Being ALTernative means catering to your every whim
ALT's virtual concierge is on duty 24/7 to ensure guests have the information required to make their stay at ALT Hotel Quebec City as complete and rewarding as possible. Log on for regular updates on the hottest events, activities and restaurants in Quebec City.
2010-02-17
Get ready for the RED BULL skate race!
The Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship is coming back to Québec City! Following its smash success in 2009, this international sporting event, which combines downhill skiing, hockey, and snowboard cross, will once again rock Old Québec this March.
Last year 90,000 fans braved the frigid cold (-30°C!) to get an up-close look at the incredible stunts of the competitors. Because the event is being presented in March instead of January this year, the weather should be a little more comfortable and bring out even more spectators. I’m more excited than ever to see it again!
Just imagine a 550 meter icy slope strewn with sharp curves, jumps, and obstacles. Many brave competitors from around the world will race in heats of four until the world champion is crowned in the final round. This year extreme skaters will push off from the foot of the imposing Château Frontenac and snake their way down between historic buildings at top speed to finish their race just steps from the St. Lawrence River.
This spectacular competition is an event not to be missed in Québec City! I will definitely see you there on March 20, 2010, starting at 7 p.m.!
Isabelle
2010-01-18
Calling all Lovebirds…
Take your loved one’s breath away this Valentine’s Day and enjoy memorable moments together with a romantic getaway to the ALT Hotel in Québec City!
Relax and awaken your senses...
Choose our Great Food, Great Night! Package and be among the lucky diners to savor what chef Sylvain from Le Bistango restaurant has cooked up for the occasion.
*Special Valentine’s Day menu available on February 12, 13, and 14, 2010, included in package.
Or spend the evening à deux...
Celebrate together with chocolate-dipped strawberries and sparkling wine in the cozy comfort of your room.
Remember, “You only live once, but if you live well, once is enough.”
If you’re crazy about skiing and snowboarding, you’ll flip for Le Massif de Charlevoix!
I went skiing yesterday for the first time this season, and I had forgotten how much I love it. But was it the skiing…or the ski area? Probably both. Skiing and boarding are terrific ways to enjoy the outdoors, and the warm welcome at Charlevoix makes them all the more fun. Arriving at the top of the mountain can be just as amazing as the trip down. Gliding along—surrounded by the snow and the river— is a whole lot better than freezing on the way up. And the weather yesterday was really something. There was wind at the top—with a little sleet—but spring snow at the base. We stopped once (or twice) on the trail because the river view was so incredible! Le Massif is really a one-of-a-kind area, with a closeness to nature that’s hard to find these days. I would’ve liked to ski the glades, but it was only January 3 and I was still a bit tuckered out from the holidays—I’m determined to give them a try next Saturday!
When you head for the slopes, go green! If you care about the environment, why not take a shuttle or carpool? And don’t forget the designated parking areas for hybrid vehicles.
Three new restaurants just steps from the hotel! It's good news for those who like to replenish themselves without going too far …Three new tables, three different styles :
1. Chez Victor : gourmet burgers, succulent fries and homemade mayonnaise (I suggest the walnut and spinach with pesto mayonnaise).
2. La Grolla : the small Swiss café from Old-Québec … now also in Sainte-Foy ! (Let yourself be tempted by the Swiss cognac and pink pepper foundue: a delight).
3. La Bête : bar-steakhouse : cuts of meat carefully chosen and aged on site (and a rather interesting fish menu ... )
These three restaurants are all in the same building. Just walk out the main door and decide where to eat, after perusing the menu of each one.
Marie-Andrée Brochu
2009-05-27
I know a weaver of dreams…
OVO: [ovo] • 1. Element, from Latin Ovum “egg” • 2. Portuguese word for egg • 3. Wonderment in 2009, courtesy of Cirque du Soleil
For 25 years now, Québec City—and the whole world—has succumbed to the charm. Each time I set foot in the yellow and blue bigtop, it never fails—I become a kid all over again! To my great delight, Cirque du Soleil is back in town starting Thursday, July 30, so I’ll be channeling my inner child and stopping by to recharge my imagination. Cirque has just hatched its latest creation, OVO, bringing to life the insect world—ants, ladybugs, grasshoppers, even cockroaches. OVO dazzles as it takes us deep into an unheralded universe right beneath our feet, an ecosystem teeming with life where hidden inhabitants dwell. Life-size insects will work, eat, slither, fly, feast, fight, and court one another in a perpetual burst of energy and movement.
And because we love to share the delight and wide-eyed amazement, we’ve put together a complete Cirque du Soleil Package under “Marvel” when you click on “All packages.” It features 2 tickets to OVO, the perfect way to add magic to your stay in Québec City. But hurry, seats are limited in the land of insects!
And because good news comes in bunches, Cirque du Soleil is celebrating a quarter century of captivating Québec City audiences. The Dream Continues, an open air show running 60 to 65 minutes, will take to the streets of Old Québec and Lower Town five nights a week, Wednesday to Sunday from June 24 until the end of Labor Day week. Spectators who gather at three different meeting places will be invited to accompany a tribe of travelers to a Garden of Despair, beneath the ramps of Autoroute Dufferin-Montmorency, where Cirque du Soleil will magically create a Garden of Passion. And the happy news continues: the capital city will host The Dream Continues for the next five years.
At Cirque du Soleil, the mood is always green… and blue…and yellow! The idea of basing a show on the insect world came from Deborah Colker, OVO creator and director, at the request of Cirque founder Guy Laliberté, who wanted a production reflecting his concern for the environment. The One Drop Foundation, established by Laliberté, promotes awareness of the need to fight poverty by providing access to clean water. To learn more, go to www.onedrop.org/fr/
Jacques-Alexandre
2009-04-22
Ariane Moffatt Concert
May 27 at Salle Albert-Rousseau
A show that, like her latest album (Tous les sens), is an explosion of sound, emotion, refreshing style, and talent.
She hops from one instrument to the next, performing her most recent songs and also her past hits. She makes us laugh, she makes us cry. The stage is her playground, a place where she achieves a perfect balance of experimentation and expression.
At her show last November, I was simply floored by the performance of such an accomplished and inspired artist who is in full control of her talent. It was the real thing!
If you haven’t already done so, check out “Je veux tout,” the third song on Tous les sens, which translates as “I want it all.”
—As for me, I want to have all her CDs and go to all her concerts!
Catherine (and my friend Émilie who came with me to the show in November!)
Despite all the time we can spend exploring the Web, it never ceases to amaze. One site I instantly fell in love with is www.musicovery.com. One click and it was in my favorites! This virtual jukebox is an online music library organized by various genres, from the 50’s up to today. You simply indicate your current mood—Calm, Energetic, or Positive—to get a song list that reflects (or is in tune with) how you are feeling. Even if the quarter has been replaced by a mouse click, Elvis and The Beatles are still there. The classics never go out of style! This site is great for discovering new groups, adding ambience to your dinner parties, or simply listening to yesterday’s hits. And best of all—membership is free!
Staying with us? Feel free to ask for an Internet access card to create the perfect musical atmosphere for you. No reason to go without—it’s included in your rate!
Jacques-Alexandre
2009-03-31
All that Jazz
I’m a jazz fanatic. I listen to it in the car, the kitchen, the living room—I love it!
If you love jazz as much as I do, don’t miss these jazz hotspots next time you stay with us in Québec City:
Largo Resto-Club in Nouvo St-Roch offers a chic yet laid-back atmosphere on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Make dinner reservations and enjoy live shows starting at 8 p.m. , or arrive around 10 p.m. if you’d rather just have a drink.
In town on a Wednesday? Head to La Scala Trattoria around 9:30 p.m. for an evening of sophisticated Italian cuisine and smooth jazz. Blues lovers won’t want to miss blues night on Thursdays. And while you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to check out rue Cartier—a foodie’s dream come true!
Great news! Jazz nights are back at Charles Baillairgé Restaurant/Bar/Lounge in the heart of Old Québec on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the programming at Palais Montcalm. The Palais frequently holds jazz concerts in its gorgeous Salle Raoul-Jobin (one of the world’s finest concert halls!) and the more intimate Salle Café-spectacles.
Jazz it up in Québec City!
Marie-Andrée
2009-03-02
La petite boîte Vietnamienne
What a nice and pleasant surprise!
A new find: a restaurant with a casual ambience opened in the new Saint-Roch district in 2007. Featuring tasty Asian food, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere, La Petite Boîte Vietnamienne is the new recommended spot for anyone in the mood for Asian cuisine. Hearty soups are their specialty, but the delectable seasoned salmon tartare and medium rare duck were also delightful. They have a wide selection of teas and homemade desserts to finish your meal nicely, like warm tapioca served with maple syrup reduction.
Jacques-Alexandre We’re always thinking green:Take the bus! In less than 30 minutes, bus number 800 takes you to ALT Hotel Québec City, only a few minutes away from the restaurant by foot.
For more information: La petite Boîte Vietnamienne*
281, de la Couronne
Québec
Phone: 418 204-6323 *Website in French only.
2009-01-16
Calling all lovebirds
Take your loved one’s breath away this Valentine’s Day and enjoy memorable moments together with a romantic getaway at the ALT Hotel in Québec City!
Relax and awaken your senses...
Choose our Great Food, Great Night! package and be among those fortunate enough to savor what chef Sylvain from Le Bistango restaurant has cooked up for the occasion.
Or spend some time as just the two of you...
Give in to temptation with our Alone at Last package. What better way to celebrate being together than chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine in the cozy surroundings of your room!
Remember, “You only live once, but if you live well, once is enough.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Marie-Andrée
2008-12-17
Le Dragon Bleu: Another of Robert Lepage's fabulous creatures
From January 13 to February 7 at Théâtre du Trident
In 1987, theatergoers at a hangar in the Old Port of Montreal were treated to a wonderful theatrical experience that was to be forever etched in their greatest memories of the stage: The Dragons’ Trilogy. One was green, one red, and the other white. Together, they breathed war, love, fate, art, and the Orient in Quebec City, Toronto, and Vancouver—Chinatowns from different eras.
Twenty years later, the central character in The Trilogy, Pierre Lamontagne, resurfaces in The Blue Dragon (The Blue Dragon). He had left the West to study Chinese art in the East. Today we find him managing an art gallery in the heart of Shanghai. There are three of them: Pierre, an old friend, and a Chinese artist.
The Blue Dragon comes across as an artistic collision between the Chinas of today and yesteryear, sparking decisive changes in the characters. Faithful to himself, Lepage invites us on a quest for identity ruled by the mechanism of time.
For an emotion-charged (laden?) experience, believe me, nothing can beat the magic of Robert Lepage and his team.
And what is just as magical is that tickets are disappearing at lightning speed. So hurry!
Skiing and boarding enthusiasts... Official season opening at Le Massif
If you love skiing like me, Le Massif Ski Center is a must on your calendar of winter activities. The scenery is breathtaking, there is invariably more snow here than anywhere else, and you’ll get a welcome worthy of Charlevoix. Visit Le Massif's website to see photos, snow, activities, and the photo of the day. If you are comfortable on your boards, you’ll love the Maillard sector (west) or one of the many undergrowth runs.
I haven’t tried it yet—and maybe I’m not good enough, either—but they have also developed a new off-piste sector with a guide. Who knows, you just might run into Jean-Luc Brassard.
Happy skiing!
Sylvie
2008-09-15
A warm fall
After an exceptional summer in Quebec City, there are still a thousand and one reasons to visit. The 400th Anniversary celebrations are still going on, and Quebec City is gorgeous in the fall. I can’t wait to see what Cirque du Soleil has to offer.
Le Massif is dressing up in its finest fall colors and inviting nature lovers to come discover its breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River from ski lifts or trail hikes during three weekends (September 27–28, October 4–5, and October 11–12–13). I was there just the other day. It’s spectacular!
If you’re more the epicurean type, the new Automne & Noël 2008 course program at Académie Culinaire (in Place Laurier) is sure to tempt your taste buds. The kitchens are amazing. We had the privilege of visiting during a team building exercise with staff from Quebec City’s Groupe Germain. WOW! And what could be better than ending the day with dinner at Bistango? Brilliant!
For something new, try a moose safari. On Saturdays and Sundays from September 13 to October 19, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier invites visitors on a moose safari at dawn or sunset. Safaris last 4 hr. 15 min., fees are listed on the website, and seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling 418-848-3169.
And don’t miss the shopping. Refresh your wardrobe, or get a head start on your Christmas shopping. We’re right next door.
And that’s just a few of the options!
Sylvie
2008-07-17
Some advices from Catherine...
Butterfly Observatory
An entertaining and educational low-cost family activity. A big park for taking strolls or having a picnic.
For those wishing to dine simply in Old Québec and get their money’s worth. Evening table d'hôte starting from $15. Very courteous staff, great for families.
Specialties: Pasta (choose your ingredients like you choose sushi) and pizza
Where: Rue Saint-Jean, right across from Paillard before Côte de la Fabrique
Catherine
2008-07-10
Come taste the island!
Don’t miss Île d’Orléans during your next trip to Québec City. In addition to a rich, unique architectural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, the island is home to a plethora of local flavors.
Head to St-Jean for the delights of Boulange, an artisanal bakery housed in a former presbytery. And don’t miss Cassis Mona et filles, a family business that earned a Grand prix du tourisme award in 2008. They offer the only vine product of its kind in Québec. While you’re there, visit their economuseum dedicated to the art of making liqueurs. Come and stock up on confits, rilletts, or savory pies and meet the artisans at La ferme d’autrefois in Sainte-Famille,where geese, ducks, and turkeys enjoy the best conditions in order to provide quality products. You’ll find great gift ideas! And why not end your visit by picking strawberries in the summer or apples in the fall?
Here’s a delicious recipe to make sure nothing goes to waste!
Apple butter with Île d’Orléans strawberries
8 Île d’Orléans apples, peeled, seeded, and cut into small pieces
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups Île d’Orléans strawberries with stems removed
1/2 pound unsalted or semi-salted butter
Cook the fruit and brown sugar together over medium heat for around 25 minutes, stirring constantly. Once fully cooked, purée in a blender while still hot.
Once the mixture is well blended, add butter and purée once again.
Pour into containers and refrigerate.
Our team will be happy to recommend a food lover’s itinerary.
Bon appétit!
Jacques-Alexandre
2008-04-18
The Anti-Rat Race
What do the following cities have in common: New York, Copenhagen, Vienna, Washington, D.C., and Quebec City? Apart from their magnificence, they all offer guided jogging tours. Whether you’re one of those people who never goes anywhere without a pair of running shoes, or because you just enjoy being physically active, running is a great way to explore Quebec’s capital city. Because being on the run means healthy living, and healthy living is all the rage, ALT Hotel invites you to run with us on your next visit! Because you can’t put a price on your health.
2008-03-05
A Spa in Winter? Why Not?
What? Another snowstorm? No problem! It’s the perfect excuse to visit a Scandinavian spa. Treat yourself to an exotic, relaxing experience that’s good for your health. Wear your trendiest bathing suit—outside… in the middle of March! It’s all possible, and oh so enjoyable too. ALT Hôtel recommends Le Nordique for the view, the top-notch facilities, and the first-class service!
2008-03-05
L'Anglicane de Lévis
In the age of recycling, the most interesting buildings are those with a new lease on life and a new calling. With just a 20 minute drive from ALT Hôtel, you can kill two birds with one stone by attending a show at the L’Anglicane de Lévis. The mix of church stone and modern glass, of past and present, is also reflected in L’Anglicane’s program. For an intimate experience...
2008-03-05
Crack Pot Café
If you stay with us at least twice a month, we suggest you spend an evening at Crack Pot Café. Just a five-minute walk from ALT Hôtel in Québec City, it’s a place to completely disconnect from the daily grind while you decorate your very own piece of pottery. You have to experience it to believe it. At your following stay at the hotel, you can pick up your masterpiece, kiln baked and ready to take pride of place in your home.
2008-03-05
North African Tastes : Rameau d'Olivier
If your tastebuds long for some sun and it’s time for a bite to eat, the Rameau d’Olivier on rue Maguire in Québec City is the perfect choice for a meal. Its sunset-inspired decor and music from southern climes, the warm smiles of its staff, and the exotic taste of the food will satisfy your hunger for travel, at least for today! After your meal, wander through their boutique so you can prolong your “trip” when you get home!
2008-03-05
For a Gastronomic Experience: Toast!
What’s the best Québec City has to offer? When it comes to gourmet dining, one name stands out—Toast! This restaurant is a world apart. Its warm furnishings and decor are like an inviting embrace. And when you sit down and consult the menu—pure heaven! And the service? Perfect! The foie gras is prepared in a variety of ways and the tuna steaks are as succulent as you could wish! You even have to order your dessert at the beginning of the meal because it needs time and careful preparation to be at its best for you. Toast!, or how to fall in love again, and again, and again.
2008-02-26
Paraski
With all the snow that’s come down since November, you must be looking for a way to get some fun out of it. There’s no avoiding it, so you might as well enjoy it! PARASKI is a fun activity that involves surfing across a snow-covered field while tied to a parachute. Give it a try! It’s easier—and less extreme—than you might imagine. Your friends will be jealous. They won’t believe you experienced something so incredible! www.nautikaventure.com on Île d’Orléans
2007-12-10
Le Bistango Restaurant
Le Bistango, the on-site restaurant, is dedicated to the pleasures of the table. A Germain owned and operated restaurant since 1986, Le Bistango is a Quebec City hot spot, perfect for cocktails, product launches, lunch or dinner meetings and corporate events, which can be held in one of our private salons. Le Bistango serves innovative, fresh dishes which change with the rhythm of the seasons, as well as a wide selection of wine. www.lebistango.com
