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QUÉBEC
Fairmont Road-worthy
This summer, Québec beckons with city and country destinations, regional cuisine and outdoor adventure for the ultimate road trip
By Michele Sponagle
Pack the car and get ready for an epic Canadian road trip to Québec this summer. La belle province offers a taste of Europe closer to home with exceptional culinary experiences, captivating historical sights, warm hospitality and luxurious stays—hallmarks of properties in the distinguished Fairmont Hotels and Resorts portfolio.
To start your adventure head to the village of Montebello, about an hour’s drive from Ottawa. Though tiny, this destination delivers big thrills for visitors, like Parc Omega. It’s a beloved attraction where you can spot bears, wolves, bison, elk and foxes in their environment. When hunger strikes, shop for artisanal cheeses and picnic staples at a local shop.
Rural Escapes
There’s more fun to be had at Fairmont Le Château Montebello, featuring the world’s largest log cabin. This top-rated property has welcomed guests for decades. On Canada Day it turns 95—a testament to its enduring appeal. Guests appreciate its rustic charms, pretty countryside location and its myriad of unique activities. On the culinary front, enjoy barbecue fare on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Outaouais River or embark on a delicious journey of regional specialties at the hotel’s on-site restaurants.
Next up: travel to Tremblant, one of Canada’s most beloved four-season destinations in the Laurentian Mountains. Skiers know it well, but thrills are available year-round. In the summer, travellers come for its spectacular beauty, wealth of outdoor pursuits, lively cultural scene and dining choices in a quaint village setting.
While you’re in the region, book a stay at Fairmont Tremblant, a world-class resort featuring 312 guest rooms and 64 spacious suites. How should you relax? Tap your toes to live jazz music, linger at the Moment Spa, or sip an expertly mixed cocktail. Or maybe it’s time for a round of golf at one of the magnificent, nearby golf courses. Guests also adore the property’s newly redesigned outdoor pool, complete with waterfall and whirlpool.
Have your camera ready as you take a panoramic gondola ride to the summit. It’s one of the best ways to get an elevated overview of the area, from tranquil Lake Tremblant to the emerald green forest. Or don your hiking boots and trek your way up along the pathways. If you like to be active on the water, rent a paddleboat, kayak or paddleboard, then relax on a sandy, lakeside beach.
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 century 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 community, 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 celebrities coming through its doors. In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their now world-famous bed-in for peace there.
When you’re not dining at one of the renowned restaurants or bars, take a dip in the indoor pool and recharge with spa treatments from Moment Spa.
Meanwhile, the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City is a destination 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 landscapes 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.
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For more hotel details and to reserve your accommodations, visit Fairmont.com
