Quebec Holidays

Québec occupies a vast territory in the northeast part of North America. More than twice the size of Texas, it extends nearly 2,000 km (about 1,250 mi.) from the U.S. border in the south up to the Arctic region. The border is shared with the states of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, and Montréal is just one hour by plane from New York City. The variety of landscapes in Québec is breathtaking: two long mountain ranges (the Laurentians and the Appalachians), enormous expanses of forest, taiga and tundra, a million lakes, thousands of rivers, and 6,000 km (nearly 4,000 mi.) of spectacular coastline. your only border 03 Québec—It’s right next door! Accommodation From country inns to grand hotels, from youth hostels to B&Bs and cute country cabins, Québec offers you a complete range of accommodations, and choosing the unusual or the rustic does not mean you have to forgo comfort or cordiality. A total of 4,900 establishments are officially classified by international standards. And, of course, you’ll find all the major Canadian and international hotel and motel chains in the cities and along the main highways. Water Cutting a magnificent swath through the southern portion of Québec is the St. Lawrence, one of the world’s great rivers (known in French as Saint-Laurent). It flows east from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, and has been an essential life force for the people who settled along its fertile shores. The history, vitality and sheer beauty of the St. Lawrence River can be experienced in every conceivable way, including sailing and pleasure boating, sea kayaking, dinner cruises in the historic ports of Montréal, Québec City and Trois-Rivières, wildlife observation cruises and guided ecotourism excursions. Shopping Looking for hidden treasure? We have art galleries galore. Many boutiques also specialize in Québec arts and crafts, including jewelry, glassware, ceramics, wood sculpture… unique pieces of outstanding quality. Traditional Aboriginal crafts, including highly prized Inuit carvings, make beautiful gifts and souvenirs. Try on the striking creations of Québec fashion designers or indulge in such gourmet delights as local maple products and special liqueurs. There’s nothing like bringing back a taste of Québec! Entertainment The hallmark of Québec’s major cities is a striking blend of European and North American attributes. Montréal, Québec City and Gatineau express different variations on the theme of urban charm while offering similar attractions: excellent accommodations, superior dining, exciting night life and festivals for all seasons. Cities in Québec are friendly, safe and welcoming. And the combination of contemporary urban amenities in the warm, relaxed atmosphere of a laidback neighborhood is really hard to beat. Eating While French cuisine remains an honored tradition, a well-defined Québec cuisine has emerged. It reflects European and Aboriginal influences, features top-quality local products, and is well adapted to the habits and demands of North American life. Depending on the season, tables will be laden with fresh fish and seafood, meat and game. Québec produces a wide variety of excellent cheeses, while its beers, wines and specialty beverages enjoy an avid and devoted following. The cosmopolitan flavor in the cities will gladden the heart of gourmets who like to travel the world through their taste buds. Public Transport Buses and private automobiles remain the most common means of transportation, however. There are many ferries offering year-round or seasonal service on the St. Lawrence and other major rivers. A passenger/cargo ship connects the entire Lower North Shore. Montréal, Québec City, Gatineau, Laval and other large cities in the province have safe and convenient public transit systems. Location Montréal, Canada Contact Information Website: www.bonjourquebec.com Serving Airports Airport: Québec International Airport Airport Code: Flight Time from the UK: 7 hours