Discover Quebec
One of the most enchanting lakes in Quebec is Lake Tremblant, nestled amidst the picturesque Laurentian Mountains. Lake Tremblant, also known as Lac Tremblant, is renowned for its crystal clear waters, which reflect the stunning surrounding landscapes.
The lake is the centerpiece of the Mont-Tremblant resort area, offering a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Surrounded by dense forests, it provides a tranquil setting for various water activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. In the winter months, the lake transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and ice skaters.
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Three Interesting Facts about Quebec
Birthplace of Cirque du Soleil
Quebec is the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, one of the world’s most famous contemporary circus companies. Founded in 1984 by two former street performers, Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix, it is known for its artistic performances, which combine circus arts with street entertainment.
Maple Syrup Production
Quebec is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup, accounting for a significant percentage of global production.
Nord-du-Québec
The region known as Nord-du-Québec is one of the least populated but largest in Quebec, covering over half of the province’s land area. It is known for its vast wilderness, including forests, lakes, and rivers, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Must See Attractions
Montmorency Falls
Nature & Parks
Montmorency Falls is a spectacular natural wonder, standing at an impressive 83 meters (272 feet) high and offering breathtaking views.
Quartier Petit Champlain
Shopping
Quartier Petit Champlain in Old Quebec City is a charming and historic neighborhood known for its narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant shops, and cozy bistros.
Plains of Abraham
Nature & Parks
The Plains of Abraham, with its expansive green fields and historical significance as the site of the 1759 Battle of Quebec, offer a peaceful urban oasis today.
Lakes to Explore
1. Lac Saint-Pierre
Lac Saint-Pierre offers unique flora and fauna, making it a prime location for bird watching and exploring the diverse natural habitats.
2. Lac Massawippi
Known for its deep, clear waters, Lac Massawippi is a haven for fishing enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility in a picturesque setting.
3. Lac Témiscouata
Lac Témiscouata boasts pristine waters and a rich ecosystem, perfect for canoeing and observing diverse wildlife in Témiscouata National Park.
4. Lac des Deux Montagnes
Lac des Deux Montagnes is a popular spot for windsurfing, fishing, and boating, offering beautiful views.
5. Lac Memphrémagog
Lac Memphrémagog is known for its serenity and beauty, attracting visitors for sailing, fishing, and exploring the charming towns along its shores.
6. Lac Taureau
Lac Taureau in the Lanaudière region offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and reconnecting with nature.
7. Lake Tremblant
Lake Tremblant is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and enjoying the quaint Mont-Tremblant village.
8. Lac Saint-Jean
A large and expansive lake, Lac Saint-Jean is famous for its beaches and is an ideal spot for swimming, boating, and cycling the Blueberry Bicycle Route.
Annual Events and Festivals
Carnaval de Québec (Quebec Winter Carnival)
Carnaval de Québec, often referred to as the Quebec Winter Carnival, stands as a testament to the province’s resilience, vibrant culture, and winter celebration. Held annually in Quebec City, this iconic winter festival is one of the largest and oldest in the world, dating back to 1894. The carnival transforms the city into a winter wonderland filled with exuberant festivities. Colorful parades featuring Bonhomme Carnaval, the festival’s cheerful mascot, wind through the historic streets of Old Quebec, accompanied by lively music and dance performances. The event is known for its ice sculptures, intricately carved by talented artists from around the globe.
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (Montreal International Jazz Festival)
The Montreal International Jazz Festival, or Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, stands as a global beacon for music enthusiasts, drawing artists and audiences from around the world to the vibrant city of Montreal. Established in 1980, it has since grown into the largest jazz festival in the world, attracting over two million visitors annually. For ten days in late June and early July, the festival transforms the city into a mecca for jazz, blues, and world music. Iconic indoor and outdoor venues host an eclectic array of performances, ranging from intimate jazz ensembles to grand outdoor concerts featuring internationally acclaimed musicians.
Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec (Quebec City Fireworks Festival)
This spectacular festival, held annually, typically spans several weeks and is renowned for its stunning fireworks displays, each orchestrated by different countries renowned for their expertise in pyrotechnics. These majestic displays are synchronized to music, creating an immersive audio-visual experience. Viewers gather at popular vantage points along the riverbanks and on surrounding terraces to witness the sky burst into a kaleidoscope of colors. The event entertains and fosters a spirit of international camaraderie as each participating country showcases its unique style and pyrotechnic innovations.
Top Hiking Trails
Acropole des Draveurs Trail
Acropole des Draveurs, Pin Blanc, Notre-Dame-des-Monts, Quebec
The Acropole des Draveurs Trail is a challenging and breathtaking trek within the stunning landscape of Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie in Quebec. The highlight of the 8.9-kilometer trail is the panoramic summit known as Acropole des Draveurs, which provides awe-inspiring views of the dramatic Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie valley below. The trail, though demanding, is immensely rewarding as it showcases the park’s rich biodiversity and geological wonders. Hikers traverse wooden bridges, ascend steep slopes, and navigate through pristine wilderness, encountering many flora and fauna.
Lac des Cygnes Mount
Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Visitors Center, Charlevoix Regional County Municipality, Quebec
Lac des Cygnes Mount, located in Quebec’s Parc National des Grands-Jardins, is celebrated for its striking natural beauty and rewarding hiking trails. The 8.9-kilometer trail to Lac des Cygnes (Swan Lake) is a favorite among hikers, offering a moderately challenging ascent that culminates in spectacular panoramic views. As you ascend, the path winds through diverse ecosystems, from dense boreal forests to alpine tundra, each with unique flora and fauna. The summit of Lac des Cygnes Mount presents a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and the serene Lac des Cygnes below.
Éperon Trail
103 Chem. du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, Quebec
Éperon Trail, situated in the heart of Mont-Tremblant National Park in Quebec, offers a captivating hiking experience surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Laurentian Mountains. This five-kilometer trail is renowned for its scenic landscapes, ranging from dense coniferous forests to open rocky outcrops. The Éperon Trail leads hikers through various terrains, providing a delightful mix of challenging ascents and more leisurely stretches. The trail’s highlight is the breathtaking viewpoint at the summit, where panoramic vistas of the Laurentians unfold, offering a stunning reward for the trek.
Best Golf Courses
Golf Le Diable
110 Chem. de l’Albatros, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Golf Le Diable, nestled in the scenic landscape of Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, is a golfer’s paradise that exemplifies the perfect blend of challenge and beauty. This 7,056-yard championship course, designed by master architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, offers an exceptional golfing experience in a breathtaking mountain setting. The course is characterized by its wide, tree-lined fairways and stunning red sand bunkers, which add a unique aesthetic appeal while testing the skills of golfers at all levels.
Mount Bruno Country Club
665 CH Des Vingt, St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec
This prestigious golf course, designed by renowned architect Graham Cooke, offers a meticulously crafted 18-hole layout that winds through mature forests, rolling hills, and pristine lakes. Golfers at Mount Bruno Country Club can expect a test of skill and strategy, with strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and undulating fairways that provide a compelling and rewarding golfing experience. The course’s signature hole, set against the backdrop of Mont Saint-Bruno, adds an extra layer of visual splendor to the game.
Golf Le Geant
8630 Mnt Ryan, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
Golf Le Géant, situated in the stunning Mont-Tremblant region of Quebec, is a golf course that epitomizes luxury and natural beauty. Designed by renowned architect Thomas McBroom, this championship course offers a distinctive blend of challenging play and breathtaking surroundings. Carved meticulously into the Laurentian landscape, Golf Le Géant features expansive fairways bordered by lush forests and elevated tee boxes that provide golfers with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The course’s meticulous design incorporates water hazards, bunkers, and natural elevation changes, demanding strategic play and precision.
Water Sports
Scenic Water Kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking in Quebec offers outdoor enthusiasts an immersive and scenic adventure amidst the province’s diverse waterways. Quebec’s landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for kayaking enthusiasts of all skill levels, from the tranquil lakes of Mont-Tremblant to the winding rivers of the Laurentians and the majestic St. Lawrence River. Paddlers can explore the peaceful nature reserves, navigate lush forests, and witness the beauty of Quebec’s abundant wildlife along the shores. With numerous rental facilities and guided tours, individuals can easily access the equipment and expertise needed to embark on a memorable kayaking journey, creating lasting memories against the breathtaking natural scenery that defines Quebec’s water-centric charm.
Scuba Diving in the Saguenay Fjord
Scuba diving
The Saguenay Fjord, with its deep, cold waters and dramatic cliffs, is a unique location for scuba diving. The fjord’s underwater environment is rich with marine life, including sea stars, anemones, and various fish species. Divers can explore submerged cliffs and rock formations, adding an element of adventure to the experience. The area’s natural beauty also extends above water, with opportunities for hiking and whale watching, making it a comprehensive outdoor destination.
New World Rafting
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting in Quebec offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience for adventure enthusiasts. Among the popular destinations for whitewater rafting is the Rouge River, known for its challenging rapids and beautiful surroundings. New World Rafting, located near the Rouge River, offers various services, from equipment rentals to guided rafting tours.
Resorts to Explore
Auberge des îles, affilié à Hyvi
Waterfront, Recreational
250 Rang des Îles, Saint-Gédéon, Quebec G0W 2P0
Manoir du Lac Delage
Waterfront, Recreational
40 Av. du Lac, Lac-Delage, Quebec G3C 5C4
Le Domaine du Lac Saint Charles
Waterfront, Recreational
1877 Rue des Épinettes Rouges, Québec, Quebec G3G 2L2
Tips on Vacationing in Quebec
Learn Basic French Phrases
While many people in Quebec speak English, especially in urban areas, learning a few basic French phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture. The official language in Quebec is French, so locals will appreciate your efforts.
Explore Old Quebec City
Quebec City’s Old Town (Vieux-Québec) is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and historic sites like Château Frontenac. Stroll through Place Royale and Petit-Champlain, and don’t miss the views from Dufferin Boardwalk.
Take a Scenic Drive
Quebec has breathtaking landscapes. Consider taking a scenic drive, such as the Charlevoix region’s Route du Fleuve, to enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River and picturesque villages. The Eastern Townships also offer charming countryside drives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Quebec
The best time to visit Quebec depends on your preferences. Summer (June to August) offers warm weather and outdoor festivals, while winter (December to February) is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. Fall (September to November) provides beautiful foliage.
Quebec’s official language is French. While many people in Quebec are bilingual, particularly in urban areas, French is the predominant language.
The best vacation rental area to stay in Quebec City depends on your preferences. If you want to be close to the city’s historic sites and attractions, consider staying in Old Quebec. Other popular areas for vacation rentals in Quebec City include Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Montcalm.
Yes, you can rent out your cottage in Quebec. However, there are certain rules and regulations that you must follow. For example, you must register your property with the Quebec government and collect and remit the provincial sales tax on any rental income you earn.
Many chalet rentals are available near Montreal and Mont-Tremblant. Some popular websites for finding chalet rentals in these areas include Lake, Airbnb, Expedia, and HomeAway. Many local real estate agents and property management companies also offer chalet rentals in these areas.