Quebec's Sights & Attractions
Distinctive geography, a vibrant francophone culture and an illustrious and rich history characterize the immense and diverse province of Quebec, where visitors can fully immerse themselves in an eclectic atmosphere of vigour, tradition and modernity. The four-season destination provides opportunities to embrace authentic Quebecois culture at every turn, whether it's through exploration of lively urban centres like Montreal and Quebec City, adventures along the majestic St. Lawrence River, or sojourns through the quaint villages of the eastern townships. Unique visitor attractions await around every compelling corner.
CULTURAL EXPLORATION
Over 500 years of history, evident in the architecture and unique cultural identity, have shaped Quebec into a destination well-suited to history buffs and curiosity seekers. Province-wide, over 400 museums and historical sites hold the key to a better understanding of Quebec's foundations as the seat of New France and its current position as a modern, dynamic province. It is filled to the brim with historical and contemporary art museums, small regional museums interpreting local histories, restored heritage sites and expansive, comprehensive exhibition spaces like the impressive Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau. Offering a glimpse of the past, sites like Fort Chambly and Ile des Moulins in Terrebonne provide perfect examples of superbly preserved heritage sites from the 17th and 18th centuries. Marine sciences are best explored at interpretation centres in La Baie and Tadoussac, while Inuit and First Nation heritage can be uncovered at La Maison Amerindienne in Mont Saint-Hilaire. Visits to cemeteries, libraries, universities and memorials and monuments are a great way to gather additional information on local histories.
NATURAL WONDERS
UNESCO-recognized biosphere parks, protected natural reserves, extraordinary bodies of water, tree-blanketed countryside and spectacular mountains comprise Quebec's contrasting geographical wonders. In the heart of the Gaspe Peninsula, the dramatic Chic-Choc Mountain Range welcomes adventure seekers to its towering peaks and multitude of recreational opportunities. Awe-inspiring waterfalls are spread across the province, with a few standouts sure to impress, including the famed Montmorency and Chaudiere falls near Quebec City. Manicured parks and gardens, generated from the collision of French and English horticultural traditions, are also plentiful throughout the province and include majestic public gardens, historical period gardens on sprawling estates and elaborate displays such as those presented at the Montreal Botanical Garden.
FAMILY AMUSEMENTS
Those travelling with children will appreciate the variety of attractions that cater specifically to little holidaymakers. Animal and marine life are well-represented at zoos and aquariums, standouts being the Parc Aquarium du Quebec and the Granby Zoo. Unadulterated fun awaits at amusement and theme parks across the province, while a healthy dose of education and entertainment is served up at fascinating family-friendly science complexes, like those of Montreal, Gatineau and Laval. For an authentic Quebecois experience, visit a maple sugar shack where, following the spring thaw in late March/early April, maple syrup production commences, as do opportunities for making traditional hot maple taffy, enjoying horse-drawn sleigh rides through the sugar bush and sampling maple delicacies.
SPORTS, RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT
Spectator sports are one of many activities available to visitors of larger urban centres like Montreal and Quebec City, where a high-calibre selection of world-class events, including NHL (National Hockey League) games and CFL (Canadian Football League) matches, are held at a host of arenas and stadiums. For those looking to try their luck at the horse track or sit on the sidelines of a high-adrenaline Formula 1™ race, regional racetracks and speedways are the ticket. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the programming and drop-in facilities at area recreation centres, while river- and lake-side beaches are appealing draws for those seeking sun and relaxation.
Providing an eclectic and decidedly Quebecois brand of performing art, theatres and auditoriums across the province showcase locally produced theatrical spectacles, concerts, operas and other cultural events. World-class casinos, such as the modern facility in the heart of the winter mountain community of Mont Tremblant, provide Vegas-style betting and entertainment at its best.
ARCHITECTURE & LANDMARKS
Fascinating 17th-century architecture, monumental places of worship and significant military fortifications in the province are a reflection of Quebec's vivid and celebrated past. While Quebec City offers one of the most condensed areas of architectural wonder, the entire province features unique landmarks relevant to the local economy and culture. A reflection of a rich marine heritage, destinations along the St. Lawrence River and the remote and magical Iles-de-la-Madeleine are dotted with lighthouses designed to guide boats to port and keep stray ships at bay. Although many are no longer manually operated, various beacons are accessible to visitors for touring and photography purposes. Buildings and towers of modern and historic aesthetics, impressive hydro-electric dams and important memorials and monuments round out a remarkable provincial collection of architecture and landmarks.
USEFUL TIPS
Part of Quebec's distinction is having French as its official language. While French is the predominant form of spoken and print communication, English is a second language spoken by a good majority of residents, especially in larger centres or in establishments related to the tourism sector. This unique atmosphere has resulted in ample opportunities for immersion in the French language and distinct Quebecois culture. For those with minimal or no French language skills, translation guide books are a handy tool to pack prior to a holiday in la belle province.
CULTURAL EXPLORATION
Over 500 years of history, evident in the architecture and unique cultural identity, have shaped Quebec into a destination well-suited to history buffs and curiosity seekers. Province-wide, over 400 museums and historical sites hold the key to a better understanding of Quebec's foundations as the seat of New France and its current position as a modern, dynamic province. It is filled to the brim with historical and contemporary art museums, small regional museums interpreting local histories, restored heritage sites and expansive, comprehensive exhibition spaces like the impressive Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau. Offering a glimpse of the past, sites like Fort Chambly and Ile des Moulins in Terrebonne provide perfect examples of superbly preserved heritage sites from the 17th and 18th centuries. Marine sciences are best explored at interpretation centres in La Baie and Tadoussac, while Inuit and First Nation heritage can be uncovered at La Maison Amerindienne in Mont Saint-Hilaire. Visits to cemeteries, libraries, universities and memorials and monuments are a great way to gather additional information on local histories.
NATURAL WONDERS
UNESCO-recognized biosphere parks, protected natural reserves, extraordinary bodies of water, tree-blanketed countryside and spectacular mountains comprise Quebec's contrasting geographical wonders. In the heart of the Gaspe Peninsula, the dramatic Chic-Choc Mountain Range welcomes adventure seekers to its towering peaks and multitude of recreational opportunities. Awe-inspiring waterfalls are spread across the province, with a few standouts sure to impress, including the famed Montmorency and Chaudiere falls near Quebec City. Manicured parks and gardens, generated from the collision of French and English horticultural traditions, are also plentiful throughout the province and include majestic public gardens, historical period gardens on sprawling estates and elaborate displays such as those presented at the Montreal Botanical Garden.
FAMILY AMUSEMENTS
Those travelling with children will appreciate the variety of attractions that cater specifically to little holidaymakers. Animal and marine life are well-represented at zoos and aquariums, standouts being the Parc Aquarium du Quebec and the Granby Zoo. Unadulterated fun awaits at amusement and theme parks across the province, while a healthy dose of education and entertainment is served up at fascinating family-friendly science complexes, like those of Montreal, Gatineau and Laval. For an authentic Quebecois experience, visit a maple sugar shack where, following the spring thaw in late March/early April, maple syrup production commences, as do opportunities for making traditional hot maple taffy, enjoying horse-drawn sleigh rides through the sugar bush and sampling maple delicacies.
SPORTS, RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT
Spectator sports are one of many activities available to visitors of larger urban centres like Montreal and Quebec City, where a high-calibre selection of world-class events, including NHL (National Hockey League) games and CFL (Canadian Football League) matches, are held at a host of arenas and stadiums. For those looking to try their luck at the horse track or sit on the sidelines of a high-adrenaline Formula 1™ race, regional racetracks and speedways are the ticket. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the programming and drop-in facilities at area recreation centres, while river- and lake-side beaches are appealing draws for those seeking sun and relaxation.
Providing an eclectic and decidedly Quebecois brand of performing art, theatres and auditoriums across the province showcase locally produced theatrical spectacles, concerts, operas and other cultural events. World-class casinos, such as the modern facility in the heart of the winter mountain community of Mont Tremblant, provide Vegas-style betting and entertainment at its best.
ARCHITECTURE & LANDMARKS
Fascinating 17th-century architecture, monumental places of worship and significant military fortifications in the province are a reflection of Quebec's vivid and celebrated past. While Quebec City offers one of the most condensed areas of architectural wonder, the entire province features unique landmarks relevant to the local economy and culture. A reflection of a rich marine heritage, destinations along the St. Lawrence River and the remote and magical Iles-de-la-Madeleine are dotted with lighthouses designed to guide boats to port and keep stray ships at bay. Although many are no longer manually operated, various beacons are accessible to visitors for touring and photography purposes. Buildings and towers of modern and historic aesthetics, impressive hydro-electric dams and important memorials and monuments round out a remarkable provincial collection of architecture and landmarks.
USEFUL TIPS
Part of Quebec's distinction is having French as its official language. While French is the predominant form of spoken and print communication, English is a second language spoken by a good majority of residents, especially in larger centres or in establishments related to the tourism sector. This unique atmosphere has resulted in ample opportunities for immersion in the French language and distinct Quebecois culture. For those with minimal or no French language skills, translation guide books are a handy tool to pack prior to a holiday in la belle province.
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