If you have a place to spend Christmas in Canada in mind, the place to go is Quebec. It has a splendid climate for the festivities as we imagine; that is, with enough snow of more than 20 inches highlighted by festive Christmas decorations, special parties and the contagious joy of its people.
You feel like you are in Europe, with its French flavor and flair, Québec offers a great getaway at any time of the year too.
But the Christmas season is especially festive, with the Christmas March, or the Christmas market, as well as similar markets in Montreal and other cities in the province. In Quebec City, which celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008, the Vieux Port (Old Port) is transformed into the year-round farmers market 'en la marche de Noel, with 100 beautifully decorated stalls offering food, wine and gift items from the artisans of the province.
Unsurprisingly, this season abounds with maple syrup, maple butter, wool hand-weaving, handmade toys, ceramics, paintings, boutique wines and spirits, and other items.
"What's fun about this Christmas market," says Andre Filteau, general manager of the Cooperativa des Horticulteurs de Québec (Horticultural Cooperative du Québec), which operates the market, "is that in one place, you can find products of the entire province of Quebec. And the market is like Ali Baba's cave - there are a lot of surprises!
It's easy to combine shopping with sightseeing in Quebec City. Strolling through the old town, with its historic buildings, winding hill streets and beautifully decorated shop windows, is a pleasure in itself. Don't miss the shops on rue Saint-Jean, Rue St. Louis and rue Petit-Champlain.
And no visit to Quebec City has been completed with a stop at the historic hotel. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac which is on top of a hill overlooking the city. And it is more than a hotel, it is a symbol of the city. You can take a guided tour, enjoy a meal or a drink in one of its restaurants or bars, or best of all, spend the night in this fairytale castle more illuminated than ever for Christmas.