Immerse yourself in a place often compared to a European village, yet distinctly Canadian. Pretend to be royal when sleeping in a hotel that seems like a castle: the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac defines Québec City’s skyline. Try a wintery kind of sleep in a hotel made of ice.

Locals celebrate winter, and so do you whether you stay snug inside your mittens and parka, or strip to a bathing suit for the annual snow swim, one of dozens of ways the Quebecois play during Winter Carnival. Spread melted maple sugar on snow, roll the cooled taffy onto a stick and pray your fillings hold.

North of Quebec City runs one of the most beautiful roads in North America: Avenue Royale. Along this magnificent route are the Montmorency Falls. At 84 metres, these magnificent falls are higher than Niagara Falls. In the accompanying park, you can hike to the foot of the falls, picnic and view historical buildings.