A Winter Escape to Old Quebec: Cappuccinos, Macaroons, and 15,000 Steps a Day

This past March, I had the pleasure of traveling to Old Quebec—a charming, historic city nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. I'd always heard about its old-world charm, cobblestone streets, and French influences, but nothing could have prepared me for how enchanting this tiny city truly is. What started as a quick getaway turned into an unforgettable adventure filled with delightful little cafes, snowy streets, and my personal mission to discover the best cappuccino and macaroon Old Quebec had to offer.

A Snowy March Arrival and St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Arriving in March, Old Quebec was like stepping into a winter wonderland. Snow covered the rooftops and blanketed the streets, turning the entire city into a picturesque scene straight out of a holiday postcard. To my surprise, I arrived just in time for the annual St. Patrick's Parade. Seeing the streets lined with cheerful crowds, green decorations, and lively music in the middle of a snow-covered city was an experience like no other. The energy was contagious, and it felt as though the entire city had come together to celebrate, despite the cold. As floats passed by, I couldn’t help but marvel at how this French-speaking city embraced this Irish tradition with such enthusiasm.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that my regular travel gear wasn’t going to cut it—I found myself wishing I had packed my trekking gear, including snow boot accessories. The icy patches on the streets made navigating the hilly city quite the adventure, and I definitely could have used the extra grip to avoid a few slips on the ice! But despite the challenges, the snow only added to the city’s magic, and the fresh crisp air was invigorating.

Exploring the Tiny City by Foot

Old Quebec is known for its steep hills and narrow streets, which makes it a bit of a workout to explore. Each day, I logged between 10,000 and 15,000 steps just wandering through its winding streets. Despite the uphill climbs, I loved every minute of it. The architecture is a beautiful blend of European styles, and every corner reveals a hidden gem—a boutique shop, an art gallery, or, more often than not, a cozy little café. The snow may have made the trek more difficult, but it also gave me an excuse to stop frequently and warm up with a cappuccino or a bite to eat.

The Cafe Culture and My Cappuccino Quest

Speaking of cappuccinos, one of my main goals during this trip was to find the best one in the city. Quebec may be known for its French roots, but its coffee culture is nothing short of vibrant. Every café I stepped into was warm, welcoming, and filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. My mornings quickly turned into a routine: I’d bundle up in my winter coat, lace up my boots, and set out on foot to explore a new part of the city, always with the promise of a cappuccino stop along the way.

One of my favorite spots was La Maison Smith, an adorable café in the heart of Place Royale. Their cappuccino was perfectly balanced—smooth, frothy, and just the right amount of richness to keep me warm as I gazed out at the snow-covered square. Another standout was Nektar Caféologue, where they take their coffee seriously. The baristas there treated each cup like an art form, and their cappuccino was hands down one of the best I’ve ever had.

The Sweet Pursuit of Macaroons

Of course, no trip to a French-inspired city would be complete without indulging in macaroons, and I was on a mission to find the best. Paillard, a well-known bakery in Old Quebec, was my first stop. Walking in, I was greeted by the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries, but it was the rows of colorful macaroons that immediately caught my eye. Their raspberry macaroon was a sweet, delicate bite that melted in my mouth, and it was clear why this bakery is a local favorite.

I also made a point to visit Le Croquembouche, a patisserie that’s famous for its delicate desserts. Their pistachio macaroons were divine, and I couldn’t resist trying a few other pastries while I was there. The experience of enjoying a warm cappuccino and macaroon in a cozy café, with snow falling just outside, felt almost too perfect to be real.

Tasting Local Favorites

Beyond my love for coffee and macaroons, I was also determined to try at least five local favorite foods. Quebec has a rich culinary tradition, and I wasn’t about to leave without indulging in some of its best dishes. My first stop was to try poutine—a dish made of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. While poutine may sound simple, the version I had at Chez Ashton was a revelation. The fries were crispy, the cheese curds squeaky, and the gravy was perfectly savory.

Another must-try was tourtière, a traditional meat pie that’s hearty and full of flavor. I found an excellent version at Aux Anciens Canadiens, a restaurant that specializes in Quebecois cuisine. The flaky crust and savory meat filling were exactly what I needed after a long day of trekking through the snow. I also made sure to sample cretons, a pork spread often served with toast for breakfast, as well as a warming bowl of pea soup, another local staple. Finally, I couldn’t resist trying tarte au sucre (sugar pie), a dessert that’s pure Quebecois comfort food.

The Culture and Charm of Old Quebec

One of the things that struck me most during my trip was the unique blend of European and North American influences in Old Quebec. The language, architecture, and pace of life all feel distinctly French, but there’s also a friendly, laid-back vibe that feels quintessentially Canadian. The people of Quebec are incredibly welcoming, and I loved chatting with locals at the cafes and shops I visited. Everyone I met seemed to take pride in their city, and it’s easy to see why—Old Quebec feels like a little slice of Europe, but with its own distinct culture and charm.

Throughout my time in Old Quebec, I captured countless images of the city’s beauty—the snow-covered rooftops, the narrow streets lined with historic buildings, and the cozy cafes where I spent so many afternoons. These photos serve as a reminder of the magic I experienced during this trip, and they’re scattered throughout this blog post as a window into my adventure.

My trip to Old Quebec in March was more than just a getaway—it was a winter adventure filled with delicious discoveries, snowy strolls, and an appreciation for the simple pleasures of a tiny, historic city. Despite the ice and the uphill climbs, I wouldn’t trade a moment of it. From the perfect cappuccinos to the rich local cuisine, Old Quebec left me with a full heart and a full belly. I’m already dreaming of my next visit, perhaps with better trekking gear in tow!

Who knows? Maybe we'll cross paths there...