One of the perks of my wife’s bank board position in New Hampshire is her twice-yearly in-person meetings—built-in excuses for us to explore New England together. Over time we’ve collected memorable long weekends in Boston, Vermont, Southern Maine, and across New Hampshire’s small towns.
But this time, we set our sights farther north, curious to see whether the rave reviews about Québec City were deserved. Anyone we know who’s been there insists it’s magical—“like Old-World Europe without crossing the Atlantic.”
They weren’t exaggerating.
The Journey North: A Drive Painted in Autumn
Our adventure began with a 5.5-hour Friday morning drive from Concord, NH to the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, our home for the next two nights.
We lucked out—autumn colors were still at their peak, a full palette of golds, reds, and deep ambers lining the highway like a living postcard. Typically, early precipitation and frost speed up the foliage cycle, but this year the weather cooperated, giving us one last brilliant display.
Crossing the northern border by car was surprisingly effortless—quick, friendly, and seamless. It set the tone for the charm and ease that would define the rest of the weekend.
Le Château Frontenac: The Crown Jewel of Québec
The legendary Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is one of the world’s most photographed hotels, and for good reason. Perched high above the St. Lawrence River like a fairytale castle, it delivers on every promise:
- a prime location within the fortified Old City
- dramatic turreted architecture
- attentive, classic Fairmont service
- and in our case, a beautiful adjoining suite upgrade courtesy of a generous client—the GM of the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
It’s impossible not to feel transported the moment you step inside.
A City Steeped in Centuries of History
Québec City is the birthplace of French civilization in North America. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, it remains the only walled city north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Even its very name tells a story.
“Kébec”—from the Algonquin word meaning “where the river narrows”—perfectly describes the dramatic geography of the St. Lawrence River at this point. Champlain adopted the name, and over the centuries it became synonymous with French Canada itself.
We spent our Friday afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Québec, with its stone buildings, artists’ alleys, and café-lined squares, before enjoying dinner at Le Sam inside the hotel—an ideal first taste of Québecois cuisine.
Day Two: A Deeper Look at Québec’s Beauty
We began Saturday with breakfast before meeting our private guide, Balti, who proved to be one of the highlights of the entire trip. Originally from Tunisia, he was warm, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable—equal parts historian, storyteller, and local insider. (DM me for his contact info.)
Saint Anne–de–Beaupré Basilica
Our first stop was the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in North America. Dedicated to Saint Anne, the mother of Mary, this stunning basilica has welcomed millions of visitors—and two popes. Its soaring interior, elaborate mosaics, and reputation for “miracles through faith” make it a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Montmorency Falls
Just minutes from the city and nearly 100 feet taller than Niagara, Montmorency Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder. Visitors can walk the suspension bridge high above the cascade, explore trails around the cliffs, and ride the cable car down to the base. It’s a masterclass in how to make nature immersive without overwhelming it.
Île d’Orléans
We continued to Île d’Orléans, a pastoral island home to about 7,000 residents and some of the province’s oldest agricultural traditions. Charming, quaint, and beautifully rural—it feels worlds away from the city yet sits only minutes from downtown.
Lunch was at Auberge, a cozy shoreline restaurant where Radhika enjoyed classic poutine and I savored a vegetable cream soup that was nothing short of heavenly.
A stop at a local chocolatier and a dessert-wine tasting at Vignoble Bacchus rounded out our afternoon. Their ice wines and late-harvest varieties were so delicious we brought home three.
Evening in Old Québec: Michelin-Recognized Dining
After a bit of late-day shopping, we made our way to L’Orygine, a restaurant honored with a Michelin nod in 2025 and part of the group behind Québec City’s only two-star Michelin restaurant, Tanière.
We each enjoyed a six-course tasting menu built entirely around locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Every plate was a work of art—paired with Québec wines or beautifully crafted mocktails. There’s even a speakeasy tucked away inside for those hungry for a nightcap and a little intrigue.
A Colorful Farewell Drive Through Montréal
Our departure route took us through Montréal for our flight home, giving us one more scenic three-hour drive filled with autumn color. It was the perfect transition from Québec City’s old-world charm back into modern North America.
Final Thoughts: Québec City Is a Must-See Destination
Québec City exceeded every expectation—romantic, historic, walkable, delicious, welcoming, and visually stunning. It truly feels like stepping into Europe without the jet lag. From the fortified old town to its world-class cuisine, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, it is a destination that deserves a permanent place on every traveler’s list.
Two nights wasn’t nearly enough… which only means we’ll have to return.
About the Author:
By Raad Ghantous, Founding Principal & I.D.E.A. Director at Raad Ghantous & Associates (RaadGhantous.com)
Raad Ghantous is a hospitality design visionary, creative strategist, and founder of Raad Ghantous & Associates, a boutique firm known for transforming luxury environments into timeless experiences. With over two decades of global expertise spanning interior architecture, branded guest experiences, and high-end hospitality, F&B, Wellness, and residential projects, Raad brings a bold, narrative-driven approach to placemaking—where aesthetics, function, and emotional resonance meet.
As the founder of The Raad Life, a lifestyle platform and forthcoming magazine, Raad leads conversations around reinvention, longevity, and generational culture. His voice is grounded in wisdom, edge, and unapologetic authenticity—traits that carry into every space he designs and every story he tells. Whether consulting for iconic hospitality brands or redefining what it means to age with style and purpose, Raad’s work stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation.
Learn more at raadghantous.com and follow The Raad Life for curated content that inspires life beautifully lived
