A Québec City and Area Overview

The Québec City and Area tourist region is a living historical illustration of a people unique to this continent, strong and proud of their Aboriginal, French, and British ancestry. Québec City, Côte-de-Beaupré, Île d'Orléans, as well as the Jacques-Cartier and Portneuf communities are included in the Greater Québec Area territory.

Saint Louis Gate, Old Québec. Photo by: Yves Tessier, Tessima.

Something to suit all tastes on Côte-de-Beaupré! This resort area brims with sites of major historical importance as well as exceptional nature tourist attractions. Heritage sites and architecturally significant buildings abound, along with several museums. Pilgrims flock to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica and the Cyclorama de Jérusalem. Many outdoor activities are available: golf, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobile and canyoning expeditions. Mont Sainte-Anne and the surrounding area with its waterfalls and hiking trails await you. Take part in the many festivals taking place year-round: Festival Arts et Reflets, Festival des couleurs, and Festival de l'oie des neiges (Snow Goose Festival).

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Sanctuary. Photo by: Yves Tessier, Tessima

Drive round Île d'Orléans and you'll travel through a 400 year-old historical piece of land, cradle of many families of French origin in North America. Experience total immersion in architecture, history, and heritage. Visit the many art galleries and discover talented local and foreign painters. This bucolic island is a call back to nature with wine, cider, cheese and maple product tasting opportunities, not to mention pond fishing, strawberry, raspberry and apple picking.

Outdoor activities are a trademark in the Jacques-Cartier district, an integral part of the Québec City Area « green belt » (or white, depending on the season)! This four-season outdoor resort destination is generously laden with natural features: downhill and cross-country skiing, fishing and hunting, slides, nautical sports, river rafting and canoeing excursions, nature and wildlife observation, snowmobile and hiking expeditions.

The Portneuf area provides visitors with numerous touring options. In addition to typical Portneuf history, culture, architectural heritage, museums, parks and waterfalls, the area features a large selection of resort locations and outdoor activities providing you with top-notch innkeeper hospitality and delicious food experiences; enjoy golf, bicycle and horseback riding, snowmobile excursions and, of course, hunting and fishing.

General Overview

• Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Québec City will celebrate its 400^th anniversary in 2008.
• The cradle of French civilization in North America.
• In 1985, the "Arrondissement historique de Québec" was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Seat of the National Assembly (Provincial Legislature).
• Located 250 km east of Montréal.
• Land area: 9 000 km2.
• The Greater Québec City Area population totals 660 000, 95 % of which are francophones.
• Capital city of the province of Québec, total population seven and a half million.
• One of the safest areas in North America. Healthful environment, clean air, ample greenery and wide open spaces. Cost of living is lower than in the world's large cities.
  

  Summer nightlife on Grande Allée. Photo by: Yves Tessier, Tessima

Information kindly provided by Québec City Tourism:

http://www.quebecregion.com/ / http://www.regionquebec.com/