Dear travelers to Quebec: Please Don’t Visit Until You’ve Understood These 12 Things

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Dear travelers to Quebec: Please Don’t Visit Until You’ve Understood These 12 Things

Margarita Ibbott

Posted: April 14, 2024 | Last updated: April 14, 2024

1. Quebec is both a city and a province Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories, with Quebec being the largest province in Canada. Travelers to Quebec may get confused because Quebec is ... <a class="read-more" href="https://www.downshiftingpro.com/dear-travelers-to-quebec-please-dont-visit-until-youve-understood-these-12-things/" title="Dear travelers to Quebec: Please Don’t Visit Until You’ve Understood These 12 Things">Read more</a>

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Dear travelers to Quebec: Please Don’t Visit Until You’ve Understood These 12 Things

1. Quebec is both a city and a province Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories, with Quebec being the largest province in Canada. Travelers to Quebec may get confused because Quebec is ... Read more

<p>Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories, with Quebec being the largest province in Canada. Travelers to Quebec may get confused because Quebec is both a city – the capital, to be precise- for the province of the same name. So you may find yourself visiting and falling in love with Quebec, Quebec. In 2023, Quebec City celebrated its 415th anniversary, and there will be plenty to celebrate from French Canadian culture, food, and the arts.</p>

Quebec City Photo Credit pascalegueret via Depositphotos

1. Quebec is both a city and a province

Canada is divided into ten provinces and three territories, with Quebec being the largest province in Canada. Travelers to Quebec may get confused because Quebec is both a city – the capital, to be precise- for the province of the same name. So you may find yourself visiting and falling in love with Quebec, Quebec. In 2023, Quebec City celebrated its 415th anniversary, and there will be plenty to celebrate from French Canadian culture, food, and the arts.

<p>Did you know that the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world? The iconic Fairmont Château Frontenac in Quebec City, built between 1892 and 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, sits proudly atop Cape Diamond and Dufferin Terrace. Inspired by France’s Loire Valley châteaux, it offers stunning panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and the old port below. This historic landmark, nestled within Old Quebec’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the fortification surrounding the old city, epitomizes elegance and luxury, drawing visitors worldwide with its timeless beauty.</p>

Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO

2. Most Photographed Hotel in the World

Did you know that the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world? The iconic Fairmont Château Frontenac in Quebec City, built between 1892 and 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, sits proudly atop Cape Diamond and Dufferin Terrace. Inspired by France’s Loire Valley châteaux, it offers stunning panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and the old port below. This historic landmark, nestled within Old Quebec’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the fortification surrounding the old city, epitomizes elegance and luxury, drawing visitors worldwide with its timeless beauty.

<p>The largest winter carnival in the world is held in Quebec City. <strong><a href="https://www.downshiftingpro.com/what-to-do-at-the-quebec-carnival-in-2024/">Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec)</a></strong> lights up Quebec City from late January to mid-February. Imagine 18 days of pure magic, where the cityscape transforms into a winter wonderland, buzzing with concerts, chilling canoe races, thrilling sledding adventures, breathtaking ice sculptures, and a sparkly display of lights. Let’s not forget the nighttime parades that add a touch of enchantment, captivating everyone from the little ones to the young at heart.</p>

Bonhomme-Carnaval Photo Credit AudetPhoto via Carnaval-de-Quebec

3. Quebec Winter Carnival is unique to North America

The largest winter carnival in the world is held in Quebec City. Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) lights up Quebec City from late January to mid-February. Imagine 18 days of pure magic, where the cityscape transforms into a winter wonderland, buzzing with concerts, chilling canoe races, thrilling sledding adventures, breathtaking ice sculptures, and a sparkly display of lights. Let’s not forget the nighttime parades that add a touch of enchantment, captivating everyone from the little ones to the young at heart.

<p>Celebrating over 50 years of hosting musical acts from all over the world but focusing on French-Canadian acts, the summer concert <strong><em><i>Festival d’été de Québec</i></em></strong> (FEAQ) continues to grow and is one of the cheapest tickets in town to see a lot of really big names (and I mean big). Headliners who have played FEQ include Kendrick Lemar, Foo Fighters, The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Maroon 5, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. The largest audience was in 2015, when approximately 102,000 people saw the Rolling Stones. The <strong><a href="https://www.feq.ca/en">FEQ 2024 lineup</a></strong> includes Post Malone, 50 Cent, The Jonas Brothers, and Nickelback. </p><p>Over one million people attend this 11-day festival in July. The cost of the festival pass covers the large outdoor mainstage and other smaller but still substantial outdoor stages throughout the downtown core. Held on the historic Plains of Abraham, this truly is the best-kept secret in music festivals in North America.</p>

Neil Young at FEQ Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO

4. Festival d’été de Québec is the best kept secret

Celebrating over 50 years of hosting musical acts from all over the world but focusing on French-Canadian acts, the summer concert Festival d’été de Québec (FEAQ) continues to grow and is one of the cheapest tickets in town to see a lot of really big names (and I mean big). Headliners who have played FEQ include Kendrick Lemar, Foo Fighters, The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Maroon 5, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. The largest audience was in 2015, when approximately 102,000 people saw the Rolling Stones. The FEQ 2024 lineup includes Post Malone, 50 Cent, The Jonas Brothers, and Nickelback.

Over one million people attend this 11-day festival in July. The cost of the festival pass covers the large outdoor mainstage and other smaller but still substantial outdoor stages throughout the downtown core. Held on the historic Plains of Abraham, this truly is the best-kept secret in music festivals in North America.

<p>On the island of Montreal is is <em>interdit</em> <strong>(not permitted) to turn right on a red light</strong>. This is important to know because as North Americans, we are used to this traffic rule. In Quebec City (downtown core) I recently noticed there were many more signs prohibiting right on a red light. If you are driving besure and proceed with caution and pay attentions to the signs.</p><p>Also note a <strong><em>flashing green light</em></strong> is the same as a left hand arrow. When the green light flashes or a green arrow appears, this means that <strong>you have the right of way to turn left</strong>. The vehicles on the other side of the intersection are not allowed to move forward, since their light is red.</p>

No Right on Red in Montreal Photo Credit AndrewLozovyi Depositphotos

5. No Right-on-Red and other Road Rules

On the island of Montreal is is interdit (not permitted) to turn right on a red light. This is important to know because as North Americans, we are used to this traffic rule. In Quebec City (downtown core) I recently noticed there were many more signs prohibiting right on a red light. If you are driving besure and proceed with caution and pay attentions to the signs.

Also note a flashing green light is the same as a left hand arrow. When the green light flashes or a green arrow appears, this means that you have the right of way to turn left. The vehicles on the other side of the intersection are not allowed to move forward, since their light is red.

<p>If you have ever had a fresh bagel at three am (after you’ve closed down the bars), stood in line for an hour to get into <strong><a href="http://Good Eats in Montreal, 5 Amazing Foods you MUST Try!">Schwartz’s for smoked meat</a></strong>, eaten poutine (a marvelous marriage of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy), you will have lived a true Montreal experience. That being said, Montreal has a very hight number of restaurants per capita than other Canadian Cities. Pick your favorite food, and you will find it there. The province of Quebec (as opposed to just the city) has award-winning cheeses, ice wines, and maple syrup.</p>

Smoked Meat & Bagels in Montreal Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO

6. Montreal is famous for these three foods

If you have ever had a fresh bagel at three am (after you’ve closed down the bars), stood in line for an hour to get into Schwartz’s for smoked meat, eaten poutine (a marvelous marriage of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy), you will have lived a true Montreal experience. That being said, Montreal has a very hight number of restaurants per capita than other Canadian Cities. Pick your favorite food, and you will find it there. The province of Quebec (as opposed to just the city) has award-winning cheeses, ice wines, and maple syrup.

<p>It may surprise you but the legal drinking age in Quebec is the lowest in Canada. It is 18 as opposed to 19 in the other provinces and territories. There is still a zero-tolerance for drinking and driving (which comes with getting your car impounded, license suspended, heavy fines and possible jail time). There are taxis and Ubers available in all major cities. </p><p>Contrary to other Canadian provinces, you can buy beer and wine in convenience (<em>depanneur</em>) stores, grocery and even some Costcos. Liquor and most wine is available only through the province’s liquor corporation, known as the <strong>SAQ</strong>.</p>

Cocktails-in-Quebec-Photo-Credit-DownshiftingPRO

7. Legal Drinking Age

It may surprise you but the legal drinking age in Quebec is the lowest in Canada. It is 18 as opposed to 19 in the other provinces and territories. There is still a zero-tolerance for drinking and driving (which comes with getting your car impounded, license suspended, heavy fines and possible jail time). There are taxis and Ubers available in all major cities.

Contrary to other Canadian provinces, you can buy beer and wine in convenience (depanneur) stores, grocery and even some Costcos. Liquor and most wine is available only through the province’s liquor corporation, known as the SAQ.

<p>All public signs (including storefronts) use French-only verbiage. Restaurants may have bilingual and unilingual menus, but you can always ask servers (or Google Translate) for help. You will find multilingual personnel in large tourism areas who can help you. The service industry (attractions, hotels, visitor centers) in high-tourism areas are used to having visitors from all over the world.</p><p>In a province where 94.5% speak French (50% only French and 44.5% French & English), the language barrier may be challenging but not insurmountable. In the financial center of the province, Montreal, you will frequently hear conversations in both languages simultaneously. Many people will switch from one language to the other with ease. In other prominent cities like Quebec City, Rimouski or Sherbrooke, you are less likely to hear English spoken regularly – but you will find someone to help you out if you are lost.</p>

French signs in Montreal Photo Credit DownshiftingPRO

8. Outside of Montreal, English is limited

All public signs (including storefronts) use French-only verbiage. Restaurants may have bilingual and unilingual menus, but you can always ask servers (or Google Translate) for help. You will find multilingual personnel in large tourism areas who can help you. The service industry (attractions, hotels, visitor centers) in high-tourism areas are used to having visitors from all over the world.

In a province where 94.5% speak French (50% only French and 44.5% French & English), the language barrier may be challenging but not insurmountable. In the financial center of the province, Montreal, you will frequently hear conversations in both languages simultaneously. Many people will switch from one language to the other with ease. In other prominent cities like Quebec City, Rimouski or Sherbrooke, you are less likely to hear English spoken regularly – but you will find someone to help you out if you are lost.

<p>There is an abundance of themed tours ranging from the traditional <a href="https://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/road-trips-and-getaways/the-whale-route">Whale Route</a>, the eclectic <a href="https://www.downshiftingpro.com/quebec-by-the-sea-the-lighthouse-trail-in-quebec-maritime-detailed-itinerary/">Lighthouse Trail</a>, the thirst-quenching <a href="https://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/road-trips-and-getaways/the-beer-route">Beer Tour</a> to the adventurous Motorcycle or <a href="https://www.quebecmaritime.ca/en/road-trips-and-getaways/road-trip-ideas#0/96/0">Snowmobile Tours</a>. To find the perfect tour check out the Quebec Maritime website for detailed (maps, stops, itinerary) suggestions.</p>

Moose observation in Chic-Chocs Photo Credi: Eric Deschamps Quebec-Maritime

9. The Appalachian Mountains occupy the southern portion of Quebec

Travelers to Quebec may be surprised to know that the Appalachian Mountains reach all the way up into the Quebec Maritime region of Quebec. Running through the Gaspe Peninsula, the Chic-Choc Mountains and Notre Dame Range meet up with the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Located in Quebec Maritime, the Gaspe Peninsula has over 3,000 km (1,900 miles) of coastline and covers a vast territory of 280,000 km2 (108,000 sq. mi.), and includes ten national and provincial parks.

<p>Hydro-Québec provides electricity to New England and the New York Power Authority. One of Quebec’s biggest export is electricity provided by hydroelectricities dams located on the North Shore of Quebec Maritime. Much of the Eastern seaboard is powed by Quebec.</p>

Manic-5 Hydroelectric Dam Photo Credit Sébastien St-Jean_Tourisme Côte-Nord

10. Hydroelectricity to the USA

Hydro-Québec provides electricity to New England and the New York Power Authority. One of Quebec’s biggest export is electricity provided by hydroelectricities dams located on the North Shore of Quebec Maritime. Much of the Eastern seaboard is powed by Quebec.

<p>Traditonal Quebec cuisine is focused on <a href="https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/restaurants-quebec-city/comfort-food">comfort food, maple syrup and sweet sweets</a>. Québec is home to many unique dishes and is most famous for its poutine, tourtières, pâté chinois, Soupe aux pois (split-pea soup), fèves au lard (baked beans), cretons (pork based pate) and desserts such as grands-pères au sirop d’érable (sweet dough balls covered in maple syrup), tire sur la neige (maple taffy) and Tarte au sucre (sugar pie).</p>

Maple Taffy on Ice Photo Credit Éric St-Pierre Bas St. Lauren_Quebec Maritime

11. Traditional French Canadian Food

Traditonal Quebec cuisine is focused on comfort food, maple syrup and sweet sweets. Québec is home to many unique dishes and is most famous for its poutine, tourtières, pâté chinois, Soupe aux pois (split-pea soup), fèves au lard (baked beans), cretons (pork based pate) and desserts such as grands-pères au sirop d’érable (sweet dough balls covered in maple syrup), tire sur la neige (maple taffy) and Tarte au sucre (sugar pie).

<p>For the Québécois, winter is not just a season; it’s a way of life in which every opportunity is taken to enjoy the outdoors. Even in Old Quebec City, you can enjoy a guided tour on a<a href="https://quebecfatbike.com/"> <strong>fat bike</strong>.</a> Touring Old Town and taking a bike path by the St. Charles River was very exciting even if it was 10 degrees F (-12C). They suit you up in all the necessary gear from boots to toque.</p><p>In Quebec by the Sea (Maritime Quebec) the Chic-Choc Mountains provided plenty of <a href="https://www.downshiftingpro.com/10-daring-winter-activities-in-quebec-maritime/">winter activities</a>, including downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and winter camping.</p>

Fat Biking Photo Credit Roger St Laurent_Tourisme Gaspesie

12. Fatbikes and Winter Camping are a thing in Quebec

For the Québécois, winter is not just a season; it’s a way of life in which every opportunity is taken to enjoy the outdoors. Even in Old Quebec City, you can enjoy a guided tour on a fat bike. Touring Old Town and taking a bike path by the St. Charles River was very exciting even if it was 10 degrees F (-12C). They suit you up in all the necessary gear from boots to toque.

In Quebec by the Sea (Maritime Quebec) the Chic-Choc Mountains provided plenty of winter activities, including downhill and cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and winter camping.