Quebec
For visitors, it is a beautiful province, with friendly welcoming people (although, outside Montreal and historic Old Québec City, you may find more difficulty with French ONLY speakers, that can be a little rude, even when trying to use a little French).
Outside of city life, Quebec offers the best skiing in the eastern part of Canada - north of Montreal and Eastern Townships regions as well as the opportunity to see the Northern Lights and midnight sun in the northern territories of the Far North.
City of Montréal
Named after Mount Royal, the city is centred on the Island of Montreal, and is the second highest population in Canada - after Toronto.
Although French is the city’s official language, you will find that most people are happy to speak English there. Old Montreal is the historic district that contains many of the cities attractions, including the Old Port of Montreal, the Bonsecours Market and the Notre-Dame de Montréal Basilica.
(Montréal`s local ice hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens, is the franchise with the most National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup wins.
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
The Montreal Jazz festival is an annual event, that is held every fall that attracts over 2 million visitors.!!
The festival features 20 different stages, including free outdoor stages and indoor concert halls. A large section of the downtown core is closed to traffic for up to 10 days to hold the festival.(Fun fact: The Montreal Jazz Fest holds the 2004 Guinness World Record as the world’s largest jazz festival.)
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
Montréal`s own two-tower Notre Dame isa fantastic Gothic Revival basilica dating back to the early 1820s. The beautiful interior is highlighted by the 1891 pipe organ. This recently designated National Historic Site, is also a tourist attraction since it was the church where Canadian superstar Céline Dion was married in 1994.
Just for Laughs Comedy Festival
July in Montreal, you will find the largest international comedy festival in the world.
Just for Laughs started in 1983, and has now branched out into venues in Hollywood, Florida, Chicago and Toronto. It has become one of the best places for comedians, acrobats and pantomimes to be discovered - so, watch out for the next great Jim Carrey before he becomes a star.
Québec City
Originally named “Kébec” by the original Algonquin people, meaning “where the river narrows” - is a magical old-world city in Canada. So, its no wonder that Québec City is a favourite destination for travellers, with its charming little cobblestone streets filled with restaurants and local shops. Québec City still remains a mainly French speaking community, but within the tourist areas, its easy to get along with English only.
(Quebec Tourism claims that it is the “only fortified city north of Mexico”)
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Dominating the skyline, is Québec City’s most famous landmark - the Château Frontenac that was completed in 1893.
One of group of grand railway hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP Rail) across Canada. (similar to the Châteauesque-style of the Banff Springs or Royal York hotels)
Guided tours are available at the hotel that highlight the rich history of this spectacular landmark.
Plains of Abraham
In 1759, the Plains of Abraham was the site for the Battle of Quebec, between the British Army & Royal Navy against the French Army.
Today the Plains of Abraham Museum serves as this beautiful park’s information and reception centre - it is also the site of the Québec City Summer Festival.
(Download a mobile app that will outline 200 points of interest, and an interactive map of the park)
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