Can-Do Canada: Four Days and Three Nights in Quebec From $195

Although it's just over the border, a trip to Quebec always seems to feel like you've taken a journey overseas. Perhaps it is the French language or the incredible French wine lists in the restaurants. Whatever the reason, Quebec is a romantic, inviting and convenient destination.

By Charis Atlas Heelan

Although it's just over the border, a trip to Quebec always seems to feel like you've taken a journey overseas. Perhaps it is the French language (people do speak English here, but somewhat reluctantly), or the incredible French wine lists in the restaurants. Or maybe it is the cobblestone streets, historic architecture, beautiful scenic views or the fact that your dollar is worth more here. Whatever the reason, Quebec is a romantic, inviting and convenient destination and the perfect place to go to, a) impress that certain someone, b) fall in love, c) fall in love all over again, d) all of the above plus indulge in delicious food and wine.

Canadian travel company Fresh Tracks (tel. 800/667-4744; www.freshtracks.ca) offers a four day/three night "Quebec City Experience" package in your choice of standard, superior or deluxe hotels. The package is available until April 27, 2007 and includes three nights accommodation plus a city sightseeing tour starting at $195 per person based on dual occupancy. Add $35 for superior, $150 for deluxe. Airfare or transport to Montreal is additional. The two-hour city sightseeing tour includes the Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, fortifications, the National Assembly, Place Royale, the Basilica, and many more points of interest. Their "Tremblant Experience" package is available daily from May 1 to October 7, 2006. It includes three nights accommodation and two full days of activities with the Outdoor Passport, (valid from June 23 to October 7) which includes a gondola ride and a choice of two activities (sunset at the top of the mountain, mini-golf, bike rental, in-line skate and equipment rental etc.), access to the Beach and Tennis Club. Prices start at $230 per person in a standard room, $25 in superior and $105 more in deluxe. Transportation to Mount Tremblant is additional.

When planning your trip to Montreal, rather than purchase a vacation package that includes airfare and hotel accommodations, be a bit more adventurous and resourceful. Take advantage of the dozens of petite boutique hotels that exude charm, character and ambience. For example the four-star Auberge Bonaparte (tel. 514/844-1448; www.bonaparte.com) with romantic Louis-Philippe style rooms that are priced from $145 for a standard queen room to $313 for the terrace on the gardens of the Basilica with a queen-size bed, bathroom with double whirlpool bath, glass shower and a large private balcony suite. The three-star Auberge Le jardin d'Antoine (tel. 800/361-4506; www.hotel-jardin-antoine.qc.ca) is a charming small European-style located downtown in the heart of the Latin Quarter with free high-speed Internet access, rooms with whirlpool baths and a delicious breakfast included in the rate of the room. Prices range from $83 to $148 per room per night.

I need to make special mention of the hotel I stayed in when I was last in Montreal (and no, I didn't get a press rate). Hotel Place d'Armes (tel. 888/450-1887; www.hotelplacedarmes.com) is quite simply gorgeous, luxurious, romantic and centrally located. Indulge in Frette bathrobes, slippers and goose down comforters, not to mention their new spa, plus get a taste of Turkey in Montreal's first Hammam (Turkish baths). Room prices start from $167 per night but it is their packages that really stand out. All include wine and cheese cocktails each evening in the lounge area, an elaborate continental breakfast and are priced for two people. Here is just a sampling:

The "Care for Passion" package includes accommodations for two nights, continental breakfast in your room, Gastronomic dinner for two at Aix Cuisine du Terroir (service included), two one-hour massages at Rain Spa, Chilled champagne, a bouquet of freshly cut flowers in your room upon arrival and a box of chocolate. Available weekdays or weekends for $593.
The "Night Out at the Movies" package includes one night accommodation, dinner for two at Verse Restaurant (service included), two tickets for the Paramount Movie Theatre or an in-house movie with popcorn and beverages, plus complimentary shuttle drop off and pick up to and from the movie theatre. The package is priced from $295.
The "Discover Old Montreal Weekend" package includes two nights accommodation, Sunday Brunch for two at Restaurant du Vieux Port (service included), Tickets to Pointe a CalliÂ¿res historical museum and to Montreal Science Center with IMAX Theatre and a poetry book by Emile Nelligan. Available every Friday and Saturday night for $390.
The "Spa Package" includes two nights accommodation, a specially created Spa Menu dinner for two at Aix Cuisine du Terroir (service included), Herbal tea in the Atrium Garden at the time of your choice and two treatments per person from following selection (hand and foot treatment, massage (including Rain massage), body wrap and facial). Available from Sunday through Thursday for $535.
The "Spa Package Day" includes one night accommodation a specially created Spa Menu lunch for two at Aix Cuisine du Terroir (service included), herbal tea in the Atrium Garden upon your arrival and four treatments per person (Hand and foot treatment, choice of massage (including Rain Massage), body wrap and facial. This package is available from Monday through Thursday and is priced at $433.

All these packages are available until May 31, 2006. Taxes are additional.

Tourisme Montreal (tel. 866/373-9531; www.tourisme-montreal.org) has a selection of "Sweet Deals" that include two nights accommodation and depending on which hotel you choose, late check-out, buffet breakfast or executive floor upgrade, various room gifts, casino vouchers and assorted discount coupons. Stay a third night and receive 50 percent off the discounted rate. Taxes are additional. Stay at the four-star Hyatt Regency for $164 per room per night and enjoy a buffet breakfast daily, a gift from Fruits and Passion and $20 x 2 PrivilÂ¿ges dollars from the Casino de MontrÂ¿al. At the four-star Delta Centre-Ville Hotel receive a $25 value gift certificate for exclusive dining in one of the hotel's restaurants. At the four-star Le Centre Sheraton, pay $196 per night and get daily American breakfast for two and one free in-room movie per stay. Offer valid from May 1 to October 31, 2006.

If you are visiting Montreal during the early summer, consider a trip that coincides with the famed Montreal Jazz Festival (www.montrealjazzfest.com) which is now in its 27th year. The festival runs from June 29 to July 9, 2006 and features some 300 free concerts on the streets of Montreal along with paid concerts in a variety of venues. Although there are dozens of international and local artists, a few noted participants this year include blues-rock icon Bonnie Raitt in her Festival debut, Keb' Mo', Blues kingB.B. King, singer and guitarist John Pizzarelli, the eclectic John Zorn, Swedish group E.S.T. EsbjÂ¿rn Svensson Trio and singer/songwriter/pianist Patricia Barber. Visit the website for performance details and to purchase tickets.

For travel to Canada by May 31, 2006, Air Canada (tel. 888/247-2262; www.aircanada.com) has the following one-way fares:

Dallas to Montreal $171
Orlando to Montreal $176
Allentown to Montreal $180
Indianapolis to Montreal or Quebec City $191
Houston to Montreal $221
Denver to Montreal $222
Phoenix to Montreal $236
Seattle to Quebec City $240

Travelocity (www.travelocity.com) currently lists 21-day advance purchase round trip airfares on Delta Airlines to Quebec City with no blackout dates or seasonal restrictions for travel from Tuesdays to Thursdays until the end of August 2006. Sample prices include: