Whatcha think? I was thinking about driving from Chicago. We'd probably stop at a couple northeastern locales on the way... Saw some pictures of Quebec City, and it looked cool... very European-looking. I've never been to Montreal, but I'd imagine it'd be interesting. Some things I need.... 1. Fun for the kid... He'll be six. 2. Cultural stuff (things to learn) and cool shopping for me! 3. Wow, I don't know what my wife would like. She usually likes the stuff we do.
Quebec City is very cool. I found the history very interesting. Since they don't bother teaching Canadian history in school, it was a real learning experience.
Some Cultural sites in Quebec City: -Plains of Abraham (site where the British defeated the French in 1759. One of the most historically important places in Canadian History) -Vieux-Quebec (the part of the city within the walls of Quebec. As you may know, Quebec is a walled city. This part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site) -Basilica in Sainte-Anne-De-Beaurpré (Some catholics believe this Basilica has spiritual powers to cure the sick. The building is massive, perhaps one of the biggest in North America.) - About 20 minutes drive east of Quebec City. Other Places to visit: -Monmorency Falls (tallest waterfall in Quebec, much taller than Niagara Falls.) - About half an hour east of Quebec city -Mont Sainte-Anne (ski resort in the winter offers, hiking and golf in the summer. Not sure if it's really appropriate with a 6-year-old, but it's an idea) - Half and hour north east of Quebec -Aquarium du Quebec (pretty straight forward, an aquarium) If you visit Montreal, your son would probably enjoy the Biodome, which is the Olympic Velodrome that has been transformed into an indoor zoo. I'll have some more suggestions in a couple days.
By the way if you have money to spend, try to stay at the Chateau Frontenac. The largest building in Quebec City. It was originally built in 1893, by the Canadian Pacific company, as a hotel for travelers on the railway. This is Quebec's chateau hotel, theres one is most major cities in Canada (Chateau Laurier, Royal York, Chateau Lake Louise, etc.) They all owned by Fairmont now.
We stayed in a hotel right nextdoor to the CF that was a lot cheaper, and you still get the great location the CF has. But if I had cash to blow, I'd like to stay in the CF. For your kid, I'm pretty sure I saw an amusement park in Montreal near the olympic stadium. He might also like the ferry ride that crosses the river in Quebec City. QC also has a funicular he might think is cool.