#A warm welcome
Whether you are in Montreal, Quebec City or in the more remote villages in the region, Quebecers give visitors a warm and friendly welcome. Their legendary hospitality and availability are part of them.
Large spaces :
Quebec covers an area of nearly 1.7 million km², three times the size of France. The vastness of the forests and wilderness seduces, green, yellow/red or white cover depending on the season. You can discover these immense spaces by car, canoe-camping, seaplane or seaplane, or even by snowmobile. Quebec's nature is wild and harmonious. Its beauty attracts and fascinates in both summer and winter. A multitude of lakes, salmon rivers, waterfalls, ponds and even a fjord come to the heart of the forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. These, which are multicoloured in autumn, are home to a rich and diverse flora and fauna, including beavers, black bears, white-tailed deer and moose. Whales and belugas swim in the blue ribbon, the St. Lawrence River.
Outdoor activities
Large natural areas, lakes and rivers, coasts, national parks and wildlife reserves are ideal for many outdoor activities. Indeed, Quebec is the destination par excellence for the practice of these in all seasons, and thrills are in the spotlight on this land of adventure. In summer, we enjoy camping, canoeing, water sports, hunting and fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing, 4x4 or quad raids. In winter, you can enjoy downhill, cross-country and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice climbing, dog sledding and snowmobiling.
A great comfort
There are many different types of accommodation of good quality. Hotels, small inns and Bed & Breakfasts (often called Couette & Café) are similar to those found in France. What is referred to as a "cottage" generally represents a very well equipped house (except in the case of a rustic cottage, of course), in the forest, in the mountains and/or on the shore of a lake. For an original stay, choose the outfitter: it is a large hunting, fishing and outdoor resort area with accommodation in a large residence, more or less luxurious, or in a cottage.
A cultural destination
Quebec culture is rich and diverse. There are many festivals of international reputation. In winter, the Quebec Winter Carnival, the Valcourt Ski-Doo Grand Prix and Montreal High Lights attract many people. In summer, the Festival de la chanson de Tadoussac, Montebello Rockfest, Festival international de jazz de Montréal, Grand Prix de Formule 1 and Festival d'été de Québec also bring together thousands of people. Museums, economuseums (dissemination of craft trades), theatres, art galleries, regional interpretation centres and emerging artistic and musical spaces offer a strong cultural dimension in all corners of the province.
© Dominique Auzias & Jean-Paul Labourdette