Québec: 11 must-see attractions

One of the province's 30 national parks, is only a 30 minute-drive north of Quebec City. You will be able to explore 258mi2 of surface area and over 62 miles of trail. Towering mountains, through valleys and rivers are a delight for visitors.
Activities are not just limited to hiking, kayaking down the Jacques Cartier River is also very popular, as is fishing or stand up paddling. In winter, put on your snowshoes or skis and go explore the snow-covered landscapes.

Au cœur de la chaine de montagnes des Laurentides, le Parc national de la Mauricie se distingue par sa forte concentration en lacs et sa forêt abondante. Il représente ainsi parfaitement l’idée que l’on se fait des grands espaces canadiens. De nombreuses randonnées et points de vue sont faciles d’accès ce qui rend le lieu particulièrement familial, adapté à tous les niveaux. Enfilez vos meilleures chaussures de marche pour parcourir les 160 km de sentiers traversant le parc de toutes parts.
Côté faune et flore, vous y trouverez plus de 30 espèces d’arbres différentes et des mammifères comme l’ours noir, l’orignal ou encore le loup de l’Est sans oublier les rongeurs aisément observables.

Tadoussac and its villages are surrounded by preserved landscapes and offer a friendly atmosphere that brings together both locals and travellers. In addition to its remarkable setting, the region is renowned for its river, which is frequented by many marine animals, including whales. From spring to autumn, up to 12 different species run up the local rivers to enjoy krill and fish. This is made possible by the favourable underwater relief and currents that are conducive to a proliferation of food.
There are many ways to observe marine wildlife, you can hike along the shore or go on excursions on a zodiac boat or kayak. After your encounter with whales, porpoises and Beluga whales, take a walk along the dunes of Tadoussac and visit the old chapel.

The Charlevoix region is full of amazing landmarks such as L'Isle-aux-Coudres, Grands-Jardins National Park, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park or Port-au-Persil, which are part of The Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec association.
The splendour of the landscapes rests on the impressive mountains majestically set on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
In the same spirit as Île d'Orléans, in Charlevoix you will find plenty of local products and crafts. Your trip will be punctuated by beers, ciders, chocolates and cheeses for the greatest enjoyment of hedonists.

A breathtaking panorama awaits you in this 1260mi2 national park. Its fjord and surrounding forest make it one of the most exotic places in the province. Both in summer and winter, it is an ideal spot for hiking, kayaking, via ferrata, snowshoeing and dog sledding. You may even have the chance to see a few Beluga whales during the summer months.
Considered one of the most beautiful in the park, the Anse-de-Tabatière viewpoint is accessible to everyone and is the ideal spot to watch the sky change color at sunset.

A trip around Lac Saint-Jean, which is called “the inland sea” because of its size, is a classic for road-trip enthusiasts. The inhabitants call themselves the blueberries, referring to the fruit that grows abundantly in the region.
Enjoy a cultural break by discovering Aboriginal history at the Mashteuiatsh Amerindian Museum or enjoy an unusual experience at the Wild Zoo of St-Félicien: animals roam freely on 1200 acres of land while you observe them from the caged train, the roles are reversed for the well-being of the residents. The zoo is home to many animals from the Boréalie region and all its profits are reinvested in the preservation of these species.
If you want to take a leap into the past, stop at the ghost town of Val-Jalbert and the Ouiatchouan falls, and travel back to 1927.
Naturewise, Pointe-Taillon National Park and Grandes-Rivières Regional Park offer sandy shores on one side, boreal forests and majestic rivers on the other.

The Gaspé Peninsula offers over 550 miles of panoramic coastal roads, it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Beaches, mountains and cliffs cohabit harmoniously, the Atlantic Ocean meets the St. Lawrence River. The Percé Rock is the main attraction of the peninsula, you can admire its arch by kayak, directly from the coast or on a boat tour. Every Spring, Bonaventure Island turns into a bird sanctuary for northern gannets, majestic birds with bright white feathers.
Wildlife observation is just as rich in the Forillon Park, with its cliffs and boreal forest being the home of many species: seals, lynxes, beavers and also whales (cruise required).
For a seaside break, head for the Chaleur Bay and its long beaches, that have the warmest water in the Gaspé Peninsula.
Local cuisine is mainly composed of seafood products such as lobster, shrimp and crab.

The only fortified city on the North America and former transatlantic seaport, Québec City has a rich history. It is now the capital of the Province of Quebec and is divided into two geographical areas: Upper Town and Lower Town.
Upper Town is full of small alleys, old traditional houses and religious buildings such as the Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec. Château Frontenac, the city's iconic building, is the world’s most photographed hotel. In front of it, the panoramic Dufferin Terrace invites you to stroll down the Governors Promenade, along the ramparts of the Citadel.
Lower Town is a maze of picturesque streets and districts such as the Petit-Champlain. Take a photo break on Place Royale and its imposing mural fresco depicting Quebec's history over the past 4 centuries.

The 83-meter-high falls are the highest waterfalls in Quebec, 30 meters higher than the Niagara Falls. This natural jewel is only a 15 minute-drive from downtown Quebec City and is located where the Montmorency river drains into the St. Lawrence River.
Not afraid of heights? Go rock climbing by following one of the 3 via ferrata routes or enjoy the amazing view offered by the 300 meter-long zipline. .
Open all year long, an astonishing phenomenon occurs during winter: the mist crystallizes and slowly settles at the base of the waterfall. The thin, successive layers of white powder form a giant pile, poetically nicknamed "sugar loaf".

The local atmosphere is characterized by its sweetness of life, market gardening and arts and crafts. This 33 km long island is only a 15 minute-drive from Quebec City and is a destination of choice for gourmets. Take a map of the area and go visit its chocolate factories and sugar shacks or enjoy a blackcurrant wine tasting. The many farm products vary according to the season and are a big part of the culinary heritage of the island, they can easily be found in local farmers markets. The constantly evolving landscapes and the many historic buildings will make your visit of the island an unforgettable experience.

Located on an island in the St. Lawrence River, Montreal is the most populated city in the province of Quebec and the second largest in Canada. It is as large as it is vibrant, its multicultural districts are bursting with energy and entertainment, in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.
Looking for an artistic and stimulating atmosphere? Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End are the perfect place for you thanks to its many thrift shops, cafés, record stores, art galleries and street art artworks.
Take a walk along the old port or hike to the Mount-Royal lookout, the famous park overlooking the city. You will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of downtown Montreal and its skyscrapers. In summer, go see the dancers and drummers that gather every Sunday around the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument.
You can count on local beers, bagels, poutines and smoked meat sandwiches to satisfy your need for culinary discoveries. Thanks to its fast-growing culinary scene, Montreal is becoming the #1 foodie destination in North America. What to see in Montréal