Quebec: All Inclusive

Backpacking in Quebec is an affordable way to explore the province with several good value for money hostels found in rural areas and within the cities and towns. Urban hostels in Quebec are within easy walking distance of public transport, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, major shopping venues, supermarkets, liquor stores and many popular tourist attractions. Most backpacking accommodation in Quebec is situated conveniently in either Montreal or Quebec City. Offering a variety of hostels ranging in price from about €15 - €30 per night most include breakfast, towels, linen, washing machines, 24 hour bilingual reception and self catering facilities. Arrangements can also be made for backpackers to explore beyond the province such as trips to Toronto, Ottawa or New York.

With over 100 000 lakes and numerous rivers, the most famous of which, the St. Lawrence River, Quebec is prime location for a beach retreat. The diversity of Quebec's landscape means you will find beaches for suited for every taste. In the east, try the Îles-de-la-Madeleine archipelago, or take a dip in the warm waters of Baie des Chaleurs, in Carleton and in Bonaventure. Quebec's national parks also make a great place to enjoy sun and natural sand. The 15 kilometers of white sand at Pointe-Taillon is always a favourite as is Lac Saint-Francois in Frontenac. On the shores of Lake des Deux Montagnes, the beach has a section for nudists called "OKApulco." Visitors to Quebec can head toward the upper Laurentians, where the beaches are renowned for their white sand. That’s the case at lakes Nominingue, des Sables and Tremblant. Wild beaches in Quebec are also plentiful and offer unspoiled nature and privacy.

Quebec’s parks and wildlife reserves, have thousands of lakes concealed in their forests. Beach sports are very popular such as canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, wind surfing and swimming. Family beaches can be found in in the Outaouais region, including the ones at Gatineau Park and Lake Simon. The Floribell resort and Lake Massawippi have beautiful beaches rated "A" by Quebec’s environment department. Finally, the beach on Île Notre-Dame in Montreal, and the Récré-O-Parc at Sainte-Catherine (on the south shore) are excellent and refreshing spots to while away a hot summer afternoon. The only negative thing about Quebec beaches is that the season is too short.
 

Camp sites in Quebec are located outside the city and town centres and are only open seasonally from mid-June to September. Camp sites usually are based on lakes, rivers or in pristine wilderness and make a good place to explore Quebec while avoiding the crowds. Campgrounds such as the KOA Montreal South Campground is a full service campground just 20 km from downtown Montreal. Campgrounds in Quebec are available for tents, RV's, groups and caravans. Most campsites in Quebec will plan activities such as softball, bingo and lawnbowling for guests on top of all the expected amenities. There are over 940 campgrounds found throughout the province.

Quebec offers the ideal destination if you’re looking for a city break in a vibrant, cultural French city. Both Montreal and Quebec City make for a great opportunity to visit some of Canada’s most celebrated cities with the iconic Mount Royal in Montreal and the fascinating Old Quebec in Quebec City. In both cities you will find traditional and unique art galleries, boutique shopping, charming cobblestone streets and a lively French nightlife.

Montreal's downtown and Quebec's citycentre can be taken in in one visit. Public transportation such as the Metro in Montreal, and buses are best for getting around in winter and taxis are also surprisingly reasonably priced. In warmer weather most of the main tourist sites can be reached by foot but dress for the weather and take along a good map. You will, however, need at least a week to take in the best of both cities together.

A corporate weekend in Quebec is a great opportunity to visit two of Canada’s most fabulous cities (Montreal or Quebec City) or enjoy the tranquil wilderness of the province's many lakes, mountains and forests. In the cities, those on a corporate weekend will find Quebec is full of chic restaurants, cobblestone streets and European flair. Quebec offers a diverse range of sights to see, things to do and places to stay, and caters for all budgets and tastes. As Canada is home of two official languages, Quebec provides the perfect setting for people and ideas to come together and for team building to thrive. Quebec is a great setting for corporate weekends.

The Port of Montreal is a major hub as the arrival/departure point (Iberville Passenger Terminal in Montreal) for cruises making voyages along the St. Lawrence River and the North American East Coast. The route between New York and Quebec is very popular, and includes stops in locations such as Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Portland, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Halifax, Sydney, Corner Brook, Charlottetown, St-Pierre et Miquelon, St. John's, Magdalen Islands, Saguenay, Quebec City and Quebec. Along the journey you will experience the rugged, forested coastlines of the St. Lawrence River, rustic fishing villages, whales and the granite ciffs of the Saguenay Fjord. September and October are immensely popular for cruises to Quebec as this is the time of year when the leaves change colour along the St. Lawrence River. Cruises abroad also serve Quebec with destinations in Scandinavia. Cruises in Quebec operate May – October.

Quebec's culture and arts scene is well known. The province boasts plenty of galleries and museums such as Montreal's Fine Arts Museum, Museum of Archaeology, Quebec Museum of Contemporary Arts and the Canadian Centre for Architecture. Montreal is also world known for its Jazz Festival and is the home base of the much loved Cirque de Soleil. Place des Arts in Montreal is a large complex and soon to be new home for the Quebec Symphony Orchestra. The arts complex is also home to the Les Grands Ballets Canadiens dance company, the Quebec Opera, and the Broadway musical touring company. Other entertainment hosted here includes chamber music, recitals, folk singers, variety shows, musicals, and classical and modern dance.

The Just for Laughs Museum, another Quebec arts staple, offers the International Comedy Hall of Fame and Immortals of Comedy and hundreds of film clips from your favorite comedians. Quebec City's arts and culture highlights include the Quebec City's Museum of Civilization, Quebec City's Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of French Americans (The oldest museum in Canada), the Musée de l'Amerique Française serves to trace the history and development of French settlement throughout North America. Throughout Quebec province you will find the Musee de La Mer, the Musee du Golf du Quebec, the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, the The Gilles Villeneuve Museum and the Missiquoi Museum found in Stanbridge East. Visit the township where thousands of immigrants from the United States came after the American Revolution.

Quebec has some impressive cycling network of bicycle paths. There are more than 3400 km of cycling paths in the province. Cycling between regions is a great way to see Quebec's countryside and accommodation is often found nearby. Ten years ago Montreal was rated the number one cycling city in North America. Montreal itself boasts over 300 km of bike routes and paths located on the island and more than double that in the surrounding region. Montreal offers bikes for rent from self-service Bixi kiosks, modelled on Paris' successful Velib system.

Bicycles are permitted on the Metro except during rush hour, or speical event days such as the Tour de l'Ile and Fireworks Festival. The Deux-Montagnes and Rigaud lines of the commuter trains permit bicycles. Bike repair shops can be found throughout Montreal and Quebec City such as Right to Move which provides assistance for do it yourself repairs at a lower cost. Bicycles can be rented at the Maison des Cyclistes on Rachel Street East in Montreal as well as the Old Port, and Parc Jean Drapeau. Find bikes to rent at the Old Port in Quebec City. Maps of cycling paths in Quebec can be found at tourist bureaus.

Quebec is a reasonably disabled-friendly province. In the major cities and towns signs mark disabled access for public toilets and subway stations with elevators, as well as disable parking. Public transportation for disabled people is possible by taking lift buses and using certain subway stations in Montreal. Pierre Elliot Trudeau International and Jean Lesage Airport are both designed for wheelchair accessibility with assistance programs for persons with disabilities as well as for others who require assistance. Note that disabled passengers travelling from the airport to Quebec City centre will need to make taxi reservations in advance. The top attractions such as the museums and Bell Centre all provide disabled facilities. Cobblestone streets, however, in Quebec City and Old Montreal can be tricky.

Quebec is one of Canada's most fun loving province's to enjoy a family holiday. It is a bustling province with many of the top attractions catering to young people. In summer children can enjoy any number of water sports and activities along Quebec's lakes and beaches. In the cities children can enjoy weekly firework shows, and pedal along Quebec's pedestrian cycling routes, taking in street vendors, restaurants and street entertainers. The Botanical Gardens in Montreal are a nice family escape from the city; children will love the Insectarium.

For a good walk head to Mount Royal and enjoy the great views of the city below. Ice cream is sold at the summit. Check out Six Flafs, La Ronde, an amusement park that boasts exciting thrill rides, and an annual Halloween Fright Fest. In winter explore Montreal's Underground City, a series of interconnecting complexes in and around the downtown or visit Quebec City's Citadel. Ice-skating and skiing are very popular with children in Quebec. Even with younger children you can do most of Quebec’s sightseeing on foot. There is also a wide range of family friendly accommodation options available for reasonable prices. Quebec is definitely a good option for a family holiday.

Quebec is a gay and lesbian friendly province organizing parades and events promoting gay and lesbian pride throughout the year. There is a wide variety of places and things to do and the nightlife for gays is excellent. Quebec's gay community in Montreal is “Village Gay” one of the largest communities in the world. Most bars and clubs can be found here and close at 3 am. Saunas are open 24 hours, are popular and found throughout the city. Pride Week in Montreal takes place in late July. In Quebec visitors will find a province of openness and tolerance. Quebec is a safe place for gays and lesbians, and allows same-sex partners to legally marry and enjoy the same rights and obligations as heterosexual couples.

Quebec is a great destination for a hen party in Canada. Not only does Quebec offer party-goers an exciting and fun filled, glamorous night out in Montreal but also the old European charm of Quebec City. Quebec City is perfect for those looking for a weekend of relaxation, French heritage and sophistication. Montreal also some very good museums and galleries but the allure is the infinite number of bars, live music, and nightclubs. Celebrate your hen do in Quebec with extravagant shopping, a spa retreat, or maybe a lazy day at any number of Quebec's stunning beaches sporting your A-lister look.

Quebec has always been a top Canadian destination for honeymooners. Quebec provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate honeymoon in a historic French city surrounded by stunning wilderness. Couples can dine in any number of Quebec's world class restaurants either in Montreal or Quebec city while joying romantic views of the city at night. In the day take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal or investigate Old Quebec's city walls (A world Heritage Site).

Quebec cities and towns are full of quaint boutiques and charming architecture. Honeymooners in Quebec looking for old-world elegance and charm can stay at the Ritz-Carlton or the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal (where legendary John Lennon wrote “Give Peace a Chance” while staging a bed-in with Yoko Ono) or the Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. There are also some amazing and luxurious resorts dotted throughout the province in romantic mountain and lake settings. Newlyweds wanting an exciting nightlife should head to Montreal for world class jazz with a good glass of wine or head to the casino with some newlywed luck. Accommodation will normally offer exciting honeymoon packages to suit every budget.
 

Quebec and its surrounding areas offer a wide array of golf courses for golf enthusiasts. Canada enjoys avid golfers with a keen interest in the sport. In 2003 Canadian Mike Weir won the prestigious Masters Tournament at Augusta, Georgia, one of the four major tournaments in men's golf. Whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned pro, your golfing experience in Québec will be memorable.

Québec offers up an impressive array of golf courses strategically located for golfers to enjoy the scenery, from a changing palette of forests, crystalline waters and graceful curves mountains. There are over 400 courses within the province and within easy reach of Montreal and Quebec City. The Laurentides region boasts superb resorts like the world-famous Tremblant, located at the gateway to the national park of the same name and renowned for its golf course and academy. South of the city, the Eastern Townships, a pastoral but equally picturesque region known for its New England flavour, offers up its own unforgettable links. As for Québec City and the Charlevoix region, get set for unbeatable golfing in magnificent settings, many of which overlook the St. Lawrence.

Quebec's unique location means it has some very good hiking and walking trails and walking is one of the best ways to get around Quebec (from a sight-seeing point of view) except of course in winter. When in Quebec City and Montreal bring a street/subway map to plan your itinerary or simply wander around the downtown area and historic Quebec with cobblestone streets. If you plan to hike some of Quebec's nature trails, Mount Royal in Montreal is a must.

There are over 6000 km of trails open to hikers with most in the Gaspe Peninsula, the Laurentides and the Eastern Townships. Enjoy ever-changing scenery from forests to lakes and mountains. Quebec's regional and national parks, wildlife reserves and wide variety of trails make Quebec an ideal hiking location. Accommodation can be found along many of the routes. Some favourite routes include, Parc National de la Gaspesie, International Appalachian Trail, and Sentiers de l'Estrie. Other areas worth hiking in Quebec are the Nature Parks of Cap-St-Jacques, Bois-de-Liesse and Pointe-aux-Prairie. Just outside the city you will also find some very good Provincial Parks such as Iles-de-Boucherville. Quebec is fastly becoming a city dedicated to its green and historic pathways. Be sure to wear good walking shoes, bring sunscreen and a hat, water bottles and insect repellent.
 

Quebec is a great province for single's nightlife. Montreal, considered the Paris of North America is a fantastic city for planning a night out. From all-night club hopping to pub crawls, live music venues, lounges, comedy clubs and gay and lesbian clubs Montreal has something for everyone. Weekends are busiest but the nightlife is still vibrant and often cheaper during the weekdays.

Quebec also enjoys an avid theatre and cinema crowd. For restaurants, bars, and cafés head to the downtown commercial districts. In Quebec City there are a number of brew pubs such as La Barberie and L'Inox. If you’re single and looking for crowded dance floors and thumping music you won’t need to look hard or go far in Montreal (Quebec City is not known for its party nightlife but there are some good bars and pubs found around the city). Best places to go in Montreal are the concentrated areas of Plateau Mont-Royal “The Main” and Old Quebec. Clubs and bars don't close until 3 am and most don't charge cover. For something a little different head to Casino Montreal for some late night gambling. Gays and lesbians can head to Quebec's Gay Village.
 

Quebec is a hotspot for world-class shopping, evident by the many well dressed women (arguably the best dressed in Canada). In Montreal head first to Ste Catherine Street for some serious trends and finds. For some truly unique pieces go to “the Main' Saint-Laurent where you will just about everything. Chinatown is an upbeat alternative for speciality items. For classic designer brands go to Sherbrooke Street. The Underground City in Montreal also boasts some fine shopping, particularly in winter. The Underground City is home to many shops and eateries including the Eaton Centre and Place des Arts.

Old Montreal, like Quebec City is the perfect place to do some simultaneous exploring and shopping and check out the antiques. Enjoy the province's European atmosphere as you peruse any given market or flea market found all over Quebec. The cobblestone streets will lead you to some great finds and shops. Montreal's downtown also has no shortage of shopping complexes including Place Quebec Trust, Place Ville Marie and Place Alexis Nihon.
 

Refusing to be overshadowed by the Canadian Rockies and Whistler, Quebec offers a great alternative for skiers and snowboarders. Ski passes in Quebec are significantly cheaper than other major Canadian destinations. The best time to go is in January and February and March Easter Break. Often if you buy a pass during these times, you can ski for free or for discounted rates the next time. In Quebec you will find a vast amount of skiing and snowboarding options including St Sauveur in the Laurentians (the largest amount of night runs in the world) and in the north Mont Tremblant.

Other good areas include Bromont, Orford and Owlshead.There are over 90 hills throughout the province and over 800 trails for skiiers of every level. Spread over the two major mountain ranges, the Laurentians and the Appalachians, ski hills are found conveniently near Quebec City and Montreal. Cross country skiing in Quebec is also widely available with over 4000km of trails.
 

Whether you’re a bride-to-be or just needing some me time, when it comes to professional and modern spas Quebec is an ideal destination. Offering luxury spa holidays designed to reduce stress, relieve muscle pain, relax or enhance skin tones, you can indulge and pamper yourself guilt free. Soothe the mind and body under the care of professional therapists providing modern treatments, and tailor made programs to help you get exactly what you need, and to suit your budget. Spa holidays are about unwinding with a soothing massage or choosing from a range of rejuvenating packages. Most Quebec hotel spas are found in Montreal and Quebec City, making for a great spa retreat as the majority have everything to offer including steam rooms, indoor pools, saunas and relaxation areas and even a relaxing glass of wine. A spa retreat in Quebec might not be cheap but is well worth the money.

With so many bars and clubs in Quebec, the province makes a great destination for stag parties or bachelor weekends. Finding traditional forms of male entertainment in Montreal such as strippers is not difficult but if you’re looking for some alternatives try going to Montreal's Casino for an exciting night out or take in a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Champion) match. Pub crawls in which you can tour micro breweries and rent a bus are popular, as is playing paintball, golfing and skiing. Guys on stag in Quebec can also catch the Montreal Canadiens (Montreal's and Quebec's only NHL team) in action. Quebec is an affordable option for a stag party as it offers a wide range of accommodation choices suited for every budget and taste. Overall, Quebec makes a great stag-do choice.

Sailing in Quebec is fun and accessible and the province enjoys enthusiastic and organized sailing communities. You don’t need to own your own boat to experience the amazing waters within and surrounding Quebec. You can rent a boat for a couple of hours or even a week. Take a sailing lesson from any one of Quebec's many clubs (such as Baie d'Urfe Yacht club in Montreal) in the summer months with courses designed to suit beginners up to advanced sailors. Sailors in Quebec can simply enjoy Lake St Louis, Lake Champlain, the St. Lawrence River or explore as far as the ocean. Most clubs have harbour space on offer and strorage available for small boats. Racing is also very popular.

There are almost 50 wineries in Quebec even though most are barely twenty years old. The Quebec Wine Industry is definitely up and coming. The majority of the wineries are located in the souther region of Quebec near the U.S. Border. Wineries in Quebec are grouped into five distinct regions based on their geographic location. The largest concentration of wineries is in The Eastern Townships and Monteregie tourist regions of Quebec. The region around Quebec City has 10 wineries. The remaining handful of wineries are evenly split between The Lower Laurentians and The Lanaudiere regions. Ice wine in Quebec, as in the rest of Canada is world famous.