Tourism in Quebec

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View of Tour KPMG from Saint Catherine Street, Montreal
Château Frontenac, Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec), Quebec City

Tourism is the fifth-largest industry in Quebec. In total, 29,000 companies are involved in the industry, generating 130,000 direct and 48,000 indirect jobs.[1] In 2006, Quebec welcomed 3.2 million foreign tourists, most of them from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Japan.[2] Quebec is unique among North American tourist destinations. Its French heritage sets the province apart from the most of Canada and the United States, as well as all of Mexico. The province is one of the only areas in North America to have preserved its Francophone culture. Its European feel and its history, culture and warmth have made Quebec a favourite tourist destination both nationally and internationally[3].

Contents

[edit] Geographic location of Quebec

Main article: Geography of Quebec
Geographic location of Quebec

Quebec is located in the northeast portion of North American and occupies an area of 1,667,926 km² (643,820 sq. mi.)[4]. It is the largest province in Canada with three times as much area as France. It borders on the United States to the south and Ontario to the west. Over 90% of its territory is made up of the Canadian Shield, which is why most of its population lives in the area surrounding the St. Lawrence River in what is commonly called the St. Lawrence Lowlands. The Appalachian Mountains occupy the southern portion of Quebec.

[edit] Culture and language

Main article: Culture of Quebec


[edit] Language

Quebec has a unique and distinct culture in North America. Largely French in terms of language and culture, Quebec has managed to preserve its Francophone heritage in the midst of a strong Anglophone culture. French is the mother tongue of 82% of Quebecers, and English is the mother tongue of 10% of the population. The remaining 8% is divided among some 30 languages such as, in order of importance, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Greek[5]. However, it is very easy to travel in Quebec speaking only English. In fact, over 40% of the population is bilingual. In major cities like Montreal, this percentage is as high as 64%, and 16% of the population speaks a third language.[5].

[edit] Culture

A complex mix of European and North American origins, Quebec has forged a unique and original culture and personality. Quebecers enjoy dining and celebrating, which is clear from the many festivities that take place in Quebec. In terms of culture, Quebec is brimming with creativity in literature, the performing arts, painting, sculpture and fine crafts. There are also many companies and Quebec talent that have made their mark on the world, such as Cirque du Soleil, Céline Dion, Jacques Villeneuve and others.

[edit] Tourist regions

Beach and cliffs of Magdalen Island (Îles-de-la-Madeleine)
Sunset in Gaspésie

Quebec is made up of 21 separate tourist regions:

[edit] Major cities

The two largest cities in Quebec are Montreal and Quebec City.

[edit] Four ways to discover Quebec

Downtown streets of Montreal, Quebec

Quebec offers four different tourist experiences, each with a wide range of activities.

[edit] The City Experience

Montreal and Quebec City are an integral part of [6] Combining a European feel with the modernity of North America, Quebec’s major cities charm visitors with their vibrancy, energy and warmth. The cultural life of these cities is well developed with many festivals, shows and museums, and they also offer high-quality hotels and restaurants.

[edit] Montreal

The only Francophone metropolis in North America, Montreal is also the second largest Francophone city after Paris in terms of population[7]. This major centre of 3.6 million inhabitants is a tapestry of cultures from the world over with its many neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, the Latin Quarter, the Gay Village, Little Italy, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, the Quartier International and Old Montreal, just to name a few.[8] Montreal[9] has a rich architectural heritage, along with many cultural activities, sports events and festivals.

[edit] Quebec City

Each of the major cities offers a new facet of Quebec to discover. The capital, Quebec City, is the only fortified city in North America and has its own European cachet. The oldest Francophone city in North America, Quebec City was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 and has just celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008.

[edit] Resorts

Terrace in la Malbaie, Charlevoix, Quebec

There are many different resort activities in Quebec. Resort accommodations can be found in the city, countryside or deep in the forest.

[edit] The St. Lawrence River

A whale’s tail in the St. Lawrence River, Quebec

The St. Lawrence River is one of the largest rivers in the world and historically was the means of access to the centre of North America. Its 1,800 kilometres (1,120 mi.) are lined with old coastal villages, bird and marine mammal sanctuaries, lighthouses and verdant and rocky shores. The river is one of the largest navigable waterways in the world, and its estuary is known for its wide variety of marine mammals, birds and fish that live there year-round.

Upstream from Montreal to the tip of Gaspésie, a road borders the shores of the St. Lawrence River, allowing drivers to explore a coastline that changes from mountainous to rural to wilderness.[10] At one point, visitors can explore the rich Saguenay Fjord.

The 1,600-kilometre (994-mi.) St. Lawrence River[11] transforms into a gulf that is more like an inland sea. The Gulf of St. Lawrence can be travelled by ferry, sailboat, kayak or cruise ship. Whale watching is very popular in Quebec, particularly in Tadoussac.

There are also many islands and archipelagos[12] with rich flora and fauna scattered along the river. The Île d'Anticosti and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine have fascinating legends from sailors and fishermen who continue to live there.

[edit] Adventures

Aboriginal tourism, Baie-James, Quebec

For those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure[13], Quebec’s wide open spaces have a great deal to offer. There are many outdoor sports, hunting and fishing activities visitors can enjoy:

[edit] What to do

Quebec offers many activities including sports and outdoor recreation, cultural and natural sites, festivals and events.

[edit] Sports and outdoors

Cyclotourism in Quebec

There are many sports and outdoor activities in Quebec[14] that can be enjoyed summer and/or winter:

  • Hunting and fishing
  • Golf
  • Snowmobiling
  • Wildlife observation
  • National parks
  • Water sports
  • ATV riding
  • Hiking
  • Skiing
  • Dogsledding
  • Cycling

[edit] Sites and attractions

Quebec has a number of sites and attractions[15].

Reford Gardens in Gaspésie, Quebec
  • Cruises: Quebec offers a variety of cruises[17] whether for whale watching, travelling the St. Lawrence River or touring the waterways.
  • Natural curiosities: the province is home to many natural wonders[18]
  • Gardens: the Montreal Botanical Garden[19], the Insectarium[20], Reford Gardens[21] and the international garden festival[22] in Gaspésie are among Quebec’s garden attractions.
  • Museums: Quebec has over 400 museums[23].
  • Theme parks: La Ronde[24], the Old Port of Montreal[25] and of Quebec City [26], the Village québécois d’Antan [27], Granby Zoo[28], etc.
  • Religious heritage: St. Joseph’s Oratory[29], the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Québec[30], etc.
  • Historical sites: the fortifications of Quebec City[31], Old Montreal[32], etc.

[edit] Tourism routes

Cross-country skiing in Gaspésie, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians, Quebec
  • King’s Road (this historical 18th-century road connects Quebec City and Montreal)[33]
  • New France Route (connecting Quebec City and Cap-Tourmente, this 50-kilometre (30-mi.) route is a trip through time) [34]
  • Whale Route (Manicouagan and Duplessis)[35]
  • Navigators’ Route[36]
  • Wine Route (Eastern Townships)[37]
  • St. Lawrence Route (Charlevoix)[38]
  • Border Route (Bas-Saint-Laurent, the borders of New Brunswick and Maine)[39]
  • Agricultural tour (Southern Quebec)[40]

[edit] The four seasons

There are four distinct seasons in Quebec—spring, summer, fall and winter—offering a changing landscape and variety of activities.

  • Summer (end of June to end of September): Summers in Quebec are hot, and the season offers many festivals and outdoor activities.[41]
  • Fall (end of September to end of December): The leaves change colour in Quebec, creating breathtakingly colourful landscapes [42].
  • Winter (end of December to end of March): Quebec’s snowfall makes skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snowmobiling and dogsledding possible.[43]
  • Spring (end of March to end of June): Nature awakens and Quebec’s sugar shacks open their doors.[44]

[edit] Festivals and events

Quebecers are known for their festive spirit and taste for celebration. citation necessary This explains the close to 400 festivals held each year in Quebec[45]. Quebec’s events are varied, from sports to cultural events and festivals, and attract visitors from around the world. For all Quebec events and festivals, click[46].

[edit] Cultural events

Just For Laughs Festival, Montreal, Quebec

Montreal

See also: Festivals and parades in Montreal
  • Montreal International Jazz Festival: With over 500 concerts, 350 of them presented free outdoors, the Montreal International Jazz Festival features the top Canadian and international ambassadors of jazz (end of June to beginning of July).
  • Just For Laughs Festival: Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival is the largest comedy festival in the world and attracts over 2 million spectators each year (July).
  • Les FrancoFolies de Montréal: The largest Francophone music festival, the Francofolies de Montréal features over 1,000 artists, singing stars, musicians and emerging talent from some 20 countries around the world (end of July to beginning of August).
  • Les Concerts Loto-Québec de l'OSM dans les Parcs: These three concerts by the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) are presented in Montreal parks in a family atmosphere (June and July).
  • L'International des Feux Loto-Québec: The International des Feux Loto-Québec presented at La Ronde draws the largest pyrotechnics companies from around the world. Each show lasts 30 minutes, and the fireworks competition is the most prestigious and largest in the world (every Wednesday and Saturday evening from the end of June to the end of July).
  • International Flora/Le festival de jardins de Montréal: The International Flora lets you visit the loveliest gardens on the festival site itself (end of June to beginning of September).
  • Festival international Nuits d'Afrique: The international-calibre Festival Nuits d'Afrique features music from Africa, the West Indies and the Caribbean, along with workshops, an African market and exotic cuisine (month of July).

Quebec City

For a more comprehensive list, see List of events in Quebec City.
  • Quebec City Summer Festival: For 40 years, the Quebec City Summer Festival has been presenting hundreds of artists from around the world on ten sites around the capital, all easily accessible on foot (beginning of July).
  • Loto-Québec International Fireworks Competition: This international musical fireworks competition takes place at the Montmorency Falls (end of July to beginning of August).
  • Plein Art Québec: Over 100 craftspeople gather at the Plein Art Québec festival to exhibit Quebec arts and craft creations in ceramics, textile and jewellery (beginning of August).
  • SAQ New France Festival: A celebration of the history of the first Europeans to arrive in North America, the New France Festival presents over 1,000 artistic events every year in a journey back to the past in the heart of Old Quebec (beginning of August).

Gatineau

  • Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival: One of the most popular events in Eastern Canada, the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival features hot air balloons and shows (beginning of September).
  • Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light: The Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light is a competition that crowns the champion of the international circuit of musical fireworks competitions over water (end of July to beginning of August).

[edit] Sports events

Montreal

  • Rogers Cup: For tennis fans, the Rogers Cup is one of nine Association of Tennis Professionals tournaments on the Masters circuit (beginning of August).
  • Presidents Cup: A prestigious golf tournament, the Presidents Cup presents the best international players at The Royal Montreal Golf Club (end of September).
  • Grand Prix du Canada Festival on Crescent: The largest F1 celebration in the world takes place on downtown Montreal’s Crescent Street (beginning of June).
  • Montreal Bike Fest: A number of cycling activities take place during the Montreal Bike Fest including the Tour de l'île de Montréal [40], the largest gathering of cyclists in North America (end of May to beginning of June).

[edit] Cuisine

Quebec cuisine

Quebec’s cuisine[47] derives its rich flavour from a blend of influences. It has a solid French culinary base and is enriched by the contribution of the Amerindian peoples and the different cultural communities that have made the province their home. This blend of culinary cultures is what makes Quebec cuisine what it is today. Many quality regional products are also used in its cuisine. Terroir products that grace Quebec tables include ice cider, micro-brewed beer, wine and over 100 different varieties of cheese. Another unique feature of Quebec is the sugar shack[47], a family culinary tradition of eating maple products to the rhythms of Quebec folklore. You can go as a group at the beginning of spring, during March and April.

Others Quebec culinary specialities include: shepherd's pie, poutine, sugar pie, pouding chômeur (a sponge cake with a maple syrup sauce), maple syrup, baked beans, tourtière (a meat pie), cretons (a pork spread with onions and spices), etc.

[edit] Getting around

[edit] Getting to Quebec

Several means of transportation[48] can be used to get to Quebec, including plane, bus, train and car. There are flights to Quebec from major cities in North America, Europe and Asia.[49] Montreal is a 70-minute flight from New York and is less than 6 hours and 45 minutes by air from London or Paris. Provinces and states that border Quebec are served by easily accessible rail and road networks. Other means of transportation such as boat and snowmobile can also be used by the more adventurous.

[edit] Getting around Quebec

Quebec has a vast road and air network that makes it easy to travel between cities. You can travel by car, bus, plane, train, bicycle on the Route Verte, or by ferry.

[edit] Lodging

Auberge du Trésor in Quebec City

With over 5,800 establishments that hold official lodging certificates, Quebec offers choices for any budget for those seeking accommodations for the night, from youth hostels to five-star hotels. Establishments are classified using a stars and sun system to help visitors choose their accommodations[50]. Possibilities include:

  • Hotels
  • Bed and breakfasts
  • Tourist homes
  • Wilderness lodges
  • Resorts
  • Youth hostels
  • Educational institutions
  • Hospitality villages
  • Campgrounds
  • Outfitting operations

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Bonjour Québec Medias: Quebec in a nutshell
  2. ^ Quebec, Ministère du Tourisme, Le tourisme en chiffre 2006PDF
  3. ^ Bonjour Québec: Quebec Geography, history, photos, videos and screen savers
  4. ^ Institut de la statistique du Québec Comparaison entre la superficie du Québec et celle de divers pays
  5. ^ a b Les langues parlées à la maison au Québec
  6. ^ City Experience.
  7. ^ Bonjour Québec: Montreal
  8. ^ Montreal’s neighbourhoods: Latin Quarter, Chinatown, the Underground City, the “Gay Village,” Plateau Mont-Royal
  9. ^ [1]
  10. ^ The St. Lawrence: Discover it by roads, waterways and islands
  11. ^ [2]
  12. ^ [3]
  13. ^ [4]
  14. ^ [5]
  15. ^ [6]
  16. ^ [7]
  17. ^ [8]
  18. ^ [9]
  19. ^ [10]
  20. ^ [11]
  21. ^ [12]
  22. ^ [13]
  23. ^ [14]
  24. ^ [15]
  25. ^ [16]
  26. ^ [17]
  27. ^ [18]
  28. ^ [19]
  29. ^ [20]
  30. ^ [21]
  31. ^ [22]
  32. ^ [23]
  33. ^ [24]
  34. ^ [25]
  35. ^ [26]
  36. ^ [27]
  37. ^ [28]
  38. ^ [29]
  39. ^ [30]
  40. ^ [31]
  41. ^ [32]
  42. ^ [33]
  43. ^ [34]
  44. ^ [35]
  45. ^ [36]
  46. ^ here
  47. ^ a b [37]
  48. ^ [38]
  49. ^ Getting to Quebec by plane, train, bus, car
  50. ^ [39]

[edit] External links

  • Bonjour Québec - Official site, Ministère du Tourisme, Gouvernement du Québec (French) (English) (Spanish)
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