Québec may not be the first place that you think of when you consider a holiday in Canada; but with around seven hours flying time from the UK it’s a popular choice for both city breaks and longer holidays alike, offering a range of holiday options for both families and couples.
Québec’s stunning scenery is surprisingly varied, with miles of coastline, lakes and mountains for hiking, cycling and walking to buzzing lively cities ideal for foodies or for shopping. Not forgetting the mighty St Lawrence River for whale watching or cruising. Québec’s two major cities of Montréal and Québec City also have an unexpected historic side, with lovely old buildings housing charming hotels. They combine the best of British with the ‘’savoir vivre ‘’ of the early French colonisers, all rolled into a very uniquely Quebecois sense of fun.
The best way for you to enjoy this quirky part of Canada is to try both cities, and have a holiday that combines both a fascinating city stay and some of the great outdoor adventures that are so easily available. Here is what your next holiday could look like…
Start with a few days in Montréal; with its vibrant neighbourhoods and atmospheric Old Town, it’s a buzzing, cosmopolitan city with a zest for life. Indulge in the terrific cuisine, enjoy brilliant shopping, visit the interactive museums and art galleries, and be sure to enjoy a drink in the ultra-hip bars. Why not try an exhilarating jet boat ride from the Old Port and don't miss the Notre-Dame Basilica.
Then, take the train and in around 3 hours you will find yourself in Québec City. Spectacularly located high on the cliffs above the St Lawrence River, the 400 hundred year old walled city of Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow cobbled streets are bursting with bustling boutiques, full of locally produced gifts, cozy bistros and affordable galleries. Relax and watch the world go by from one of the many pavement cafés, feast on the gastronomic delights at any number of local restaurants serving locally produced cheeses or wines; a walking food tasting tour of Québec City is a must!
Both Montréal and Québec City are melting pots of cultures where Old World and New meet in harmony.
Next, take advantage of Québec’s huge range of outdoor activities and experiences. From anytime between May and October you can go whale watching and see white beluga, humpback, minke and fin whales and even the mighty Blue whale, the biggest mammal on the planet!
Finish your holiday in a luxury log-built lodge nestled in acres of pristine forests, and go on a black bear observation excursion. Take a guide and go hiking, cycling, zip lining and swimming in any of the thousands of crystal clear lakes and visit one of SEPAQ's provincial park and conservation areas.
In Québec you’ll feel right at home, yet will come back having discovered somewhere really new.
