C’est Si Bon! The Best of Quebec Gabby Teaman April 21, 2023 Destinations, International Travel The largest province in Canada, Quebec is one of the most awe-inspiring and fascinating parts of the Great White North. Between lush landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and grand and ornate architecture, Quebec is the kind of travel destination that you’ll want to return to again and again. Before you pack your bags, check out some of the best Quebec destinations for an unforgettable journey! Notre Dame Basilica You don’t have to travel to Paris to see Notre Dame. Just head on over to Quebec! The Basilica in old Montreal is just as impressive as its European counterpart. And it has the towers, bells, archways, and stained glass windows to prove it. The interior is just as epic as the exterior, too. The Basilica is open to tours so that you can really breathe in the history and legacy of its hallowed halls. Some of the most dazzling sights include colored vaults, hundreds of wooden statues and figurines, and an authentic pipe organ dating back to 1891. Your jaw just won’t stay closed when you visit the Notre Dame Basilica. Mont Tremblant Though you might associate Mont Tremblant with winter sports, it’s actually a four-season resort. You can find it deep within the Laurentian Mountains and with all of the alpine splendor that you’d expect. Recreational activities include hiking, skiing, swimming, golfing, kayaking, and horseback riding depending on the season. Go paintballing and hiking in the summer, and dog sledding and ice climbing in the winter. There’s also a village with everyday amenities such as shops, restaurants, and spas. Montreal Botanical Gardens Boasting 10 greenhouses, 20 gardens, and more than 22,000 plant species in total, the Montreal Botanical Gardens is one of the best Quebec destinations. They serve as a beautiful and natural space even in the midst of the urban jungle of the city. These plants come from all over the globe as well, offering you the opportunity to travel the world without ever leaving Canada. The Chinese garden, for example, utilizes yin-and-yang landscaping to bring its ponds and siheyuan houses in harmony. When you visit, you’ll also want to check out the planetarium, insectarium, and biosphere. RELATED: Heading to the Great White North? Check Out These 9 Cool Things to Do in Canada! The Museum of Civilization “The entire history of human civilization” might seem like a lofty subject for a museum, but the Museum of Civilization handles it with aplomb. It’s a gorgeous building situated right on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. The museum is filled with everything from ancient scrolls to modern touchscreens. Exhibitions cover topics such as history, art, anthropology, technology, science, and more. All are interlinked into a collection about us, human beings, and the societies that we’ve created. Quebec City Quebec City is featured on a lot of bucket lists, and there’s a reason for the city’s enduring popularity. It’s a mix of old and new, modern and timeless. In one part of town, you can tour historic neighborhoods and walk among quaint little boutiques and townhouse shops. In another, you can marvel at architectural wonders like the Citadel fortress. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you’ll enjoy seeing the beautiful nature at Montmorency Falls Park. It’s a city that has it all! Lac Blanc If you’re looking for obscure destinations in Quebec, consider Lac Blanc. Located between Mauricie and Lanaudiere, Lac Blanc is a very remote region that doesn’t get a lot of visitors. But that untouched and unspoiled beauty is part of its charm. You can go hiking, biking, driving, or even take a helicopter tour over non-commercialized territory. Lac Blanc is especially gorgeous in the fall. The autumn leaves change colors and blanket the area in a canopy of red, orange, and yellow. But the beautiful mountain range is worth visiting any time of year. Old Montreal Between its cobblestone streets and vintage clock towers, Old Montreal looks like something out of a storybook. But Old Montreal’s aesthetic is just the beginning. This neighborhood is filled with must-see destinations such as the Centre d’histoire de Montreal and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. You’ll also enjoy everyday attractions in the form of shops, museums, chateaus, ports, and plazas. Grab a bite to eat at a picturesque bakery, snap a selfie in front of a grandiose city hall building, and shop ’til you drop. The possibilities are endless, and they’ll all look great in a scrapbook or on your Instagram page. Have you ever been to Quebec? Tell us all about your trip in the comments below!
