Eastern Canada’s predominately French speaking province is home to three vibrant cities; Montréal, Quebec City and Ottawa. These bustling metropolises display a distinct mixture of cultural sophistication combined with French spirit and rich history.
Montréal is the largest city in Canada’s Québec province. It’s set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and named after Mt. Royal – the triple-peaked hill at its heart. Its boroughs were once independent cities and feature neighbourhoods ranging from French colonial Vieux-Montréal, with the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica at its centre to the bohemian Plateau district.
Elegant Montreal is a tantalising fusion of old world European charm and contemporary Canadian culture. Gracious architecture, cobblestone streets and Parisian style café culture alongside fabulous shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Sip a café au lait and enjoy the ubiquitous flaky croissant at a sidewalk bistro while watching the world pass by.
Historic Québec City sits on the Saint Lawrence River and was founded in 1608. It has a fortified colonial core with the historic centre of Vieux-Québec and Place Royale home to stone buildings and narrow streets. This area is the site of the towering Château Frontenac Hotel and imposing Citadelle of Québec. The Petit Champlain district’s cobblestone streets are lined with bistros and boutiques. Strolling the streets of Old Quebec is like journeying back in time.
Québec City goes to great lengths to entertain visitors. All summer long, musicians, acrobats and actors in period costume take to the streets, while fantastic festivals fill the air with fireworks and song. In the coldest months of January and February, Québec’s Winter Carnival is arguably the biggest and most colourful winter festival around. Fall and spring bring beautiful foliage, dramatically reduced prices and thinner crowds.
Ottawa, Canada’s capital is near the city of Montréal and the U.S. border. Sitting on the Ottawa River, it has at its centre Parliament Hill with grand Victorian architecture and museums. The park-lined Rideau Canal is filled with boats in summer and ice-skaters in winter. It is also home to their handsome fearless leader!
