Traveling in Quebec

Quebec is a vast province making up about one-sixth of Canada. In the north the region almost reaches the Arctic Circle, in the south, it borders the US states of Vermont and New York, and in the west, Hudson Bay. The St Lawrence River flows through the most populated regions in the province.

Beautiful Quebec City

Quebec City in the Canadian province of Quebec is the only walled city in North America. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a French-speaking city located atop cliffs overlooking the St Lawrence River.

Place Royal stands on the city's actual foundation. In 1608 Samuel de Champlain erected a fur trading post here. Place Royal is the largest surviving ensemble of 17th and 18th century-built buildings in North America.

Notre-Dame des Victoires is a lovely stone church facing a cobbled square.

Little Batterie Royale was built in 1691, adjacent to Place Royal, and faces out over the river.

La Citadelle de Quebec is a massive star-shaped Citadel that was built in 1832. It is still an active military post and is used as military quarters for generals, officers, and servicemen. In the summer it is the residence of the Governor General of Canada. Visitors in the summer can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony each morning.

The Plains of Abraham is a green expanse outside the city walls to the west of the Citadel. This park is home to the remains of two Martello Towers.

The Joan of Arc Garden has a wonderful display of flowers from spring until autumn.

The Quartier Petit Champlain is a beautiful area of the city. Narrow streets wind between historic buildings. Today these are pedestrian-only streets with many shops, services, and restaurants.

Within this area is the umbrella-covered lane Rue du Cul de Sac which is colorful in both sunny and rainy weather.

The Musee de la Civilisation is a three-part institution based on human history and the establishment of French America. The main museum is located in Basse-Ville near the Old Port.

The Musee de l'Amerique Francophone/Museum of French America is housed in the historic Seminaire de Quebec in Upper Town.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is one of the most prominent landmarks in Quebec City. The front of the hotel, Terrasse Dufferin offers stunning views northwards to the Laurentians and the Promenade des Gourverneurs southward toward the Citadel and Plains of Abraham.

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre is located northeast of Quebec City in Beaupre. It is an impressive Catholic basilica which is a destination for half a million pilgrims each year.

Capital Observatory is located atop the Marie-Guyart Building. It offers fantastic views of the city from the 31st floor.

There are interactive exhibits about how the city developed over the centuries with a kids-height section.

You can also enjoy views of the city from the Funicular. It runs from Quartier Petit-Champlain in the lower town to Chateau Frontenac in the upper town.

The Old Port dates from the 19th century and is a national historic site.

Quebec-Levee Ferry is a ferry service providing connections between Quebec City and Levis, just across the St Lawrence River. It is a great way to get views of the skyline.

Grande Allee beyond the city walls, forms the spine of the city. This district is near Parliament Hill. There are many restaurants, patios, and entertainment venues.

Pont de Quebec spans the St Lawrence and is recognizable by its massive iron frame.

The Pierre Laporte Bridge twins the Pont de Quebec. It was named after one of Quebec's former Vice Premiers, Pierre Laport. At the time of its construction in 1970 it was the longest suspension bridge in Canada.

Sightseeing in Quebec

Chutes Montmorency Waterfall cascades down an 84-meter escarpment. You can watch this spectacular waterfall rush down right beneath your feet walking on the narrow pedestrian suspension bridge crossing the Montmorency River. To see the amazing landscape all around you can take a cable car to the top of the falls.

At the top, you'll find the Montmorency Manor, housing a restaurant and an interpretive center. There are also many trails, stairways, and viewing platforms as well as picnic areas.

For the adventurous, there is a 300-meter Zipline across the falls or you can choose to go rock climbing.

The Canadian Museum of History is located in Gatineau. The museum explores the human history of Canada, from the cultures of First Nations in the Pacific Northwest to Norse seafarers.

The Canadian Children's Museum has an interactive play area for children to get hands-on experience with a range of cultures and historical themes. A seven-story IMAX theater shows a variety of films about Canadian history and life in the north.

The Canadian Laurentians have many ski resorts that have become favorite winter destinations. Mont Tremblant is the highest peak.

Zoo de Granby in the town of Granby is home to over 225 different species with a total of around 1,500 animals, representing the fauna of Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America. It is one of the few zoos that is home to snow leopards. These endangered big cats are called “the ghosts of the mountains.” The zoo is also home to the Amur leopard, Amur tiger, jaguar, and African lion.

From Oceania, there are Eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. From Africa white rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, giraffes, and elephants. From South America alpacas, llamas, and Caribbean flamingos. From Asia red pandas, yaks, and the Bactrian camel.

During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the on-site amusement parks with rides like bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a roller coaster.

Gatineau Park has an undeveloped forest and lakes. It is located near the city and river of the same name.

Mackenzie King Estate is within the park. It was once the home of former Canadian prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.

Belvedere Champlain is the most popular lookout in the park. From here you can get spectacular views of the river valley and tree-covered hills. There are many park trails to walk and facilities for camping, swimming, fishing, and skiing.

Hudson Bay is one of the most remote areas of Canada. Here among the landscape and waters, you can find more than 800 species of Arctic vegetation among them Arctic lupine, polar poppies, and purple saxifrage.

Migratory birds and seals are common and sometimes polar bears. The bay is home to many fish and Beluga whales.

Gaspesie National Park sits at the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of St Lawrence.

There are limestone cliffs and a rugged landscape all around. You can see the isolated Cap des Rosiers Lighthouse which is the tallest in Canada.

The Gaspesie area is popular with bird watchers and you can take whale-watching boat excursions.

The Gulf of St Lawrence has dunes and beaches in the Iles de La Madeleine archipelago. Six of the twelve islands are connected by dunes. It is great for water sports, bird watchers, and walking on the dunes.

Ile du Havre aux Maisons has hills, red cliffs, winding paths, and scattered houses. It is one of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago.

There is the beautiful Sainte Madeleine Church.

Cap Alright is a small lighthouse surrounded by offshore rock formations.

About half the people on the archipelago live on Ile du Cap aux Meules.

Bonaventure Island lies off the Gaspe Peninsula in the Gulf of St Lawrence. It is known for being a bird sanctuary with 50,000 gannets flocking here during the summer.

There is a nature trail that is a bird-watching route. You can see many seabirds like Atlantic puffins, terns, razorbills, and cormorants.