Art Walk: Watercolor Sketchbook Travel in Québec City
September 13–17, 2026
Capture the heart of Québec City with your brush and journal.
Join us for a five-day, four-night artistic retreat set in one of North America’s most enchanting cities—Québec City, where cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and sweeping river views provide the perfect backdrop for watercolor sketching and creative renewal. This curated art and cultural experience is designed for travelers who crave more than sightseeing—they seek to slow down, observe deeply, and bring home stories told through the pages of their sketchbooks.
Why This Trip is Different
You won’t just visit Québec City—you’ll see it through an artist’s eyes. From the fairytale façade of Château Frontenac to the tranquil beauty of the Île d’Orléans vineyards, you’ll learn how to document your travels through watercolor, line, and memory with expert guidance every step of the way.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this trip offers structured instruction, immersive walks, and plenty of free time to relax, explore, and create at your own pace.
Your Home Base: Le Monastère des Augustines
A serene sanctuary in the heart of Old Québec, the Monastery offers a rare blend of history, wellness, and quiet luxury. Enjoy thoughtfully prepared organic breakfasts, our first group dinner in the Monastery’s private dining room, and access to optional restorative amenities (meditation, yoga, massage available at your leisure).
✧ What’s Included:
- 4 nights at Le Monastère des Augustines (private rooms available)
- Daily Healthy, Organic Buffet Breakfast
- First Workshop Day Takeaway Picnic Lunch
- Two Group Dinners (Welcome Dinner at The Monastery + Good-Bye Dinner at a Local Restaurant)
- Guided Art Instruction + a Dedicated Workshop Space at the Monastery
- Tea, Coffee & Snacks during Monastery workshop days
- Admission to Parcs et Musées (weather-dependent)
- Afternoon Tea at the iconic Château Frontenac
- Private Vineyard Tour + Tasting at Cassis Monna & Filles on Île d’Orléans
- Coach Excursion to Montmorency Falls + Île d’Orléans
- Funicular + Cable Car Tickets
- Expert recommendations for meals, shops, and sites in your free time
- All hotel taxes and service fees
Guided art walks to:
- Dufferin Terrace & The Plains of Abraham
- Quartier Petit Champlain
- Île d’Orléans + Montmorency Falls
What’s Not Included:
- Personal art supplies
- One lunch + two dinners
- Optional yoga, massage, and meditation sessions at the Monastery
- Alcoholic beverages + tips
- Transportation to-and-from Québec City
- Parking, travel visas, or passport fees
- Trip Insurance (Purchase through Allianz or Faye)
Sample Itinerary
Sunday, Sept 13
Arrival + Check-in | Group Dinner at the Monastery
Monday, Sept 14
Breakfast + Workshop | Sketch Walk to Dufferin Terrace + Plains of Abraham | Lunch Included | Free evening
Tuesday, Sept 15
Breakfast + Morning Sketch Walk to Petit Champlain | Free time for shopping | Afternoon Tea at Château Frontenac | Free evening
Wednesday, Sept 16
Breakfast + Day Excursion to Montmorency Falls + Île d’Orléans | Vineyard Tour & Tasting | Group Dinner at Le Pizzaio
Thursday, Sept 17
Breakfast + Departure
Come Home with More Than Souvenirs
You’ll leave Québec City with a travel sketchbook full of vivid memories, beautiful pages, and new confidence in your creative voice.
Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot and start painting your next adventure.
About the Monastery:
Two Ways to Stay at Le Monastère des Augustines
As part of your Art Walk retreat, you’ll be staying at Le Monastère des Augustines—a serene haven in the heart of Old Québec. Each room honors the Monastery’s spirit of simplicity and well-being while offering comfort, quiet, and rest.
Choose between two unique room experiences:
Authentic Chambers (Shared or Private)
Historic Ambiance, Thoughtful Simplicity
Immerse yourself in the monastic heritage of the Augustine Sisters with a stay in an Authentic Chamber. These beautifully preserved rooms reflect the original spirit of the Monastery—simple, contemplative, and nourishing to the soul. Each room features warm wooden furnishings, ultra-comfortable bedding, and a personal sink and mirror, with shared bathrooms conveniently located on the same floor.
Room features:
- 1 or 2 extra-long single beds
- Sink and mirror in the bedroom
- Individual bathrooms on the same floor(shared)
- Wooden wardrobe and small desk
- Ultra-comfortable bedding, towels, and bathrobes
- Central air conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
- No television or telephone in the roomSmoke-free environment
- Silent breakfast at Le Vivoir
This is a truly peaceful experience for guests who value quiet, reflection, and a connection to the past.
✧ Contemporary Chambers (Shared or Private)
Modern Design, Monastic Calm
For those who prefer more modern amenities while still enjoying the Monastery’s tranquil atmosphere, the Contemporary Chambers offer comfort and privacy in a clean, minimalist setting. These rooms feature private ensuite bathrooms and subtle design that echoes the building’s historic roots while providing everything you need for restful comfort.
Room features:
- 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds
- Private ensuite bathroom
- Natural light and modern furnishings
- Writing desk and ample storage
- Central air conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
- Smoke-free environment
- Silent breakfast at Le Vivoir
The perfect retreat after a day of sketching, walking, and soaking in the charm of Québec City.
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Cancellation Policy
Planning a trip like this takes a great deal of time, care, and behind-the-scenes coordination. For that reason, cancellations made before June 1, 2026 will be refunded, minus a $425 administrative fee. After June 1, 2026, we are unable to offer refunds, as many of our reservations and commitments will already be in place.
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance to help protect your plans—just in case life throws you a curveball.
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Questions: Contact kristin.f.simmons@gmail.com
Photos courtesy of Quebec City Tourism and the Monastere Des Augustines
Notes:
This trip will require easy-to-moderate light exercise in the form of walking on paved roads, sidewalks, cobblestone streets, footpaths, and flat boardwalks. Licensed and bonded van transportation will be provided to off-site locations, as well as trips on a Funicular and Cable Car.
Companions & Non-workshop-participating guests are welcome on a limited, space-available basis. All guests must be pre-approved. Reach out to Kristin F. Simmons to discuss pricing, board, and travel arrangements. kristin.f.simmons@gmail.com
Kristin F. Simmons LLC is fully licensed and insured.
