Welcome to Quebec

Quebec is a study in contrasts. From cosmopolitan cities with European flair that line the St. Lawrence River, to the vast expanse of wilderness — home to over a half million lakes and thousands of rivers — that invites adventure-seeking visitors to head north, “La Belle Province” truly has something for everyone.

Old meets new in Montreal and Quebec City, where cobblestone streets and Old World charm mix with hip arts districts, culinary hotspots and four seasons of attractions. These urban gems are the closest you can get to experiencing the feel of European city life without leaving North America — don’t forget your French-English dictionary.

Royal Treat

In Montreal, get the lay of the land from the summit of Mont Royal — the crown jewel of the city’s urban green spaces — which offers views of the downtown area, from the chic restaurants and galleries on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, to the timeless spires of Notre-Dame Basilica. In the summertime, the streets are filled with jazz musicians enjoying impromptu sessions, and the river becomes a playground for paddle boats, kayaks and a world-class fireworks competition. The city hardly slows down in winter, with skiing in the park, ice fishing on the river and city-wide events like Nuit Blanche and Igloofest.

Just a few hours north along the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City oozes with a European sensibility seldom found in New World. The oldest walled city outside of Mexico, Old Quebec’s 400-year-old streets take visitors on a journey back in time. Join the crowds in photographing the famous Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac (arguably the most photographed hotel in the world) before exploring the Place Royale, Montmorency Falls and the region’s history at the interactive Museum of Civilization.

Most visitors will start their trips with visits to Quebec’s urban centers, but those in the know continue north to experience the uncompromising beauty of the Laurentian Plateau. Jacques-Cartier National Park and Grands-Jardin National Park are not too far off the beaten path and offer fantastic hiking, rafting and rock climbing.

Mont-Tremblant National Park makes for another accessible getaway with the chance to see wolves, moose and dozens of bird species that call the glacial canyons of the Laurentian Mountains home. Father north, the bright blooms of temperate forest give way to star-filled nights on the icy Arctic tundra.