Overview
Join us for the ultimate girls' trip to French Canada! Hosted by Girls' Guide's own Kathy Machnik, a Montréal resident, this trip unfolds like a love letter to French-Canadian culture. We'll start in Montréal, the vibrant heart of Quebec. Montréal is a city that dances between two worlds—one where European sophistication meets North American energy, where traditional markets buzz alongside avant-garde galleries, and where centuries-old architecture stands proudly alongside bold modern design. We'll have three days to explore at an unhurried pace, with each day promising new discoveries. What will be your favorite? Montréal's world-class museums and restaurants? The charming boutiques and cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montréal? We'll get to see it all. Our journey shifts gears with a scenic train ride to Quebec City. With its UNESCO-protected Old Town, Quebec City feels like a piece of Europe that somehow drifted across the Atlantic and anchored along the majestic St. Lawrence River. It maintains its deep French heritage while feeling thoroughly alive and authentic - not like a museum piece. We'll have time to immerse ourselves in nature, visiting the roaring Montmorency Falls. And what girls' trip would be complete with a day at a luxurious Nordic spa? Is there a better way to spend a week in autumn?
Highlights
Explore timeless Old Montreal
See the Aura light show at Basilique Notre-Dame
Savor French Canadian cuisine
Float down the St. Lawrence River on a scenic brunch cruise
Take a guided tour of the Musee des Beaux Arts
Witness the majestic Montmoremcy Falls
Indulge in a Nordic Thermal Spa
Tour Québec’s Parliament and gardens
Itinerary
Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Click on the "<" and ">" buttons to scroll through each day.
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You'll Be Staying Here
Hotel William Gray
The William Gray by Gray Collection is a unique luxury hotel in the heart of the Old Port of Montreal. Local Montrealers and international travelers alike enjoy its luxurious amenities. Its location near Place Jacques Cartier is ideal for exploring the Basilique Notre Dame and the Old Port.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is perched on a promontory; Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City will inspire you with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the fortified old city.
Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix (Optional Post-Trip Extension)
Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix is a contemporary riverside retreat set along the St. Lawrence River, just outside Baie-Saint-Paul, offering a calm and refined atmosphere surrounded by Charlevoix’s natural beauty. The hotel features thoughtfully designed rooms and a Nordic-style spa with thermal pools and saunas, making it an ideal base for relaxation and slow travel.
Hosts
Kathy Machnik
While Montréal is home to Kathy, she views the world as her oyster. Kathy is a former commercial and private flight attendant who revels in the adventure of travel and the opportunity to immerse herself in diverse cultures. Whether with her husband and three daughters, with a group of girlfriends, or alone, she delights in discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. Whenever possible, her feisty rescue dog Frankie tags along! A lover of all things food and wine, Kathy is also an avid tennis player, yogi, Ayurvedic enthusiast, and gardener passionate about wellness and art. She loves to entertain, cook beautiful meals, and gather with family and friends to celebrate all the good things life has to offer.
Erika Mortell- Mason
Erika is originally from Vancouver, Canada and now lives in Montreal after spending 14 years in Honduras. She has a deep love for travel, the outdoors, food, exploring new cultures, and especially being on or near the water. With a degree in finance and a background in hospitality, she brings both organization and care to her role as the concierge and trip planner for Girls’ Guide to the World. She is excited to show you the city she has come to love in such a short time and to help guests create lasting memories and friendships.
Add Ons
The Heart of French Canada
Montreal & Quebec City
Set against the backdrop of charming French Canada, this trip explores Old Montreal and Old Quebec, where European architecture blends with North American energy.
Montreal impresses with lively neighborhoods, grand cathedrals, and a skyline along the St. Lawrence River. Quebec City, atop high ground, charms with its fortified walls, stone buildings, and scenic views. These cities combine old-world beauty with modern flair, immersed in culture and character.
What's Included
What's Included
All transportation during the trip (except where otherwise indicated)
Spa treatment and thermal circuit access at Strøm Nordic Spa
Private guided tour of Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal
Accommodations at unique 4-star (or better) hotels
Brunch cruise along the St. Lawrence River
Gondola experience at Montmorency Falls
Private French Canadian cooking class
Brunch cruise along the St. Lawrence
Everything specified in the itinerary
Expert guides and trip leaders
Guided tour of Marche Jean-Talon
2 glasses of wine or beer at dinner
Entry to The Aura Experience
A small group experience
Guided tour of Old Montreal
Guided tour of Old Quebec
What's Not Included
Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what’s offered at meals
Travel and medical insurance (required)
All personal souvenirs
Roundtrip airfare to Canada
Airport transfers
FAQs
Where should I fly into and out of?
Book your arrival flight to Canada at Montreal International Airport (YUL) and your return flight home from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB).
When should I arrive?
The trip officially begins on the afternoon of September 25. If you are flying to Montreal, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, you can book an extra night in Montreal directly on our website in the “Add On” Section.
What is the weather like in September?
In late September, Quebec enjoys crisp, comfortable fall weather, with daytime highs typically ranging from 55–65°F (13–18°C) and cooler evenings dipping to around 45–50°F (7–10°C). The air feels fresh and clear, and the first touches of autumn color often start to appear, making it a beautiful time to explore the cities and surrounding landscapes. A light jacket or sweater is usually all that’s needed for both sightseeing and evening strolls.
What should I pack?
We'll have a Zoom call about 8 weeks before the trip starts to discuss important logistics and give you packing guidance. In the meantime, here is a great website with lots of tips about travel and packing.
What documentation do I need?
You'll need your passport to visit Canada. (The days of showing your driver's license at the border are long gone.) The Canadian authorities also reserve the right to refuse entry to people they deem "inadmissible". You can click on this link to see a list of the reasons a Canadian immigration officer might find you to be inadmissible.
What is the activity level of this trip?
We require that everyone traveling with Girls' Guide be able to comfortably walk 3–5 miles per day unassisted, and without difficulty, can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience.
Additionally, some of the 4 and 5-star boutique or historic hotels we stay in do not have elevators and may require climbing stairs to get to your room or access other facilities in the hotel.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to see answers to most other questions about traveling with Girls' Guide to the World.








