From Montreal: Quebec City Day Trip with Ice Hotel Entry

Experience the Charm of Quebec City on a Full-Day Tour from Montreal

This 10-hour day trip from Montreal offers an engaging way to explore Quebec City’s historic streets and stunning natural sights. The tour is led by a multilingual guide, making it accessible for French, English, and Chinese speakers. Key highlights include visits to the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quebec, the Quartier Petit-Champlain, and the Ice Hotel de Glace.

The tour combines cultural exploration with scenic views, making it suitable for travelers seeking a comprehensive day out. The overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 110 reviews reflects its popularity and well-organized nature. A notable strength is the inclusion of the Ice Hotel de Glace, where visitors can marvel at crystal-clear ice sculptures and sparkling snow arches.

While the tour provides an excellent overview of Quebec City, it is designed to be a full-day experience, which may limit time for in-depth exploration at each stop. The transport is highly rated, with 89% of reviewers giving it a perfect score, ensuring comfort and reliability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 10 hours from pickup in Montreal to return.
• Highlights: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, Old Quebec, Quartier Petit-Champlain, Ice Hotel de Glace.
• Multilingual guides: Available in French, English, and Chinese.
• Transportation: Comfortable and highly rated.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with some physical considerations.
• Flexibility: Reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip.

Starting Point and Pickup Details in Montreal

The tour begins with pickup at 68 Boul. René-Lévesque O, within 5 km of downtown Montreal. Guests are advised to be ready 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, with details provided one day before. Pickup options include direct hotel collection, offering added convenience for those staying nearby.

Visit the Spectacular Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

The first stop is Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, a famous waterfall that exceeds the height of Niagara Falls. Visitors can walk across the suspended bridge, which offers stunning views of the cascading water. The waterfall’s impressive size and the surrounding winter scenery make it a favorite photo spot.

The park’s location along the river ensures a scenic start to the day, and the walk across the bridge offers both excitement and excellent vantage points. Some reviews mention the cold weather, so dressing warmly is advised, especially in winter.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Old Quebec

Next, the tour takes visitors into Old Quebec, a charming area characterized by cobblestone streets and historic architecture. The audio-guided tour introduces notable sites like the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and La Citadelle de Québec, which are key landmarks of the city.

Walking through Old Quebec provides a glimpse of European charm, with boutique shops in the Quartier Petit-Champlain and lively cafes. The relatively limited time means visitors can enjoy a taste of the city’s ambiance and shop for souvenirs. Reviewers appreciate the well-paced tour, though some note that more time for exploration could enhance the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Architectural Marvel of Hôtel de Glace

A highlight of this trip is the Hôtel de Glace, a unique ice hotel built from crystal-clear ice blocks. Visitors can enter the hotel and marvel at the intricate ice sculptures and snow arches that make up this architectural achievement.

Guests get the chance to walk through the hotel and admire the detailed ice carvings, which are constantly changing. Some reviews suggest that guided tours of the hotel could add depth to the experience, but even without a guide, the visual spectacle is undeniable. The cold environment requires appropriate clothing, especially in winter months.

The Pacing and Duration of the Tour

This well-structured itinerary balances sightseeing and travel time, with stops at the waterfall, historic city, and ice hotel. The long journey from Montreal is about 10 hours total, with a relaxing return ride after a full day of exploration.

Most reviews commend the timing, though some mention that more time in Quebec City would improve the experience. Food breaks are limited, so bringing snacks or planning for meals outside the scheduled stops might be helpful. The group size remains manageable, ensuring a personalized experience.

Transport and Accessibility Features

The transportation is praised for its comfort and reliability, with 89% of reviews giving a perfect score. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes to navigate cobblestone streets and icy surfaces comfortably. The tour places a strong emphasis on safety, with airport-style security required for all visitors.

Guides and Multilingual Experience

The tour is led by live guides fluent in French, English, and Chinese. Reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, with one reviewer praising William‘s multilingual skills and informative commentary.

The guides explain the history and significance of each stop clearly, creating an engaging atmosphere. Their professionalism and friendliness receive consistent praise, making for an enjoyable and educational journey.

Practical Tips and What to Bring

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes suited for walking on cobblestones and ice. Dressing warmly is essential, especially for the winter months, when temperatures at the Ice Hotel de Glace can be quite cold.

The tour does not allow pets, smoking, alcohol, or fireworks, and all visitors must pass through airport-style security. Planning for limited free time at each stop means bringing snacks or a packed lunch can be beneficial if desired.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is generally well-received, some reviews mention unexpected changes — such as a cancellation of the Ice Hotel and replacement with the Museum of Civilization — which was disappointing for some. Others report bus delays or shorter-than-expected time in Quebec City, so managing expectations about timing and flexibility is important.

The cost of entrance tickets, such as the ice hotel, is around $27, so some travelers feel the value could be better if they purchased tickets separately.

Final Thoughts on the Quebec City Day Trip

This 10-hour guided tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Quebec City’s historic streets, natural wonders, and iconic ice hotel. The multilingual guides, comfortable transport, and well-organized itinerary make it a solid choice for visitors wanting a full-day experience.

The inclusion of key attractions like the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and Old Quebec ensures memorable sightseeing, while the Ice Hotel de Glace provides a truly unique visual experience. The tour’s strengths lie in its ease of access, professional guides, and diverse highlights.

However, some limitations include the short time at each stop and potential changes to the itinerary. Visitors should be prepared for weather conditions and plan accordingly. This tour suits those interested in Canadian culture, historic architecture, and winter landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour includes wheelchair accessibility, but walking on cobblestones and ice may require some assistance.

What is included in the ticket price?
The tour price covers transportation, guide services, and entry to the Ice Hotel de Glace. Entrance fees for other attractions like the waterfall are included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Is there a guide available in my language?
Guides are available in French, English, and Chinese.

How long is the travel time from Montreal?
Travel from Montreal to Quebec City and back takes approximately 10 hours in total.

What should I wear for the Ice Hotel visit?
Dress warmly in layers, especially for the cold environment of the Ice Hotel.

Are there options for food during the trip?
Limited meals are included; bringing snacks is recommended as free time for meals is brief.

What if the Ice Hotel is closed?
In some cases, the Ice Hotel may be replaced by the Museum of Civilization; check the latest itinerary.

How is the group size?
The tour maintains a manageable group size for a more personalized experience.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, but children should be prepared for cold weather and walking. Always check specific age restrictions if applicable.

This guided day trip from Montreal offers a rich taste of Quebec’s culture and scenery, making it ideal for history buffs, winter enthusiasts, and those seeking a hassle-free way to explore beyond Montreal.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby