2 minutes to read

Treat yourself to a family vacation close to home - Charlotte and Charlie

S'offrir des vacances en famille près de la maison - Charlotte et Charlie

Need a break from the daycare/school routine and teleworking? How about a short family vacation nearby?

The “ staycation ” invites you to take a vacation at home… or nearby! The advantages are multiple for families: it allows you to get away from the routine, avoid long travel times and rediscover your city and surrounding areas with a new perspective. In addition, staying nearby also encourages the local economy.

Spring break is a great opportunity to experience a staycation with the kids. Especially in this unusual year when getaways have been few and far between. Always welcoming, hoteliers in Quebec City and the surrounding area serve meals in your room (in addition to many thoughtful touches!), in collaboration with nearby restaurants. A way to fully enjoy this stay while respecting health standards!

A night at a hotel? This is a suggestion that always pleases children, who like to sleep outside the house.

Pack your bags and make this little stay magical by multiplying the surprises and outdoor activities. You don't have the required equipment? Several sites rent or lend it.

Rediscover the city

Several hotels are offering interesting discounts and packages for the school break. Discover the brand new design of the Hilton Québec , which has just reopened after a major makeover. Its family escape package includes a magnificent view of Québec and breakfast.

The Concorde invites families to experience its Spring Break View package . The best part: you'll be just a stone's throw from the Plains of Abraham (bring your skates or cross-country skis!) and in the heart of the Grande Allée.

Why not stay in Old Quebec? No need to take the car! You will be located in the heart of the city and you will be able to access the different sites on foot.

You can tease the fish by experimenting with ice fishing at the Nordik Village of the Port of Quebec (until March 7), visit museums and art galleries, skate at Place D'Youville (by reservation) or simply stroll through the central districts and enter the shops.

The Nordik Village is located in the Louise Basin of the Port of Quebec until March 7.

A winter all-inclusive

Want an all-inclusive? On the outskirts of the city, there are real resorts that take care of our stay. Just choose an establishment that also offers meals and activities on site. What could be more relaxing! Among the most popular, we visit Entourage sur-le-Lac , the Auberge Duchesnay , or the Hôtel Valcartier .

The latter was designed and conceived for families. Put on your snowsuits to hurtle down the slides of the largest winter playground in America. You can also skate and visit the impressive Ice Hotel (the only one of its kind in North America!).

Outdoor outings

Prefer to sleep at home? Take advantage of a day off to explore the surrounding areas and attractions. It's time to discover the new polar bear habitat and say hello to the 10,000 marine animals at the Aquarium du Québec .

Head to Jacques-Cartier National Park , which offers a range of sports activities to entertain children, including snow tubing, the skating trail and snow scootering.

The region's parks and outdoor centers also offer free sports activities. There's no shortage of choice!

Polar bear Eddy in his new habitat at the Aquarium du Québec. Photo: Sépaq

5 essentials for a short stay

Planning on hitting the road? Have everything within reach. This Diono backseat organizer system keeps your car organized and makes it easy to find everything!

Since food courts and dining rooms are currently closed, we bring lunch for the whole family and even snacks in a large So Young lunch bag in the most modern style.

A late arrival at the hotel? Little ones can put on their pajamas under their snowsuit, so they can slip under the covers without even changing. They will be very comfortable with soft knitted pajamas from the Quebec brand Petit Lem .

Never leave home without your baby's comfort blanket! A soft, light muslin blanket will reassure him, even if he spends the night away from home.

Little girl doesn't like sleeping in the dark, especially outside the house? Slip a portable night light into her luggage so she can sleep soundly. We like the ones from A Little Lovely Company that run on batteries and whose LED light turns off after 15 minutes. Practical and safe!

Happy holidays!

*Cover photo credit: @elisabethabbatiello