I finally took the time to visit the Auberge that everyone is talking about and had lunch with a friend of mine who’s the Director of Sales & Events, Ingrid Lemm.  I loved the welcome experience and the lobby area with its display of artefacts found during the archeological digs conducted right where the building was built in 1680s.

It was not just a lunch, it was an exquisite culinary experience at the four diamond restaurant Panache managed by Executif Chef François Blais.  Our meal started with a Brandade de canard confit, purée de roquette followed by a tasty Poisson Lune and the Pastry Chef’s chocolate delight.  Everything is cooked with local Québec produce. I really enjoyed the presentation and the originality of the menu.

I look forward to going back to Auberge St-Antoine for an overnight stay and another great meal at Le Panache Restaurant.

On a domestic side with the top 25 Canadian destinations, Quebec City made it as #6, Montreal #14, Tremblant #19 and Tadoussac #24. The Rockies and West Coast are all over the map!

Be involved on Tripadvisor and comment about our lovely & authentic province of Quebec, we need the business on this side of the country!

Starting tomorrow night until February 17th, over 500 000 visitors will participate in the activities offered in Quebec City: opening ceremony, international snow sculpture event, canoe race, dogsled race, ice palace visit, evening parades, Bonhomme’s Bal and much more. I went to the Carnival last year with friends and my 10 year old Godson and it was very well organized and quite busy.

This award-winning event generates direct economic returns of $34 million a year and has a huge media impact for Quebec City with journalists coming from 10 countries. Over the 3 week ends of the carnival, the hotels are showing an occupancy rate of about 85%.

One hotel not to be missed is certainly the legendary Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This is one of the most photographed hotel in the world. I’m lucky, I’ve stayed there many times and every time, I’ve received the royal treatment. The hotel now has a famous Canine Ambassador, Santol, available in the hotel lobby to meet and greet guests, accompany them on walks and simply be around for a bit of petting.

Happy Carnival, dress warm and enjoy our beautiful Quebec winter!