QUEBEC
Located at the north-eastern tip of the North American continent, Québec covers an immense territory. Its surface is equivalent to three times the size of France, five times the size of Japan, twice the size of Texas and seven times the size of the United Kingdom, making it Canada’s largest province.
Québec’s majestic St. Lawrence River is bordered by the Canadian Shield to the north and the Appalachian mountains to the south. Its vast forests shelter more than a million lakes and rivers. Further north, the deciduous forest makes way for the coniferous forest of the taiga, followed by the shrubs and lichens of the tundra.
Québec City, the province’s capital, is perched atop Cap Diamant, from where it overlooks the St. Lawrence. The cradle of French civilization in North America and the only fortified city north of Mexico, Québec City has been on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List since 1985.
Québec City is made up of eight ''arrondissements'' (boroughs). When touring Vieux-Québec, the historical areas of Charlesbourg, Beauport, Cap-Rouge and Wendake, visitors are provided with a wonderful blend of past and present.
Discover Quebec City’s museums and heritage homes, see the Parliament buildings and the Citadel, walk along the Vieux-Québec fortifications, visit the Musée de la civilisation and the Musée national des beaux arts du Québec, take part in numerous festive activities such as the Festival d'été international, the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France revival event, the Grand Rire humour festival, the Grands Feux Loto-Québec fireworks competitions, the Québec fête Noël event, and the famous Winter Carnival.
There is something to suit all tastes on Côte-de-Beaupré. This resort area brims with sites of major historical importance as well as exceptional nature tourist attractions. Heritage sites and architecturally significant buildings abound, along with several museums. Pilgrims flock to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica and the Cyclorama de Jérusalem.
Many outdoor activities are available: golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobile and canyoning expeditions. Mont Sainte-Anne and the surrounding area with its waterfalls and hiking trails await you. Take part in the many festivals taking place year-round: Festival Arts et Reflets, Festival Blues, Festival des couleurs, and Festival de l’oie des neiges (Snow Goose Festival).
Drive round Île d'Orléans and you’ll travel through a 400 year-old historical piece of land, cradle of many families of French origin in America. Experience total immersion in architecture, history, and heritage. Visit the many art galleries and discover talented local and foreign painters. This bucolic island is a call back to nature with wine, cider, cheese and maple product tasting opportunities, not to mention pond fishing, strawberry, raspberry and apple picking.
Outdoor activities are a trademark in the Jacques-Cartier River Valley district, an integral part of the Québec City Area « green belt » (or white, depending on the season)! This four-season outdoor resort destination is generously laden with natural features: downhill and cross-country skiing, fishing and hunting, slides, nautical sports, river rafting and canoeing excursions, nature and wildlife observation, snowmobile and hiking expeditions.
The Portneuf area provides visitors with numerous touring options. In addition to typical Portneuf history, culture, architectural heritage, museums, parks and waterfalls, the area features a large selection of resort locations and outdoor activities providing you with top-notch innkeeper hospitality and delicious food experiences; enjoy golf, bicycle and horseback riding, snowmobile excursions and, of course, hunting and fishing.
Top Québec City attractions are Old Port of Québec, St. Lawrence River, Historic buildings, Grande Allee, Saint Louis Gate, St. Jean Gate, Château Frontenac Hotel, Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral, Plains of Abraham Exhibition Center, Citadel of Quebec, Notre Dame des Victoires, Historic Petit Champlain, Museum of Civilization, Winter Carnival, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day celebrations, Parc Aquarium du Quebec, Montmorency Falls, and Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
The province’s metropolis, Montréal, is the second-biggest French-speaking city in the world and boasts the largest inland port on the planet. Its architecture combines North American modernity with European charm. Extremely cosmopolitan, it has its own Little Italy, Latin Quarter, Chinatown and Gay Village.
Major Montreal attractions are Old Montreal, Montreal Casino, Underground City, Mount Royal, Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal Tower, Museum of Archaeology, Montreal Biodome, Montreal Botanical Gardens, Olympic Stadium, Montreal Insectarium, Montreal Science Centre, Contemporary Art Museum, and Montréal Planetarium.
Montréal’s underground city has 30 km of pedestrian walkways, indoor areas and tunnels linking 10 metro stations, 2 train stations, 2 bus stations, 62 buildings, 7 major hotels, 1,615 apartments, 200 restaurants, 1,700 boutiques, 37 movie theatres and exhibition halls, 2 universities, 1 college and 10,000 indoor parking spaces. The underground city is accessible through 155 different entrances.
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