5 Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving in Québec City

Pamela Macnaughtan, amoureuse de Québec
Pamela MacNaughtan
Updated on August 15, 2024
Marche de Noël allemand
Marche de Noël allemand, Kerstin Winkler

Start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year with an unforgettable trip to Québec City, a city with European charm nestled in Eastern Canada. Imagine spending more time with your friends or family while wandering the historic streets of Old Québec, admire the 17th and 18th century buildings, discover the exciting flavours of Québécois cuisine and take advantage of the favourable Canadian exchange rate. Here are 5 reasons to come and say bonjour (hello)!

  • 1

    Experience European Charm Without Jet Lag

    Only a few hours by car (or plane) from Eastern USA, Québec City is a little piece of Europe in the heart of Eastern Canada. Discover over four-hundred years of history as you explore Old Québec. Far cheaper than a roundtrip ticket to Europe, not to mention the ability to spend less time on a plane and more time exploring, eating and exploring some more.

    My favourite thing to do in Québec City is to wake up early and stroll the streets of Old Québec. It makes you feel like you are in a fairytale!
    - Marisa Mercanti-Gagnon, The Daydream Diaries

  • 2

    Visit an Enchanting Christmas Market

    Meet Santa Claus and listen to Christmas music at the German Christmas Market, a charming annual tradition that amps up the city’s European charm. Shop for festive decorations and gifts, try traditional German foods, sip mulled wine and listen to live performances. A lovely way to spend a few hours in Old Québec. What's next? Stop by in a cute café for a deliciously rich chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). Yum!

  • 3

    Enjoy Québécois Cuisine

    This year, swap your traditional dinner for our delicious Québécois cuisine. You won't regret it! Québec City is known for its amazing food scene and its incredible fine dining restaurants.

    Spend an amazing evening with your friends or family over traditional Québécois dishes like tourtière at Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens or La Buche. For a dining experience you’re not likely to forget, try La Tanière3 or Chez Boulay - Bistro boréal. Don’t forget to reserve early as these trendy restaurants fill up quickly! 

  • 4

    Relax in a Nordic Spa

    A vacation is not a vacation until you make time to relax, and in Québec City one of the best ways to relax is to visit a Nordic spa. Spend a morning or afternoon getting a massage and enjoy the benefits of thermotherapy with hot pools, steam baths, dry saunas, infrared saunas, relaxation areas, cold baths, waterfalls and river.

  • 5

    Shop for Deals & Québec Souvenirs

    Black Friday is often an intense day that requires rising before the sun, standing in long lines and rushing to buy things before they are gone. While there are moments of fun, there is definitely a lot of stress. Unless, of course, you take advantage of the favourable exchange rate and do all of your Black Friday shopping in Québec City. Shop at Québec boutiques on rue du Petit-Champlain or rue Saint-Jean. Of course, Black Friday deals can also be found at big brand stores and in shopping malls.

    Are you ready to spend time with your friends or family, skip the shopping lines, and plan a trip to Québec City? French Canada awaits to make your holiday journey a special one. 

Events and Exhibitions on the Thanksgiving Weekend

  • Exposition Lutte. Le Québec dans l'arène

    Wrestling. Quebec in the Ring

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  • Helen McNicoll

    Helen McNicoll

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  • Premiers jours

    Early Days. Indigenous Art from the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

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  • MOBA - Salon du Bad Art

    MOBA - Salon du Bad Art

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  • Biosphere
    Marché allemand place d'Youville

    German Christmas Market

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  • Christmas market
    The Grand Christmas Market
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  • Sue Foley

    Sue Foley

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  • New Orleans Blues

    New Orleans Blues

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Pamela Macnaughtan, amoureuse de Québec
Pamela MacNaughtan

Travel writer and photographer, Pamela has a deep love of all things Québec City. She is an anglophone from Ontario who prefers living in Québec City. An avid city explorer and chocolat chaud connoisseur, Pamela accentuates the finest experiences in the city.

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