When the French explorer, Jacques Cartier, landed on the Gaspe Peninsula in 1535, Quebec’s French Heritage began. The provinces je ne sais quoi French style is evident in the language, culture and cuisine. The resorts of the Laurentians Mountains are premier ski destination’s, there are culture-rich cities, wide open spaces and 1,800 miles of coastline. Quebec is where Gallic charm meets warm North American hospitality, just perfect!
CITY LOVERS
Quebec City and Montreal are two of Canada’s most appealing, as well as largest, cities. Gracious Quebec City was founded in the 17th century, and its charming streets remain lined with magnificent 17th and 18th century houses. It’s little wonder that the entire city is a World Heritage Site. You’ll need to remind yourself that you are in North America as you wander around the atmospheric Old Town; don’t miss the Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basilica, Place Royal, the Old Port, Parliament Hill and the fortifications.Visit Quebec City at any time of year, but, if you do go in the winter months, how about staying in the Ice Hotel Quebec, just a few minutes from the city itself?
In comparison, Montreal couldn’t be more different, it’s a thriving, sparkling and cosmopolitan city, with a foodie’s paradise of restaurants and fantastic nightlife. Whilst you can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides over the cobbles of Old Montreal and sites such as the Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basilica, downtown has a state-of-the-art underground city, a 28-mile network of shops and hotels. Other cities, such as Gatineau, Trois-Riviere, Sagueney and Sherbrooke, each offer their own unique take on urban life.
OUT AND ABOUT
You’ll find sandy beaches, rocky bays and towering cliffs along Quebec’s coastline. Visit atmospheric coastal gems, such as Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspesie, Cote-Nord and the Iles de Madeleine. Transversing the south of Quebec is the mighty St Lawrence River, which flows from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. South of the river, you’ll find tranquil lakes and gentle peaks, an area of intoxicating natural beauty that draws artists and nature-lovers from around the world. To the north is a paradise of crystal clear lakes, wildlife and, of course, the Laurentian Mountains. These 19 mountains spread over a 90 mile radius are quite astounding. Aside from amazing the skiing, there are opportunities to go hiking, biking and fishing. Scenic Charlevoix stretches from Baie Sainte Catherine, one of the best places for whale-watching along with Todoussac, to the delights of Baie-Saint-Paul.
QUEBEC IS ALWAYS OPEN
With four distinct seasons, Québec is a year round destination, whether for a short shopping break, after all, it is only a 6.5 hour flight from the UK, or a longer holiday to explore and relax in stunning surroundings. In summer, the weather is hot and sunny with an abundance of outdoor festivals and activities on offer. Autumn sees the leaves change colour, creating breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of brilliant reds and golds. Winters are crisp and very cold with brilliant blue skies and heavy snowfalls, making it a great destination for skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, dog sledding and snowmobiling, and the perfect festive wonderland for a relaxing or action-packed Christmas break. Spring starts late but as nature reawakens, the trees and flowers begin to bloom and the air warms, restoring the colours to a beautifully scenic Québec. The question isn’t should I visit, but when should I go?Experience and explore Quebec aboard a La Massif or VIA Rail journey and experience Quebec like never before.
| Average Max/Min temperatures °c | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Quebec City | 7/-15 | -6/-14 | 0/-8 | 7/-1 | 16/6 | 22/12 | 25/15 | 24/14 | 18/10 | 11/4 | 3/-3 | -4/-11 |
| Montreal | -5/-15 | -4/-13 | 2/-6 | 10/1 | 18/8 | 24/14 | 26/17 | 25/16 | 20/11 | 13/5 | 5/-1 | -4/-10 |
| Flight duration from the UK: Montreal 7 hours | ||||||||||||
| Quebec time zone: GMT minus(-)5 hours | ||||||||||||
