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Canadian Holiday Express: Montréal → Québec City → Ottawa (21–28 Dec 2025)

Viewed by 99 travelers

Day 1: Montréal arrival

Montréal, Canada on December 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Olive et Gourmando (Old Montreal)

Popular bakery-café near the Old Port offering excellent pastries and coffee — arrive early to avoid queues; they typically open around 7:30–8:00am.
CAD18, 1h0m.

10:00am

Mount Royal Lookout

Short walk or drive to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for panoramic city views — a quick introduction to Montréal's winter skyline and fresh air.
CAD0, 1h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch at Jean‑Talon Market

Bustling market stalls with local cheeses, prepared-food vendors and seasonal treats — a lively spot for a mid-day sample platter; market hours are generally morning–early evening (check seasonal times).
CAD20, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Stroll Old Montreal & Old Port

Cobblestone streets, boutique shops and the riverfront promenade — atmospheric for photos and light shopping; outdoor areas are open year-round.
CAD0, 1h30m.

4:30pm

Notre‑Dame Basilica (visit if open)

Magnificent interior and evening light show; regular hours are variable so check the Basilica’s site before visiting (often 9:00am–5:00pm but can change).
CAD10, 45m.

7:00pm

Dinner at Toqué! (reserve ahead)

High‑end Québec cuisine—perfect for a welcome dinner; book well in advance, especially during the holiday period.
CAD90, 2h0m.

Day 2: Culture & neighbourhoods

Montréal, Canada on December 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at St‑Viateur Bagel

Try Montréal’s famed bagels fresh from the oven — a quick, authentic start in the Mile End; shops typically open from early morning.
CAD10, 30m.

10:00am

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Large collections and seasonal exhibitions in a city landmark — usually open 10:00am–5:00pm (confirm special holiday hours).
CAD20, 1h30m.

12:30pm

Lunch at Schwartz's Deli

Classic Montréal smoked‑meat sandwiches — quick, hearty and iconic; expect a casual, bustling experience.
CAD16, 45m.

2:00pm

Walk through Plateau & Mile End

Street art, independent shops and cafés — a relaxed afternoon exploring murals, boutiques and local bakeries.
CAD0, 2h0m.

6:30pm

Dinner in Mile End (contemporary bistro)

Choose a neighbourhood bistro for seasonal Quebec ingredients; reserve ahead for evening service during the holidays.
CAD45, 1h30m.

Day 3: Shopping & markets

Montréal, Canada on December 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Atwater Market café

Seasonal market atmosphere with fresh pastries and coffee — a good start before exploring local food stalls and produce vendors.
CAD12, 45m.

9:30am

Atwater & Lachine Canal stroll

Scenic canal paths and market browsing — peaceful winter scenery and easy walking; outdoor routes are open year-round.
CAD0, 1h0m.

12:00pm

Lunch at La Banquise (poutine)

Iconic spot for classic or inventive poutine variations — casual and satisfying for a winter day out.
CAD15, 45m.

1:30pm

Sainte‑Catherine Street & Underground City

Major shopping artery and connected heated pedestrian network — ideal for shopping and staying warm; many stores extend hours in the lead-up to Christmas.
CAD0, 2h0m.

6:00pm

Early dinner in Old Montreal

Choose a cosy bistro in the Old Port to enjoy classic Québécois fare before an evening activity.
CAD40, 1h30m.

8:30pm

Evening at a jazz club or comedy night

Montréal’s nightlife offers live jazz and comedy — great way to finish the day; check event schedules and book ahead where required.
CAD25, 2h0m.

Day 4: Travel to Québec City

Travel: Montréal → Québec City, Canada on December 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check‑out

Enjoy an early breakfast and complete check‑out formalities; leave extra time for holiday travel to the station or car pick‑up.
CAD15, 1h0m.

9:30am

Travel to Québec City (VIA Rail or drive)

Scenic ~3‑hour train ride or drive northeast to Québec City; holiday schedules are busier—book trains/cars in advance.
CAD65, 3h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch at Paillard (Old Québec)

Well‑known bakery and café with sandwiches and pastries — convenient central stop before exploring Old Québec.
CAD18, 45m.

2:30pm

Explore Old Québec & Petit Champlain

UNESCO‑listed Old Town with narrow streets, boutique shops and historic architecture — particularly charming in winter and open outdoors year‑round.
CAD0, 2h0m.

5:30pm

Terrasse Dufferin & Château Frontenac views

Walk the terrace for iconic views over the St Lawrence and the Château Frontenac; lovely at dusk as lights come on.
CAD0, 30m.

7:00pm

Christmas Eve dinner at Le Lapin Sauté

Comforting Québécois dishes in the Petit Champlain neighbourhood—romantic and cosy for Christmas Eve; reserve early as spaces fill fast.
CAD45, 2h0m.

Day 5: Christmas Day — Québec

Québec City, Canada on December 25, 2025

9:00am

Christmas breakfast at your hotel

Many hotels run a Christmas breakfast service when independent eateries are closed, making this the most reliable option for 25 Dec.
CAD25, 1h30m.

11:00am

Leisurely walk in Old Québec

Enjoy quieter streets, winter lights and historic architecture — many outdoor areas remain accessible on Christmas Day though indoor attractions may be closed.
CAD0, 1h30m.

1:00pm

Christmas lunch (hotel or pre‑booked venue)

Because many restaurants are closed, pre‑book a hotel lunch or a restaurant advertising they are open on Christmas Day to avoid disappointment.
CAD50, 1h30m.

3:00pm

Relaxing walk along the Promenade des Gouverneurs or Plains of Abraham

Open green spaces with viewpoints over the river — peaceful outdoor options for a festive afternoon; check weather and dress warmly.
CAD0, 1h0m.

6:30pm

Low‑key dinner at hotel

Return to a hotel restaurant for an easy evening meal; expect limited menus and earlier closing times on Christmas Day.
CAD40, 1h30m.

Day 6: Travel to Ottawa

Québec City → Ottawa, Canada on December 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check‑out

Early breakfast and final packing — allow time for travel; Boxing Day (26 Dec) schedules may be busy so confirm transport reservations.
CAD15, 45m.

8:30am

Travel to Ottawa (drive or coach/train)

Drive ≈4.5–5.5 hours or take available bus/train options; check holiday timetables and expect stops en route.
CAD75, 5h0m.

2:00pm

Settle in and explore ByWard Market

Central neighbourhood of cafés, shops and local sellers — good for stretching your legs and finding a casual afternoon bite.
CAD0, 1h0m.

4:00pm

Optional skate on Rideau Canal (if open)

Rideau Canal Skateway is a winter highlight when officially open—check City of Ottawa daily conditions and safety notices before heading out.
CAD10, 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner at Play Food & Wine or similar (ByWard Market)

Lively market restaurants offer seasonal menus and local ingredients—book ahead for a relaxed Boxing Day evening meal.
CAD45, 1h30m.

Day 7: Ottawa sights

Ottawa, Canada on December 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a ByWard Market café (try BeaverTails stall)

Light breakfast or Canadian pastry classic before a full day of museums and sites; vendors typically open from morning hours.
CAD12, 30m.

10:00am

Parliament Hill & guided tour

Canada’s political heart with impressive architecture — guided tours run seasonally and should be booked in advance; confirm winter/holiday availability.
CAD0, 1h0m.

12:30pm

Lunch in ByWard Market

Market eateries offer a range of options from casual to refined — convenient midday stop before museum visits.
CAD20, 1h0m.

2:30pm

National Gallery of Canada

Remarkable collection of Canadian and international art with striking architecture — typical winter hours around 10:00am–5:00pm but check holiday times.
CAD20, 1h30m.

6:30pm

Dinner at Beckta or Riviera (reserve)

Fine dining options near downtown—ideal for a memorable evening; reserve to secure a table during the holiday period.
CAD70, 1h45m.

Day 8: Departure day

Ottawa, Canada on December 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast and pack

Enjoy a final café breakfast, confirm transport details and complete check‑out — allow time for winter traffic or public transport delays.
CAD15, 1h0m.

10:30am

Morning stroll at Major’s Hill Park

A short, scenic walk with views of Parliament and the Ottawa River — a calm way to end the trip and get fresh air before departure.
CAD0, 1h0m.

12:00pm

Light lunch / final shopping in ByWard Market

Pick up souvenirs or enjoy a casual lunch before you leave; many market vendors are open through the weekend but check individual hours.
CAD18, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Depart or travel to next destination

Collect luggage and head to the station/airport or begin your onward drive—allow extra time for winter conditions and holiday traffic.
CAD0, 30m.
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