Quebec Holidays

Quebec

Quebec is a dynamic and predominately French-speaking province located in eastern Canada.

Adjoining the coastal territories that border the Atlantic Ocean, aside from capital Quebec City and the city of Montreal where most Québécois live, the province is sparsely populated and one of the lesser-visited regions in the country. It boasts a great range of habitats and climates, mountainous terrain, thick swathes of forest and a considerable diversity in both animal and plant life. With a distinct culture and deep-rooted Francophone heritage, it is easy to forget that you are in Canada. Cities boast cobbled streets and grand 19th century municipal buildings whilst the food and drink is also decidedly European.

Quebec City is a particular highlight of a visit to eastern Canada and has a charming UNESCO protected old town and host of different things to see and do. In contrast, modern Montreal is Quebec’s largest city and has a contemporary skyscraper-filled skyline, stylish restaurants and a sophisticated riverside scene. Home to one of the world’s greatest reserves of fresh water, rural Quebec is a riverine environment of lakes, creeks and rivers interspersed with hills and craggy mountains perfect for outdoor pursuits. Kayak in Mont Tremblant, spot bears and beavers close to Sacacomie Lake or take a whale watching tour from historic Tadoussac.

Holiday Ideas for Quebec

11 DAYS

Great Cities of Eastern Canada by Rail

from £2190 - £2690
per person

13 DAYS

Quintessential Quebec

from £2350 - £2850
per person

8 DAYS

Montreal and Quebec City Twin Centre

from £1690 - £2290
per person

Start Planning your Holiday

When to visit Quebec

The province of Quebec has four distinct seasons, however, it is generally considered that summer and autumn are the two best times to visit the region. The summer months of July, August and September are the most popular time for visitors – temperatures average around 25°C, cities are full of life and rural communities and national parks easy to reach and fully open to explore. Likewise autumn, which falls between mid-September and the end of October, is also a fabulous time to visit with the spectacular fall colours a particular draw. Temperatures mostly remain comfortable although it can become chilly at night. Winter arrives from the middle of November with temperatures dropping and not rising again until March. This period also coincides with sometimes heavy snowfall and although the cobbled streets of Quebec City are particularly picturesque at this time of year warm winter clothing is essential. Spring arrives late in Quebec – it’s not unusual for there to be snow on the ground in April – with temperatures continuing to steadily rise until the arrival of the summer months.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in Quebec

As the only French-speaking province in Canada, Quebec has a completely different feel to the rest of the country. With a history and culture that stands apart from Canada’s other provinces, Quebec, and Quebec City in particular, has a decided European feel and definite Gallic flair. Sophisticated Montreal is a noted centre of Canadian art, music and gastronomy whilst its modern skyline and cosmopolitan atmosphere provide an interesting juxtaposition to the rest of the province and further highlights the variety on offer for visitors. An exploration of the Québecois countryside and rural riverside communities is a particular highlight with it possible to combine Mont Tremblant and the picturesque Laurentian mountains with forested wildlife reserves such as Mastigouche or majestic Sacacomie Lake with whale watching from Tadoussac. Quebec can also be easily combined with neighbouring regions. Head west by road or rail to Ontario or travel east to the windswept and rugged coastline of Canada’s Atlantic Coast.