A vast province that makes up about one-sixth of Canada, Québec covers diverse landscapes – from historic cities to isolated Arctic tundra. The region reaches almost to the Arctic Circle in the north, borders the US states of Vermont and New York in the south and Hudson Bay in the west. The St. Lawrence River, nearly 750 miles long, runs through the most densely populated regions of the province.
While most visitors head to the two main cities, Montreal and Quebec, there is much to explore in the province, in both summer and winter. Historical sites, cultural institutions, festivals, small towns and beautiful parks and nature reserves are just a few highlights.
1 Place Royale
Place Royale is the birthplace of Québec City, where Samuel de Champlain established the first settlement in 1608 and where a remarkable collection of 17th and 18th century buildings can still be found, a small sample of old Québec. The beautiful stone church Notre Dame des Victoiresdating from 1688, the square looks along with modern tourist attractions such as an outpost of the Museum of Civilization. There is plenty of sightseeing in Old Town Québec, especially the lovely one Quartier Petit-Champlain.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Québec City
Read also: top tourist attractions in Montreal
2 Old Montreal
Best explored on foot, Old Montréal is a concentration of 17th, 18th and 19th century buildings near the city’s Old Port. Many of Montreal’s top attractions are located in this historic part of the city, including the Gothic Revival Basilica of Notre Dame and the pedestrian-friendly square Place Jacques-Cartier.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Montreal
3 Forillon National Park
This wild and rugged national park is located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula and juts into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Dramatic landscapes abound, with limestone cliffs and the isolated Cap des Rosiers lighthouse – the highest in Canada. This area of Gaspésie is popular with bird watchers and whale watchers.
Address: Gaspé Boulevard 122, Gaspé
4 Canadian Museum of Civilization
This modern building in Gatineau looks out across the river to the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. The flagship Canadian museum explores the history of humanity in Canada, ranging from First Nations cultures in the Northwest Pacific to Norwegian seafarers. There is a IMAX screen in the museum, and the discovery realm Children’s Museum is located in the same complex.
Address: 100 Laurier St., Gatineau
Official site: https://www.civilization.ca/
5 Château Frontenac
The grandiose Château Frontenac overlooks Québec City and is the most iconic building among the many historic and unique buildings in the provincial capital. Canadian Pacific Railway built the hotel in 1894 and continues to welcome guests from around the world. The view of the hill was once the location of Fort St. Louis, but today the wide boardwalk of Terrasse Dufferin offers beautiful views south to Levis and the St. Lawrence River.
6 Iles de la Madeleine
In the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the sand dunes and beaches of the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago are an idyllic and lively place in summer. Twelve islands make up the group, with six connected by winding dunes, beaches and roads. Locals farm and fish, while visitors come for birdwatching, water sports and whale watching.
7 Mont Tremblant
Ski resorts in the Canadian Laurentians are favorite winter destinations, and chief among them is Mont Tremblant – the highest peak in the Laurentians (960 meters) located about 150 kilometers north of Montreal. Good food, entertainment and spacious accommodations define the resort community. The region is also a fall destination when leaves turn autumnal shades of orange, red and gold.
Official site: https://www.tremblant.ca/
8 Mount Royal Park
Mont Royal is not only Montreal’s namesake, but also the mountain at its heart. The 233-metre-high peak provides stunning views of Quebec’s largest city, especially from the Kondiaronk Belvedere. There are many events in the park, from winter ice skating at Lac-aux-Castors to the rhythm of many drums at Les Tam-Tams, which happens on summer Sundays at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument.
9 Bonaventure Island
This island off the Gaspé Peninsula is a renowned bird sanctuary, where approximately 50,000 gannets congregate in the summer. The island features the rugged, picturesque landscape and steep rock walls of the Gaspésie. A nature trail provides a birdwatching route. The park also includes the much photographed Rocher Perce (Pierced Rock) on the Percé coast.
Official site: https://www.sepaq.com/pq/bon/
10 Montreal Botanical Gardens
The lush and beautiful botanical gardens cover 75 hectares bordering the Olympic Stadium at Montreal’s Parc Maisonneuve. Carefully planned gardens include a Japanese garden, rich orchid displays and a tropical fruit greenhouse. Also within the park, the Insectarium is a family-friendly attraction that introduces rare and common insects.
Address: 4101 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal
Official site: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden
11 Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Half a million pilgrims come every year to the quiet riverside town of Ste-Anne de Beaupré, home of the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Saint Anne is the patron saint of Québec, and she is credited with many miraculous events. Discarded crutches pay witness to the sick, disabled and injured people who reported miracle cures. Also in the area, located just northeast of Quebec City, there are riverbanks and waterfalls Slopes Ste-Anne and Sept-Chutes.
Address: 10018 Ave Royale, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
12 Gatineau Park
A hilly, largely undeveloped forest and serene lakes make up Gatineau Park, located near the city of the same name. Within the park boundaries, Mackenzie King Estate is the former home of the eccentric Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Belvedere Champlain offers photo-worthy views over the river valley and tree-covered hills – a particularly impressive sight in autumn. A mix of walkers, cyclists and dog owners enjoy the park trails.
Address: 33 Scott Road, Old Chelsea
Official site: https://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places-to-visit/gatineau-park
13 Chutes Montmorency
Just northeast of Québec City, the wide expanse of water at Chutes Montmorency flows down a steep slope of 84 metres. The falls are higher than Niagara fallsand a narrow pedestrian bridge over the Montmorency River at the lip.
Address: 5300 boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec
Official site: https://www.sepaq.com/ct/pcm/
14 Basilica of Notre-Dame
The regal-looking Notre-Dame Basilica is one of the most beautiful attractions in Old Montreal. The two towers and the neo-Gothic facade are above it Place d’Armes. The church was founded in 1656 and the impressive contemporary structure was built in 1829. Inside, the stained glass windows and ornate carvings are a majestic sight. Often an evening light and sound show introduces Montreal’s history by illuminating projections.
Address: 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal
Official site: https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/
15 Hudson Bay
The far-reaching landscape and waters of Hudson Bay are one of the most remote areas in Canada. But the harsh terrain is home to rarities of the natural world, from Arctic vegetation to migratory birds, polar bears and Beluga whales. The Inuit peoples are the traditional inhabitants of the region and the small outpost communities have stood the test of time.
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