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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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.

Ann is the author of “With Wings as Eagles,” an inspirational and encouraging testimonial of how we can overcome terrible circumstances in our lives. She is dedicated to help and encourage others to stand strong spiritually, emotionally and physically. Get her f*ree ezine, worth $79,here: http://www.lifealteringwords.com

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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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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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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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Quebec also offers a lot of discount room options in most of their hotels. Take a look at some of them.

The Hotel Le Voyageur

This is a hotel in Quebec that offers promotional rates like discount rooms. It is a three star hotel only 2 miles away from the old city, and 10 miles from the International Airport of Jean Lesage. This hotel is along the boulevard of Sainte -Anne between the Park of Montmorency Falls and Quebec City downtown. Guests are provided easy access to the Old Quebec City because it is just less than five minutes away using the highway. This hotel can let you enjoy the outskirts of the city.

Their rooms are newly renovated, with 60 double rooms and 4 suites in all. The suites have a very comfortable atmosphere and are fireproof. The suites can accommodate up to 8 persons.

The hotel can also organize events like corporate gatherings, family reunions and weddings. If you are having events like these, you only have to come to this hotel and they will arrange everything for you. Meeting facilities are also present.

Other hotel amenities and facilities are a private bathroom, mini bar and alarm clock with local AM/FM stations.

All their rooms are smoke free so you can be sure that you breathing only fresh air all the time.

The hotel also has bars where you can have party and cocktails. Even a whole day of partying or other activities can be done here. They also have a restaurant that serves a heart-warming breakfast. There are also other choices available if you are not used to breakfast meals.

Days Inn Quebec West

This is a hotel that offers no frills accommodations for all travelers, especially those who are on a tight budget. They have shuttle services for all their visitors. They have complimentary continental breakfast that includes coffee, fruit and donuts. This breakfast is already included to the room rates.

The Days Inn also offers your business needs. They have meeting spaces with the complete amenities that you need. Internet connection is at no cost. All their 52 rooms are non smoking.

Conference rooms are also provided that could serve as a venue for various functions. It is equipped with standard and modern facilities like audiovisual equipment. There are also business services at hand like a telephone, fax machine, and copier.

Other room amenities and facilities are a crib, rollaway beds, alarm clock radio, 4 sunbursts rating for cable TV, and large meeting rooms for various occasions.

The hotel also offers recreational activities like a tour to their amusement park, bowling, dancing exercise, fine dining, golfing, tour to a museum or gallery, sailing or boating, shopping, and daily shows in their theaters.

This Days Inn hotel has a dining option inside called Restaurant Dejeuner. They serve delectable cuisines that satisfy guests even without having to look for restaurants outside.

For more information on Quebec Cruises and Quebec Flights, please visit our website.

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If you enjoy traveling and learning about the places you are visiting then this is a place that you do not want to miss out, there is a lot of history here like the city of Montreal, some of the buildings go back 100 years, where I am from that is unheard of most building over 50 years old are replaced with something new. If you are the nature type there are the mountains that you ski or snowboard, there are many rivers and lakes that have great fishing and boating.

Quick facts about the province

-Largest city is Montreal

-Population is 7,568,640 2nd biggest Province in Canada

-5th province to become apart of Canada on July 1, 1867

This province has a lot of things to do, I can’t list them all but you need to visit this province to see a lot of Canada’s history. The province is unbelievable so you will need more then a week to see it all.

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ashton Billesberger is the owner and operator of Quebec Canada Guide [http://www.quebec-canada-guide.com] – [http://www.quebec-canada-guide.com], which is the best site on the internet for all Quebec related information.

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Casual eats with great atmosphere:

More refined than your average pizza parlour, La Piazzetta (several locations, 63 rue St-Paul in the Vieux Port, 418.692.2962) offers up tasty, fresh pies in a casual and comfortable environment. The salads, sandwiches, and breakfasts are equally tasty.

Le Cochon Dingue (several locations, 1326 ave Maguire, 418.684.2013) is a popular Quebec chain, with reasonably-priced meat and pasta dishes in a lively (if sometimes noisy) atmosphere.

Discover the best sugar pie (Quebec’s favorite dessert), at Aux Anciens Canadiens (34 rue St-Louise, 418.692.1627). The entrees are good, but the real draw is the smooth maple sugar of this traditional treat.

For any night of the week:

In a city that specializes in the informal bistro tradition, L’Echaudé, (73 rue Sault-au-Matelot, 418.692.1299) is a star. Discover classic French Canadian dishes like steak frites and duck confit on a dining terrace on a pedestrian-only street.

For delicious and fresh seafood, discover the charming bistro of Le Marie-Clarisse (12 rue du Petit-Champlain, 418.692.0857). Just-off-the-boat seafood is personally selected by the chef and owner, and served in traditional and innovative ways in a charming space (choose between the fireplace inside or the terrace outside, depending on the weather)

Le Casse Crepe Breton (1136 rue St-Jean, 418.692.0438) is a great place to take a hungry family, with pizza-sized crepes on offer. Pack ‘em with your choice of meats, eggs, peppers, cheese, or, for a sweet treat, jams, fruits, and chocolate, and watch them come together before your eyes.

Fine dining for celebrations and the best of gourmet local fare:

Although the thought of an all-red design scheme may put some people off, Toast (17 rue Sault-au-Matelot, 418.692.4331) somehow makes it work. It’s small, it’s trendy, and the food is delicious.

Panache (8, Saint Antoine St, 418.692.2211) is chic, charming, and romantic. With stone walls, terrific views of the St Lawrence, and innovative twists on traditional French Canadian fare, this restaurant tucked away in the Auberge Saint-Antoine is great for a cozy dinner for two.

There is no better place for a romantic dinner than Le Saint-Amour (48 rue Ste-Ursule, 418.694.0667) with great French fare, a beautiful room illuminated by candlelight, and unobtrusive service.

Utopie (226 rue St-Joseph, 418.523.7878) may be new, but it stands out amongst many and promises to give established venues a run for their money. A few steps away from the Old Center, Utopie has an dining room that is at once sleek and warm, and offers a great four-course tasting menu.

For great Canada Vacations [http://www.freshtracks.com/canada], look no further than Fresh Tracks [http://www.freshtracks.com]. Since 1992, Fresh Tracks has been creating customized Quebec vacations for the traveler looking to explore off the beaten path.

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

“The Jewish Aviation Museum?” queried the puzzled tourist guide.

“Yea, you know, the Planes of Abraham.” exclaimed the tourist.

The story is no doubt apocryphal, but it underscores the fact that Quebec boasts a different language and culture from the rest of North America.

And vive la difference. Quebec City is the cradle of French civilization in North America. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, French soldier, navigator, geographer and explorer, it is the only walled city north of Mexico.

The name Quebec is derived from the Indian word “Kebec,” meaning “narrowing of the waters”. The city is perched on a 106 meter (350ft) cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River and is divided into the Upper and Lower town. In colonial times the Upper Town was the domain of the military and the government. The Lower Town encompassed the port and trading district where supplies from Europe were unloaded to be replaced by the rich furs of “New France.”

Authentic restoration ensures that today’s Lower Town retains the ambience of early New France, including the thick stonewalls, dormer windows, wooden doors and shutters and bright tin roofs.

The art galleries, boutiques and quaint alfresco cafes that have replaced the old warehouses give Quebec that uniquely European look unknown in other North American cities.

The heart of the Lower Town was, and still is, Place Royale, named after Louis X1V whose bust stands in the square.

Hard by Place Royale is Quartier Petit-Champlain, the oldest district in North America, dating back to the city’s founding in 1608. Originally it was a busy port village with trading posts and elegant residences built of wood, then stone and brick. Towards the end of the 19th century Quartier Petit-Champlain deteriorated. Modern renovation, with strict adherence to authenticity, has again turned the quarter into a quaint riverside village where pedestrians can stroll the narrow streets enjoying the local color. Over 60 craftspeople and artists offer their wares here and visitors can enjoy the native entertainers and musicians while partaking of Quebec’s sumptuous French cuisine.

To get to the Upper Town from the Lower Town you can climb the aptly named “Break-neck Stairs” or take a small funicular railway.

Dominating the skyline up top is that majestic symbol of Quebec City, the Chateau Frontenac. The hotel was built in 1893 and its turrets and towers make it look more like a castle. It is on the site of Fort St. Louis, a governor’s residence in colonial times, and was named after Comte de Frontenac, an early governor of New France.

From the front of the Chateau Frontenac you can take the Promenade des Gouverneurs, a picturesque boardwalk, round to the famous Plains of Abraham or Battlefields Park. This 95-hectare (235 acres) park was the site of the pivotal battle between General Wolfe and General Montcalm in 1759 that irrevocably sealed the fate of New France as a British colony. The boardwalk itself is suspended 92 meters (280ft) above the St. Lawrence and offers spectacular views of the river and Quebec’s busy harbor.

Visitors arriving in Quebec City by car from Montreal are likely to drive down the Grande Allee. The road dates from colonial times when the indigenous people of the Sillery reserve took what was then the longest road in the colony into town to sell their furs. Today the road is lined with restaurants and small hotels all housed in Victorian buildings. It’s great fun to stroll this busy street at night reading the menus posted outside the restaurants. The quality of the restaurants in Quebec City is unequalled anywhere in North America, including New York and San Francisco. Meandering down the Grande Allee in the evening one regrets that one can eat only one dinner.

A visit to Quebec would be incomplete without a tour of ile d’Orleans, a 35 kilometer (21 miles) by nine-kilometer (five miles) island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River.

Quebec poet and folksinger, Felix Leclerc, describes the road that circumscribes the island as “quarante-deux milles de choses tranquilles …” (42 miles of tranquility). The island is certainly a living museum of colonial New France with houses, churches and mills that are centuries old.

Of particular interest in the village of Saint-Jean is the Manoir Mauvide-Genest. Built in 1734 for Mr. Mauvide, surgeon to Louis XV, it is a Norman-style manor and one of the most beautiful rural buildings in the province of Quebec. Today it houses a restaurant on the first floor and a museum on the second.

The bridge connecting the island with the mainland was built in 1935. Prior to this the only contact with the island was by boat in summer and ice-bridge in winter.

From the bridge one gets a superb view of Montmorency Falls on the mainland. With a height of 85 meters (274 ft) it is over 30 meters (100 ft) higher than Niagara Falls. On top of the cliff and to the left of the falls stands the Kent House, once the home of the Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria.

The uniqueness of Quebec was summed up by the English writer Rudyard Kipling in a letter home upon visiting the city in 1907. He wrote: “Quebec … ranks by herself among those Mother-cities of whom none can say, ‘This reminds me ….’”

Bruce Burnett, has won four Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold awards for travel journalism. Read more of Bruce Burnett’s writing on his websites:

1. http://www.globalramble.com/
2. http://www.bruceburnett.ca/
3. http://www.herbalcuisine.com/

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By the early 1700’s the British were a powerful force in the “Upper Canada” region and eventually General Wolfe defeated the French forces defending Quebec after the famous battle of Abraham Plains. The French finally ceded the rights to New France to the British in 1763 and the Province of Quebec joined the Federation in 1867. That wasn’t to be the end of the drama in Quebec as first the “Quiet Revolution” and then the rise of the separatist movement have all led to interesting times. Still a major part of Canada with abundant natural resources, Quebec is a truly diverse Province.

The Province of Québec is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the south by the United States and New Brunswick, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and to the west by Ontario, the James and Hudson Bay’s. Covering an enormous area of well in excess of 1.667 Million square Kilometers, Quebec is the largest Province in Canada and its land mass is one sixth of Canada’s total! With one eighth of the territory being freshwater, the Province has exceptional natural resources and is famous for its Hydro electric power generation capacity that feeds the eastern seaboard of North America. Over 60% of the area is covered in dense forest.

There are four distinct seasons: spring is mild, a normally hot summer, a beautiful fall ( that compares well to New England) and a winter that is white and cold. Seasonal temperatures and vegetation vary depending on the latitude – Quebec is such a huge landmass that the extreme north is in the Arctic Circle! Quebec has an astounding 27 national parks with the majority operated by Parcs Quebec, though some are administered by Parks Canada.

Government/laws – the province is divided into 17 separate administrative regions Each administrative region of Québec is responsible for providing all services essential to promoting and maintaining excellent quality of life for its citizens. Education, social and health care services, sports and leisure activities as well as transportation fall under the jurisdiction of the different levels of government in the region.

Political institutions refer to the National Assembly and the Executive Council, and to municipal institutions, the administrative organization of local municipalities, regional county municipalities (MRC), the Kativik Regional Administration, as well as to the Municipal Commission of Québec. These institutions represent the seat of decision and power in Québec. Québec’s parliamentary system is based on the British model. The National Assembly is composed of 125 members, each elected in a riding under the single-member constituency plurality system.

Established in 1791, the Québec Parliament is one of the oldest in the world, aside from the British Parliament. It was established just after the US Congress but at the same time as the French National Assembly.

The last general election was held on April 14, 2003. The Québec Liberal Party, and its leader Jean Charest, obtained 76 seats and forms the Government.” Federally, the Province is well represented by the Bloc Quebecois, led by Gilles Duceppe and most recently held around 51 seats in the parliament who as recently as 1995 held a referendum to declare Quebec’s sovereignty (which was defeated). Now they are not so separatist but there are still such rumblings around the Province.

Quebec has recently begun to offer some tax cuts though does add QST at 7.5% that is added AFTER the GST 0f 7% which totals an additional 15% on top of the price of goods you see in the shops.

With over 75% of its 7.5 million population French speaking, this is the primary language of the Province. English is a distant second placed though many people are bi lingual. French was passed as the official language of Quebec in 1974.

Quebec is an extremely historic city and with some magnificent architecture is almost 400 years old. The scene of the early struggles of the Canadians and then the francophone population, Quebec City certainly offers a unique experience. With world class cuisine and, the world famous Château Frontenac, perched atop towering Cape Diamond the city promises memories you will never forget. An exceptional place to live, the fortified city on the banks of the St Lawrence waterway is a UNESCO world heritage site that welcomes over 6 million visitors each year.

Montréal is the major city of the Province with over 3.3 million inhabitants spread throughout its 19 boroughs with 2 major airports (Trudeau and Mirabel) and definitely the powerhouse of the Quebec economy. The major aerospace manufacturing plants of Rolls Royce, Bombardier, Dowty and the technical base for Air Canada serve as major employers. With professional sports teams the Canadiens (ice hockey) and the allouettes (CFL) the city is well represented, with arts a major interest the international jazz festival offers jazz lovers a 2 week experience that is the envy of many cities.

Outaouais, – this is a large region that is on the Quebec side of the Ottawa river just across from Ottawa. Many federal civil servants live here and cross the river for each work day, living in the largest residential area of the region, the City of Gatineau.

The minimum wage is split into 3 distinct categories, the general wage is $7.60 per hour, the limit for people earning tips is $6.85 and those in the clothing industry is $8.10 – these are the 2005 rates. There are comprehensive laws that regulate the employment in Quebec and provide protection and rights for any employee’s without a standard contract or decree. If you are new to the province I would recommend you thoroughly understand these rights and obligations.

Economy – The main Quebec economy has a GDP of C$250 million which is built upon several different areas of excellence:

Aerospace, IT, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals provide a strong area of technical expertise. The manufacturing industry (Montreal area is especially renowned for its transportation manufacturing – Bombardier for instance) are a major factor in the huge export of goods (82%) into the USA with around1/3rd of the GDP coming from external trade.

The natural resources are huge with 60% of the North American newsprint manufactured from the lumber in Quebec, mining of gold, iron, titanium, asbestos, copper, zinc and silver and the extensive hydro electric power plants. With over 50,000 new jobs being produced each year and estimated growth of over 2.5%, Quebec is definitely moving forwards, though the unemployment rate of 9.1% is still fairly high compared to other Canadian provinces.

For more, detailed information and great links please go to http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/province_of_quebec.html

The author immigrated to Canada in 2003 and has constructed a free information website http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com about Canadian Immigration and life in Canada based on his family’s experiences.

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