Page 111 - Travel Guide to Canada 2019
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PERCÉ ROCK • LE QUÉBEC MARITIME/MATHIEU DUPUIS
with the unspoiled wilderness by hiking, that knows how to show off its roots.
climbing and paddling. There is something Canada’s most “European” city, Québec
for everyone who is drawn to the outdoors. City, is known for heritage buildings that
As the seasons peak, autumn brings a harken back to the days of New France,
dramatic splash of colour to the hardwood narrow cobblestone streets and excellent
forests, and springtime follows with the cuisine.
sweetness of maple syrup. A large percent The Old Port of Montréal stretches for
of the world’s maple syrup is produced in two km (1.24 mi.) along the St. Lawrence
Québec, making its many sugar shacks a River. An historic clock tower marks the
popular springtime destination for samples entrance to the port, a pedestrian-friendly
of just-boiled syrup and treats like area of boutiques, bistros, small markets
traditional maple syrup taff y. and street entertainment.
When snowfl akes fall, the people of In Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, the Site of
Québec embrace the natural wonder of New France (Site de la Nouvelle-France)
wintertime. Snowmobiling, cross-country recreates the daily life of the colony of
th
and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice Québec in the 17 century. Nearby, the
skating and dogsledding are just the tip of historical village of Val-Jalbert is a way to
the iceberg. Québecers celebrate hockey experience company town life in the 1920s,
like no other spot on earth—the Montréal complete with 40 or so original period
Canadiens are the oldest hockey team in the buildings.
mark dignity and joy in their vibrant world that has played without interruption.
heritage and, happily, doors are wide open The Québec Winter Carnival—the FOLLOW YOUR TASTEBUDS
to visitors. world’s largest—anchors the winter with its There’s a deep connection between land
Everywhere, Québec’s National Holiday snow slides, ice sculptures and canoe race and people—from the soil that produces a
is celebrated on June 24 with shows, on the frozen St. Lawrence River. Across the breadbasket of crops and the dedicated
th
parades, bonfi res and fi reworks. When the province, they pay homage to the cooler farmers who create this culinary magic.
sun shines and the air is warm, there are seasons—from the family-friendly Fête des Québec’s gastronomic trails link the harvest
music festivals—Montréal International Neiges in Montréal to the fall Oktobierfest of the countryside with the markets of the
Jazz Festival (Festival International de Jazz in Sainte-Adèle, and all points between. cities. The trails are known for artisanal
de Montréal), Québec City Summer Festival cheese producers, small production
(Festival d’été de Québec) and many HISTORY IS A PART OF THE vintners, local growers and specialty
others—as well as cultural festivals, CULTURAL FABRIC producers. Exploring the trails is a way to
including the Just for Laughs Festival (Juste History is not forgotten in Québec. Rather meet the people who create the province’s
pour rire). than being relics that are swept aside, signature products, from foie gras to
Summertime is glorious in both the history and heritage are embraced. Locals springtime maple syrup.
cities and the countryside. It is the perfect and visitors dress up in period costume at The Farmlands Route (Chemin du
time to visit pick-your-own farms, follow the New France Festival (Les Fêtes de la Terroir) loops through the Laurentians
the province’s food trails, or become one Nouvelle-France) in Québec City, a place countryside, with stops at producers of
