of billion year old scenic Canadian Shield. It doesn't have the wow factor of some of the other national parks in Canada but it's accessible, family friendly and the lakes and Laurentian foothills are still very beautiful. A Canoe or Kayak Trip in La Mauricie National Park There are two main launch points for a paddling trip - Lac Wapizagonke and Lac Édouard. Both offer…

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A Winter Visit to the Mont Tremblant Area of Quebec

A few weeks ago I was fortunate to have a few days in the Mont Tremblant area of Quebec. Despite growing up just two hours away, I had never visited this part of the province. It was love at first sight. But it started well before I reached Mont Tremblant. As you head north from Montreal on Highway 15 you pass through the towns of St. Jérome, Ste-Adèle, Val David and Ste-Agathe-des-Monts. Each one seems…

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Destination: Chelsea in Gatineau Park, Quebec

A trip to Gatineau Park feels like a trip down memory lane for me. I grew up in Ottawa so I spent a lot of my youth skiing at Camp Fortune and swimming in the park's lakes. But it had been over three decades since I'd been back. And what a treat to find most of what I remember unchanged. Our base for exploring Gatineau Park was the Moulin Wakefield Inn, just 15 minutes away…

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Cross country Skiing (Ski du Fond) at Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec

I have always associated Mont Sainte-Anne in Quebec with the downhill ski resort. It wasn't until last year that my eyes were opened while researching an article on the best places to cross country ski in Canada. Mont Sainte-Anne also boasts a phenomenal cross country ski area (Ski du fond in French) and it's just seven kilometres up the road from the downhill area in the village of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges. Those kilometres make a difference. From…

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A Tour of the Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel) in Quebec City

When the chance of a tour of the Hôtel du Glace in Quebec City presented itself I jumped at the opportunity. I've heard about the ice hotel for years and I was curious about what it would actually look like. And I wanted to know just how cold it felt inside. The Hotel du Glace is far more beautiful than I ever imagined it would be - and far chillier too - though that might…

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A Stay in the Oldest Hotel Room (1725 AD) in Montreal

If you're planning a trip to Montreal - and you're looking for a hotel in the heart of old Montreal that exudes charm, history and warmth, look no further than Hôtel Pierre du Calvet. It's the oldest private house in the city that offers accommodation. The Hôtel Pierre du Calvet Built in 1725, the hotel boasts fabulous stone walls some of which must be at least a foot thick, beamed ceilings and wood paneling. Despite…

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A First Timer’s Guide to Montreal’s Igloofest

Who would ever think you could throw a successful party/dance/rave/festival over four 3 day weekends in the depths of a Montreal winter? OUTSIDE! Apparently four friends and founders of Montreal's Igloofest did. These guys, who were behind Picnic Electronik, started the Igloofest tradition in 2007. The event has grown from 4,000 fans in the first year to a whopping 70,000 fans by 2012. Don't forget - this is outdoors and the wind-chill can be a frosty -30…