As the primary gift buyer in my household, there's one thing I know for sure:
holiday shopping goes so much more smoothly when you have a short list to work
from. Today's post is here to give you that head start. I've organized my
Christmas gift ideas into eight guides, sorted by the people on your list,
from the teen who's hard to buy for to the homebody who would rather stay in
by the fire.
Each guide is a curated edit rather than an endless catalogue: pieces I own
and love, gifts I've given or received that were a hit, and thoughtful finds
I'd happily buy for someone I care about. Below you'll find a short look at
each one and a few standouts. Click any product to shop it directly, or tap
through to see the full collection.
Jump to a gift guide:
- Gifts for her
- Gifts for him
- Gifts for teen girls
- Gifts for the traveller
- Gifts for the homebody
- Gifts for the whole family
- Gifts for the home
- My all-time favourite gifts
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small
commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you
for supporting Rambling Renovators.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Her
This guide is full of the things most women will be thrilled to unwrap:
flannel pajamas, warm-lined slippers, a soft organic cotton sweater tee, and a
matching weekender sweatshirt and
barrel-leg pant
(so on trend!) for slow mornings at home. For something a little more special,
the two-tone
Jenny Bird Mini Florence earrings
is thoughtful without being fussy (I wear mine almost every day!).
I also included a few practical picks, like the She's Birdie personal safety
alarm, which makes a smart stocking stuffer for a daughter heading off to
school or anyone who walks home after dark. For the woman who loves a good
blowout, the
Shark FlexStyle
is the splurge on this list. I bought one for myself last year and it
absolutely upped my hair game!
Christmas Gift Ideas for Him
Men can be famously hard to shop for, so this guide leans on things that get
worn and used every day. My husband has the
Serious Sweats full-zip hoodie
in three colours and they get a ton of use year-round. The
Quince Flowknit half-zip
is his favourite thing to wear, going from work-at-home days to the gym to
weekends, and the Quince commuter pants have the most flattering fit, not too
tight and not too loose, for work or weekends.
Rounding it out are a Crosley Tribute radio for the garage or workshop, a YETI
Rambler, a Nespresso Vertuo Next for the coffee lover, a leather cable
organizer for the one who travels for work, and a personalized golf gift set
for the golfer in your life.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls
With a teenager at home, I know how tricky this age can be to buy for. This
guide includes those things teens actually ask for: a
Hollister sherpa half-zip, Beats Studio Pro headphones, the Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Jet Set, gold
hoop earrings, and a heatless overnight curler.
For something creative and screen-free, the
Camp Snap camera
is a fun pick (use code JENNIFERFLORES7 for 7% off), and a pocket
flower press is a sweet gift for a teen who loves making things. Carabiner
hair ties, the cutest mini ceramic vase fridge magnets, and a cozy mitten mug
make easy stocking stuffers.
Gift Ideas for the Traveller
Whether they're planning a big trip or a long weekend away, this guide covers
the things that make travel smoother. The
Quince CloudComfort wide-leg pants
and matching full-zip are soft, polished layers for a long flight or a day of
sightseeing or for just for working from home (I must wear the pants at least
once a week), and a Quince Italian leather toiletry bag is the kind of upgrade
that lasts for years.
For staying organized, there are packing cubes, a
versatile folio kit, a family passport wallet, and a power bank with built-in cables. Apple
AirTags are one of the most useful travel gifts you can give, since one tucked
into a checked bag offers real peace of mind, and a Summer Fridays jet lag
hydration set helps them arrive feeling a little fresher.
Gift Ideas for the Homebody
This one is for the person whose ideal weekend involves a blanket, a good
book, and nowhere to be. The chunky-but-soft Quince cotton fisherman throw
in olive, Terrain meadow knit slippers (use code RAMBLIN30 for 30% off
until 11/15), and a camel plaid bolster pillow bring instant warmth to a
favourite reading spot, while a Rest diffuser kit sets a calm mood at the end
of the day.
For the homebody with a creative side, the
Emily Lex watercolour book
(I have the Baking one) and The Container Garden Book are lovely ways to spend
a quiet winter afternoon, and to start dreaming about spring.
Gift Ideas for the Whole Family
These are gifts the whole household can enjoy together, the kind that come out
over the holidays and stay in rotation all winter. For game nights, there's
Ban.do fruit mancala, Rifle Paper Co. playing cards, a Pendleton travel chess
and checkers set, and a butterfly puzzle to leave out on the dining table.
The
Dash hot air popcorn popper
gets constant use on our family movie nights. Pair it with an Amish popcorn
sampler for nights in, or set up an indoor s'mores maker for a cozy treat in
the middle of January. For families who love being outdoors, The Pendleton
Field Guide to Campfire Stories and a pickleball paddle set carry the fun into
warmer months.
Gift Ideas for the Home
For the host, the cook, or the friend who just bought her first place. The
bigger gifts include a KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer in a beautiful
evergreen, a HexClad cookware set, Staub nested bakers, and a Fellow Aiden
coffee maker for the coffee devotee.
Smaller pieces include Peugeot salt and pepper mills, a fluted cordless table
lamp, a sage tapestry pillow (from my fave pillow source
Tonic Living - you also
NEED to buy their
faux down pillow inserts), and seasonal touches like a gingerbread stoneware lazy Susan and
handcrafted gingerbread village houses that can come out year after year.
My All-Time Favourite Gifts
This is my short list of gifts I've given or received that have truly held up.
The Perfect Pan Duo are the easiest pans I've ever owned, with easy cooking
and easy cleanup. I've used them for the last three years and they still look
brand new. The
Sidekick in
cognac is great for travel (its been with me through Japan and Thailand!),
large enough to hold a passport, phone, and daily essentials.
The Aerie flannel trouser PJs stay soft and cozy and don't shrink in the wash.
I bought matching pairs for my family, and they're our favourites for chilly
winter nights. You'll also find the KitchenAid mini food processor, a monogram
necklace,
Caudalie's Vinoperfect routine
(I swear by this as a 55-year old), and Rummikub, a classic game that never
gets old.
I hope these guides make your list a little shorter this year. If you're
shopping for someone who doesn't fit neatly into a category, my all-time
favourites are a good place to start. Happy shopping, and happy holidays.
Every October, I pull my winter coats out of the basement and take stock of
what I'll actually be wearing once the cold really settles in. If you have a
petite frame, you probably know how tricky that can be. Most winter coats are
cut for someone a few inches taller, so the hem lands too low, the sleeves
swallow your hands and the bulk makes you look heavier than you are.
Petite Women's Winter Coat With Hood
This year I went looking for a petite women's winter coat I could wear every
day without giving it a second thought, and I was excited to find the
Quince Responsible Down Cropped Puffer Jacket
in Hot Fudge. It isn't sold as a petite coat, which means you might miss it as
an option. The cropped cut that would sit at the waist on a taller woman lands
closer to a regular length on a shorter frame, and that one detail solves the
length problem that comes with so many jackets.
Here's how it fits, how warm it is, the details you might miss, and the one
thing I'd change.
Where this coat fits in my winter wardrobe
If you're Canadian like me, or live with distinct four seasons, you'll know
that most of us don't own just one winter coat. I've found it helps to think
about outerwear the way you'd think about the rest of your closet, with each
piece doing a specific job.
For fall,
Uniqlo
is my go-to. Their jackets collection is where I find light puffers and
barn-style coats that work beautifully on crisp mornings over a sweater. Once
the temperature really drops, though, those thinner coats aren't enough, and I
need something thicker and sturdier.
For dressier days, I have a
Lands' End
wool coat that I've owned for years. I love it, and it has held up well, but
it's a bit more formal than what I want on an ordinary weekday when I'm
running errands or heading out for a walk.
I also didn’t want a super heavy, expedition-style coat like a
Canada Goose.
Those are made for long hours in extreme cold, and that isn’t how I spend most
winter days. Since I hit perimenopause, I run warmer than I used to, and a
parka built for
the Arctic would have me overheating by the time I reached the end of the
block, lol!
What I was missing was the coat in between, something warm and practical for
everyday winter life. The
Quince puffer
fills that gap.
Why petite winter coats are so hard to find
Most outerwear is designed around a single set of body lengths. When brands do
offer petite ranges, the selection is usually smaller than the main line,
often leaning toward fleece jackets, a petite trench coat or parka, and styles
too light for a real Canadian January. The warmest coat in the store also
tends to be the longest, and the least likely to come in petite sizing.
So you end up choosing between warmth and fit. A
long coat in the
regular version keeps you warm but can overwhelm a shorter frame - trust me,
I've made that mistake! An oversized coat can look trendy, but on smaller
frames, the extra volume is not flattering. I wanted a well-fitting coat that
was properly warm and didn't add bulk, and I didn't expect to find it in a
cropped puffer.
The coat at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fill | 700+ fill power RDS-certified goose down |
| Shell and lining | 100% recycled polyester, water-repellent and wind-resistant |
| Hood | Removable, with an adjustable toggle |
| Hem | Adjustable toggle drawcord |
| Cuffs | Knit storm cuffs with thumbholes |
| Price | $140 CAD at the time of writing |
| Returns | 365 days |
How it fits on a petite frame
The length
The cropped cut is what makes this coat work. On a taller woman, a cropped
puffer is a deliberate style choice: it allows you to see the top of
high-waisted jeans or the longer sweater underneath. On me, at 4'10", the same
coat lands at a regular length, right where a standard jacket should sit. If
you've been avoiding short coats because you assumed they'd feel too cropped,
they're worth another look, because the brand has already done the shortening
for you.
This length is ideal for every day. It's easy to wear sitting in a car or on
your commute. It looks great with my favourite long & lean jeans, leggings, or long skirts. And the
length doesn't impede your movement, making it ideal for activities or outdoor
walks.
Sleeve length and cuffs
Sleeve length is usually where a winter jacket hits or misses on a petite
frame. The sleeves on this one fall right where they should. Inside each cuff
is a soft knit storm cuff with a thumbhole, and the extended section that
covers the back of the hand is the right length too. It comes far enough over
my fingers to keep the wind out without flopping over my hands.
Shoulder width
When a coat is too wide through the shoulders, the seams drop onto the upper
arm and the whole coat looks a size too big. The shoulder width on this jacket
is right for my frame, so it hangs straight and looks like it belongs to
me.
Warm without the bulk
Volume is often the biggest hesitation with puffers on petite frames, since
heavily stuffed channels add width everywhere. This coat finds a comfortable
middle ground. It's puffier than the
light Uniqlo puffers
I wear in fall, so you can tell right away it's built for real winter, but it
never feels bulky, and I don't feel like the Michelin Man when I zip it up.
The warmth is what you'd want from a true winter coat: really warm, without
being excessive. It's a coat that will comfortable outside on a cold morning
and not overheating the moment you step indoors. Quince uses 700+ fill power
goose down, which gives a lot of warmth for its weight, and the
water-repellent, wind-resistant shell helps on damp, blustery days. If you
spend long stretches outdoors in extreme cold, a long coat will cover more of
you, but for everyday winter life this is more than enough.
The details I appreciate every day
The best things about a coat you wear daily are rarely the ones you notice at
the beginning.
A removable hood. On milder days, I can leave it off and the coat looks
cleaner and more polished. When the weather turns, it goes back on in
seconds.
Toggles at the hood and waist. Both are adjustable. Cinching the waist
gives the coat more of a bomber shape and a bit of definition, which helps it
look tailored rather than boxy on a smaller frame. The hood toggle lets you
tighten it around your face on windy days.
An interior pocket. This will become my phone's home all winter. On wet
or rainy days it'll keep my phone close and out of the damp.
Covered zipper ends. All of the zipper ends are covered, as are the
ends of the removable hood, so nothing catches on my scarf or sweater and the
zipper doesn't scratch my chin. It's the kind of detail that tells you someone
thought about how the coat would actually be worn.
If the Quince puffer looks familiar, it’s probably because it’s very close to
the
Aritzia Super Puff, the puffer that seems to be on every second woman in Toronto once the cold
sets in.
The Shorty version
shares a lot with this Quince jacket. Both have a cropped cut, 700+ fill power
down, a water-repellent and wind-resistant shell, a removable hood, cuffs with
thumbholes and a drawcord hem you can cinch. The Super Puff comes in more
finishes, including its well-known high-gloss shell. The
Quince version
costs about $125 less and has the same features I use every day. If you’ve
been eyeing the Super Puff but would rather save a little, the Quince is a
winter coat worth considering.
Why I chose Hot Fudge
There are
lots of colour options, and I was tempted by the soft Fondant Pink but went with Hot Fudge. It's a
deep, rich brown that looks sharp in person and feels right for winter.
Against snow and grey sidewalks it reads warm and grounded, and it's a nice
change from the black puffer most of us already own.
Sizing: why I sized up
I sized up so I could fit a sweater underneath, and it doesn't feel tight or
bulky. Because the cropped length is already well proportioned for a shorter
frame, going up a size didn't throw off the fit the way it can with a longer
coat.
If you mostly wear lighter layers (this is my go-to sweater
that doesn't add bulk), your usual size may be the better choice, and Quince's
365-day returns take the pressure off.
The one thing I'd change
The hood runs a little deep. In fairness, I find that's true of most winter
coats, and it's more noticeable on petite women since hoods are rarely scaled
down. The adjustable toggle helps, and because the hood is removable, it's
easy to leave off when you don't need it.
Key things to look for in petite outerwear
Whether you choose this coat or keep shopping, these are the key things I'd
check:
- Where the hem lands. Judge the length against your own height, not the model's. A shorter length or cropped style often gives a more balanced silhouette.
- Sleeve length. Sleeves should end at the wrist, or just past it with knit cuffs.
- The shoulder seam. It should sit at the edge of your shoulder, not on your upper arm.
- Adjustability. Toggles at the hem, waist and hood let you shape a coat that isn't cut as petite clothing.
- Room to layer. Try coats over the sweater you'll wear in January. A perfect fit over a T-shirt can feel tight once winter layers go underneath.
- Your other coats. Think about what you already own. Thin coats for fall and a dressier wool coat cover a lot of ground, so your winter coat may only need to handle everyday wear. Keep an eye on sale styles after the holidays if you're filling a gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Quince cropped puffer a good petite women's winter coat?
Yes. Although it isn't sold in petite sizing, the cropped cut lands at a
regular length on petite frames, and the sleeves and shoulders suit a shorter
frame well. It fits much like women's petite coats without being labelled that
way.
Is it warm enough for a Canadian winter?
Yes. It's really warm without being excessive, with 700+ fill power down and a
wind-resistant shell.
Should I size up?
I sized up to have the option to fit a knit sweater underneath for those really cold days. If you wear lighter layers, your usual size may work.
Final thoughts
Between Uniqlo for fall and my Lands' End wool coat for dressier days, the
Quince cropped puffer has become the coat I wear for everything in between.
The length works, the sleeves fit, it's warm enough for a real winter, and the
small details make it easy to wear day after day. How a coat looks matters,
but the one that works with your actual routine is the one you'll keep
reaching for.
If you've been searching for a petite women's winter coat that doesn't ask you
to compromise, the
Quince Responsible Down Cropped Puffer in Hot Fudge
is the one I'd point you toward first.
There's a moment on every good road trip when the highway narrows, the exits
get farther apart, and you feel so far removed from your everyday life. On our
Quebec road trip, that moment came somewhere past Montreal, when the fields
started rolling into hills and the signs switched entirely to French.
Our recent summer vacations have taken us to
Japan
and Thailand and the Philippines, but this year, we decided to explore closer
to home. We started this trip from
our cottage in Picton, which happens to sit almost exactly halfway between Toronto and Montreal.
That makes it a genuinely great starting point if you're planning a Quebec
road trip from Ontario, and it meant our first day of driving was short and
easy rather than the long, tired slog it can be for people starting further
west.
This is the itinerary we used, more or less, with a few suggestions added for
anyone who has more time than we did, because there's so much of this province
we didn't get to. I'm share our trip with the hotels, restaurants, and stops
that were actually worth it, plus notes on where I'd add extra days if you
have them.
Why Quebec Is One of the Best Road Trips in North America
I've done a lot of road trips over my life, and this one stands out. It has
the scenic drives of the Pacific Northwest, the maritime feel of the East
Coast, and a rich culture of people who've held onto their language and
traditions, all connected by one main highway and a handful of gorgeous scenic
routes.
A few reasons it earns the "ultimate" label:
- It's genuinely varied. You'll experience cosmopolitan cities, small villages, mountains, and coastline, all within a few hours of each other
- It feels like a trip to Europe without needing a passport or an international flight
- The food is excellent almost everywhere you stop, not just in the big cities
- National parks and outdoor activities are easy to fold into even a city-focused itinerary
- There's enough here for one great road trip or, honestly, five different ones
Note: this post contains affiliate links.
Planning Your Quebec Road Trip
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is the warmer months, from late June through early
September, when outdoor activities, patios, and hiking trails are all in full
swing. We went at the end of July into August and had great weather except for
one majorly rainy day while we were driving back west from La Malbaie. Those
steep and windy roads can be a bit challenging even in the best weather so be
sure you're comfortable with that as a driver before you embark on this
adventure!
If you're a fall person, this same route transforms into one of the best
places in North America to see the foliage, particularly around Charlevoix and
Le Massif, so don't rule out a version of this trip in the autumn months
either.
TRAVEL TIP: Worried that you don't speak French? You don't have to. Most
people are fully bilingual and restaurants and shops will greet you with a
"Bonjour! Hello!" or ask if you want a French or English menu. If you're in a
more rural area or are spoken to in French, starting with "Bonjour.
Parlez-vous anglais?" always helps.
How Much Time You Need
We did the core loop, Montreal to Charlevoix and back to Québec City and
Montreal, in about nine days, and it felt right without feeling rushed. Here's
what I think is doable:
- 4–5 days: Montreal and Quebec City only
- 9 days: the full core loop we did, including La Malbaie and Charlevoix
- 2+ weeks: add the Saguenay Fjord and/or a full tour around the Gaspé Peninsula
Getting There
The main highway for most of this route is Highway 20, which hugs the south
shore of the St. Lawrence River. Quebec City has an international airport if
you'd rather fly in and rent a car locally rather than driving the whole
way.
There is also the adorable two-car Train De Charlevoix which connects Quebec City to Baie Saint Paul and La Malbaie with many picturesque stops along the way. Its a great option if you want to leave your car and take a day trip from Quebec City.
There is also the adorable two-car Train De Charlevoix which connects Quebec City to Baie Saint Paul and La Malbaie with many picturesque stops along the way. Its a great option if you want to leave your car and take a day trip from Quebec City.
First Stop: Montreal
Montreal was our first real stop, about 3.5 hours from Picton via Highway 401
and the A-20. It's a great place to ease into the trip because it still feels
familiar in a lot of ways while giving you your first real hit of Quebec's
distinct culture.
Where We Stayed
We chose to stay at
Le Nouvel Hotel on
Rene-Levesque as it was within walking distance to the Bell Centre where we
were seeing Ariana Grande in concert during our trip.
Were I to visit Montreal again, next time I'd choose a hotel closer to
Old Montreal as
you'll be closer to the sites and can explore the area in early morning or
late in the evening.
What We Did
- Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, including Place d'Armes and the exterior of Notre-Dame Basilica
- Walk through Place des Montréalaises, the newly opened public space behind City Hall. It has a lovely flower meadow and is an easy way to enter Old Montreal from downtown
- Catch sunset at the Old Port, and ride La Grande Roue de Montréal for a different angle on the skyline
- Head up to the lookout on Mount Royal for the best views of Montreal
- Walk through McGill's picturesque downtown campus
- If thrifting is your thing, the Village des Valeurs location in a converted historic railway station near the Jean-Talon metro stop is a great spot for curated vintage finds
Montreal is also a great place to catch live music at Centre Bell if the
timing works out - we discovered Olivia Dean was playing there at the tail end
of our trip and I'm still sore we just missed out on last minute tickets!
Where We Ate
- Jardin Nelson — the best terrace in Old Montreal for people watching or sit inside to enjoy live music while you dine
- Bagels Etc. — our backup when the famous Schwartz's deli was too busy; the croque chevre was worth the stop!
- Basta grocery — takeout iced coffee and soft chocolate chip cookies that I'm still thinking about
Next Stop: Charlevoix and La Malbaie
From Montreal, it's about three hours and forty minutes to Baie-Saint-Paul.
Highway 138 will take you through Quebec City but no need to stop, you can
check it out later in the trip. It's a genuinely great scenic drive within the
road trip: winding, hilly, and full of views over farmland and the widening
St. Lawrence River.
Where We Stayed
Our favourite stay on this entire Quebec road trip was at the Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix where we spent two nights in a dormitory-style room in the old
Gare building. The individual beds, individual closets, and ample wall hooks
meant we all had room to stretch out and store our things.
The hotel has been awarded a Michelin Key and its easy to see why - the
grounds are definitely worth exploring. The hotel has its own farm and gardens
with around forty varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that go straight
into the kitchens of the onsite restaurants.
We loved walking around the farm, seeing the chickens, sheep, bunnies, llamas,
and Highland cattle up close.
The Full Day for Outdoor Activities
If you only do one outdoor activity on this trip, make it
Le Massif's Le Bouton trail, a beginner-friendly hike about twenty minutes from the hotel. Park at the
base chalet, cross the footbridge, and access the trailhead to the right of
the gondola. It's free, it's not overly strenuous, and the views over the St.
Lawrence might be the most spectacular of the entire trip.
On the drive back down, stop at Quai Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to catch
the tide, then spend the afternoon wandering Baie-Saint-Paul itself. It is a
charming town full of art galleries, restaurants, and small shops you'll want
to explore.
Where We Ate
- Les Labours - the Table d'hôte fixed menu was a wonderful way to experience the farm to table fare. Most memorable was the pouding chômeur (a traditional Quebecois "poor man's pudding") which I'll be dreaming of for a long time to come!
- Bistro de l'Estran - a nice spot to have a meal while enjoying views of the Bay
- Le Bercail - also on the grounds of Hotel Le Germain, this restaurant offers good food and a more relaxed vibe
If You Have More Time: The Saguenay Fjord and the Whale Route
We didn't make it here ourselves, but if your trip has room for it, this would be my first addition. La Malbaie, just 30 minutes from Baie Saint Paul, is a natural extension and also marks the unofficial starting point of the Route des Baleines, Quebec's whale route.Continue north from La Malbaie along the Route des Baleines toward Tadoussac and the Saguenay Fjord National Park, where the fjord meets the St. Lawrence River.
This is one of the best places on the entire east coast for whale watching, with minke whales, belugas, and occasionally blue whales visible right from shore in the right season. The boreal forest along this stretch of the north shore is dense and quiet, a completely different feel from the rolling hills of Charlevoix. It makes a wonderful two- or three-day extension for nature lovers wanting a different angle on the province.
Quebec City: Endless Old World Charm
From Baie-Saint-Paul, it's about an hour and a half back down Highway 138 to
Quebec City. We stayed three nights at
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec, right by the Plains of Abraham, and a short walk to the old town.
Quebec City is one of the best places in North America to feel like you've
left the continent entirely. The old walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and is renowned for its 400-year-old stone architecture, cobblestone
streets, and the iconic
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Quartier Petit-Champlain
Give yourself a full day here. It's North America's oldest commercial district
and you will enjoy getting lost in its narrow winding streets and historic
buildings. You can easily spend hours exploring the boutiques, cafés,
and ice cream shops along the cobblestone streets, including the famous
umbrella-covered alley and the street murals. And if you tire by the end of
the day, take the funicular up from the lower town, about seven dollars well
spent!
Don't leave Vieux Quebec without popping into the Fairmont Le Château
Frontenac even if you're not staying there. The architecture of this grand old
railway hotel is worth seeing on its own, and the shops inside are lovely for
local products, a step above the usual souvenir shops.
A Full Day in the Old Town
- Walk the Plains of Abraham and around the Citadelle walls
- Brunch at Restaurant La Buche, a funky, eclectic spot designed like a wintry sugar shack, all plaid and snowshoes
- Rest for a bit on Dufferin Terrace and enjoy the street performers in summer
- Shop Rue Saint-Jean for maple products, Quebec-made art and crafts, and a stop at Simons, my favourite department store, for clothing and home goods with French flair
Where We Ate
- Au Petit Coin Breton - traditional Quebecois crepes and a French onion soup that hit exactly right
- Restaurant La Buche - funky decor and traditional Quebecois cuisine
- Chika Ramen Izakaya - the BEST ramen I've had in a long time!
- St-Hubert - quick and kid-friendly chicken spot if you need something fast one night
We ended one evening walking past the Parliament buildings lit up at night. It
was a wonderfully quiet way to close out our time in this unforgettable city.
Montmorency Falls
One activity we didn't quite have time for but might be worth adding to your
trip is a visit to Montmorency Falls. About a thirty-minute drive from the
old town, its a popular day trip from Quebec City. The falls are actually
taller than Niagara Falls, which is surprising. One of the best ways to see
them is from the suspension bridge that crosses right over the top, followed
by the cable car and the staircases down the cliffside for a completely
different perspective from below.
The Scenic Route Home: Chemin du Roy
For the drive back toward Montreal, skip the highway and take the Chemin du
Roy, the oldest road in Canada, which runs along the north shore of the St.
Lawrence through Trois-Rivières. This route is sometimes also called the Route
des Navigateurs, and it's a genuinely great way to end a road trip, passing
through historic picturesque villages, farm stands, and small towns you'd
never see from the main highway.
- Stop for strawberries and local honey at Ferme Langlois et Fils in Neuville
- Stop in Cap-Santé and stroll by the pretty homes along Vieux Chemin
- Have lunch in Trois-Rivières and walk the riverfront
One More Day in Montreal
We built in a bonus day back in Montreal before heading home, staying at the
new
Moxy Montreal Downtown. A
Marriott property, the Moxy offers the best amenities: a genuinely fun
recreation floor with a mirrored hallway perfect for selfies. An indoor pool
and sauna if you need to unwind after walking up and down Montreal streets. A
main floor lounge and restaurant - grab your free welcome drink, have a meal,
or relax and play card games.
Other activities to enjoy:
- Coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Tommy Café
- Shopping along Sainte-Catherine
- Dinner at Weinstein and Gavino's in Old Montreal, a longtime favourite for pasta and portions big enough to share
- An afternoon exploring the Montreal Biodome or the Planetarium. Check out the Olympic Park Sports Centre while you're there
Montreal Biodome
I've been to Montreal dozens of times, but surprisingly, a visit to the
Biodome had never been on my list - until now.
A popular tourist attraction, the former Olympic velodrome is now home to
several distinct ecosystems. You'll walk through hyper-realistic replicas of
five distinct environments found across the Americas, from a tropical
rainforest to forest landscape and maritime basin, and see the animals in
their natural habitat.
Save the sub-polar room for last - we thought the ice wall entrance and the
penguins were the highlight!
The Drive Home
We took it slow the last morning before driving back to Picton. For a lunch
stop, Panchancho in Kingston is our go-to; we always try to sit on the patio
if the weather allows. By early afternoon we were home.
Our Full Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Picton → Montreal
- Day 2: Montreal
- Day 3: Montreal → Baie-Saint-Paul
- Day 4: Charlevoix (Le Massif hike)
- Day 5: Baie-Saint-Paul → Quebec City
- Day 6: Quebec City
- Day 7: Quebec City
- Day 8: Quebec City → Chemin du Roy small towns → Montreal
- Day 9: Montreal
- Day 10: Montreal → Picton
Practical Tips for Planning the Perfect Road Trip
A few last things that made a real difference for us:
- Give yourself more than one full day in Quebec City; it's easy to underestimate how much there is to see within the old town alone
- Book dinner reservations ahead in Montreal and Quebec City in the summer months, particularly anywhere well reviewed, since patio season fills up fast
- Don't over-plan every single day; some of our favourite moments, such as low tide at Petite-Rivière-Saint-François or seeing the Parliament buildings at night, weren't on the original itinerary at all
If you're the type who likes to save travel itineraries for later, this is a
good one to bookmark. Build your own version around whichever regions call to
you most, whether that's four days or two full weeks.
Quebec Road Trip FAQ
How much time do I need for a Quebec road trip?
Plan for at least nine days to comfortably cover Montreal, Charlevoix, and
Quebec City without rushing. If you want to add the Gaspé Peninsula or the
Saguenay Fjord, closer to two weeks is a good idea.
What's the best time of year to go?
The summer months, from late June through early September, are the best time
for outdoor activities and warm-weather sightseeing. The winter months are a
great option too if cross-country skiing is more your speed though the steep
and winding roads towards La Malbaie can be treacherous.
Do I need a car for this trip?
Yes. While Montreal and Quebec City are both very walkable on their own, the
drives between regions, and the small towns and scenic routes along the way,
are a big part of what makes this a great road trip in the first place.
Is Quebec City worth more than one day?
Yes, easily. Between the old walled city, Montmorency Falls, and Quartier
Petit-Champlain, we found three full days was the right amount of time to see
it properly without feeling rushed.
Should I start in Montreal or Quebec City?
Either works, since both have international airports and are well connected by
the main highway. We like starting in Montreal because it eases you into the
trip, saving the older, more distinctly European feel of Quebec City for later
in the itinerary.
Is this a good family road trip?
Yes. The mix of cities, easy hikes, and kid-friendly stops like the Montreal
Biodome makes this a genuinely great family road trip, and the driving
distances between stops are short enough that no single day feels like a slog.
What should I pack for a Quebec road trip?
Layers, even in summer. Mornings on the water and up at Le Massif can be cool
even when the afternoons are warm. A good pair of walking shoes or runners (these
are my favourite) matters more than anything else, since so much of this trip,
in Old Montreal and inside the walls of Quebec City, happens on foot up and
down hilly streets. Bring a swimsuit for hotel pools, and
a light jacket
just in case, since weather along the St. Lawrence can shift quickly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have four days or two full weeks, this stretch of Quebec, from
Montreal down through Charlevoix, Quebec City, and out toward the Saguenay,
might just be the perfect road trip for anyone within driving distance in
Canada or the northeastern United States.
If you end up building your own version of this trip, I'd love to hear which
stops made your list and which small towns you stumbled onto that weren't in
any guidebook. Those are always the ones worth passing along.
Hi, I'm Jen. I'm a DIYer, mid-life mom, and crafty Canadian with a love for classic style. I believe a beautiful life begins with a beautiful home. Learn more...
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