In Québec, the joie de vivre is contagious, the creativity is abundant and the nature and wildlife is spectacular. Prepare to be wowed, seduced and surprised at this accessible and diverse part of Canada.
Québec is Canada's largest province and just over 7 hours from the UK, ideal for both long and short breaks. Its French and British heritage makes it unique; and with its incredible geography, history and culture, this region is really something special. Québec's geography offers diverse landscapes, flora & fauna and a climate of four distinct seasons. Located at the north-eastern tip of North America, the province of Québec is five times the size of France. It extends nearly 2,000 km from then border with the USA up to the Arctic Ocean and spreads from the province of Ontario to the west through Newfoundland and Labrador to the east. The province is dissected by the St. Lawrence River, one of the world's largest rivers, creating a fluvial plain between the Canadian Shield to the north and the Appalachian Mountains to the south.
With its French and British heritage, the province of Québec is a delightful blend of the old and new world. Home to the world's second largest French speaking city after Paris – Montréal - where English is also widely spoken, its enthusiastic and friendly people are known for their passion, spontaneity and unique joie de vivre. The provincial capital Québec City is one of North America's oldest cities and its historic centre is now part a UNESCO's World Heritage site. Montréal and Québec City are gateways to Québec's great outdoors offering the likes of skiing in winter, whale watching in summer and spectacular wilderness lodges year-round. Full of surprising contrasts with a perfect blend of French and British cultures, the province of Québec is famous for its unique festivals, stylish dining experiences and live music scene.
Make your next holiday a visit to Québec! Below are some ideas of where to go and what to do.
- Montréal - cycle around the old port, enjoy jet boating on the Lachine rapids, surf on the St Lawrence River and perfect your tan on the beach; experience the incredible cuisine and shop till you drop on Rue Ste Catherine, Avenue Laurier and Mile End.
- Tremblant / The Laurentians - Swim in Tremblant lake, take in the scenery on a quad bike ride and enjoy a helicopter tour
- Québec City - Sample locally sourced products in the market, go on a cruise of the St Lawrence river, see the mighty Montmorency falls, hop on Le Massif train for scenic views of the river, observe moose in the Jacques Cartier national park and go on a whale-watching day trip.
- The Outaouais region (located between Ottawa and Montréal) – Discover the city of Gatineau (just across the bridge from Canadian capital Ottawa), visit the renowned Canadian Museum of Civilization, walk through national parks, discover the Omega Park in the luxury Montebello resort and do some wildlife observation.
- The Mauricie region (located along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, between Montréal and Québec City, the Mauricie region extends into the heart of Québec’s boreal forest) – Stay in a luxury wilderness lodge such as Sacacomie, canoe on Sacacomie lake, take in the scenery by floatplane, observe black bears in their natural habitat and take part in an array of outdoor activities and pursuits.
- The Charlevoix region (a UNESCO World Biosphere site, located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, north of Québec City) – Mingle with the locals in artistic Baie St Paul, go hiking in the Grands Jardins national park, taste award winning cheeses and ice ciders, and jump into a kayak to get closer to the many sea mammals living in the mighty St Lawrence river. The perfect place for Whale Watching!
