My partner Andrew and I recently spent a long weekend in Quebec City. I’ve travelled to Montreal a few times, so was expecting a similar vibe in Quebec City. We were happily shocked just how beautiful and rich in history the city was. In my opinion, it’s the closest thing Canada has to an authentic European city, and I highly recommend a visit. One piece of recommendations though — I’ve never experienced colder temperatures in my life! good boots and snow pants (yes, snow pants) are a need to in the wintertime months.
We stayed at a quaint boutique hotel called Maison du Fort ideal in the heart of Old Quebec, with an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River and majestic Chateau Laurier.
The trip was for my birthday, so a lot of things were a surprise, including the extraordinary room Andrew booked. and just like whenever we’ve travelled in the past, the first thing I do — before we even unpack — is stage a little impromptu photo shoot of the room.
The walls were clad in century-old stone and original mouldings. natural light flooded in thanks to the large windows.
I fell in love with these windows and vow I’ll live somewhere with something similar one day. beautiful and practical, the solid panel shutters tuck away into the deep widow bay when not in use.
The hardware was just as beautiful. lots of new builds replicate this historical style, but nothing is a lot more striking than the original!
I have to admit, the bed was a little too ornate for my liking — you can get a sense of it in this photo — but if I’m ever going to sleep in a turned four-poster with floral bedding, it might as well be in the old city of Quebec.
Every detail of the room was worth photographing, including the complex grates that covered the water heating unit.
I even fell in love with the hotel’s front door. This dusty rose shade may seem out of place in a lot of Canadian cities, but looks warm and inviting next to the cool tones of the brick (and snow!)
For a lot more Quebecois style, excursion Scott Yetman’s country home.
Photo credits:1-6. Joel Bray