I am dreaming of a Green Christmas

I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas…My holidays in my hometown started on December 21 with a balmy 4 degrees and barely any snow on the ground. I had to wait one week to have enough snow to embrace my love of winter. However, the lack of snow allowed me to do one of the best pleasures in Quebec City: Holidays shopping in Quebec City upper town!!!

St-Jean Street in le Faubourg St-Jean Baptiste :

Le Faubourg is an area west of Old Quebec; one of the oldest parts of the city, dated from the mid 1700s. St-Jean Street is the principal street with many stores, groceries, restaurants, bars…Also it’s always nice to stroll and see the different architectural styles from the French Régime to the early 20th century. Also a good place to be hungry…

Épicerie J.A Moisan (1871):Founded in 1871, it is North America’s oldest grocery in activity. The grocery is full of antiques, memorabilia, souvenirs for the old fashioned in myself. There’s also fine food, Québec produces for gifts, wine, beer, cold cut…I have a wonderful tasty Hungarian sandwich on an olive bread for only 6$! A tasty lunch back in time machine

2.Erico Creative Chocolate Shop and Chocolate Shop: Yes, the title is right, and the place fulfills my sweet tooth. This chocolatier is at the same time a museum on the history of chocolate and as well a chocolate store. I find a nice selection of various chocolates for me and my parents. I have a weakness for white Belgium chocolate and ganache.Érico | Chocolaterie Créative et Musée du Chocolat à Québec. (ericochocolatier.com)

3.Tokyo Sushi: One of the oldest Japanese restaurants in Quebec City (1984) and famous for its sushi bar. My friend Jonathan and I went here after a visit to the German Market. We choose a platter of sushi and maki with fresh tuna and salmon. The service is amazing as the waitress is from Germany and we spoke German together. She is impressed by my travel knowledge. Also, we can bring our wine at no corkage fee. I am happy to have Japanese food as I will have 2 weeks of traditional Quebec food ahead.

Cartier Street in Montcalm area:

One of my favorite areas in my hometown, Montcalm attract foodies, epicureans, culture lovers in a historical and architecturally diverse neighborhood. I usually spend time here all years around, but there is sometime special to spend a holiday afternoon on rue Cartier. Here are some of my faves…

1.Musee des Beaux Arts du Québec : One of my favorite all time museum, 5 minutes walk west of rue Cartier next to the Plains of Abraham. I like the mix of old and new buildings and there’s always a good exhibit. This time, I saw the exhibit Voir la nuit. Plus d’info: Voir la nuit – | Actuellement | Expositions | MNBAQ

2.Un coin du monde: Gift shop, cards and books. For me it is like a mini version of Indigo in Toronto – a cozy shop. I always find nice calendars, Christmas cards and gifts as well. Good discounts after Christmas too.

3.Confiserie Pinoche: A candy store for a kid in a candy store. The place that I cannot work it…Beautiful candy bags, chocolate and of course candy by the weigh. My happy place!!! 🍫🍬🍭

Fact: eating large volumes of bonbons improve red eyes!

4.Café Les cousins:

My favorite place in Quebec City for French pastries and a sandwich, coffee and a dessert. The staff is mostly from France and the food is all my favorite from the time that I travelled in France. Great Latte.

One of my favorite house: Cornelius Krieghoff house, the famous painter.

Maguire Street in Sillery:

Sillery is a former independent city founded in 1637, now part of Quebec City. An affluent neighborhood with a mix of English cottages styles, mansions and churches of different styles. Maguire street is the commercial center and a great place to brunch and shop on New Year’s Eve

The view from St-Michel de Sillery Church: Although young by Quebec standard (1852), the church commands imposing views of the St-Lawrence river. A stroll around is one of my favorite things to do all year around.

Eddie Laurent Chocolatier Belge : I need pastries and chocolate to compliment the tea that I bought for desserts. I feel like I am in Brussels…Too much to choose from. I chose a caramel nougat, lemon custard pies and white chocolate. I could spend a week here.

 Eddy Laurent Chocolatier Belge

Despite the balmy Christmas, I was able to do some hiking and embrace my favorite season. Snow finally arrived on December 30th. Here are two outdoor events that you can go to all year around in Quebec city area and that I have enjoyed this holiday season

Le Parc de la Chute Montmorency :

On a December morning, Jonathan and I went hiking at the foot of the fall to walk on the ice and admire the little ice formations. After that, we drove to the park that was free on December 23 to walk around the fall and later the river. Next year, I will try to climb glaciers if cold enough. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency – Québec – Canada – Sépaq (sepaq.com)

Les Marais du Nord:

Stoneham is next to hometown and home to a serene and natural hiking path through marsh that leads to the Lake St-Charles. A great place to hike in the snow on January 2 and burn the calories. Kids and doge friendly as well.marais du nord – Un milieu naturel exceptionnel à découvrir en toutes saisons