My Week-Long Solo Trip to Québec City

If you’re like me who went through most of the pandemic living off of road trips to satisfy their inner wanderlust, you’ll understand why my week-long solo trip to Québec City was much needed. After three long years being locked in and waiting for restrictions to ease, I was more than ready to venture out. The travel itch had come back with a vengeance that I decided to just pack my bags and go.

For my first solo trip since the pandemic, I decided on the beautiful French capital of Québec. Québec City is still located within Canada but far enough to relieve those travel bug urges. It was the perfection location and what a beaut the city truly was. It felt almost like being transported into Europe but just a tad colder (say -20 degrees colder). Here are some highlights from my week-long solo trip to Québec City.

Solo Trip to Québec City

The truth is most travellers don’t stay in Québec City for more than two days at a time. However, it had been such a long dry spell that I said why the hell not stay for an entire week? Québec City’s only an hour flight from Toronto but lucky me, I flew in during their first big snowstorm of the year. This made the trek from the airport to my Airbnb a mission and a half. Anyone ever tried lugging a suitcase through 20cm of snow? Because I have and it isn’t pretty.

I stayed across from Old Québec in the quiet city of Lévis, located on the other side of the St. Lawrence River. Though I loved how quaint and cottage-like my Airbnb felt (think Cameron Diaz in ‘The Holiday’), transportation was nearly non-existent. Unless you had access to a car, getting an Uber (especially in Lévis) was nearly impossible. This made for a very interesting solo trip. I spent most of it trekking in freezing temperatures while walking uphill more times than I was physically or mentally prepared for. Hello vacation time.

My Winter Retreat

In many ways, my solo trip to Québec City was more of a mental health retreat. I desperately needed to recharge my batteries both mentally and physically. What better way to reconnect with yourself than in a winter wonderland? Most people go away to escape the snow, I apparently go where there’s more of it. The snow didn’t bother me much though. There’s something about the winter season that just refreshes you. As well, the long walking sessions (though tiring) gave me a sense of peace for the first time in awhile.

I also need to gush about my amazing Airbnb for a bit. While there’s been many noteworthy ones I’ve stayed in to date, my Airbnb in Lévis felt like a real home away from home. I loved how I had the entire third floor apartment to myself. Fully equipped with a kitchen, queen-sized bed, Netflix and a million dollar view of Québec City outside my window, it was a cozy hideaway. Check out the photos at the end of this post for the breathtaking views from my charming Airbnb.

Riding the Ferry to Québec City

One thing I’ll always remember vividly from this trip is the walk from my Airbnb to the ferry docks. It was about a ten minute walk from my Airbnb to get to the ferry that takes you across the river to Old Québec. I remember the days when the snow was blowing against my face, making the walk more like a game of survival. Aside from that, the thing that made it so special was the view of the St. Lawrence River as you’re walking alongside it. It was a perfect way to start the day’s adventures.

Upon arriving at the ferry station, you ride the Traverse de Québec-Lévis ferry to get across. The entire trip only takes about seven minutes to reach Old Québec. Thankfully, it was a warm comfortable ride with indoor seating, public restrooms and vending machines available. There were very few people on it, so crowds weren’t an issue as you take in the views of the city. Call me a tourist but I never got sick of seeing the view of the Château Frontenac (pictured above) on my daily rides to the other side.

Arriving in Old Québec

When first stepping off the ferry, you’re immediately welcomed to Old Québec. This particular area is known as the Quartier Petit Champlain, where independent shops, restaurants and boutiques are abundant. I ended up roaming about these European-inspired streets over and over again during my trip. For me, I was mostly window shopping while enjoying all the sights and sounds Québec had to offer.

I should mention the one thing I loved the most here. The people in Québec are extremely friendly, always smiling and greeting strangers on the street with a simple “Bonjour!” being considered the norm. Though Québec isn’t as diverse culturally, the people make you feel very welcomed. Almost everyone in Québec is also bilingual. This was great for me – instead of embarrassing myself while struggling to speak French, the locals can comfortably switch from French to English. I felt very comfortable communicating with the locals because of this.

A Day at Strøm Nordic Spa

First thing I did during my solo trip to Québec City was head to the spa. To start the trip off right, I wanted to relax my mind first. Strøm Nordic Spa, which is situated on the river front, was the perfect escape for this. The spa had multiple therapeutic heated pools to soak your body in, including a heated lazy river, that I easily spent the entire day there. The cold temperatures made for an extremely relaxing spa day. I can still remember the steam coming off the surface of the water while I was there. My mind and body had been waiting for this.

The admission price to access the therapeutic waters was decently priced at $49 during weekdays and $59 on weekends. I visited on a Thursday so it wasn’t overly populated. It was generally very quiet inside with most people enjoying the facilities instead of socializing. There were also many quiet rooms to nap or read in. My personal favourite ended up being the lazy river at night. There were floating noodles provided for you to lay back on and when you did, you were able to gaze up at the millions of stars at night. It was magical.

Dining at the Spa

One of the best parts of a spa day is getting to spend a full day in a comfy white robe. Even better when you get to dine in one. When first checking in at Strøm Nordic Spa, they ask is if you’d like to make a reservation at the restaurant. I was already starving so naturally, I said yes. This would be a nice way for me to further indulge. After a couple hours of pool-soaking and having quiet time in the saunas to having my entire body exfoliated, I was happy to grab a light meal at Strom’s bistro.

Though I can’t say the food was amazing (the portions were tiny and I left still hungry), the bistro is a nice spot to grab a refreshment in between spa-ing. There was something about seeing everyone else in their robes while enjoying their meals that gave such cozy vibes. If I were to come back to Strøm Spa, I’d opt to order the most filling thing on the menu. Though my tomato soup and smoked duck breast were an appetizing snack, the most filling menu item is FYI the chicken sandwich.

Enjoying Québec’s Winter Wonderland

During my week-long trip, I must have walked around Old Québec a couple hundred times. In fact, I walked it so many times that it almost feels like a second home to me. Though there isn’t a ton to do in this small city, the food here’s amazing. I found the number of restaurants and quaint bars to venture into to be aplenty. One night, I walked in for a drink at the 1640 Bistro, located right across from the famous Château Frontenac. This bar had a very romantic and intimate vibe reminiscent of the Moulin Rouge. I’d recommend visiting for a night cap when visiting.

Inside Château Frontenac at Bistro Le Sam

One of the highlights of my solo trip to Québec City was when I dined at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Situated on top of the hill, in which the city is located, is the magnificent Frontenac hotel that every tourist visits Québec for. Looking like a gigantic castle from afar, it has many sectors to explore. However, I spent most of my time here at Bistro Le Sam – the swanky restaurant that overlooks the beautiful St. Lawrence River.

I specifically made lunch reservations here so I could enjoy the river views during the day. This was probably my most expensive splurge of the trip. However, it’s not everyday I get on a plane and dine on top of Québec City solo, so I had to live it up. That and it felt so very ‘Last Holiday’ of me (Queen Latifah anyone?). This was my first time traveling in over three years that I vowed to dine and treat myself like a queen – and that I did.

Quebec City Chateau Frontenac hotel ravioli

Wine and Ravioli at the Château

Confession time: I managed to indulge in a glass of wine daily during my trip to Québec City and no, I don’t regret it. Turns out white wine goes with basically every single meal in Québec. Who would’ve thought? For this special meal at Le Sam, I ordered mushroom ravioli with parmesan cheese and it definitely hit the spot. I’m not usually a vegetarian lover but it was such a flavourful dish that I barely noticed the lack of meat on my plate. That and it complemented perfectly with my glass of chilled Pinot.

I’d like to mention that the service in every restaurant I visited in Québec – including Bistro Le Sam – was superb. Throughout my trip, the servers were all delightfully warm and welcoming but especially at the Frontenac. They made the whole experience a memorable one. As a solo female traveler, having that genuine kindness while you’re dining is so important. Dining alone in particular has become somewhat of a favourite of mine. When you’re on your own, you’re able to enjoy your food presently and take in your surroundings with more appreciation. It’ll be awhile until I forget this fancy dining experience with the St. Lawrence River as my date.

My week-long solo trip to Québec City was at times lonely and repetitive but it was exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries. I spent most days circling the same streets while visiting Château Frontenac one too many times just to stay warm. But the time away was priceless. I appreciated being able to enjoy my meals without any interruptions and having the French show me a whole new level of kindness and hospitality.

Before this trip, my mind and body was always on the go that a time-out was just what the doctor ordered. My trip to Québec allowed me to remember what I love most: to see and experience new things. From days simply spent freezing while tirelessly exploring Québec City to nights staying in my Airbnb just watching Netflix. This trip was a real treat for the soul. I ended it with a nice long train ride back to Toronto on the VIA Rail – another first I got to check off on my list.

Here’s to traveling more and taking good care of yourself like a queen this year.