QUEBEC, "THE BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE"

BY CLAY LARROY

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QUEBEC

Largely French-speaking Québec is Canada's largest province and consists of hilly agricultural land along the banks of the St Lawrence and vast tracts of barren mountains in the north: a breathtaking panorama of towering rock faces, 13,323km (8279 miles) of coastline, looming canyons and craggy fjords.

The province's three national parks, 23 provincial parks and 15 wildlife reserves beckon outdoor enthusiasts. More than 100,000 lakes and numerous rivers offer excellent fishing. In the tundra of Québec's Far North, caribou and other game roam the land.

What distinguishes Québec from other Canadian provinces is its French heritage, sustained for over 400 years. Québec's official language is French and Montréal (the province's largest city) is the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Both it and provincial capital Québec City have lively old sections of cobblestoned streets where the atmosphere is overwhelmingly French.

Indeed, there is a strong separatist movement that has put the province at odds with the rest of Canada, its aim to secure sovereignty for Québec or at least win greater autonomy. Nevertheless, two referendums held in 1980 and 1995 to determine the fate of the province returned a 'no' to the issue of separation.

Regardless of politics, Québec offers a friendly welcome to all who visit, not to mention the greatest gastronomy in Canada, cosmopolitan shopping, wide, sandy beaches, and excellent facilities for adventures ranging from winter sports and watersports to hiking.

Food and Drink in Quebec

Québec proudly reflects a tradition of French culture, never more so than in the restaurants and cuisine of the province. French food here is as excellent as in Europe. Immigrants from many countries provide a vast selection. English, Greek, Italian, Japanese and Spanish cuisines are all available in Montréal and Québec. You can find international menus at all the larger hotels, but are likely to come across the best food by wandering around the backstreets of the cities and sampling the small but excellent restaurants scattered throughout both cities. The Île d'Orléans is an island northeast of Québec City that provides abundant fruit and vegetables for the city. Québec follows French tradition in having excellent standards of wine and spirits to complement the high standards of cuisine.

Regional Specialities

- Pork dishes such as ragoût de boulettes (pork meatballs with seasoning), cretons du Québec (chilled minced pork), and beans and pork baked in maple syrup. 
- Poutine (French fries with cheese curds and gravy).
- Game, such wild boar, venison, and even caribou and wapiti (deer).
- Tarte au sucre (maple sugar pie).

Things To Know

Taverns and brasseries are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages from 0800-0300 every day (although few do keep such extended hours). Cocktail lounges and cabarets stay open until 0200 and 0300, respectively, in Québec City and Montréal. Government-run liquor stores (SAQ) sell a wide range of beer, wine and spirits, but beer and wine are also available in grocery stores, convenience stores (dépanneurs) and other retail locations.

Tipping

It is customary to tip between 10 and 15% at bars and restaurants in Québec.

Drinking Age

18.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I'll be a Quebecker-Canadian. I'm from Quebec, and every time I go to a country, I say that. It's my roots, my origins, and it's the most important thing to me.

Celine Dion

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