I recently moved to Canada and love the winter here, most say its harsh and unpleasant but I love it. The soft and white snowflakes, cloudy sky, frozen rivers and paths and to top it all winter wear. If all this excites you then Quebec City in winter is a must visit.

I explored the city for 3 days and I think that is enough time to see the beauty but to explore the city and understand the history you need at least a week. The city is full of historical architecture and museums to provide an in-depth history of the city.

I visited the city in Late December and the average temperature was around -15 degrees, in this weather I was not expecting a lot of tourists but I was so wrong the town is full of visitors during winter and it is difficult to find a deal it hotel. So plan ahead and book a hotel at least a month in advance. I stayed at a hotel in Downtown for a couple of nights due to its proximity to the destinations I wanted to visit. Everything in the downtown area is walkable and within a radius of 4 miles.

I started my day with a walk to the Old Post Office Building which is officially named as St-Laurent after the Prime Minister of Canada in 1984 as this building was his residence once.

Then went to the most photographed hotel of the world “Fairmont Le Château Frontenac” which was built was Canadian Pacific Railways and now maintained by Fairmont group. The architecture and colors of the hotel will immediately force you to take the hands out of your pocket and capture this picturesque heritage.

There is a horse carriage in front of the hotel that takes you on 90 minutes guided tour of the city which is must do for that leisurely experience.

The Terrasse Dufferin in front of the hotel provides a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River and don’t miss to hurtle down a toboggan slide which might take some time as the line to get the ticket and toboggan might take a while. You have to wait below to get the toboggan and carry that to the top for the thrilling slide.

You can either take a Funicular (which is an elevator for $3) that takes you 2 floors down to the Petit Champlain district providing a top view of the river and streets, or you can take the stairs that take you to the same place. (I took both one on each day :)).

Petit Champlain district is a two-block area full of beauty with shops, lights, decorations, murals, performances, and restaurants.

Post that I still had some daylight left so walked to the Citadel and the museum that explains the history of the only walled city in Canada. The Battlefields park and Plains of Abraham are a short walk from the Citadel and should be covered in the same trip as this will sum up the whole war story and experience of historical war times of Quebec City.

Ended the day with an Italian meal in downtown near Parliament building, other than food the ice sculptures and ice decorations make the restaurants unique and beautiful.

Next day started the day with a sunny and snowy morning, snow showers changed the look of the city as all the streets were then white, gold and red (Holiday decorations). Had this delicious breakfast at Saint Jean street which has so many options among Crepe, bakeries, egg places to choose from for a delicious breakfast. Then I headed to Palace Royale which as per the name was so Royale in appearance with all the glitz.

Any street you enter you will find the same spirit of the city at any time of the day.

Next day, as it was the last day of the trip, drove to Montmorency falls (15 minutes drive by car from the main city ) which is a spectacular site in winter as the entire area is filled with snow and it is a small walk to the actual falls that also includes walking on the bridge, but its all worth it and part of the experience. During summer they offer zip lines and cable cars but was closed in the winter. There are two upper and lower falls which are less than 100 steps from each other and provide a great view if you are a waterfall fan like I am :).

The entire 3 days trip of the winter wonderland was beautiful, full of activities and French pastries. Few activities and places which I would suggest is a must are-:

• Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (outside and lobby)
• Palace Royale
• Petit Champlain
• Terrasse Dufferin
• Rue Saint- Jean
• Montmorency Falls

Still exploring Canada while admiring the beauty in cold winds with hot chocolate!