OHIP will cover you for emergencies as visitors in Qc.

Quebec City, if it snows, is magical (think Disney!!) at Christmas, enough so to reconcile one to Canada life ....

I'm racking my brain for the name of my "go to" hotel** there when work wasn't paying (I'll come back when I remember); it's about 10 minutes out of the Vieille Ville, with a free shuttle, children like it.

Otherwise, avoid the Frontenac; Clarendon & Victoria are nice.

**(Edited to add: hotelsjaro.com . Their Hotel Quebec, & Quebec Inn branches are family friendly; Qc Inn also has decent food. Shuttle bus distance from the centre.).
S

The hills in Quebec City are neither huge, nor long, walks. But they *are* steep. I vaguely recall carrying a whinging 5 year old piggyback, rather more often than I would have liked, while pregnant

If one plans, one can arrange to walk down, & funiculaire back up, if necessary.



D

Cote de la Montagne, by any chance? That would make a mountain goat wince.

The problem with the Fairmont hotels is they nickel and dime you for everything. They get you to book there by offering what appear to be reasonable rates and then ding you for every little thing.

I have to say though the Frontenac is in a very good location.

Also even if you don't stay there the restaurant is amazing and has a good view of the river as well.

Not sure I could hack it in the winter but Québec City is definitely worth visiting.

I would certainly agree on the location. It can't be beat. I believe the Frontenac to be the most photographed hotel in the world.

Just about every hotel will nickel and dime you (and I've stayed in quite a lot!). The only one I know that doesn't is the place where I habitually stay in London. I even get free international phonecalls.

Quebec City is very cold in winter. Really, really cold.

Like how cold? We are already at feels like -11 where we live now. Was thinking we could cope for a few days!

You can possibly double or triple that number, particularly if it's windy.

I've been in Quebec City when it was -27, and there was no wind.

Yeah but you can buy refillable plastic canes and walking sticks, with the right ingredients the pain all goes away.

Are these canes for the parents or the kids?

Ah that's ok...I can do that.... It gets kind of cold where we live too- we certainly saw that temp last year.

I never thought of offering one to the kids, they were only allowed wine (and beer now and then). (And champagne at weddings and the like). (And schnapps at Grandpere's).

The model parent!

It's windy 98% of the time in Quebec city, you must have gotten lucky

It is friggin cold there. Make sure you bring your warmest everything. Then add extra layers underneath. hats scarves and mitts, plus snowpants are a must. pregnancy hormones should keep you warm but they won't do anything for your 4-year-old

Also I have stayed at Jaro hotels in the past, if you want to be in old Quebec you can stay at their Palace Royal hotel, it has a decent pool area and it might be handy to go back in and warm up between sightseeing events. Otherwise l'Hotel Quebec is very family-friendly, they have family suites with separate bedroom for the kids, mini-kitchen (handy for quick breakfast before you go out), and lots of children activities (including nice pool and indoor playplace) in case it gets too cold.
Geographic location

If you have time and can rent a car, Village Vacances Valcartier is AWESOME, sledding down hills in tubes and raft boats Not much fun for you in your condition sadly but would be a blast for your children! they are just outside the city. Best time your kids and hubby will ever have!
Village Vacances Valcartier Québec : : Winter Playground

Probably not enough time but I had stumbled across this thanks.

So all booked, flights and the Victoria! Yay!