Less than 40 miles east of Montreal is a great place to start your tour. Here you’ll find The Laurentians, a pleasant introduction into the Canadian countryside with these rolling hills and mountains. Actually, with its highest peak topping out at just over 3,100 feet (Mont Tremblant), these hardly qualify as mountains, rather foothills similar to the Catskills in New York State. Although not as intimidating as the rocky formations in the western region of the continent, the Laurentians were formed more than a billion years ago, making them some of the oldest mountains in the entire world. The Laurentians offer many outdoor retreats and leisurely country drives, a perfect compliment to a colorful fall season.

Northwest of the Laurentians is the Trois-Rivieres region. As the Saint-Maurice River meets the St. Lawrence, the two rivers split into three branches that flow through the region. Once a booming logging area, the Trois-Rivieres is much like the Laurentians with its rolling hills and lush forest filled with Canadian wildlife. Here you’ll also find the 210-square-mile national park, Parc National de la Maurice. Established in 1970, the park safeguards this portion of the Canadian Shield, including the park’s wide variety of wildlife, several types of forest and more than 100 lakes.

The Lac Saint-Jean region is almost due north of Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River. Why stop here? How about the 520 square miles of popular summer resort areas for residents of Quebec City and the surrounding area. And with that comes a hotbed of leisure outdoor activities during the Canadian summer. The eastern part of the region, hugging the shores of the St. Lawrence River, offers a unique activity for this part of the continent: whale-watching. Although seemingly too far inland for whales to migrate, the chilly and deep St. Lawrence River welcomes several types of small whales to its water year-round. With a little effort, and a whale-watching excursion or two, one can sight the gorgeous white beluga or humpback whale. Blue whales, the largest creatures on earth, have also been known to slip into this section of the St. Lawrence River.

One of Canada’s most popular whale-watching spots is located near the picturesque Saguenay Fjord. Here the Saguenay River dumps into the salty water of the St. Lawrence, and whales of all types converge on the area to feast. Through whale-watching boat tours or one of the area’s many observation points, you may be able to catch glimpses of beluga, fin, minke or any of the other whale species that frequent the area.

Traveling up the northern shore of the St. Lawrence, the land becomes increasingly more remote as the environment becomes less forgiving. For the intrepid explorer these conditions only mean untouched natural wonders are waiting for them. A perfect example of a more remote natural wonder can be found in Côte Nord, a region once dominated by lumber towns, it would be considered rather isolated by most standards. Today, Côte Nord is a wonderful resource for hydroelectricity as several large and powerful rivers divide the land. But the real draw to the region is the Mingan Archipelago National Park. RVers will need to leave their rigs behind, but it’s well worth it. This series of 40 small islands offers some of the most unique and dramatic scenery in all of Canada. Dedicated as a national park reserve in 1984, Mingan Archipelago is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including puffins and seals. However, the area’s true attraction is the dramatic limestone structures that rise from the rocky shores. These natural monoliths seem like they stretch forever along the St. Lawrence shoreline.

In the middle of the widest part of the St. Lawrence River lies the series of connected islands known as Isles de la Madeleine. Another archepelago, several of these islands are connected by sandbars; some of which have remarkable cliff formations. The northern stretch of the islands marries bucolic farmland with sandy beaches, lush forests and miles of secluded hiking trails.

On the St. Lawrence’s southern shores, directly across from the Iles de la Madeleine, is the Gaspe Peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Getting to the peninsula is a treat in itself. The drive along Highway 132, along the coastline of the St. Lawrence, is one of Canada’s most celebrated scenic routes. We’re talking A+ views here. Craggy cliffs drop off to sandy beaches to the north, while the southern scenery is green, rolling hills interspersed with quiet fishing villages. For a uniquely Canadian outdoor experience, visit the central part of the peninsula (the area’s highest elevation) where you’ll find the Parc de la Gaspe. Inhabitants such as moose, elk and caribou, don’t seem to mind the area’s harsh conditions. Along the peninsula’s northern shores is the Parc National Forillon. A national park since the 1970s, this 90-square-mile sanctuary reveals some of the peninsula’s best vistas as well as an abundance of native wildlife. It’s an ideal mountains-meet-the-sea environment, as pine covered hills become the rocky coastline.

Woodall’s Campground Directory is the largest and most detailed North American Campground Directory available, with nearly 15,000 campgrounds included. Woodall’s rates and inspects privately owned campgrounds with its trusted 5W-5W rating system. Find out more about Quebec Campgrounds.
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* You should obtain the relevant application form and fill it very carefully. If the application is left incomplete or not filled appropriately, it would either be rejected or subject to delays.
* The next step is the initial assessment of the application. This process varies depending on the program under which you have filed for immigration.
* If you are applying under the Entrepreneur or the Self – Employed Worker, the Quebec Immigration office in your country of residence would assess your application and documents and a receipt of acknowledgment would be sent in return. A list of the missing documents would also be sent (if applicable) along with the deadline. If you do not send the missing documents timely, you application would be rejected. A complete assessment would only be done once all the required documents are submitted.
* If applying under the Investor category, it is vital for the Selection Certificate to be submitted. If the application is found to be incomplete, it would be returned back along with the fee. However, if the application is complete, you would be invited by the Minister prior to your application assessment. This is done to clarify regarding any form of updates that need to be added to your application. No other documents would be accepted post this stage.
* The selection process is followed after the initial assessment. To proceed further, you must clear the above initial round of assessment. If cleared, you would be called for Selection Interview which would evaluate your case completely. A notice mentioning the venue, date and time for the interview would be sent in advance to you. An interpreter could be used during the interview. Based on the information provided and the category under which you have applied, the followed would be analyzed during the interview:
* In case you have applied under the Investor category; you would be assessed for your professional experience, agreement for investment, assets and other legally acquired possessions.
* Under the Entrepreneurs category, emphasis would be given to your experience as an entrepreneur, skills in implementing a given business plan successfully, steps taken to buy a business in Quebec, total assets and so on.
* If applied as a Self – Employed worker, the total professional experience as a self – employed worker along with the net assets and legal possessions would be considered.

A selection interview would normally last for ninety minutes to couple of hours.

Post interview, the following consequences are possible:

* Your application would be accepted and you would be informed of the further procedure to be carried out. You would be granted a Quebec Selection Certificate instantly.
* Another outcome is that your application would be denied. This would happen if your application fails to meet the eligibility criteria. In such a case, you would be issued a letter of explanation regarding the same. You would be informed the terms and conditions pertaining to an administrative review.
* A letter of intent for refusal could also be issued which is basically an explanation where in you would be permitted to submit additional documents in support of your application. You would be given a maximum of sixty days to make this submission. If you fail to provide for this, your application would be rejected.

Above all, it is best to consult an Immigration Expert who can guide you accordingly to ensure a smooth process.

Ajay Sharma is an immigration expert who provides his valuable advice to people seeking immigration in countries like Canada, Denmark, USA, Australia and many others. With years of experience under his belt, he is the principal immigration consultant of ABHINAV.com, which is in business since 1994. Over the years, Abhinav has continually stood the test of time and has helped its clients in accomplishing their relocation dreams to foreign lands, successfully and smoothly.

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After its founder, Samuel de Champlain, set up a fur trading post in 1608, Quebec surrounded itself with ramparts. From its high promontory it had a strategic view over the majestic St. Lawrence River split in two by the island of “L’île d’Orleans”. Upper Town housed the seats of government and religious institutions. Merchants and craftsmen eventually settled in the Lower Town, a steep drop along a narrow ledge between the almost vertical escarpment and the St. Lawrence River.

Both France and England wanted to conquer Quebec, and many battles were fought in the 17th and 18th centuries to that end. Under the command of General Wolfe, the British were finally victorious in 1759, making New France a British colony. Nevertheless, by then the Quebecois had already become firmly established both in Quebec City and the surrounding regions.

Quebec is considered as the cradle of French civilization in North America. Upper Town was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1985. This walled fortress guarded by its Citadel is the only fortified city in North America.

Today its colorful narrow, winding streets are overflowing with quaint restaurants, bistros, cafes, museums, art galleries and boutiques. Artists display their paintings; copper art and wood carvings line the alleys. Street corners are replete with musicians and folk proudly wearing embroidered costumes of yesteryear.

The Château Frontenac, a medieval styled hotel, is the dominant feature of Upper Town. A large number of heritage homes have been turned into small hotels, or auberges. Horse drawn covered “calèches” leisurely meander over the cobblestones.

A unique funicular runs regularly from Dufferin Terrace, adjacent to the Château Frontenac in an almost perpendicular drop to Lower Town and back. The more physically fit and/or less hurried folk have the option of taking a couple of sets of steep stairs.

On the other side of the Frontenac, one level down buried in the granite rock is the archaeological site of the partially unearthed governor’s palace. A number of government officials had called it home over two centuries until it was destroyed by fire. A number of officials in period costumes guided us through the mazes of chambers, which had detailed descriptions, pictures and historical data.

At sunset the aroma of the Lower Town restaurants drew lineups. In many cases the terraces were bigger than the main dining rooms. It was a tossup between the ambiance of the rustic interior and “la terrasse” with its view of passing elegance of days gone by. We chose the former. The soft sounds of a harp lent an air of elegance to the excellent cuisine, attentive service and cozy atmosphere.

The day was topped off with a stroll down the quay to a large expanse of pure white adjoining elevators. At precisely ten o’clock they were transformed into a huge outdoor cinemascope depicting Quebec life from 1608 until the present. Exploits and defeats, the “coureurs de bois” felling the trees, the fur trade, political highlights, and the industrial era, to list but a few. What a display of sound and images! We were spellbound.

This trip was not merely an expedition to an open air museum. It was exhilarating because our minds were focused away from daily tedium and our souls were refreshed. Furthermore, we received a renewed dose of appreciation for life in the 20th century. It may be romantic to imagine the high life of the elite in the 1600s until you consider the conveniences we take so much for granted which they had to do without! Also, it is humbling to acknowledge the hardships of the severe winters, which killed thousands in their efforts of defending and taming this beautiful part of our heritage.

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I would like to help you in your decision by listing the information of some of the famous RV parks in Quebec City:

1. Quebec City KOA – Levis Campground:
If you want to experience the fervor of France near to your quiet campground site then this is the right place for you. The camp site is just 15 minutes away from the charm of beautiful buildings of the city. The site offers eminent facilities for your family trip. You can enjoy the pleasure of shopping and trip to galleries with all at reasonable prices. Golf courses and various sports equipments are the added attraction of being here. It also has swimming pool and hot sauna services. 50 amp power supplies with free wireless internet facility will serve you a great camping experience.

2. Camping municipal de Beauport
The site has 136 camping sites. The site offers cross country skiing over 5 trails that approximates to around 13.7 miles. The services provided include heated cabin, waxing room, laundry and showers. It opens everyday including weekends. You can enjoy mountain biking, onsite outdoor pool and cycling trails. The attraction of city life is also near to the camping site.

3. Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie
You can enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and many more such fun filled activities in this camping park. The campground is located in Quebec. It has a total of 148 sites. The site offers its services from the month of May to October. Various amenities provided by the site are tenting, showers, and firewood. The site is at a 170 km distance from Quebec.

These are some of the RV Campg rounds located near to the Quebec City. Hope you rejuvenate yourself in the fragrance of France. Happy camping experience!

Read more about Camping & RV Parks. Going to Quebec ? Know all Quebec Campgrounds & RV Park

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In Quebec, walleye fishing is a sensitive thing, and in order to keep the lakes well stocked for competitive anglers who regularly participate in competitions and tournaments, there are strict limits imposed on the size and number of walleye that a single fisherman can take daily. In fact, it is strongly recommended by the Quebec authorities that both pike and walleye are fished in a catch and release fashion only, though this is not enforced by law.

In order to begin your Quebec walleye fishing excursion, you may want to spend time at Lake Ecarte (Lost Lake). Known more widely as Lost Lake, this area is a sport fishing heaven, with a number of different species present in its waters, including a large number of walleye. While the main fish you’ll find on Lost Lake are Northern Pike and Lake Trout, the five-mile long body of water is also a place where you can count on a good, solid walleye harvest.

Another excellent Quebec walleye fishing lake is Lake Sasseginega. This lake is much larger than Lost Lake, running about 19 miles in length, and is easily fishable, even on days when every angler in the province is out on the water, shooting for the same walleye as you because of its size. You’ll find not only walleye here, but also Lake Trout and Large Northern Pike that reach up to about 28 pounds in size.

“H” Lake is another popular Quebec walleye fishing hole, where you can find large walleye frequently. A mere 15 minute walk from Portage, this is a commonly fished lake and a convenient spot to relax for the afternoon. You’ll find great action here, if you are looking for the activity, and you can rent boats and motors. If you don’t mind catch and release fishing, you can also check out Forgotten Lake, which is catch and release only and also within 15 minutes – walking distance of Portage. Besides walleye, you’ll find a number of good sized Northern Pike.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best walleye fishing information possible. Get more information on Quebec walleye fishing here: http://www.askwalleyefishing.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Eggertsen

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you’ve got one of Ike Quebec’s most impressive releases ever.

Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there’s not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Ike Quebec is clearly in top form. So much so that if you’re even mildly into Jazz music you’ll enjoy this CD.

While the entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 4 – Brother Can You Spare A Dime, track 7 – I Want A Little Girl, and track 9 – Blues For Ike

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 – Acquitted. Good stuff!

Heavy Soul Release Notes:

Ike Quebec originally released Heavy Soul on February 15, 2005 on the Blue Note Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Acquitted 2. Just One More Chance 3. Que’s Dilemma 4. Brother Can You Spare A Dime 5. Man I Love, The 6. Heavy Soul 7. I Want A Little Girl 8. Nature Boy 9. Blues For Ike – (bonus track)

Personnel: Ike Quebec (tenor saxophone); Freddie Roach (organ); Milt Hinton (bass); Al Harewood (drums). Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on November 26, 1961. Originally released on Blue Note (84093). Includes liner notes by Leonard Feather. Personnel: Ike Quebec (tenor saxophone); Freddie Roach (organ); Milt Hinton (bass instrument); Al Harewood (drums).

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For a traditional skiing vacation at a great value, Quebec’s Mont Tremblant can’t be beat. With a wide variety of trails, a pretty, pedestrian-only village, and the tourist infrastructure of Whistler/Blackcomb (thanks to the same parent company) with a tenth of the crowds at a tenth of the costs, it’s definitely a contender for Canada’s best East Coast resort.

A close proximity to Montreal also makes it a cinch to combine a skiing vacation with some shopping and culture.

If you’re lucky enough to be near Quebec City around the beginning of February, be sure to make time for the city’s incredible Winter Carnival. Fun for travelers and locals of all ages and interests, this carnival offers ice sculptures, parades, canoe races across the frozen St. Lawrence, and an impressive castle of ice.

For a unique hotel experience, try the Ice Hotel (located outside Quebec City). Rebuilt every year out of snow and ice, it’s a beautiful beat of architecture and design… And you won’t soon forget a night spent in a crystal cave staying cozy in fur pelts.

Mush! Kids especially will love the chance to try dogsledding, a uniquely winter activity. In Quebec, dogsledding tours include the opportunity to explore a beautiful (and otherwise inaccessible) countryside, all the while mushing your own team of sled dogs. You can also choose to let a professional take the reins. Either way, it’s exhilarating!

However you choose to discover Quebec, enjoy the province’s beautiful nature, accessible culture, and unique and proud heritage. Bons voyages!

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Come up to be a great skier with an edifice of 65 km of groomed skiing trail. But, there are thousands of kilometres of marked skiing trails dotted across Quebec for cross country skiing, passing through provincial parks and wildlife reserves.

Enjoy the same luxury of travelling around on your vehicle as you do it in your normal days. But, this time the charm is exclusive for speeding on the snow in snowmobile. Despite of well defined majestic route covering Quebec, Charlevoix and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean regions, the place has grand network of snowmobiling routes all over northern region. Actually snowmobiling is transformed into a normal roadways arrangement with traffic patrols, maps and safety codes.

Guiding your own team of dogs to ferry you around gorgeous and scenically stunning Quebec is an incomparable experience. Submitting you totally to view the exuberant beauty of nature by dogsledding through the forests and over the frozen lakes is an unexplainable charm.

Many people love to be on their own and walk down to extract every drop of beauty. Surely that is the best way to not miss even a little, but it will be enjoyable only with Snowshoeing. Enjoy the great outdoors of Tremblant and Laurentians wearing snowshoes. Discover the fresh air of these places and inhale it to your heart’s content under guided tours or venture out on solo hiking to explore the mountains.

Riding the sleigh pulled by the horses is something like a festive charm anytime during day or night. It offers a tour through the fields and forests giving a feeling to be in the fairy lands of snow. Tubing parks in Mont Tremblant is famous for its eight well laid out trails and two rope tows for thrilling long slips of snow tubing. You can have the tubing experience throughout the day with your family.

Horseback riding thorough snow covered landscape is an altogether different experience than normal horse riding in amusement parks. By no means should the experience be mixed with Sleigh riding. In reality this kind of riding offers completely different feeling to cross snow clad fields, the hilly slopes or even the flat lands. The pleasure trip becomes more enjoyable due to forest setting all around.

Quebec winter activities offer a lot of daring act of ice climbing if you love such adventure. Even if you are totally new and thinking of trying out this adventure, there is nothing to worry. You will get all the support of equipments and instructor.

Rental cottages in Quebec Canada. Visit more Canadian vacation travel publications.

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In setting immigration policy, the Canadian government believes strongly that provinces and territories should understand how Canada’s immigration intake can be aligned to their particular labour market needs. Additionally, by supporting a regional program of immigration, the government is helping to ensure that the benefits of immigration are distributed across this country. The origination of the Action Plan for Faster Immigration also allows provinces and territories to assist in�clearing the backlog of federal skilled worker applicants who have applied under the various sections of the economic category.

The Skilled Worker Programme in Quebec is facilitating an easy transition to desired skilled immigrants who wish to settle in the area. As a result of Quebec’s unique location within Canada, the province is empowered to manage its own immigration policy and programme. Due to the ability of Quebec to set its own specific criteria which are separate to those set by national organisations charged with development and implementation of national immigration policy, it affords an exceptional chance for those who have applied under the Federal Skilled Worker visa, but who have not met the national criteria, to apply to settle in the province of Quebec.

In October this year, alterations to the Quebec immigration programme were implemented, with the new criteria making it even easier for certain applicants to gain entry to the province. New initiatives have reduced the selection process, with the most prominent alteration being the reduction of the overall selection criteria from the previous systems requirement of scoring 59 points to 55 for an single applicant, while couples receive similar reductions in the process, having their marks decreased from 68 to 63 points. Additionally, new measures have been implemented to recognise the various qualifications held by potential applicants, which will recognise more types of diplomas than under the previous system. Those who have an educational background in highly desired occupations or skill sets may also qualify for priority processing.

To be selected for immigration as a skilled worker, you must possess the necessary skills and experience required to facilitate the successful integration into Quebec’s employment market and society. A working knowledge of French is essential, with competency in English being highly desirable. The general criteria for gaining acceptance for employment include assessments of the level of education an individual possesses, age, knowledge of French and English, number of previous visits to Quebec, family ties with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Quebec, characteristics of relating spouses accompanying you, financial situation and the offer of employment by a validated employer in the region.

When considering the move to Quebec, or any other destination in Canada, it is imperative that you understand the conditions of acceptance, along with the comprehension of the various stages of the application. An experienced immigration consultant, who specialises in immigration to Canada, will be able to advise you on all aspects of the application process, while streamlining the process and reducing waiting times. Whether you have decided to make the move or are just speculating as to what your options may be, a reputable and industry-recognised immigration consultant will be able to give you the information you need.

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Walk the old city. Do not drive. The streets are very narrow. The old city, vieux Quebec, is surrounded by a wall with only a few gates to permit entry. Stop at the Jesuit Chapel built in 1817. This is a very simple chapel whose architect was a member of the Baillairge dynasty. They seem to have designed most of the churches in Provence Quebec.

Down the street, next to the fortifications, is Artillery Park, a National Historical Site of Canada. The park has buildings you can visit. The most interesting of them is the Dauphine Redoubt. The lowest two floors were built by the French in 1712. The British added a third floor, and the Canadians added a fourth floor when the complex was used as a munitions factory from 1902 until 1964. The park includes an officer’s quarters and a barracks, which is the longest building built by the French in North America. Until then the soldiers were quartered in the homes of civilians.

From Artillery Park walk the historic streets to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the oldest parish North of Mexico. Bishop Laval, the diocese first bishop traveled most of the diocese, which extended from Newfoundland to New Orleans, LA. Remember that all of the land along the Mississippi once was claimed by France. Across the plaza is the City Hall and next door is the Seminary, which eventually became Laval University.

A short three block walk is the luxury hotel, Chateau Frontenac, which dominates the Quebec Skyline. The tower was not part of the original hotel. When a fire destroyed the old hotel the tower was built and the hotel surrounded it. This seems to be one of the focal points of the city. Many people congregate around the hotel, perhaps because of the numerous parks which surround it.

A walk down Rue St. Louis bring you to a tree with a canon ball in its roots, a souvenir from the fall of Quebec in 1759 under a hail of over 20,000 cannon balls.

Walking the streets is a real treat. Even though the sidewalks are narrow and the streets climb up and down the hills, the experience is one of being in an eighteenth century French town.

The changing of the guard at the Citadel is a must see event. The Citadel, erected on the original French site in 1820 to ward off attack from the USA, is the home of the 23rd Regiment of the Canadian Army. Formed during World War I, as the only French speaking Canadian regiment, they have also seen combat action during World War II and the Korean Conflict. At 10:00 A.M. daily they hold the traditional changing of the guard, complete with marching band and their goat mascot. Sixteen men, plus their officers are on guard duty for twenty-four hour periods. The ceremony takes thirty-five minutes and is then followed by an hour tour of the facilities.

The fortress is the largest fortification garrisoned by regular troops in North America. Star shaped in design, the main defense faced the river, the cannons having a two and a half mile range. While on the tour, the commandant’s wife waved from a second floor window to the group and showed off her two year old puppy, Chelsea. The Citadel overlooks the Plains of Abraham, where Montcalm lost the battle to Wolfe during the French and Indian War. During the battle, both lost their lives. There is free two hour parking inside the walls of the fortress. The entry is serpentine and the main gate is very narrow, the original structure from the fortifications.

Drive around the Plains of Abraham. Here too is free parking, the visitor’s center, the fine arts museum and beautiful views of the river. Here the cliffs protecting Old Quebec fall way to sloping access to the river, perfect entry for the army to attack.

Drive past the summit of Montmorency Falls. The falls have been dammed to harness electricity. A suspension bridge lets people look down from the summit and a cable car takes passengers from the bottom to the top and vice versa. Since the falls are higher than Niagara Falls, use of the cable car is better than climbing the steps.

John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org

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