Page 16 - Boca Exposure - March '22

Page 16, Boca Exposure
Travel: Postcards From Jessica

To: Those Looking For A White Christmas (And hopping (or, in this case, flying) over to visit the majestic I highly recommend staying at the iconic Fairmont Banff
Thinking About It In March!) snowy mountains of Banff, in Western Canada. Springs Hotel. This “Castle in the Rockies” offers everything
From: The Castle In The Rockies, Banff Canada Old Quebec City: Old Quebec City is the most charming from cozy rooms tucked away in quiet corners of the castle
place to be during the holidays. Known as being a little slice to opulent suites with sweeping mountain views. The castle
of Europe in North America, you feel as if you have just been is undergoing major renovations to its accommodations, and
transported overseas to a quaint town in France. And with we were able to stay in one of their newly renovated larger
everyone speaking French, it feels that much more authentic! mountain view rooms. There is nothing like waking up in the
But don’t worry, because English is also widely spoken. Which colder mornings to a cup of hot coffee in bed while staring
was good, because my college French was slightly rusty. out at the snow-capped mountain ranges. Le sigh…
Old Quebec was founded by the French back in 1608. During the holiday season, the hotel is completely decked
It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in out in festive holiday decor. In one of the grand halls, you can
the 1980s and, according to UNESCO, it is the only North find a giant Christmas tree towering over two stories high!
American city to have preserved its surrounding protective The hotel lovingly refers to its holiday events as “Christmas
wall and ramparts. So, not only is it charming but it also has at the Castle.” You can truly get into the holiday spirit with
historical significance. its Christmas Concert Series, memorable holiday dining
Quebec City is about 160 miles northeast of Montreal, events, festive holiday arts and crafts, and gingerbread house
above the Maine border. It’s located on the St. Lawrence decorating for the kids. There were even Christmas carolers
River, and the old town is divided into two parts–the upper singing through the halls.
part where the famed Chateau Frontenac castle (also a hotel) While the castle offers much to do within its walls,
is located on the cliff, and the lower part, which sits below don’t miss the chance to wander out and explore the great
the cliff and is accessible via stairs, streets, or a funicular. It’s outdoors. Just make sure to layer up. In December the
the lower part, Quartier Petit Champlain, that looks as though temperatures can drop into the negatives. One activity you
straight out of a holiday postcard! absolutely will not want to miss is a drive up the Trans-
I highly recommend staying at the Fairmont Chateau Canada Highway to Lake Louise. This scenic drive is truly
By Jessica Flores. Jessica Frontenac. Not only is its location ideal for all there is to breathtaking.
has worked in the travel and see and do in Quebec City, but the hotel itself is filled with Lake Louise is actually one of the most photographed
tourism industry for well history, was beautifully decorated for the holidays, and sites in Canada, and quite possibly the world. During the
over a decade. She holds offered exemplary service. summer you can find boats gliding along calm turquoise
both bachelor’s and master’s Travel Pro Tip: Book a Fairmont Gold Level Room. waters stunningly framed by majestic snow-capped peaks.
degrees in hospitality and Being on the gold level offered us a private check-in, private But in the winter, when the glacial lake freezes over, you can
tourism management. As lounge with complimentary drinks, snacks, breakfast, and a find the largest nature made ice rink! Sitting at the base of
owner of AWAY Travel in Boca room on one of the highest floors of the hotel (we were even the lake is Château Lake Louise, another Fairmont property,
Raton, Jessica and staff bring upgraded to a suite!). where skates are available for rental. Gliding along the ice
25 years of personal travel When visiting Quebec City during the holidays, there without handlebars was quite the challenge, but there is no
experience to an exclusive are several things you should not miss. Walking the Quartier ice rink in the world that could offer those fantastic views.
clientele looking for luxury Petit Champlain (both during the day and at night) offers Another once-in-a-lifetime truly unforgettable experience
travel planning. Ready for your holiday nostalgia to the max. You feel as if you are walking was dog sledding in Canmore, just south of Banff. They offer
own journey to begin? Visit: www.travelwithaway.com. Email me: the cobblestoned streets of Strasbourg, France. All of the both self-driven and instructor-driven sled options, making
Jessica@travelwithaway.com or call: (877) 493-AWAY. storefronts are decorated with garlands, holly, and lights. There this a great activity for all ages. Being a dog lover with my
You may be wondering why you are reading about a white has never been a place that feels more like Christmas. very own husky at home, I think I enjoyed interacting with
Christmas in March, but experienced travelers have learned by If you are feeling adventurous, right next to the Fairmont the dogs just as much as the exhilarating ride through the
now that there are certain very special destinations that require Chateau Frontenac they have the Toboggan Slide au 1884. bow valley. Afterwards, we were able to snuggle up by a
planning far ahead. I recently returned from just such a trip, Zooming down at speeds of up to 50 mph was quite the rush! fire with some hot cider to warm up.
so can speak from first-hand experience: If you are looking Make sure to hang on to your hat. But most importantly, do not Wheels Down: If Canada is not yet on your list, I
to spend your next holiday in what is quickly becoming one miss the Marché de Noël, Quebec City’s German Christmas personally think that a visit there should be your gift
of the must-see winter vacations, you should start not just Market. With its colorful lights and traditional wooden kiosks, next holiday season. But you can readily understand why
dreaming, but also planning now. Trust me, once you read all it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Here you can seasoned travelers understand the need to begin planning
about my most recent holiday trip to our great neighbor to the truly experience the festive and warm atmosphere of the major early—like now. Create new traditions on a holiday escape
North, you will understand why. European Christmas markets right in Old Quebec City. to one of the most enchanting old cities in Quebec, or to
Pack Your Bags: Having lived most of my life in Florida, I Banff: On the other side of the continent, amidst the majestic the most breathtaking winter wonderland in Alberta. Or, if
can tell you that I have been dreaming about a white Christmas Canadian Rockies, sits a picturesque alpine town in the Province you’re like me and cannot make up your mind, visit both!
for quite some time. There is just something about 85° and of Alberta nestled in the pristine wilderness of a UNESCO One thing I can guarantee is that you will no longer be
palm trees that doesn’t hit quite right that time of year. So when World Heritage National Park. Banff has easily become one of just dreaming of a white Christmas.…
I began thinking about where in the world would provide me the world’s premier destinations, not only for its stunning views Wishing You Safe Travels,
with endless snow and holiday cheer, Canada was one of the but also for its plethora of activities in all seasons. Jessica
first places that came to mind.
When it came to actually “packing my bags,” I set out to
fit 10 days’ worth of winter gear into one carry-on bag. Let
me tell you, this was no easy feat! But it can be done. If you
need these kinds of tips, I’m your girl. I know exactly what you
need to pack to stay warm for your winter holiday in Canada.
Your Road Map: Canada is the second largest country
after Russia, and stretches across 3.8 million square miles.
The experience you may have on one side of the country can
be completely different than on the other. And, of course, I Stylish Modern Atmosphere Make Reservations happy hour
wanted to experience both! So, I set out to first visit one of the every Day 3 - 6 pm
most charming towns in Eastern Canada, Quebec City, before
and Mon. - Thurs.
all Day at Bar Only

Lunch SpeciaLS

every Day
starting at 9
$