Le Québec

Quebec is an amazing place, unlike anywhere else in the world! It's the only Canadian province with French as its official language, and it feels very different than the rest of Canada. It feels a bit Canadian, a bit French, a bit European, and a bit of everything else, as it has so many cultures from around the world that make it a true melting pot.

Quebec was founded by French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, in 1608 (though French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in 1535 while looking for a route to Asia, it was Samuel de Champlain who officially founded it), calling it "New France" and setting up an official fur-trading post. Now, over 400 years old, Quebec City it is one of the oldest cities in Canada, and also happens to be the only fortified city in North America.

Quebec City is the capital, and is full of old world charm. In the old town, the streets are cobblestoned and filled with artists, shops and restaurants. Across the river roar the Montmorency Falls, which are actually taller than Niagara Falls! Quebec City is also home to many museums, the famous Château de Frontenac Hotel, and hosts the world-renowned Winter Carnival every winter. (You can also stay as a guest in a hotel made completely of ice!)

Montreal is a very modern city that has a festival for pretty much any reason you can think of! (They even host a zombie festival in October!) The annual jazz festival is probably one of the most famous, and lures visitors from around the world to come see concerts every day, on the streets and in venues across the city. It also has international neighborhoods throughout the city, from Italian, Asian, Jewish, English, French, and much more. You can visit botanical gardens, the Olympic venue (the 1976 summer games were held here), shop in the underground mall, outdoor markets, restaurants of every cuisine, and a million museums and monuments.

When I think of Quebec, I think of poutine (french fries under a blanket of gravy and cheese curds), fall leaves (the most amazing fall colors!), beautiful cities, nature, the St. Lawrence river, snow (lots and LOTS of snow), hot bagels, hockey, world cultures, outdoor heaven in northern Quebec, the Québécois accent, and maple syrup.

Make sure you scroll down past the photos to see all sorts of cool videos about Québec!

Did you know up north you can see the Northern Lights? There is so much to see in Québec besides the two main cities. Check out the beauty of Quebec here:

Montréal, je t'aime! 😍

Discover the European charm of Quebec City:

In Québec in the winter, you can visit une cabane à sucre and watch maple syrup being made, eat traditional food, and even try their famous maple syrup candies made right on top of the snow from hot syrup!

Check out some of the cool stuff found in Quebec during winter time, like the ice hotel (see how they build it each year below), dog sledding and the winter festival (if you can brave the freezing--literally--weather!).