How would you split your time between Quebec and Montréal?

[Anonymous]

Looking into traveling December 2023 the week before Christmas. We would fly in and out of Montréal because it’s considerably cheaper. We would probably have about 6 nights total. Should we stay in Montréal the whole time, Quebec the whole time, Or split our time between cities. Two adults and two kids 16 and 11. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I would split it but maybe more time in Montreal and 2 days in Quebec city type thing. The two cities aren't far apart so you can do shorter trips.

[Anonymous]

OP here. More time in Montréal because there is more to do there?

[Anonymous]

Quebec City is so beautiful- I would spend most of my time there. Montreal just feels sad after being in Quebec City.

[Anonymous]

Mt. Tremblant might be great for one night -- pretty in winter -- if you are looking for some nature to go with the cities

[Anonymous]

We went for a week in 2019. Basically 3 full days in Quebec, 2 full days in Montreal, and a travel day in the middle. Here was our general itinerary - adapted from a more detailed trip report I did at the time.

Saturday: arrived in Quebec City around 1 pm. Wandered around the farmers market, rested at the hotel, dinner at Cochon Dingue, and fireworks over the river.

Sunday we went to the Citadelle for the Changing of the Guard at 10 am and exploring. River cruise in the afternoon. Dinner was a great deal prix-fixe offered before 6 pm at Aux Anciens Canadiens

Monday we wandered around the Plains of Abraham and then came back to the Citadelle for a tour of the Governour's residence. After that we wandered around, had lunch, happened upon a musket firing demonstration, etc. We had drinks at L'Oncle Antoine and dinner at La Pizz.

Tuesday we took the bus to Montmorency Falls and played around there for a while. Took the bus back and went back to the Farmers Market for lunch. Wandered around a bit and then went to a free circus that runs Tuesday-Saturday.

Wednesday bright and early we took the train to Montreal. We dropped off our bags at our hotel there and headed to Schwartz's for smoked meat. From there was walked to Mont Royal park and saw all the highlights there - nice hikes with great views of the city. DS was beat so we did takeout dinner at the hotel.

Thursday we headed to the Olympic Park, which was really fun. After that we wandered around Old Town Montreal a bit and had a nicer dinner at Holder.

Friday we started out at Notre Dame (beautiful!) then checked out the Underground City (which really wasn't anything special). Then we headed to the Jean Talon Market, which was fun to walk around and eat lunch. We went back to Notre Dame for an organ concert and then did a bit more touring in the Old City. Dinner at Bevos, which was yummy pizza.

And we left early Saturday to come home. If I had to do it over, I might do Montreal first just because Quebec City was more charming and beautiful... Montreal is just a big city. Both were easy to get around - we walked everywhere in Quebec City and took buses and subways in Montreal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would split it but maybe more time in Montreal and 2 days in Quebec city type thing. The two cities aren't far apart so you can do shorter trips.

Aren't they like 3-4 hours apart? That seems far to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. More time in Montréal because there is more to do there?

Yes. Quebec City is quite small. Two days there is enough.

[Anonymous]

Depends on what kind of trip you want! I spent a full week in Quebec City over Christmas a few years ago and it was delightful!! There’s lots of great winter/snow activities to do in the city and within 30 min. Christmas markets are wonderful, walking around the streets are magical during the day and night. It’s really cold so don’t underestimate the need and time required for warm up breaks.

I think you could split it up with 4 nights Quebec City and 2 nights montreal if you really want to go to museums, ect but in terms of beautiful Christmasy stuff….qc is your city!

You could also break it up QC and Mont tremblant if you want skiing (don’t need to go that far for other snow sports).

Maybe decide as a family what you are most interested in doing/vibes! It’s different for everyone.