Most people know that Québec is Canada’s francophone province and home to the thrilling metropolis of Montreal, but fewer realize that the sprawling province is also filled with charming small towns, rugged national parks, and stunning natural wonders. Québec beautifully blends urban cosmopolitanism and boundless wilderness, Europe and America, and French and English (plus multiple other languages). It is also home to dozens of Indigenous communities who can offer yet more perspectives on the land they’ve long called home. From whale-watching in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to strolling through Old Town Québec, this is a place that offers endless adventure.
Québec has four very distinct seasons, so when to visit depends on personal preference—and your tolerance to bitterly cold weather. Summer is peak tourism season and is best for enjoying festivals and al fresco dining in the cities. Fall is perfect for long hikes backdropped by blazing foliage. Spring is great for wildlife spotting and enjoying maple syrup season, while winter is challenging but great for snow sports.
Québec is huge (fun fact: the province is three times the size of France). For any substantial travel, you’ll need your own wheels—although isolated regions such as Nunavik are inaccessible by road. However, getting between the major cities is very much possible by bus and train. Within the cities, getting around by subway or bus is a breeze.
When dining out in Québec, it is de rigueur to leave your server a tip of around 15 percent—an easy way to calculate it is to add the federal goods and services tax (GST) to the Québec sales tax (QST). The same goes for taxi drivers, while hotel housekeepers should get one or two dollars per day.
Local Currency Canadian Dollar (CA$) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 86 | Tours 469 | Reviews 32,739 |
Yes. If you like good food, rich culture, and stunning landscapes (and, really, who doesn’t?), then you will like Québec. Even if you have been to Canada before, you are likely to find that Québec offers a different experience: Think of it as a country within a country.
...MoreQuébec is known for offering a distinctly European flavor in the heart of North America. This largely comes from the language, of course; but you’ll also see European influences in the architecture of Montreal and Québec City, as well as the food and strong focus on art and culture.
...MoreMontreal promises big city vibes and a more urban feel—when it comes to arts, culture, and gastronomy, you’ll be spoiled for choice there. Because it is so well preserved, Québec City offers a more charming, fairy tale-like old town flavor, and it is easier to check off all the highlights in less time.
...MoreYes. Although Québec is officially a French-speaking province, English is also widely spoken and accepted. Locals are very forgiving of visitors’ poor French skills, but it is always worth learning a few words and phrases to be polite and get a better feel for local culture.
...MoreA list of Québec’s most beautiful places should include the mighty Montmorency Falls (which are taller than Niagara); the national park- and lighthouse-dotted Gaspè Peninsula; Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Magdalen Islands, known for harp seal watching); and, in the far northern Nunavik region, Pingualuit National Park, which protects the awe-inspiring Pingaluit meteorite crater.
...MoreThat depends on what you want to do, but for the widest range of possibilities, the months of June, July, and August are best. The summer promises plenty of outdoor adventures, whether that means swimming in a lake, hiking in a national park, or sipping wine at a sidewalk café. If you plan on doing snow sports, however, obviously the winter months are best.
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