Winter Waltz

2 Montreal  /  4 Quebec

What better time to explore Canada than in the magical winter months; when Montréal and Québec’s passion for life is celebrated around cozy fireplaces, in friendly pubs, at steaming sugar shacks, and, of course, on the slopes of local mountains. This itinerary is best taken anytime from December to March. Begin in Montréal, the second largest French-speaking city in the world and home to a rich tradition of jazz music. You’ll visit the captivating Notre Dame Basilica and the Old Port, see the amazing view from the top of Mont Royal and have your first performance, as well as an ice-skating opportunity. Next, it’s on to Québec City with its fortified walls and cobblestones streets that will make you feel like you’re in Europe! You’ll love exploring the history of this 400-year-old city and venturing just outside of town to see the famous Shrine of Sainte Anne de Beaupré and the Montmorency Waterfalls. Spend a full day at the Val Cartier Village winter sports park, largest winter playground in America. A fabulous Québécois Feast at the Sugar Shack completes your time in North America’s most European City!

Tour Highlights

  • Copper embossing workshop

  • Ice Skating

  • Montréal-by-Nite

  • Val Cartier Village

  • Ice Hotel

  • Hockey Game

  • Albert Giles Copper Museum

  • Marie’s Bread Ovens

  • La Basilique Sainte-Anne de Beaupré

  • “Cabane a Sucre” (Sugar Shack)

Itinerary

7 Days / 2 Montreal / 4 Quebec

Depart from the US on your 7-day tour of “La Belle Province”! Arrive in Montréal and be met by your dedicated Encore Tour Manager to transfer to your hotel. Montréal remains the country’s cultural capital, which simply lives for public celebration of the arts. There are some 250 theater and dance companies, more than 90 festivals and a fascinating medley of neighborhoods where artists, writers and musicians have helped cement the city’s reputation as a great arts center.

After breakfast included each morning of your tour, transfer to Montréal’s most important and impressive religious structures, Notre Dame Basilica. Here, you will be given a guided visit and possible performance opportunity for your ensemble! This afternoon, develop your skills at one of the world’s most iconic winter sports: ice skating! Return to your hotel to freshen up, then end the day with dinner at Bistro Essence with live entertainment, followed by a tour of Montréal -by-Night.

Today transfer to Québec City. This afternoon, experience an exciting tour of Québec City, beginning at the port of Place Royal, followed by a ride across the Majestic St. Lawrence River on the Québec Ferry Boat, offering a chance to gaze at the magnificent Le Château Frontenac and imposing outer fortifications of Old Québec City. Back on shore climb to the top of the Cliff in the Funiculaire Glass Elevator for a breathtaking view of the city and perfect picture taking opportunities from the Dufferin Terrace at the base of the Château Frontenac.

This morning, enjoy an exciting day of fun in the snow! You will spend the day at Val Cartier Village winter sports park, the largest winter playground in America with more than 35 slides, 17 mechanical lifts, skating paths, ice karting and so much more! Here you will also do a quick visit of the Ice Hotel, made of over 30,000 tons of snow, 500 tons of ice, and walls up to four feet thick! It is the first and only fully functional hotel made of ice in North America. This afternoon, perform a charity concert for a local senior center or local school.

Today, embark on a charming tour of the Beaupré Coast with a visit to the Albert Gilles Copper Museum, where you will embosse your own copper masterpiece during a workshop. Then continue on to the Basilique Sainte-Anne de Beaupré for a visit to one of the most important religious emblems in Québec. While here, your ensemble may have the opportunity to perform recital concert. Afterwards, stop at the impressive Montmorency Waterfalls! Tonight, experience Canada’s national pastime with tickets to see a professional hockey game!

This morning, you will participate in a service (choirs only) followed by a recital concert for the congregation. Enjoy the afternoon to explore the winding, cobblestoned streets of Vieux Quebec at your own pace. This evening, you will have a fun-filled dinner at the “Cabane a Sucre” (Sugar Shack) for an unforgettable evening of food & entertainment. Your visit begins with the Maple Museum and Canadian Trappers Museum, then prepare for a true Quebecois Feast! Served family-style, large dishes of food are put on the table so you may serve yourself. A local performer will entertain you during dinner with traditional “Quebecois” songs and music. To end you perfect night, all gather together outdoors to be treated to famous maple taffy pulled on snow year-round!

After a final breakfast at your hotel, it’s time for hotel checkout. Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States.

Sample Customizations*

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GENERAL CUSTOMIZATIONS

  • Add day(s)/Remove day(s)
  • Add overnight city
  • Add/Remove meals
  • Add/Remove a performance
  • Reverse itinerary

ADD A MUSICAL HIGHLIGHT

  • Workshop with a local director
  • School visit and informal concert
  • Add musical jam session to a dinner with hired performers

ADD AN ACTIVITY OR EXCURSION

  • Sled Dog Activity
  • Ice Wine Tasting
  • Ski Resort Visit
  • Wendake Village Visit
*All customizations subject to operational feasibility and availability

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