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Romance and Real Budgets in Old Quebec City

3/9/2015

 

Planning a romantic escape to Quebec City? Here's how to show your wallet a little love.

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What are the most romantic three words in the English language? “I love you”? “Please marry me?” How about “All expenses paid!”? I know that's what would set my heart aflutter! It’s an unfortunate prosaic truth that most of us mere mortals and, not being blessed with unlimited travel funds, we have to temper our heartfelt voyages with realistic budgets. But in at least of the world’s most romantic destinations, Old Quebec City, your love affair - and your love affair with travel - doesn’t have to break the bank. 

Where to stay in Quebec City

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When it comes to accommodations in Quebec City, there is but one place to see and be seen. It's the world's most photographed hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. I can't imagine a more romantic place to stay - and my imagination will have to make do, as this is one hotel that is way outside my price range. Maybe next year - er, decade! 

The more modest Maison du Fort may lack Chateau Frontenac's unmistakable glamour and grandeur, but its charming and sophisticated rooms won my heart when we stayed there.  The homemade, self serve continental breakfast comes with trays in case you want to do a version of breakfast in bed and I can highly vouch for their zucchini cinnamon loaf. The standard rooms are a bit on the small side but there's one (on the main floor at the front of the house) that has high ceilings and big windows, making the room feel extra airy and bright. 

As much as I love Maison du Fort, I must conclude that my dear friend Jo, from Frugal First Class Travel, might just have the scoop on the most amazing property in Quebec City. The historic St Augustine Monastery has been renovated and reinvented as a beautiful health and wellness center which offers overnight accommodations in pretty rooms. This is truly a unique property and it hasn't hit any guidebooks yet. I expect once it's 'discovered' you'll have to fight through the door! Read Jo's report here.  

Food, food, food!

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Photo courtesy: www.tripadvisor.com
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Photo courtesy: www.tonresto.ca
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Photo courtesy: www.where.ca
No trip to Quebec City is complete for us without a stop to the Chateau Frontenac - but like I said above, sadly it's not for accommodations. Instead, we embrace a more affordable slice of the glamorous life by going to the Chateau's 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar for drinks and desserts. We always order the same thing: creme brule, a chocolate martini for me, and a Scotch for Ryan. The service is impeccable, the drink pours are generous, and the view is incredible. 

Just how great is their service? One year, Ryan had the misfortune of having a small fly drown itself in his drink. It's just one of those things that happens sometimes. He quietly asked the bartender for a fresh drink, which was immediately provided. But when we finished our drinks and went to pay our bill, we were told it was already taken care of. They had already perfectly resolved the problem and of course there was nothing wrong with my drink. We fully expected to pay our full and fair bill. But they insisted. Their classy behavior has earned our loyalty for life!

Of course, one cannot live on dessert and chocolate cocktails alone (or so I'm told). We are still searching for our ultimate go-to restaurant in Quebec City as we've run into a few culinary challenges. I don't really eat red meat and Ryan is allergic to shellfish. It's been difficult to find a restaurant that doesn't have a heavy focus on one or both of these foods. But happily our restrictions don't apply to everyone and I appealed to some of my girlfriends for foodie recommendations. 
  • From Tamara: Le Cochon Dingue has locations throughout the city. Budget friendly French bistro and Petite Cochon in the lower town.
  • From Cailin: Ashton's is where they say the first poutine came from! 
  • From Jessie:  We LOVED the Hobbit restaurant. If you go before 7, their daily specials are really inexpensive.
  • From Lillie: This may not be budget friendly but I LOVED the meal we had at Le Lapin Saute. They have a lovely outdoor seating area, and their rabbit pie was SO GOOD.
  • From Dalene: La Fabrique du Smokemeat is a must! Out of the center, but well worth the trip. We also enjoyed Le Chic Shaq for a totally different take on poutine.​

What to see and do.

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Whenever we make the long drive between Ottawa and the Canadian east coast where I grew up, we always overnight in Quebec City. And even though we're eager to complete the drive, we always take a few hours to visit the city. We usually do little more than just walk around.  A stroll through the cobblestone streets often feels more European than Europe itself! Quebec City is also an equally good destination for people watching. Just grab a seat at a sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by.

One of our other favourite things to do in old Quebec City is to buy art. A new painting or print is a great way to mark a special occasion. Some vendors are selling their own original work, while others are hawking post cards. But no matter your budget, you can usually find something you like and with cash in hand, you can usually negotiate a discount on the listed price. 

A romantic getaway for every budget.

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Old Quebec City is one of the most charming, and romantic cities in the world. Its beautiful streets make the perfect backdrop to any travel fantasy and it's the ideal place to be swept off your feet. But if your budget is more wildflowers and water than red roses and champagne, rest assured that the romance of Quebec City won't pass you by.


What do you think is the most romantic city in the world?







Traveling through Quebec? Check out our articles on Montreal!

Whale Watching in Tadoussac
Sea Kayaking in Northern Quebec
5 Things I Love About Montreal; And 3 That I Don't


EscapingAbroad.com
6/9/2015 01:25:26 am

Old Quebec has some nice architecture! I think the most romantic city I've visited was Santa Fe, or maybe it was just the company I had with me at the time.. :)

Vanessa
6/9/2015 05:34:20 pm

The company one keeps can make just about any city feel romantic, can't it?

Jennifer Ryder Joslin link
6/9/2015 03:12:17 am

Quebec looks like a very charming city with plenty of great food!! I love the idea of going to the birthplace of poutine as well :) It's hard to say which is the most romantic city we've been to. Udaipur in Rajasthan, India is one that stands out. Sunsets over the palace in the center of the lake were simply gorgeous.

Vanessa
6/9/2015 05:35:00 pm

A great sunset is a critical component of any romantic setting.

Francesca @onegrloneworld link
6/9/2015 05:12:02 am

I can't wait to visit Quebec - it's very high on my list! Very classy of the Chateau Frontenac to remove the drinks from the bill! Acts like that really do mean a lot and speak highly of a place. I'll make sure to keep them in mind when I go!

Vanessa
6/9/2015 05:35:31 pm

It really is a lovely spot and I would recommend it to anyone.

Toccara link
6/9/2015 04:26:39 pm

Oh la la! What a romantic city! Thanks for suggestions on some budget friendly alternatives, though creme brule and a chocolate martini still sound luxurious to me!

Vanessa
6/9/2015 05:37:24 pm

They were definitely very luxurious - and not cheap. But in terms of relative splurges it was easier to work them into our budget than the hotel itself.

Jen Seligmann link
6/9/2015 06:31:35 pm

lots if great info here Vanessa. I've never been to Quebec City but it is somewhere I'd love to visit someday. The photos I've seen, especially the winter ones, make it look very romantic indeed. I think the most romantic city I've visited is Bruges in Belgium. Canals, boat rides, swans, meandering pathways, chocolate, all sing romance to me.

Vanessa
8/9/2015 08:11:26 pm

I love Bruges as well and I think any fan of that city will love Quebec City - they have a lot in common.

Lauren @ Justin Plus Lauren link
6/9/2015 06:53:40 pm

We loved Quebec City when we visited last summer. We adored staying in Lower Quebec! The food was really yummy too and even though it was a little tougher to find vegan food, we managed to eat really well there. My favorite is a restaurant called Le Tier Temps. Great overview on a fabulous city!

Vanessa
8/9/2015 08:14:38 pm

Thanks for the restaurant recommendation. We like vegan food and it might be the ideal solution between the shellfish allergy and the avoidance of red meat.

Mindi link
6/9/2015 08:02:29 pm

We need to get back to Quebec City since it rained the entire time when we were there a few years ago. When we do, we definitely need to visit the 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar for drinks and desserts.

Vanessa
8/9/2015 08:15:53 pm

Boo to the rain! That is the most miserable thing about travel - hopefully you can do a re-do.

Claudia link
7/9/2015 05:59:04 am

Is there anything more romantic than actually going for a walk with your loved one?

Vanessa
8/9/2015 08:16:36 pm

Not at all - especially if it ends with chocolate.

Sophie link
7/9/2015 11:47:33 pm

Quebec looks like such a charming city. Would love to visit so good to know a visit doesn't have to break the bank!

Vanessa
17/9/2015 05:54:15 pm

This is one city where the word 'charming' isn't a cliche - it's the definition!

Marissa
27/10/2015 11:19:24 pm

So excited to put the inspiration of your post into practice tomorrow !

Vanessa
28/10/2015 12:33:19 pm

Can't wait to hear about your trip!


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