Page 42 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2025

City Delights
When you’re craving the hum of urban life,
continue on to Montréal, which seamlessly
celebrates English and French culture.
Explore its neighbourhoods to understand
the city’s history, from the cobblestone
streets of Old Montréal dating to the 17th cen-
tury to Griffintown, now home to an eclectic
mix of converted warehouses, markets and
chic boutiques.
The local food scene also reveals a lot
about Montréal’s evolution. Famous delis,
like Schwartz’s and bagel makers like St-Viateur
Bagel, are a nod to the vibrant Jewish com-
munity, while Chinatown with its dumpling
and noodle shops reflects the city’s early
Chinese immigrant community, many of
whom arrived after the completion of the
railway in the late 19th century.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is also
rich in history. For 67 years, the grand hotel
has been a downtown landmark, close to
the Montréal Museum of Modern Arts and
Sainte-Catherine Street. It has hosted kings
and queens, and welcomed many celebri-
ties coming through its doors. In 1969,
John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their
now world-famous bed-in for peace there.
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DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2025
When you’re not dining at one of the
renowned restaurants or bars, take a dip in
the indoor pool and recharge with spa treat-
ments from Moment Spa.
Meanwhile, the iconic Fairmont Le
Château Frontenac in Québec City is a desti-
nation unto itself. Its castle-like architecture
has dominated the skyline since the hotel
opened in 1893. It’s the place to stay to
immerse yourself in Québecois culture.
When you book overnight stays at this
Grand Dame of hotels, prepare to be lavished
in classic luxury. By the award-winning
Champlain restaurant, embark on a tasting
journey of fine French cuisine in an elegant
setting. Post-dinner, take a stroll along the
Dufferin Terrace, a wooden sidewalk next to
the Château, for stunning views of the St.
Lawrence River. Then return to the historic
property for a nightcap before retreating to
your opulent suite.
Exploring a Cultural Hub
For your last stop on your epic Fairmont
road-worthy trip, Charlevoix strikes a balance
between city and country life, on the north
shore of the St. Lawrence River. Sample the
goods along The Flavour Trail, showcasing
local producers, including cheesemakers,
distillers and chocolatiers.
Meanwhile, art galleries highlight local
talent and history shines at sites like the
Charlevoix Maritime Museum. Visitors
should also plan to roam through Les Jardins
de Quatre-Vents, considered one of the
world’s most beautiful gardens.
Smack dab in the middle of it all is the
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, a luxurious
property in the midst of captivating land-
scapes with mountains and lush forests,
near the village of La Malbaie.
Built in the French château-style at the
end of the 19th century it’s a peaceful rural
getaway that is roughly within a two hour-
drive from Québec City. Guests can explore
the amenities, including indoor/outdoor
pools, steam room, sauna and cold bath. But
the jewel in the crown is the resort’s world-
class, 27-hole golf course, marking 100 years
in 2025. Hit the links and discover its
untamed natural beauty.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more hotel details and to reserve your
accommodations, visit Fairmont.com
PHOTOS: FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS. OPPOSITE: TOURISME CANTONS-DE-L’EST | DAPHNE CARON | DAPH & NICO