Travelling to Quebec

Quebec, the country’s largest province, is the heart of French Canada. Truly unlike the rest of Canada, the province’s distinct character can be seen through its architecture, music, food and religion. Montreal and Quebec City provide an opportunity to observe the unique culture first-hand, while the natural beauty of much of the rest of the province offers an entirely different experience.

When to Go
Quebec winters are extremely cold, even in the city centres. Many visitors do brace the cold, however, to take advantage of the numerous winter sports made possible by the large amount of snow the province receives. Summers are hot and humid but also offer many delights for tourists.

Where to Go
Major Attractions: Montreal, Quebec City, Gaspé Peninsula

Montreal, Canada’s second largest city, offers a warm and relaxed but exciting atmosphere and should not be missed when travelling to Quebec. It is a hub of finance, business and French arts. The mixture of English and French in the city gives it a unique charm and character. Montreal’s restaurants and nightlife are major attractions, as is the pleasing mix of old and new culture to be found in the city. Some must-sees are:

Parc du Mont Royal – Known as ‘the mountain’ by residents, this central green space can be reached on foot from downtown. Climb to the chalet on top of the mountain to experience the great panoramic views of the city, or picnic on the banks of man-made Beaver Lake. In the winter, bring your skates or toboggan.

Old Montreal – Established in the 1700s, this old town is made up of narrow, cobblestone streets that hold numerous restaurants, shops, churches and galleries. Visitors can peak into Bonsecours Market and Basilica Notre Dame on the way down to the waterfront where the riverside development of the Old Port offers numerous activities.

Ile Sainte Hélène and Ile Notre Dame – On these islands, tourists can enjoy the casino, La Ronde amusement park and a pleasant public beach.

Other Notable Montreal Sites Include: McGill University, Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Olympic Stadium, The Underground Village.

Quebec City is the true home of French Canada. The city has a noticeably European appearance and an old world charm. The architecture is notable. Numerous sites and events are open to tourists during the winter and the summer. These include:

Citadelle Fort – Building of this military fort began in 1750 and ended in 1820. The museum inside informs tourists about the military history of the city.

Place Royale – This central square holds four hundred years of history within it, and presents numerous historic sites, galleries and craft shops to its visitors.

Old Port – In this bustling area, government buildings can be found, along with shops, condos and recreational facilities. The antique shop district is also in this area.

Gaspé Peninsula is a rounded chunk of land that juts out into the St. Lawrence River. The natural beauty of this area attracts numerous tourists, and is particularly popular with cyclists and campers. The hilly and rocky landscape and the coastline views are well worth a visit. Some interesting towns in which to stop during a tour include:

Saint Flavie – The Centre D’Art Marcel Gagnon can be found in this town. It is an art school, Inn and restaurant whose architecture is based on eighty life-sized stone statues by renowned sculptor Marcel Gagnon.

Grand Métis – Visit this town’s Japanese-style garden with streams, flowers, bushes and trees.

Matane – This is a typical French fishing town where local culture can be absorbed.

Other Highlights when Travelling to Quebec Include:

• Whale watching in Tadoussac
• Skiing and Camping in the Laurentians
• Fall foliage in the Eastern Townships
• The Saguenay Fjord

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