07 Apr What to do in Québec City in the spring: hiking, Isle d’Orleans and more!
Land of a thousand wonders, the province of Quebec offers you great outdoors with incredible wildlife and green spaces to fill your lungs with fresh air. As the snow will gradually melt, the animals that had moved south for the winter will start back the migration for the northern territories. Likewise, quebecers will move from the comfort of the dining rooms to the lively heated terraces.
Today I felt like guiding you on a 3 steps trip to discover greater Quebec area in the spring.
Now that winter bowed to his successor, legs urge to move again (and show a little skin) in the many hiking trails the country offers. The Mount Wright Ancient Forest Park is located only 30 minutes away from downtown Québec. This little hill has a small elevation making it the perfect destination for young and old. The trails will do a fine job at waking your quads and calves al the while oxygenating your brain! The forest has been preserved and is over 300 years old. For that reason, the respect of visitors is essential. We invite all future hikers to read the ethic guidelines of Mont Wright. The hike takes about 2 hours at a medium pace. You own climbing equipment and have a permit? Expert trails and erratic blocks will provide you with a challenge for all levels. Let’s start your day on the right foot, shall we?
The next step on our program will lead you west of the city on beautiful Orleans Island. Known for its organic and hand crafted local goods , the island is an agricultural paradise that happens to be on the migration path of the great white geese. So, here is what I have in mind: a tour the island to purchase local goodies for a pic nic. You will find more than enough to sustain yourselves for a late lunch and to bring back souvenirs. My top picks? Cassis Mona et Filles, La Nougaterie, Les Fromages de l’Isle d’Orleans and La Boulange. The west end of the island has an amazing view of the city along with the perfect pic nic spot. If you are lucky enough to visit in mai, you may actually be able to have your meal while watching the geese and listening to the cackles of the geese grouping on the rich shores to rest and feed before going on the last straight line of their 4000km migration..
You are now ready to head back home (to the Manoir d’Auteuil) and relaxe a bit and freshen up before heading out for a good dinner and drinks on one of the many heated terrace in town. You have to know one thing about us: we only get a few short months of warm weather, so we make it count! Decks, terraces every opportunity we get to enjoy them! AS summer is lurking around the corner, we will see tables and chairs line up on St-Jean street and ornate it as pearls would on a ladies neck. If you are looking for a gorgeous setting and drinks, the Sacrilège bar has a deck in a backyard, surrounded by tall mature trees. For a hot meal and a breathtaking view of the river, the Café du Monde is the right spot! For a comforting meal and buzzing activity, LE Lapin Sauté is the place to go. Don’t forget we have our own terrace here at the hotel, and we are always happy to serve you a little night cap while you tell us about your adventures of the day.
Because, well, you know, we love to learn from your experience and improve our service! Happy spring!
What to do 
