This year, there will be no long car rides, no flights, and no endless packing. This year, we’re taking a staycation! Not only is it more economical, this type of vacation allows you to unwind and spend quality time with your family, significant other, and friends. The secret to a successful staycation? Break with routine and instead adopt a more flexible schedule. Stay up late, sleep in, have breakfast for dinner... anything goes!

1. Have a backyard camp-out

Planning a weekend camping trip has never been easier! Pitch your tent in the yard or on the front lawn for a change of scenery just a few steps from home. Lie in your sleeping bag and look up at the stars, with gin-based cocktails on hand. A 77th Heaven and Shooting Star seems fitting!

S’mores are a camping staple! If they’re calling for a cooler night, warm up with a hot S’mores cocktail: a comforting coffee and vodka drink, flavoured with chocolate, and topped with heaps of mini marshmallows.

2. Enjoy Quebec movies in the great outdoors

A movie screening... in your backyard? But of course! Transform your outdoor space into a cozy movie theatre, with classic Quebec movies like The Decline of the American Empire, C.R.A.Z.Y., Starbuck or I Killed My Mother. A perfect evening awaits. Just get a warm blanket, a glass of local red or local spirit, popcorn, and other treats, and you’re all set!

© Marie Charest

3. Relax in the garden

For many, contact with nature brings a sense of Zen. Try your hand at gardening, regardless of the space available. A small hanging garden to decorate your patio, fine herb boxes on the terrace, a few flowers along your walkway, or even a special project to make your back alley greener. Once you’re done, treat yourself to a well-deserved glass of local rosé!

© Marie des neiges Magnan

4. Host an outdoor game night

Card games, Monopoly, puzzles, Win, Lose or Draw… Break with routine and plan a game and local gin tasting night! With more and more of them available on the market, Quebec gins are sure to surprise and satisfy even the most refined connoisseurs. Explore the variety of unique local gin flavours and SAQ taste tags.

5. Explore your city with a photo-rally

Being a tourist in your own town is a unique way to spend the day and discover your neighbourhood’s hidden gems. Travel through unknown roads with your friends, on foot or by bike, and take pictures of your discoveries: murals, historic buildings, parks, restaurants, museums, and so on. At the end of the day, share your favourites while sipping a cold beer.

6. Have a spa day... at home!

Dim the lights, light some scented candles, put on some relaxing music, slip into a bathrobe, and there you have it! Your very own spa at home. Spoil yourself with your favourite body and facial products, and a warm bubble bath. End this perfect day with an enveloping aromatic and supple red.

© Maude Chauvin

7. Go picnicking in the park

There’s no lack of parks and green spaces in Quebec. Discover new places with a picnic and a few ready-to-drink beverages. Hop on your bike and meet your friends there for lunch. You’ll feel like you travelled to your own city!

© Valeria Bismar

8. Host a small gathering!

Vacations are the perfect time to let loose. Invite a few friends or neighbours over for a drink, BBQ, or cocktail party. Decorate your yard with ice-filled bins holding a variety of whites and rosés. You can also kick off the festivities with a welcome cocktail!

9. Bring the restaurant home

Several big restaurants in the city offer take-out. Why not spoil yourself by ordering a big meal from a few of your favourite restaurants, from appetizers right through to dessert? You’ll not only be supporting some local restauranteurs, you’ll also love eating their food in the comfort of your own home! Dress to the nines and set the table with candles and flowers just for the occasion. And finally, raise a glass of sparkling wine… Cheers!

© Marie des neiges Magnan

10. Curl up with a good book

Vacation time is the perfect time to dive into a good book. Lying comfortably in your hammock, lounge chair, or in bed, let your favourite hero or heroine whisk you away. Prepare a delicious mocktail, an alcohol-free cocktail, for the ultimate in relaxation!