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Vieux-Québec et le majestueux fleuve Saint-Laurent © F. Gamache

Québec

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The cradle of French civilization in North America, Québec City is today a mecca for culture and history, with innumerable nature destinations where you can engage in a host of outdoor activities. And with the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, Québec City be all the more festive!

Location and access

Québec, the capital city of the province of the same name, is located some 250 km northeast of Montréal on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. The two cities are linked by highways 20 and 40, in addition to rail and air connections. Québec’s tourist region covers 9,000 km2.

 

Quartier Petit-Champlain © J. Frenette
Fortifications de Québec © J. Frenette
Le Vieux-Québec © J. Frenette
Croisière romantique sur le fleuve Saint-Laurent © J. Frenette
L’Hôtel du Parlement et la fontaine de Tourny © J. Frenette

A North American city with European flair, Québec City and area offers you a very special stay. Discover its culture and the legendary hospitality and lilting accent of its residents.

Explore a fortified city that’s centuries old yet wired for the future. With bustling streets, numerous museums and festivals―including the Festival d’été de Québec, celebrating its 50th anniversary―and eclectic architecture, not to mention nature on its doorstep, Québec City and area is steeped in a rich and varied past that will amaze and offer you a destination unlike any other.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, a fleet of 40 tall ships and 3,000 crew members will convene in Québec City from July 18 to 23, 2017. Enjoy ship tours, thematic activities on the docks and a host of other free family activities.

Official tourist guide
Regional tourism website

Discover a historic capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only fortified city north of Mexico. This is a city you’ll love at first sight, with its mix of First Nations, French and British influences. To appreciate its colourful past, stroll along the cobblestone streets from Petit-Champlain to Place-Royale, or admire the majestic St. Lawrence River from Dufferin Terrace, stretching from the foot of the Citadelle to Château Frontenac. After contemplating the imposing architecture of the Parliament Building, take a well-deserved break on the Plains of Abraham, a green oasis in the heart of the city.

Let yourself be charmed by the beauty of the region. Explore the rich heritage of the villages along the King’s Road (Chemin du Roy) and the New France Rout (Route de la Nouvelle-France). For a real change of scenery, visit Wendake for a taste of Huron culture and its rich legends.

In 2016, the Musée national des beaux arts du Québec (MNBAQ) inaugurated the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, a world-class building and new gateway to the gallery. The MNBAQ is now an architectural landmark, major art museum and absolute must when visiting Québec City.

Official tourist guide
Regional tourism website

Head for the wide-open spaces. An array of exciting outdoor activities is yours to enjoy, close to Old Québec. Whether on the Plains of Abraham in the heart of the city, or 10 minutes from downtown at Montmorency Falls―where you can marvel at the 83‑m (272‑ft.) high waterfall and fly past it on a zipline―you’ll find the ideal pursuit.

In summer, take a cruise on the St. Lawrence River, go canyoning in Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, hiking on the via ferrata in Canyon Sainte-Anne, mountain biking on 100 km (60 mi.) of marked trails in Vallée Bras-du-Nord or water sliding at Valcartier Vacation Village. And if you’re lucky enough to be here in the fall, soak up breathtaking views of our forests dressed in glorious reds, yellows and oranges.

Just 30 minutes from Québec City, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is home to one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Québec. The river―calm in some places, turbulent in others―has sliced an 1,800‑foot‑deep channel into the plateau, dominated by a coniferous forest.

Official tourist guide
Regional tourism website

Old Québec is even more romantic covered in a blanket of snow, and once you’re all bundled up, you’ll enjoy the magic of its brilliantly decorated streets. During the holidays, the Christmas markets create the fairy-tale atmosphere of an old-time village. Come ring in the New Year with us on Grande Allée or stay at the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) for a really unique experience.

Don’t miss the biggest winter carnival in the world, with skating rinks, sleigh rides, snow sculptures, ice canoe races and colourful night parades. Get your heart pumping and enjoy a one-of-a-kind winter experience, go cross-country or downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or dogsledding.

Recognized as the largest artistic event in Canada, the Festival d’été de Québec celebrates its 50th anniversary from July 6 to 16, 2017. International superstars along with top new talents will perform rock, French song, hip-hop, electro, jazz, classical and world music. 

Official tourist guide
Regional tourism website
Official tourist guide
Regional tourism website

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