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If you are planning on visiting to celebrate love, this article is for you!

Here is a short list that will help you plan your stay in Quebec City:

(Re) Visit Old Quebec

A romantic stroll in Old Quebec is a must. Go to the Quartier Petit-Champlain and be transported to a small European village just a 10-minute walk away from Le Capitole.

Wander the city streets and take a seat in one of the many cafés, treat yourself in a bakery or browse around in the small boutiques. There’s always something to do in the heart of Quebec’s capital city!

To enjoy an even more magical ambiance, wait until nightfall and let the lights highlighting Old Quebec’s unique architecture enchant you.

One thing is certain: no matter what you do, your stroll through the historic heart of Quebec City is sure to charm you.

Credit: Hillary Newman

Make the most of Le Capitole Hôtel’s services

You don’t even have to go outside to enjoy a romantic getaway at  Le Capitole Hôtel.

Relax by the heated pool on the 9^th floor and enjoy the breathtaking view of the snow-covered Laurentian mountains. Or book a massage, alone or with your partner, in our brand-new massage therapy space (reservations must be made a minimum of 72 hours before your arrival).

Add to your pleasure with a bottle of champagne in your room or with your favourite cocktail at the Clubby bar, where the fireplace adds an extra romantic touch.

Do you require something special or are you celebrating something during your stay? Contact our concierge service for any personal requests you may have.

Share a meal with that special someone

Why not enjoy a romantic dinner in one of our two restaurants, Ristorante Il Teatro or BŌ Cuisine d’Asie, for an unforgettable evening with delicious food and wonderful company?

The next day, start the day off right by brunching at Il Teatro, or order your breakfast in your room so you can stay in the cozy comfort of your bed!

Marvel at a Candlelight Concert

Offer your better half a taste of Valentine’s Day with the Candlelight concert created for the occasion. On February 10, at 6:30 pm or 8:45 pm, enjoy the Orchestre Filmharmonique which will perform the greatest romantic songs, from  Romeo & Juliette to Celine Dion.

Located on the ground of the Collège Saint-Charles Garnier, just a10-minute drive from Le Capitole Hôtel, this is the perfect outing for a romantic evening.

Credit: mtlpresse.ca

Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Strøm Spa nordique

For a relaxing day with your loved one, a visit to Strøm spa nordique is a must. Enjoy the infinity pool, the Nordic baths, the space or the relaxing services and spend a soothing day on the shores of the Saint-Laurent.

In addition, as a Le Capitole Hôtel guest, you are entitled to a preferential rate on packages (reservations must be made a minimum of 72 hours before your arrival)!

Credit: Le Passe-Partout

And for active couples who would like to enjoy the great outdoors during their stay, here is a list of winter sports to do in the area!

Finally, don’t forget that our concierge service can help you plan everything. From reservations, to transportation, our concierges will be pleased to help you have an unforgettable stay. Don’t hesitate to contact them: concierge@lecapitole.com

Les plaines d’Abraham, a historical urban park 

Only a 15-minute walk from Le Capitole Hôtel, the Plaines d’Abraham site is one of the city’s major points of interest. Did you know that this site, which once played a significant role in Canadian history, is  very popular with people who enjoy the great outdoors? In fact, this urban park is ideal for all types of outdoor activities, from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing.  

As well, located just across the street from the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Québec is a giant 358-metre long skating rink, the Anneau de glace des plaines d’Abraham. 

You don’t have any equipment? No problem, you can rent what you need at the skaters’ chalet.  

By the way, access to the various facilities is free.

Credit: Ville de Québec 

Skiing in the Québec region 

If you like speeding down the slopes, several ski resorts are within an hour’s drive from Le Capitole Hôtel. Whichever mountain you choose, there are runs for all levels.  

Here are a few ski resorts nearby: 

• Le Relais, 429 m high, 20 minutes away. 
• Stoneham, 632 m high, 30 minutes away. 
• Le Mont-Sainte-Anne, 803 m high, 55 minutes away. 
• Le Massif de Charlevoix, 806 high, 50 minutes away. 

Credit: Gabriel Rancourt 

Head for the Terrasse Dufferin to race down the toboggan runs!  

Every winter since1884, this iconic structure in Quebec City becomes a public toboggan run at the top of the Terrasse Dufferin, just below the Château Frontenac. Once you’ve climbed the stairs, enjoy the breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River and the Île d’Orléans before you race down the run at over 70 km/h. 

Pick up your tickets at the hotel reception desk and enjoy this mythic city attraction without having to wait in line!

Credit : OTQ

Cycling, even in winter! 

Visit Old Quebec in a different way! This winter, pedal through the streets of Quebec City on a fatbike. These bicycles are specially designed for riding in difficult conditions thanks to their wide tires. 

Contact our concierge service to choose the rental package best for you. Whether you’re with your family, that special someone, or a group, there is sure to be a package for you (you can also rent gear to stay warm).  

Credit : Tuque & Bicycle Expérience

Ice fishing in the city? Yes, you can!  

Head for the Bassin Louise, 15 minutes away by foot from Le Capitole Hôtel, to  discover this wonderful activity with family or friends. Get comfy and fish for trout just as Quebec’s First Nations do.  

The Village Nordik in the Port de Québec offers you various family activity zones and restaurants to discover from the beginning of February to the end of March 2024.  

Credit : https://www.quebec-cite.com/ 

See the city from the St. Lawrence River

Would you like to try a typically Quebecois activity that will show you the capital from a unique perspective? Ask our concierge service to organize an introduction to ice canoeing by Canot à Glace Expérience for you. Whether you’re a couple, a group of friends or a team, you will enjoy an outstanding experience, which includes introductory training and a guided tour of the city from the river!  

After you return to the quay, you can relax in their panoramic sauna overlooking the river to end the day in style.

Don’t forget to have a delicious hot chocolate at the Ristorante Il Teatro when you get back to the hotel!

Credit: Canot à Glace Expérience 

Skate in a breathtaking setting 

Skating is fun for everyone! Quebec City has three skating rinks where you can skate for free if you already have your own equipment. You can even see the rink in the Carré d’Youville directly opposite the hotel.  

If you didn’t bring your skates, you can rent some at the rink.  

Credit : André-Olivier Lyra 

No matter the activity you choose, the Clubby bar will be there to welcome you back. Order your favourite drink and enjoy it by the fire! You can also have a comforting hot chocolate brought to your room, and/or soak in a nice hot bath in one of our magnificent suites! 

Finally, take a look at our article A Magical Winter at Le Capitol to learn all about the cultural events you can’t miss this winter.

Credit: Fred C. Würtele, BAnQ Québec

In 1902, the American architect Walter S. Painter was selected to design the performance venue, then called the Auditorium de Québec. After its inauguration the following year,  audiences could attend Vaudeville and variety shows, amateur and professional theatre as well as opera performances, both in French and English.

On March 29, 1918, in the midst of the First World War, a riot broke out as an estimated 12,000 people gathered in the Place D’Youville to protest against conscription for Canadian men between the ages of 20 and 35. The registration offices, located in the Auditorium, were ransacked and set ablaze by rioters. Firefighters were able to contain the fire and limit damage to the building.

In 1927, the American architect Thomas White Lamb redesigned the venue to accommodate up to 2,000 people. Then, in 1930, the Auditorium partnered with the film distribution company Famous Players, which changed the venue’s name to the Capitol (and yes you read correctly, without an e). At that time, talkies were increasingly replacing silent films. In addition to the cinema, many classical and popular singers came to perform, as well as the Grands Ballets Canadiens.

In 1935, the radio station CKCV, already on air for the past nine years, moved to the third floor of the Capitol, where it stayed until 1974.

The Capitol was witness to several historical events. Examples include the gala evening on October 9, 1951 held in honour of Princess Elisabeth and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, as well as the 1953 world premiere of Alfred Hitchcock’s film I Confess, shot in Quebec City the year before. 

Competition from new suburban theatres and new media heralded the decline of the Capitol, which was forced to close its doors in 1981. Three years later, the building was designated a heritage site to protect it. Another three years went by before the Capitol was designated a Canadian National Historic Site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. 

In 1992, thanks to a group of promoters, the Capitol once again became part of the cultural sector, and its name was changed to Le Capitole. The building was transformed into three distinct spaces: a 1,100-seat theatre to offer various types of shows in a cabaret format, a 40-room boutique hotel, as well as a restaurant. A fourth floor was added to complete this visionary project. The reopening was grandiose: a gala hosted by Quebec actors Rémi Girard and Marc-André Coallier thrilled the public! The event featured dozens of Quebec and international artists, including Céline Dion, Michel Sardou, Robert Charlebois and Alys Robi, accompanied by the Orchestre symphonique de Québec. This first show presented at the Théâtre Capitole since its closing 11 years earlier was a major hit.  

In 2018, significant expansion work began, which would last 18 months. Faced with stagnant show sales, the owners had no choice but to re-evaluate their business model. The solution was to increase the peripheral offer. The hotel went from 40 to 108 rooms, including suites and a penthouse, to become an impressive five-star hotel complex with nine floors. The new glass-covered addition, north of the historic building, offers breathtaking views of Old Quebec and the Laurentians.

The work included upgrades to the heritage building, as well as expanding and modernizing the two-story Ristorante Il Teatro. Private lounges were added, as well as a multi-purpose function room called Le Confessionnal (in honour of Alfred Hitchcock), and a champagne bar called le Clubby Bar.

Since these major changes in 2018, Le Capitole Hôtel has been welcoming an international clientele. Everyone is immediately charmed by the building’s historic character and the beauty of its views of the fortified city. With the mission of proposing the best five-star hotel experience in Quebec City, Le Capitole Hôtel offers its clientele exclusive specials and an unforgettable stay that lives up to its grand history!

The German Christmas Market lights up Old Quebec 

The German Christmas Market, which takes place from November 23 to December 23, is a classic in Old Quebec. Each year more than 90 artisans and local producers gather together to offer you a variety of products sure to delight young and old alike. 

Spend unforgettable moments in five of the most beautiful settings in the Capitale-Nationale region, and enjoy the many free activities on offer. It’s the perfect outing to enjoy the holidays!  

Even better, you benefit from a preferential rate on “Citadine” rooms with king beds on market days by using the code MNAQ23 when you book.

The Quebec Winter Carnival celebrates its 70th year 

The Quebec Carnival is known worldwide as the ultimate winter celebration. From January 25 to February 1, 2024, come celebrate its 70th year with the historic mascot Bonhomme! Enjoy a drink at the Ungava Ice Bar, admire the view in Bonhomme’s  palace, or marvel at the ice sculptures in the Sculpture Garden.

Are you looking for thrills and chills? Sled directly down the city’s steep streets with Slide City, from January 25 to 28. 

This year, Le Capitole Hôtel is once again partnering with the Quebec Carnival to offer you the Carnival Brunch at the Ristorante Il Teatro Sundays during the Carnival. Reserve your table now. 

Credit : Audet Photo

Tea time at Le Capitole 

Le Capitole Hôtel offers you a selection of Asian and boreal tea from Thursday to Saturday, from 2 to 4:30 pm. Get comfy at the Clubby bar on the 6 th floor and let yourself be inspired by a selection of tea that, for a moment, will take you to the other side of the
world.

Of course, tea time also means an assortment of small delights to accompany your tea. Enjoy a sweet tower filled with pastries and tarts, scones and jam, Japanese shortbread and sandwiches, all freshly prepared by our chefs.  

Book now !

For all parties of 6 persons and more, please book by phone at the following number : 418 694-9996.

Credit : Juste Marie Photographe

Feel the beat in the heart of the Carré des spectacles 

This winter, Quebec City’s many performance venues are tuning up to offer you memorable evenings. À votre party ! , at the Théâtre Capitole will have you singing and dancing the best music from the 70s to today. On the other hand, the Diamant, is presenting Machine de Cirque which is sure to please both young and old.

You still want more shows?  The Grand Théâtre and the Palais Montcalm also offer a wide variety of shows, from choirs to symphony orchestras to musicals. 

Cultural escapades

You have an afternoon free, but want to stay warm? Le Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and the Musée de la civilisation are easy to get to from Le Capitole Hôtel and offer a variety of exhibitions that will help you discover the immense cultural heritage of  La Belle Province.

Credit: Pavillon Pierre Lassonde at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Photo: © Bruce Damonte 

And if you really don’t want to step foot outside, you can satisfy your yearning for culture right at the hotel. Le Capitole Hôtel is hosting the  Entre Ciel et Terre  exhibition at the Galerie de la Passerelle, on the 7th floor. Admire the flight of Canada Geese captured by the artist-photographer Marjorie Roy through an extraordinary series of  works composed of photographic assemblages created by computer.  

A breath of fresh air 

Enjoy milder temperatures while skating in a unique setting at the d’Youville skating rink, located just opposite Le Capitole Hôtel.  

More comfortable in boots than skates ? A stroll through the Petit Champlain neighbourhood is sure to charm you with its magnificent Christmas decorations and many artisans’ boutiques where you’ll find what you need to finish your holiday shopping. You can even warm up along the way by one of the many firepits set up around town!  

Of course, you’ll also want to discover the various points of interest in Old Quebec during your stroll. Here is a short list of the must-sees close to Le Capitole Hôtel: 

• Rue du Petit-Champlain et la Place-Royale 
• Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville 
• Place D’Youville 
• Grande Allée 
• Avenue Cartier 
• Terrasse Dufferin. 

Le Capitole’s many terraces offer a wealth of views

As soon as you arrive in the lobby, you can take your place on the terrace to soak up the morning sun, and make the pleasure last long into the night beside the fire. Before returning to your room, be sure not to miss the magnificent sunset over the Laurentides that you can enjoy from the pool on the 9th floor. For those looking for something more intimate, head to the hotel’s exclusive terrace on the 6th floor situated above the theatre.

Le Clubby bar

As soon as you arrive in the lobby, you can take your place on the terrace to soak up the morning sun, and make the pleasure last long into the night beside the fire. Before returning to your room, be sure not to miss the magnificent sunset over the Laurentides that you can enjoy from the pool on the 9th floor. For those looking for something more intimate, head to the hotel’s exclusive terrace on the 6th floor situated above the theatre.

Il Teatro

The city’s most beautiful terrace offers dishes as generous and splendid as its view of Place D’Youville and the historic fortifications. What better way to start cocktail hour than with delicious antipasti to share on a terrace where you feel Italy’s warm welcome? When you leave your room, you arrive directly at this marvellous terrace in the heart of Old Quebec City.

The BŌ Terrace

Make your experience last by enjoying the BŌ – Cuisine d’Asie restaurant located in the same building. Pleasure and amazement are guaranteed with the new well-appointed terrace which is heated for cooler evenings. What’s more, it is now possible to experience this immersive cuisine from Tuesday to Sunday for dinner, as well on Thursdays and Fridays for lunch.

Diamant Terrace

Make a stop a few steps from the hotel at the Diamant rooftop terrace. By reservation only, you’ll be able to admire the simply exceptional view that provides you a privileged perspective of Old Quebec City and its fortifications. A cocktail just before a show at the Diamant is a winning combination!