Tourism is the fifth largest export in Québec. In total, 29,000 companies are involved in the industry. They generate 130,000 direct jobs and 48,000 indirect jobs.^[1] In 2006, Québec welcomed 28,551,000 tourists, most of them from the United States, France, the U.K., Germany, Mexico and Japan.^[2]

Québec is unique among tourist destinations. Its French heritage sets the province apart, and it is one of the only areas in North America to have preserved its Francophone culture. Its European feel and its history, culture and warmth have made Québec a favourite tourist destination both nationally and internationally^[3].

Geographic location of Québec

Main article: Geography of Quebec

Québec is located in the northeast portion of North American and occupies an area of 1,667,926 km² (643,820 sq. mi.)^[4]. It is the largest province in Canada with three times as much area as France. It borders on the United States to the south and Ontario to the west. Over 90% of its territory is made up of the Canadian Shield, which is why most of its population lives in the area surrounding the St. Lawrence River in what is commonly called the St. Lawrence Lowlands. The Appalachian Mountains occupy the southern portion of Québec.

Culture and language

Main article: Culture of Quebec

Language

Québec has a unique and distinct culture in North America. Largely French in terms of language and culture, Québec has managed to preserve its Francophone heritage in the midst of a strong Anglophone culture. French is the mother tongue of 82% of Quebecers, and English is the mother tongue of 10% of the population. The remaining 8% is divided among some 30 languages such as, in order of importance, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Greek^[5]. However, it is very easy to travel in Québec speaking only English. In fact, over 40% of the population is bilingual. In major cities like Montréal, this percentage is as high as 64%, and 16% of the population speaks a third language]]^[6].

Culture

A complex mix of European and North American origins, Québec has forged a unique and original culture and personality. Quebecers enjoy dining and celebrating, which is clear from the many festivities that take place in Québec. In terms of culture, Québec is brimming with creativity in literature, the performing arts, painting, sculpture and fine crafts. There are also many companies and Québec talent that have made their mark on the world, such as Cirque du Soleil, Céline Dion, Jacques Villeneuve and others.

Tourist regions

Québec is made up of 21 separate tourist regions:

• Abitibi-Témiscamingue
• Baie-James (James Baie)
• Bas-Saint-Laurent
• Centre-du-Québec
• Charlevoix
• Chaudière-Appalaches
• Duplessis
• Eastern Townships
• Gaspésie
• Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Magdalen Island)
• Lanaudière
• Laurentides
• Laval
• Manicouagan
• Mauricie
• Montérégie
• Montréal
• Nunavik
• Outaouais
• Québec City & Area
• Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean

Major cities

The three largest cities in Québec are Montréal, Québec City and Gatineau.

Four ways to discover Québec

Québec offers four different tourist experiences, each with a wide range of activities.

The City Experience

Montréal, Québec City and Gatineau are an integral part of City Experience. Combining a European feel with the modernity of North America, Québec’s major cities charm visitors with their vibrancy, energy and warmth. The cultural life of these cities is well developed with many festivals, shows and museums, and they also offer high-quality hotels and restaurants.

Québec City

Each of the major cities offers a new facet of Québec to discover. The capital, Québec City, is the only fortified city in North America and has its own European cachet. The oldest Francophone city in North America, Québec City was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 and will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2008.

Montréal

The only Francophone metropolis in North America, Montréal is also the second largest Francophone city after Paris in terms of population^[7]. This major centre of 3.4 million inhabitants is a tapestry of cultures from the world over with its many neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, the Latin Quarter, the Gay Village, Little Italy, the Plateau Mont-Royal, the Quartier International and Old Montréal, just to name a few.^[8] Montréal [2] has a rich architectural heritage, along with many cultural activities, sports events and festivals.

Gatineau

Neighbouring Canada’s capital, Ottawa, Gatineau offers a broad mix of both urban and natural tourist attractions. It is host to many cultural and entertainment activities, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Casino du Lac-Leamy. For those who love the outdoors, Gatineau Park has plenty of hiking, interpretation, cross-country skiing and cycling trails.

Resorts

There are many different resort activities in Québec. Resort accommodations can be found in the countryside or deep in the forest. Here is a brief overview of resort activities in Québec:

• Spas-Relais Santé: Resorts offering spa treatments for health and well-being. Personalized care such as massage therapy, algotherapy and hydrotherapy.
• Hôtellerie Champêtre: A network of around 20 inns and hotels in Québec. These establishments have been selected for their personalized welcome, comfort and cuisine inspired by regional products.8
• Mont-Tremblant Resort: Located in the Laurentides region, Mont-Tremblant Resort is a four-season resort offering activities for the whole family.
• Bed and breakfasts: Bed and breakfasts are private residences that offer accommodations in up to five rooms and that serve breakfast^[9].
• Tourism routes: You can travel Québec by bike, on foot or by car along its tourism routes.
• National parks: Québec has 27 protected national parks for exploring nature and enjoying the outdoors.

The St. Lawrence River

The St. Lawrence River is one of the largest rivers in the world and historically was the means of access to the centre of North America. Its 1,800 kilometres (1,120 mi.) are lined with old coastal villages, bird and marine mammal sanctuaries, lighthouses and verdant and rocky shores. The river is one of the largest navigable waterways in the world, and its estuary is known for its wide variety of marine mammals, birds and fish that live there year-round.

Upstream from Montréal to the tip of Gaspésie, a road borders the shores of the St. Lawrence River, allowing drivers to explore a coastline that changes from mountainous to rural to wilderness.^[10] At one point, visitors can explore the rich Saguenay Fjord.

The 1,600-kilometre (994-mi.) St. Lawrence River [3] transforms into a gulf that is more like an inland sea. The Gulf of St. Lawrence can be travelled by ferry, sailboat, kayak or cruise ship. Whale watching is very popular in Québec, particularly in Tadoussac.

There are also many islands and archipelagos [4] with rich flora and fauna scattered along the river. The Île d'Anticosti and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine have fascinating legends from sailors and fishermen who continue to live there.

Adventures

For those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure [5], Québec’s wide open spaces have a great deal to offer. There are many outdoor sports, hunting and fishing activities visitors can enjoy:

• Québec’s outfitters: Québec’s outfitters offer services and accommodations to hunters, anglers, families and those who enjoy the outdoors. They are located in the heart of the forest.
• Aboriginal peoples: Visitors can discover the traditional way of life of the first inhabitants of the territory, the Aboriginals.
• National parks: Québec has 27 protected national parks for exploring nature and enjoying the outdoors.
• Aventure Écotourisme Québec: An association of professional adventure tourism and ecotourism operators in Québec.

What to do

Québec offers many activities including sports and outdoor recreation, cultural and natural sites, festivals and events.

Sports and outdoors

There are many sports and outdoor activities in Québec [6] that can be enjoyed summer and/or winter:

• Hunting and fishing
• Golf
• Snowmobiling
• Wildlife observation
• National parks
• Water sports
• ATV riding
• Hiking
• Skiing
• Dogsledding
• Cycling

Sites and attractions

Québec has a number of sites and attractions [7].

• Casinos: Québec has three casinos: Montréal, Charlevoix and Lac-Leamy [8].

• Cruises: Québec offers a variety of cruises [9] whether for whale watching, travelling the St. Lawrence River or touring the waterways.
• Natural curiosities: the province is home to many natural wonders [10]
• Gardens: the Montréal Botanical Garden [11], the Insectarium [12], Reford Gardens [13] and the international garden festival [14] in Gaspésie are among Québec’s garden attractions.
• Museums: Québec has over 400 museums [15].
• Theme parks: La Ronde [16], the Old Port of Montréal [17] and of Québec City [18], the Village québécois d’Antan [19], Granby Zoo [20], etc.
• Religious heritage: St. Joseph’s Oratory [21], the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Québec [22], etc.
• Historical sites: the fortifications of Québec City [23], Old Montréal [24], etc.

Tourism routes

• King’s Road (this historical 18th-century road connects Québec City and Montréal) [25]
• New France Route (connecting Québec City and Cap-Tourmente, this 50-kilometre (30-mi.) route is a trip through time) [26]
• Whale Route (Manicouagan and Duplessis) [27]
• Navigators’ Route [28]
• Wine Route (Eastern Townships) [29]
• St. Lawrence Route (Charlevoix) [30]
• Border Route (Bas-Saint-Laurent, the borders of New Brunswick and Maine) [31]
• Agricultural tour (Southern Québec) [32]

The four seasons

There are four distinct seasons in Québec—spring, summer, fall and winter—offering a changing landscape and variety of activities.

• Summer (end of June to end of September): Summers in Québec are hot, and the season offers many festivals and outdoor activities. [33]
• Fall (end of September to end of December): The leaves change colour in Québec, creating breathtakingly colourful landscapes [34].
• Winter (end of December to end of March): Québec’s snowfall makes skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snowmobiling and dogsledding possible. [35]
• Spring (end of March to end of June): Nature awakens and Québec’s sugar shacks open their doors. [36]

Festivals and events

Quebecers are known for their festive spirit and taste for celebration. citation necessary This explains the close to 400 festivals held each year in Québec[37]. Québec’s events are varied, from sports to cultural events and festivals, and attract visitors from around the world. For all Québec events and festivals, click here.

Cultural events

Montréal

• Montréal International Jazz Festival: With over 500 concerts, 350 of them presented free outdoors, the Montréal International Jazz Festival features the top Canadian and international ambassadors of jazz (end of June to beginning of July).
• Just For Laughs Festival: Montréal’s Just For Laughs Festival is the largest comedy festival in the world and attracts over 2 million spectators each year (July).
• Francofolies de Montréal: The largest Francophone music festival, the Francofolies de Montréal features over 1,000 artists, singing stars, musicians and emerging talent from some 20 countries around the world (end of July to beginning of August).
• Les Concerts Loto-Québec de l'OSM dans les Parcs]: These three concerts by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) are presented in Montréal parks in a family atmosphere (June and July).
• L'International des Feux Loto-Québec: The International des Feux Loto-Québec presented at La Ronde draws the largest pyrotechnics companies from around the world. Each show lasts 30 minutes, and the fireworks competition is the most prestigious and largest in the world (every Wednesday and Saturday evening from the end of June to the end of July).
• International Flora/Le festival de jardins de Montréal: The International Flora lets you visit the loveliest gardens on the festival site itself (end of June to beginning of September).

• Festival international Nuits d'Afrique: The international-calibre Festival Nuits d'Afrique features music from Africa, the West Indies and the Caribbean, along with workshops, an African market and exotic cuisine (month of July).

Québec City

• Québec City Summer Festival: For 40 years, the Québec City Summer Festival has been presenting hundreds of artists from around the world on ten sites around the capital, all easily accessible on foot (beginning of July).
• Loto-Québec International Fireworks Competition: This international musical fireworks competition takes place at the Montmorency Falls (end of July to beginning of August).
• Plein Art Québec: Over 100 craftspeople gather at the Plein Art Québec festival to exhibit Québec arts and craft creations in ceramics, textile and jewellery (beginning of August).
• SAQ New France Festival: A celebration of the history of the first Europeans to arrive in North America, the New France Festival presents over 1,000 artistic events every year in a journey back to the past in the heart of Old Québec (beginning of August).

Gatineau

• Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival: One of the most popular events in Eastern Canada, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival features hot air balloons and shows (beginning of September).
• Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light: The Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light is a competition that crowns the champion of the international circuit of musical fireworks competitions over water (end of July to beginning of August).

Sports events

Montréal

• Rogers Cup: For tennis fans, the Rogers Cup is one of nine Association of Tennis Professionals tournaments on the Masters circuit (beginning of August).
• The Presidents Cup: A prestigious golf tournament, the Presidents Cup presents the best international players at The Royal Montréal Golf Club (end of September).
• Grand Prix du Canada Festival on Crescent: The largest F1 celebration in the world takes place on downtown Montréal’s Crescent Street (beginning of June).
• Montréal Bike Fest: A number of cycling activities take place during the Montréal Bike Fest including the Tour de l'île de Montréal [38], the largest gathering of cyclists in North America (end of May to beginning of June).

Gallery

Maritime Landscape of Magdalen Island (Îles-de-la-Madeleine).	Beach and cliffs of Magdalen Island (Îles-de-la-Madeleine).	Cross-country skiing in Gaspésie, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians, Québec.	Whale tail, Manicouagan.
Sunset, Magdalen Island (Îles-de-la-Madeleine).	Fall landscape of the Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Eastern Townships.	Château Frontenac, Vieux-Québec (Old Québec), Quebec city.	Auberge du Trésor in Québec city.
Winter Landscape, Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians.	Bark teepee - Oujé-Bougoumou, James Baie.	Sunset in Gaspésie.	Maritime Landscape of Bas-St-Laurent at Saint-Fabien.
Terrace in Old Montreal (Le Jardin Nelson), Montreal.

Cuisine

Québec’s cuisine [39] derives its rich flavour from a blend of influences. It has a solid French culinary base and is enriched by the contribution of the Amerindian peoples and the different cultural communities that have made the province their home. This blend of culinary cultures is what makes Québec cuisine what it is today. Many quality regional products are also used in its cuisine. Terroir products that grace Québec tables include ice cider, micro-brewed beer, wine and over 100 different varieties of cheese. Another unique feature of Québec is the sugar shack [40], a family culinary tradition of eating maple products to the rhythms of Québec folklore. You can go as a group at the beginning of spring, during March and April.

Others Québec culinary specialities include: shepherd’s pie, poutine, sugar pie, pouding chômeur (a sponge cake with a maple syrup sauce), maple syrup, baked beans, tourtière (a meat pie), cretons (a pork spread with onions and spices), etc.

Getting around

Getting to Québec

Several means of transportation [41] can be used to get to Québec, including plane, bus, train and car. There are flights to Québec from major cities in North America, Europe and Asia.^[1] Montréal is a 70-minute flight from New York and is less than 6 hours and 45 minutes by air from London or Paris. Provinces and states that border Québec are served by easily accessible rail and road networks. Other means of transportation such as boat and snowmobile can also be used by the more adventurous.

Getting around Québec

Québec has a vast road and air network that makes it easy to travel between cities. You can travel by car, bus, plane, train, bike [42] or boat [43].

Lodging

With over 5,800 establishments that hold official lodging certificates, Québec offers choices for any budget for those seeking accommodations for the night, from youth hostels to five-star hotels. Establishments are classified using a stars and sun system to help visitors choose their accommodations [44]. Possibilities include:

• Hotels
• Bed and breakfasts
• Tourist homes
• Wilderness lodges
• Resorts
• Youth hostels
• Educational institutions
• Hospitality villages
• Campgrounds
• Outfitting operations

See also

• Tourism in Canada#Quebec
• Quebecmusts: The best Quebec has to offer

External links

• (English) (French) Discover the Quebec in pictures,photos
• (French) (English) (Spanish) Official tourist site of the Government of Québec

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