Top Wedding Destinations: Québec City

One hundred fifty five miles east of Montreal, Québec was built on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The first language of 95% of the population is French, cementing the international flavor. Vieux (Old) Québec is a captivating town, easy to walk around and much to explore around every corner, including a funicular. Don't miss Place Royale, the first permanent settlement of New France. Ten airlines serve Jean Lesage International Airport with 300 flights weekly; the city is also served by bus and Via Rail Canada.

Weather

If a winter wonderland wedding is your heart's desire, Québec will not disappoint! The city receives up to 14 feet of snow annually, from November till the beginning of May. June through October are more temperate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings. June, July and August are the warmest months, with temperatures rarely over 80 F. Early autumn offers spectacular fall foliage.

Tourist Information

Québec Tourism provides information about Québec province, the largest province in Canada. For more specific information about Québec City, go to Québec City Tourism. Québec is sure to please no matter the season. Winter brings about Carnaval de Québec, the third largest annual carnival in the world - coming after only Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Carnaval lasts for 17 days during mid-winter, late January through the first week of February. Each of the other seasons brings about their own festivals as well. Spring heralds the New World Film Festival, summer celebrates music and fireworks and autumn is commemorated with the annual Fall Festival as well as the Festival of Sacred Music.

The Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel is 30 minutes west of Québec City over looking Lac St. Joseph on the Duchesnay Station Touristique. It is a one-of-a-kind venue, satisfying anyone's desire for a truly unique and special wedding location. 15,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice are crafted into the only Ice Hotel in America, every November. The Ice Hotel features 36 suites and theme rooms, an Ice Chapel, Bar, Exhibit Rooms, art galleries, the N'Ice Club and much more. Ice is used to construct everything from the chapel's alter to the beds to the famous Ice glasses. It can honestly be called one of the coolest places in the world to be married.

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is probably the most immediately recognized landmark in Québec City. This Fairmont property is one of the top hotels in the world, so named by everyone from Travel and Leisure to Gourmet Magazine. Located in the heart of Vieux Québec, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac looks down from its cliff onto the Saint Lawrence River. Celebrate your marriage with a run down the Fairmont Toboggan Run!

Other Great Vendors in Québec

Treat your bridal party to a day at one of the unique spas to be found in and near Québec City. Siberia Station Spa is based on Scandinavian ideas. Izba Spa offers a complete range of body and beauty services.

Québec celebrates arts and crafts as a significant part of the heritage of the area. You are more than likely to find unique gifts for your bridal party, favors for your guests or gift basket items simply by strolling Québec's streets, especially in Basse-Ville. If time doesn't allow for that, check out Québec Gifts. 75% of the world's maple syrup comes from Québec and sugar shacks can be found throughout the province. Do you remember "Little House in the Big Woods" when the Ingalls poured hot maple syrup onto the snow to create maple candy? Add a truly Québécois flair to your favors with the same thing.

If you and your love need a little while alone before the hubbub of the wedding begins (or maybe a spectacular start to your honeymoon?) consider taking a hot air balloon ride. Montgolfieres Saint-Jean-Chrysostome says that a hot air balloon ride is the most romantic flying experience there is.