Our team's secret guide: Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto

From iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path gems, we share what we love most.

☕ Start your day off right

APOTEK (Rue Saint-Paul) - Ashlan's Choice

"As a coffee lover, I can't recommend it enough! They serve amazing pastries in a beautifully designed Scandinavian-style space. Their cardamom buns are next-level.

Olive Café - suggests Mathis

Perfect for fresh pastries and fair trade coffee to fuel your Quebec adventure.

🍽️ Authentic flavours

Buffet de l'Antiquaire - Camille's favorite

"Only 5 minutes from our gallery! It's the perfect place for an authentic Quebec breakfast and, hands down, the best place to taste real poutine. »

Yoda Sushi (Carré D'Youville) - Vincent's Family Pick

"Simple atmosphere, but the best poke bowls in Quebec prepared by the owners. Perfect for a picnic or family meal at home. »

🌟 Gastronomy - Mathis and Camille

La Tanière

Recently awarded two Michelin stars for an unforgettable evening.

L'Origine - The more affordable sister restaurant of La Tanière.

Same quality, lower price.

La Plage - Charming bistro with a view of the St. Lawrence River

🚴 Active Adventures

Cycling by the water (easy in 1 or 2 days) - Vincent's itinerary

Plains of Abraham and/or Montmorency Falls - "Rent a bike (try the À VÉLO bike share service) and ride from the Old Port to the bridges. Flat, picturesque, with water on one side and the city on the other. Take the Samuel de Champlain bike path to reach the bridges along the river. Stop for a break at the beautiful Samuel de Champlain Beach. Relax on the sandy beach, or take a dip in the infinity pool that makes you feel like you're swimming in the St. Lawrence River. There are fountains and a reflecting pool.

On your return, take Gilmour Hill to explore the Plains of Abraham. If you still have energy, head to Montmorency Falls (or do it on another day) via the bike path and take the opportunity to discover an old working-class neighbourhood that is transformed into a beautiful family neighbourhood.

Escape into nature - Vincent

Jacques-Cartier Park for hiking

Le Saisonnier (Lac-Beauport) for free hikes, then enjoy a drink and a light meal by the lake at the Entourage Hotel

🎭 Arts and Culture

Théâtre Le Diamant - Mathis suggests

"A beautiful venue lead by renowned director Robert Lepage – catch a show for an unforgettable cultural experience." Take the opportunity to enter (it's free) and admire one of the most beautiful murals by the artist Zìlon - The Spectacular Deities - in the theater lobby.

DAY TRIP TO ÎLE D'ORLÉANS 15-20 minutes from Quebec City (car required)

Ésiane (from Île d'Orléans) shares her local favorites :

🍷 La Goéliche - "A refined bistronomy in a sunny glass-enclosed dining room with a view of Old Quebec, both beautiful and delicious!"

🌿 La Seigneurie de l'île d'Orléans - "Expansive gardens with lavender fields, orchards and Japanese-inspired landscapes perfect for peaceful strolls."

🍎 Domaine Orléans - "Breathtaking views, endless apple orchards and an incredible variety of ciders, including sparkling cider and ice cider. Perfect for families!

+ More treasures of the island - Camille and Mathis

Ferme François Gosselin - Picking fresh strawberries and excellent maple syrup.

Cassis Monna & filles - Unique blackcurrant wines and treats

Chocolaterie de l'île - Chocolats of the island

Ste-Pétronille Vineyard - Local wines with a view

La Midinette - Artisan bakery and café

"Visit the entire island, stopping at vineyards, ice cream parlours and restaurants with beautiful views. Depending on the season, you can also pick fresh fruit!

Food Culture

Café Olympico (Saint-Viateur) - Caroline's Choice

"The best coffee shop in town, always busy for a reason! Their pastries are amazing too.

Aura: Show at the Basilica – Caroline's Choice

"An amazing multimedia show just 3 minutes from our gallery, absolutely fascinating!"

🍕 Slice & Soda - Vincent and Charles swear by it

"The most exquisite pizza – a staple at our gallery deliveries! Available by the slice for a quick bite.

Venice Café - For Light and Satisfying Dinners - Vincent

Le Bar à Beurre - When you need something sweet and delicious - Vincent

🏛️ Hidden Gem

St James Cathedral - Crystal

"Beautiful architecture, open for public visits, with the beautiful St James Park next door. It's a block from the St. Lawrence Market for food and a short walk to our gallery. Fun fact: Kal Gajoum painted it!

Indulgences…

NEO Coffee Shop - Vincent's Must-Stop

"Their matcha cookies are amazing – I never visit Toronto without stopping here."

Velvet Lane Cakes and Café - "My God, it's so good!" - Vincent

🍺 Local flavour

Burdock Brewery - Vincent recommends

"Authentic Toronto microbrewery, perfect for experiencing the local craft beer culture."

🚶 Urban exploration

Vincent suggests , "I love walking down Yonge Street to see what's going on, and then walk past City Hall to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. The architecture and acoustics are phenomenal, even the simple tour of the building is worth it!

Ready to explore? Our team can't wait to hear about your adventures! Share your experiences and discoveries with us – we love to add new favourites to our ever-growing list of local treasures.

Happy exploring! 🎨✨