A French-speaking province with fortified walls in Quebec City, vibrant culture in Montreal, and maple syrup production. Known for poutine and winter festivals.
Quebec is the French-speaking region of Canada with a distinct culture rooted in its history as a former French colony. In Old Quebec City, you can climb the fortified walls dating back to the 1600s. Montreal offers experiences like ascending Mount Royal for city views or exploring the Underground City. Quebec's landscape encompasses the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains. You can taste local specialties such as poutine and fresh maple syrup throughout the province.
Exploring Old Quebec City
Old Quebec City's 17th and 18th century architecture remains well-preserved. As you walk along the narrow streets, you'll see the iconic Château Frontenac hotel towering above. The fortified city walls, dating back to the 1600s, are the only remaining fortifications north of Mexico in North America. Place Royale, with its stone buildings and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, marks the spot where Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608.
Montreal: A City of Contrasts
Montreal has both French and English influences in its urban setting. You can explore distinct neighborhoods, from the historic buildings of Old Montreal to the trendy shops and restaurants of the Plateau Mont-Royal. Climb to the top of Mount Royal for panoramic views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. Montreal's Underground City connects shopping malls, metro stations, and office buildings - useful for escaping harsh winter weather.
Winter Activities
From December to March, you can enjoy various winter activities in Quebec. The Quebec Winter Carnival, held in Quebec City each February, is one of the largest winter festivals in the world. You can watch ice canoe races on the St. Lawrence River, admire intricate ice sculptures, and warm up with a glass of caribou, a sweet alcoholic beverage. If you enjoy winter sports, you'll find high-quality ski slopes in the Laurentian Mountains just north of Montreal.
Savoring Quebec's Cuisine
Quebec's food reflects its French heritage combined with North American influences. You can try poutine - french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds - which originated in rural Quebec and is now found throughout the province. In sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre), you can taste fresh maple syrup poured over snow to make taffy. Montreal-style bagels, denser and sweeter than their New York counterparts, are hand-rolled and baked in wood-fired ovens. For fine dining, both Montreal and Quebec City have acclaimed restaurants serving modern interpretations of traditional Quebecois cuisine.
Getting Around Quebec
Most visitors arrive in Quebec through Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport or Quebec City's Jean Lesage International Airport. VIA Rail provides train service between major cities, while bus networks connect smaller towns. In Montreal and Quebec City, public transit systems make it easy to explore without a car. However, renting a car gives you the freedom to visit rural areas and small towns at your own pace.
