1 - Îles-de-la-Madeleine
The Tourist region of the Madeleine Islands

This beautiful island offers unique tourist attractions as well as some attractions that are common to most tourist regions. Some of them are: museums, parks, plays, golf course, horseback riding, bird watching, hunting, fishing, sea cruises, scuba diving and windsurfing.

The landscape of the Madeleine Islands is composed of islands and sand dunes. Magnificent gold beaches contrast with ferry red cliffs. The maritime climate offers mild winters and temperate summers. With the longest frost free period in Quebec, it's great for windsurfing, sea kayaking and other nautical sports.

The dozen of islands that form the Madeleine Islands are located 215 km from the Gaspé Peninsula and spread over 65 km.

The main Islands are:
• Grande Entrée
• Grosse
• Wolf Island
• House Harbour Island
• Grindstone Island
• Hamerst Island
• Brion Island
• Entry Island

Other small Islands and Islets:
• The Bird Rock
• The Seal Island
• The Pigs Island
• "Corps Mort" Island

Seals and birds by the thousands
Seals are very common around the Islands and can be observed year round. Near the end of each February, hundreds of thousands of the mammals come to the ice floes off the islands to bear their young. This is the perfect time for observing white coat pups!

Maritime pleasures
Fishing is the first commercial activity on the Madeleine islands, so don't miss the chance to taste lobster, fish and other ocean delicacies. To discover the origins of the traditional method of smoking herring, visit the Fumoir d'antan. Visit the Island Aquarium and learn more about the fish, sea mammals, starfish, crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic life forms that live off the coast of the archipelago.

Do not forget to make your way to the Musée de la mer and learn more about the islands' maritime history. The Musée de la Mer tells you the story of the Islands and the Islanders standing guard, like a lighthouse, along the waterway that brought the pioneers and conquerors who penetrated the continent.
Musée de la mer:

Address: 1023 route 199 C.P. 69, L'Ile-du-Havre-Aubert, Québec, Canada, G0B 1J0

A peninsula of majestic landscapes
Gaspé is a mixed territory whose story began with the American Indian who occupied the peninsula, 2500 years ago. Afterwards, the French, Acadians, Loyalists, Basques, English, etc. found refuge, work and homeland.

The Gaspé region is well-known for its "Rocher Percé", this region offers magnificent landscapes, beaches with fine sand that invites swimmers, unique ancestral houses, the scent of the sea, and the singing of birds.

This is where you'll find the famed Rocher Percé (Percé rock), a 470-m-long (1,540-ft.) rock whose fossils date back 400 million years, and observe the largest colony of Northern gannets in North America. The Gaspé Peninsula will charm you with its pebble beaches, its spectacular cliffs and its tranquil coves.

Gaspé also offers underground attractions: the oldest cave in Quebec, some half a million years old, or an authentic gallery of copper is available for those about to practice espeleology in a secure way.

Breathtaking panoramas, splendid views at every turn and tasty maritime cuisine-the Gaspé offers you all this and more.

Ready to tour the Gaspésie region?

3 - Bas-Saint-Laurent

The Lower St. Lawrence is a vast territory that stretches south to New Brunswick and Maine (USA) borders. It is bound to the west by the Chaudière-Appalaches region and to the east by the Gaspe region.
It's a real paradise for nature lovers and the place for all ornithologists, as more than 320 bird types nest and fly over this region. The mountains dominate the entire territory.

The St. Lawrence River as far as the eye can see, islands, long flats, mountains, farming valleys, rivers and lakes-that's what's in store for you in this diverse and spectacular region!

The view of the setting sun over the Charlevoix Mountains is a vision to behold. This land of legend has a rich architectural heritage of lavish homes and breathtaking churches. Along The Navigator's Route, you'll pass through charming villages with ancestral homes.

You can climb to the top of a lighthouse, take a hike and learn all about eel fishing, go snowmobile on an impressive 1,800-km (1,120-mi.) network of trails, relax at one of the many health centers, or taste a traditional dish, including smoked fish, the pride of the region. All of this is just waiting to be enjoyed in this beautiful maritime region of Québec!

Thousands of maritime pleasures
To fully appreciate the river's treasures, what better than a boat trip? Take a whale-watching cruise in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park (which includes the St. Lawrence estuary as well as the Saguenay fjord, on the other side of the river).

Observe the hundreds of marine birds that nest on Île Saint-Barnabé, near Rimouski, or on the Îles du Pot-à-l'Eau-de-Vie archipelago, near Rivière-du-Loup. Why not sleep in the lighthouse while you're at it? Explore Île aux Basques, across from Trois-Pistoles, and learn about the history of its inhabitants in North America.

Enjoy the great outdoors on Île Verte, an oasis of tranquility with appealing hiking and cycling opportunities. You can also watch marine mammals from its shores and spend a night at a charming inn.

Beautiful rivers, beautiful countryside
On land, the Parc national du Bic, near Rimouski, will enchant you with its mosaic of tiny islands, reefs and promontories. Hop on your bicycle and head for the Parc linéaire Petit Témis (130 km / 80 mi.) to circle the immense Lac Témiscouata, set between Rivière-du-Loup and Edmundston, New Brunswick. You can also get your fill of outdoor activities in both summer and winter at Lac Pohénégamook. At Fort Ingall, in Cabano, you can see what life was like under the British military occupation during the U.S.-Canada border conflict. Don't forget to tour the Témiscouata rose gardens!

Several lakes are scattered all over the territory, of which Lac Témiscouata is a true inner sea. The mild weather favours aquatic activities. The St. Lawrence River is inhabited by sea mammals and cruises are organized for their observation. The water in this region is salty (the saltiness of the river begins at the island of Orleans).

The Lower St. Lawrence region abounds with unbelievable tales and legends. Pohénégamook Lake is believed to be inhabited by a monster called "PONIK". You'll also discover why the church of Trois-Pistoles was named Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, the legend of the black horse or the one of the silver goblet, and why we owe the name of Rivière-du-Loup?

4 - Québec City and Area
A taste of Old Europe

The Greater Quebec Area Tourist Region, bordered on the south by the St. Lawrence River, is located in the South Central part of the province of Quebec. It includes The Greater Quebec City Area, and has more than half a million residents, primarily French speaking. This area is divided into four Multi-County Regional Municipalities and one city.
The Quebec City incorporates 8 districts, located on the north side of the St. Lawrence.

The Multi-County Regional Municipalities are:
• Côte-de-Beaupré.
• Ile d'Orleans
• Jacques-Cartier.
• Portneuf.

When you arrive in Quebec City, you are in the Province of Quebec. When speaking about Quebec City, the habitants of Quebec have coined descriptive terminology. Depending upon the context to which they are referring (topography, history, day-to-day life, archeology, culture ...) the city takes on different names (The Old City, The Old Capital, The Lower-Town, the Upper-Town, or Old Quebec)

The Quebec City Area possesses an active cultural life: with theaters, (live performances) shows, cinemas, opera, a symphony orchestra and many museums. Residents and visitors are invited to participate in popular festivals, such as:
• The Winter Carnival
• The Summer Festival
• The "Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France" Festival

Wonders on the Capital's door step
The outskirts of Québec City are simply enchanting. In just a few minutes, you could find yourself deep in the countryside or in the heart of one of the large natural parks.

The Chute Montmorency alone (83 m / 272 ft. high) is a magnificent waterfall well worth the detour. Characterized by abrupt dips in the landscape, the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is sure to leave you speechless.
Venture through the marshes at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area to observe up close 300 species of birds, including the tens of thousands of snow geese that visit twice a year, in the spring and fall. This region is a sports lover's paradise both in summer and winter, with spectacular golf courses and majestic ski slopes like Mont Sainte-Anne and Stoneham.

An endless list of vacation ideas
This region, the birthplace of the province, features many ancestral villages all along the legendary Chemin du Roy, the first vehicular highway in Canada, and on Île d'Orléans, whose rural charm was so perfectly described in the songs of Félix Leclerc.

On the edge of the downtown area, discover the traditions of the Huron-Wendat people in the village of Wendake at the Onhoüa Chetek8e site. The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica is a pilgrimage site that attracts over one and a half million visitors each year.

Interested in exploring the area by bicycle? Check out one of the trails on the Route verte, such as the Chemin du Roy, or the Corridors des Cheminots and the Corridor du Littoral, along the St. Lawrence River towards Beauport and the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Finally, for a winter experience beyond compare, spend a night or two at the ice hotel, built every year near

Nature and culture… it's all yours in the Québec City region

5 - Charlevoix
Breathtaking views at every turn

A beautiful region with magnificent scenery that attracts painters, poets, writers and visitors.

Charlevoix Covering a territory of 6,000 km2 and located in the heart of the Laurentian shield (the oldest soil on earth), Charlevoix has a population of 30,000

One must leave the highways and travel along the secondary roads of the towns and villages to grasp the way of life that ensured the livelihood of local residents. These concession roads offer breathtaking scenery you can't resist.

Impressive natural attractions
Designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, Charlevoix owes its magnificent geography to a 15-billion ton meteorite that fell to earth 350 million years ago.

Explore the region's two huge parks: the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, with its valleys slicing through the mountains, and the Parc national des Grands-Jardins, which boasts the taiga and the tundra. If you're a hiking, cross-county skiing or snowshoeing enthusiast, why not tackle the challenge of the Traversée de Charlevoix (Charlevoix crossing), a glorious 60-km (37-mi.) wilderness trail dotted with shelters in the Charlevoix hinterland, or the Sentier des Caps (headland tail), with its awe-inspiring view of the St. Lawrence River.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders will meet their match in the Le Massif, in the town of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, the mountain boasting the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies.

An idyllic island
Île aux Coudres, a pastoral island located close to the shores of Charlevoix, is ideal for resort vacationing. Tour the island by car or bicycle or explore its banks by sea kayak. Its watermill and windmill, dating back to 1825 and 1863 respectively and still operational, lend the island a unique cachet.

6 - Chaudière-Appalaches

Chaudière-Appalaches, bordered to the north by the St. Lawrence River, is located just in front of the Quebec region. Both are joined by the bridges of Quebec and Pierre-Laporte, along with the Québec-Lévis ferry. From an administrative point of view, it consists of seven tourist sub-regions.

The region has a territory of 15,000 km2, as a result the fields and natural parks stretch as far as the eye can see with its coastal, agricultural and mining vistas, showcases the many faces of Québec's nature and culture. By following the coast, you will come across some of the most beautiful villages in Québec,

The geographic diversity of the region allows outdoor fans to practice their favorite activities. Cruises, guides tours, sea-kayaking, hunting, fishing, golfing, snow geese observation, camping, biking, cross-country and alpine skiing, snowmobiling, aqua-scooter, ATV, Randonnée Quad dog sledding, and sugaring-off parties, horseback riding are but a few of the activities that you can do in this region.

The snow Geese capital is without a doubt the town of Montmagny which also inhabits the "theatre des Migrations" (a show on human immigration to the Grosse-Ile and an impressive exposition on Snow Geese migration). Those seeking to know more about Beauce must visit the Marius-Barbeau museum

Natural wealth
The Chaudière-Appalaches region is home to the Parc national de Frontenac, on the shores of the magnificent 51-km2 (20-sq. mi.) Lac Saint-François, a place of unspoiled nature, ideal for bird-watching (over 144 species), water sports of all types, bicycling and hiking. At the Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, you can admire the 35-m (115 ft.) high waterfalls. Around Thetford Mines, the land of mines and lakes, take a Tourisme-Amiante mine tour for an expedition into the heart of one of the world's largest strip mines. To really enjoy the scenery of Chaudière-Appalaches, especially Beauce-Amiante, why not take a ride on its tourist train?

7 - Mauricie
Immense forests and bottomless lakes

Also known as "Coeur du Quebec", the "Mauricie" region is located half-way between Québec City and Montréal, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, and has a population of about 350,000. The region is easily accessible via highways 30, 40, 55 and other roads.

This magnificent region is delimited by the St. Lawrence River and here, mountains, forest and water form a majestic combination. The Laviolette Bridge links up this region with the "Centre du Québec" region.

The region offers a wealth of green spaces. It encompasses 2 Wildlife Reserves as well as the Mauricie National Park and the Batiscan River Regional Park. More than 20 outfitter's locations and many sugar shacks are scattered over the territory. Fans of the great outdoors can rely on a solid recreational-tourist infrastructure. Fishing, golfing, skiing, skating and camping are all sports that one can enjoy in this great region.

A land of history and culture
Numerous tours will have you reliving the Mauricie region's past, such as the historic city of Trois-Rivières, the remains of Canada's first ironworks at the Forges-du-Saint-Maurice. Visit the Village du Bûcheron (lumberjack's village), and experience life in a logging camp at the dawn of the XX century. Interested in learning more about the region that witnessed the birth of hydroelectricity? Head over to the La Cité de l'énergie (energy city) theme park, alongside the Chutes de Shawinigan (Shawinigan falls).

An outdoor paradise
Hiking, cruising, canoe-camping, rabaskaw canoeing and cross-country skiing… These are just some of the activities you can engage in at the La Mauricie National Park, a vast territory of 536 km2 (207 sq. mi.) situated in the heart of the Laurentian Mountains.

8 - Eastern Townships

Eastern Townships Located some 45 minutes away from Montréal, to the south-east and at just a few hours driving distance from Québec City. The Eastern Townships area shared the border of three states: Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Its neighboring tourist regions are "Montérégie" to the west, "Centre du Québec" to the north and "Chaudière-Appalaches" to the east. The area covers 13,100 square kilometers.

Upon your arrival in the region, a dozen permanent offices, plus the seasonal ones, are at your disposal to inform you on all the sites and various events that takes place in Eastern Townships. A large lodging network is set up and offers you a range of accommodation from the must quiet little nook to a larger establishment offering several activities and packages. You are sure to find just the right place of your choice. For example: you can choose between a bed and breakfast, a condo, a cottage, an Inn or a Motel.

A real Garden of Eden for nature lovers! Hiking, cycling and horseback-riding trails abound in this holiday haven. There are numerous golf courses, and enormous lakes, perfect for swimming or boating, they are everywhere you look! In the southern part of the region, the Appalachian mountain chain is a hotspot for hikers and skiers. Here and there, long rivers flow under old covered bridges.

Picturesque villages with Anglo-Saxon charm flourish with theatre, art galleries and antique shops. Victorian-style houses have been converted into quaint inns. Country-style restaurants, sugar shacks, vineyards and cider houses pepper this land blessed by nature, offering tourists pastoral getaways!

Somewhere between wooded valleys and green hills
There are wide, open spaces aplenty in the Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l'Est). The Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, whose mountain is one of the highest in the region, features a large astronomical observatory.
The Parc national du Mont-Orford and the Parc d'environnement naturel de Sutton invite you to use their hiking trails and ski slopes.

The Parc de la Gorge-de-Coaticook has a 169-metre (185-yd.) suspended footbridge (the longest in the world) that is sure to take your breath away. The numerous bodies of water in the region definitely add to the holiday feeling that reigns in the Eastern Townships. Lac Saint-François (in the Parc national de Frontenac) is one of the largest bodies of water in Québec. Parc national de la Yamaska boasts a lake surrounded by forests and plains.
The magnificent Lake Memphremagog, which extends into the United States, can be explored on a cruise. In the winter, the number of waterways in the Eastern Townships makes it easy to go ice fishing.

9 - Montérégie
A food lover's paradise

Monteregie is bordered to the North by the Saint-Lawrence River and the Island of Montreal; to the East by the tourist region of Eastern Townships and the Center of Quebec; to the South by the United-States and to the west by Ontario and the tourist region of Outaouais. Five bridges and a tunnel link the Monteregie to the island of Montreal.
Monteregie is subdivided into six tourist sub-regions due to the size of the territory.

The region has a plenty of streams that favor water sports of all kinds as well as cruises. The main rivers of the region are: Chateauguay, Richelieu, Saint-François and Yamaska. The lakes of Champlain, Deux-Montagnes, Saint-François, Saint-Louis and Saint-Pierre add pleasure to the area.

The Montérégie is the perfect place for relaxation and escape, with plenty of golf courses, five long intertwining cycling trails (500 km/800 mi.), hiking and cross-country ski trails, parks, theatres, antique shops and an impressive network of tourist inns.

Cultural gems
This region is really overflowing with history! For example, you can visit the Chambly Canal, open to shipping since 1843, and where most of the locks still function manually, and the Fort Chambly National Historic Site of Canada, built in 1709, and site of various armed conflicts in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, dating back to the 1870s, is a popular pilgrimage site. Finally, to fully experience the culture of the Montérégie (where many great artists like Paul-Émile Borduas, Jordi Bonet and Ozias Leduc lived), a visit to the Musée d'art de Mont-Saint-Hilaire is a must!

Little islands of greenery
Montérégie is teeming with green space. Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville is made up of five islands in the middle of the St. Lawrence River near downtown Montréal, and is visited regularly by walkers, cyclists, canoeists and bird-watchers. Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno has five lakes, several orchards, an historical mill and endless hiking trails to discover. This mountain is also a ski centre-city folk especially appreciate its proximity. The Centre de la nature du Mont-Saint-Hilaire, designated by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve, is home to 185 species of birds as well as many mammals and amphibians.

10 - Lanaudière

The area of Lanaudière, covering 13 543 square kilometers, is located between Laurentides and Mauricie areas, and less than one hour's drive from Montreal. More than half of the territory is not municipalized and the population is young and dynamic.

Enjoy Lanaudière @ winter
For down-hill skiers, some mountains have vertical drops of 305 meters. You can also race down the mountains on tire tubes. The cross-country skiing network is particularly well structured. Several centers offer all services and well-kept trails. The reputation of Lanaudière's snowmobile activities is established worldwide. A trail-map is available at the Tourist Association. During winter, the Assumption River in Joliette becomes a skater's paradise, 9 km long; longest in the province of Québec. A hiking trail and a cross-country trail are laid-out along the river-bank (free).

A land of art and history
Numerous historic sites and museums bear witness to the rich history of the Lanaudière region. At the Musée d'art in Joliette, you can take in an impressive collection of artwork from the XIIIth century to present day, including an exhibition on Canadian painters from the XIXth and XXth centuries. At the Musée Gilles-Villeneuve, you will learn the secrets of Formula 1 racing and Québec drivers, while at the Musée Halte Louis-Cyr, in Saint-Jean-de-Matha, you will be awed by the exploits of Louis Cyr, at one time the world's strongest man!

11 - The Laurentides region

An Amazing playground awaits you north of Montréal! Summer and winter, this holiday paradise draws crowds of vacationers. Visitors come for the numerous ski hills for all levels, the hundreds of miles of cross-country ski trails and the numerous top-flight golf courses. Rafting on the Rivière Rouge, cruising on Lac Tremblant or Lac des Sables, relaxation at the winter spa or a day at the sugar shack, a farm visit, horseback riding-these are just some of the most popular activities in the Laurentides region!

In the fall, the scenery glows and numerous festivals celebrate the beauty of the multihued forests. With its vast network of accommodations and an impressive variety of fine dining, the Laurentides region seduces even the most discriminating of tourists.

The Tremblant resort, with its lively pedestrian village, has been crowned #1 ski resort in eastern North America five times by Ski Magazine. Built at the base of Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentian Mountains, the resort offers access to numerous activities: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and biking!

Indeed, cyclists are privileged in the Laurentides region, with the P'tit train du Nord trail, Canada's longest linear park. This former train track now offers 200 km (125 mi.) of forest trails for hikers, cyclists, skiers and snowmobiles. The largest protected territory in Québec is also in the Laurentides region-the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant.
Hiking (with the possibility of sleeping in a hut), canoeing, camping, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are some of the activities you can enjoy in the savage beauty of this park.

The Saint-Sauveur valley is another haven for vacationers, with its charming towns surrounded by mountains, and where boutiques, bars and bistros abound. In winter, there is downhill skiing & night skiing, and in summer, the colossal aquatic parks provide fun for the young and the young at heart!

The Parc national d'Oka invites you to travel the historical path of the Calvaire d'Oka, a Way of the Cross interspersed with four oratories and three chapels dating from 1742. Oka is linked to Saint-Eustache by the La Vagabonde bicycle path, with a peaceful view of orchards, fields and hills.

12 - Montréal

Montreal is the metropolis of the province of Quebec and the second French-speaking city in the world. A dynamic and modern region that was able to preserve its architectural heritage. Its downtown bustles with life at the foot of its mountain, while history is rooted in the old quarters near the river. With its year-round party atmosphere, Montréal beats to the rhythm of its festivals: jazz, comedy, cinema, fireworks and more!

Explore It!
Montreal is an island separated by the St. Lawrence boulevard , from east to west. The public transportation network (subway and bus) covers the island and is particularly efficient; one can get a tourist card, valid for one day (7.00$) or three days (14.00$). A dozen driving, bicycling or walking tourist tours, are proposed by the Info-Tourist Center, located between Peel and Bonaventure subway stations

Riding in a horse-drawn carriage around the XVIIIth- and XIXth-century residences of Old Montréal, you will discover the imposing neo-gothic Notre-Dame Basilica, as well as museums that recount the past, such as the Pointe-à-Callière museum and the Centre d'histoire de Montréal.

The Old Port invites you to relax all year round. Among its attractions, you will find the Montréal Science Center, a vast complex dedicated to scientific culture that also includes an IMAX theatre. The Old Port is also the starting point for trips along the turbulent Lachine Rapids, at the western end of the island!

Downtown abounds with department stores, boutiques and cinemas, not to mention major museums, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Musée d'art contemporain, the McCord Museum of Canadian History and the Canadian Center for Architecture.

13 - Outaouais
Fresh air and city living

The hills of Outaouais surround the large cities of the area. At only 25 minutes from Hull-Ottawa, the Laflèche cave, a 20 000 years old phenomenon, is accessible to visitors. Its 402 meters of dried out galleries are completely exceptional (reservation required). The Gatineau Park offers numerous activities, during summer or winter. Many activities can be practiced, like golfing and snowmobiling.

The Outaouais region, in southwestern Québec, welcomes visitors year round for both relaxing activities (rides on a steam train, canoe-camping, hot air balloon rides, cave tours, museum visits), as well as some that are a little more daring (rafting, parachuting, spelunking, bungee jumping, even casino gambling!). The region's vast territory has two faces. On the banks of the Ottawa River, just opposite Ottawa's Parliament Hill, sits Gatineau a city peppered with green spaces. Its downtown hums with a vibrant nightlife, shows, major exhibitions and a host of other exciting activities. Just outside the city stands the forest, the pillar of the region's economy.

This impressive natural arena boasts countless bodies of water, immense parks, animal preserves and outfitters for nature lovers, hunters and fishermen-not to mention bike paths, ski trails and snowmobile trails galore!

From Gatineau to Montebello
Do not miss the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which features exhibits on archeology, ethnology, the way of life of the indigenous peoples and handicrafts, as well as the Canadian Children's Museum. At Parc Oméga, in Montebello, the young and old alike will enjoy a photo safari from the comfort of their car. Admire deer, wapitis, bison, boars, moose, wolves and many other free-roaming animals!

At the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site, in Montebello, you can tour a lavish, architecturally resplendent seigneurial manor. To get into the vacation spirit, what better than an evening at the Casino? The Casino du Lac-Leamy, adjacent to a luxury hotel, features shows headlined by internationally renowned artists, as well as impressive gourmet restaurants and gaming rooms.

The 363 km2 (140 sq. mi.) of Gatineau Park is an ideal recreation destination in both summer and winter. This paradise, just minutes from downtown, is the perfect place for canoe-camping, swimming, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping! The park is home to the Mackenzie King Estate, the former summer residence of this illustrious prime minister. At the Parc national de Plaisance, you can watch thousands of Canada geese on their spring and fall migrations.

The immense Réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle (1,628 km2 / 628 sq. mi.) is the perfect place to spot moose, beavers and white-tailed deer, and for enjoying some fishing or canoe-camping. To find out more about white-tailed deer, visit the Centre d'interprétation du cerf de Virginie, where you can observe this magnificent animal in its natural habitat. To enjoy the natural splendour of the Outaouais on bicycle, take to the trails of the Route verte, cycle along the river that meanders through Gatineau Park, or tour the immense Réserve faunique La Vérendrye!

14 - Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Endless forests and countless lakes and waterways-in other words immense spaces that are still intact!
Huge parks and lots of hunting/fishing outfitters, wildlife reserves and nature centres mean nonstop outdoor recreation.

Two waves of migrants populated this immense region, so far from major cities and barely one hundred years old-first came the woodsmen, fur traders and land-clearers, then the prospectors drawn by the gold rush. Proud of its history, Abitibi-Témiscamingue is a dynamic region with plenty for tourists to do, including museums, mining tours and industrial tours.

A trip to mining and fur country
Visit the Cité de l'Or (gold city) and explore what used to be the richest gold mine in Québec-the Lamaque mine, closed since 1985. This expedition will take you 300 feet underground! Admire an amazing collection of minerals at the Musée minéralogique de Malartic, or learn more about the geology of the Témiscamingue region at the Centre thématique fossilifère. At the Fort-Temiscamingue National Historical Site, on LakeTimiskaming, you can visit an important hub of the 18th-century fur trade.

Outdoor adventures
To truly enjoy the wide-open spaces in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, you must take in its preserved natural areas! In Parc national d'Aiguebelle, a landscape of rocky cliffs sculpted by glaciers and lava, will leave you breathless.
At almost 14,000 km² (5,404 sq. mi.), the Réserve faunique La Vérendrye wildlife reserve has more than 4,000 lakes and rivers (including the Ottawa River), making it a real paradise for fishing and canoeing enthusiasts. Cycle down the Moccasin Line, a multiuse path built on the old railways between Ville-Marie and Laverlochère, to thoroughly enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

The architecture of this region is astonishing. The lodging facilities are varied in order to meet the various needs of its visitors. Restaurants are well quoted, and, just like the generosity of its fellow-citizens, the portions are generous.

15 - Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
A unique and wonderful "Kingdom"!
A place people call it "the Kingdom"! With a river so wide it could be a lake, a lake so immense it could be an inland sea, the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region abounds in attractions and breathtaking panoramic views.
A wide range of summer and winter activities awaits you: cruises, whale- and bird-watching, kayaking, rafting, hiking, cycling, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ATVing, dogsledding, ice fishing, cross-country skiing… just to name a few! Its dynamic towns are home to some 300,000 exceedingly friendly residents.

An extraordinarily rich culture!
It's the long list of experiences that await you! What would you say about a zoo where you can watch animals roaming free in their natural habitat? Adventure awaits you at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien, open year-round.
The Pekuakamiulnuatsh (the Lac-Saint-Jean Montagnais people) will welcome you warmly at Mashteuiatsh (Pointe-Bleue).

To learn about their history and culture, visit the Musée amérindien de Mashteuiatsh! Botany lovers will not want to miss the Grands Jardins de Normandin and its 17 hectares (42 acres) of immense and original gardens.
Incredible natural splendors!

The Véloroute des Bleuets, a special treat for cycling enthusiasts, is a 256-km (159-mi.) network of trails encircling Lac Saint-Jean with lookout points offering a magnificent view of the lake. The trail passes through the Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon (home to moose and beavers)-the perfect place to swim in the lake or canoe on the Rivière Péribonka. Three other large national parks can be found in the area. Parc national des Monts-Valins is known for its mountains that rise above 900 m (2,950 ft.), its spectacular views, its rivers and its numerous bodies of water.
Discover the spectacular beauty of the Saguenay Fjord (the second longest in North America) at the Parc national du Saguenay, which is an integral part of the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.

16 - Manicouagan
On the whale route

This grandiose location, which saw the birth of an electrical empire, is dominated by the largest multiple arch dam in the world, the barrage Daniel-Johnson (Manic-5). This region covers an immense wilderness that is ideal for hiking, camping, scuba diving, sea kayaking, hunting, and fishing and snowmobiling.

Visitors to the Manicouagan region will be impressed by its many facets, as varied as they are astounding. With the shore overlooking the magnificent St. Lawrence River, cliffs overhanging the striking Saguenay fjord, saltwater marshes where you can observe 175 bird species, the fish ladder teeming with leaping salmon, not to mention the boreal forest, tundra, rushing rivers and deep lakes of its backcountry.

The cold waters of the Rivière Saguenay that flow into the saltwater of the St. Lawrence River form an exceptional ecosystem, the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, where countless beluga and fin whales abound in the summertime.

Numerous cruises, including several departing from Tadoussac and Les Escoumins, allow you to see these enormous mammals up close. But you can also occasionally see seals, fin whales and belugas right from the shore!
The Cap-de-Bon-Désir Observation and Interpretation Centre, in Bergeronnes, is one of the best spots. Its interpretation center, as well as the center in Tadoussac, describe and explain the life of these magnificent marine mammals.

In the Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes, miles of boardwalks and fine sandy beaches allow visitors to observe animal and plant life in a tranquil setting. At the Centre d'interprétation des marais salés, you can learn more about this type of ecosystem, while leisurely watching Canada geese and snow geese during their seasonal migrations. The aboriginals have left their mark in the Manicouagan region; to appreciate their art, drop by the Musée amérindien et inuit, in Godbout. While visiting the Village forestier d'antan in Franquelin, you'll be transported back to life in a logging camp and you can even taste the traditional foods of the old time lumberjacks.

17 - Duplessis

Duplessis is a coast sprinkled with bays and coves, craggy islets, forests as far as the eye can see, and plenty of rivers and lakes.

Here, the immensely wide Gulf of St. Lawrence is omnipresent. The salt water is a popular playground for fin whales, sperm whales and other whale species! Like a string of pearls, little villages dot the Basse-Côte-Nord-most of which are accessible only by boat.

That's because the road ends in Natashquan! In this world beyond compare, fishermen, hunters, snowmobilers and sports enthusiasts can enjoy a change of scenery at every turn.

Breathtaking nature
Île d'Anticosti, the largest island in Québec (surface area of 8,000 km²/3,088 sq. mi.) is paradise for white-tailed deer hunters. The savage beauty of the cliffs, canyons, falls and rivers in the Parc national captivates tourists. The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve offers unique landscapes with gigantic, spectacularly shaped monoliths where large colonies of puffins and marine birds dwell. The Réserve faunique de Port-Cartier-Sept-Îles, with over 1,000 bodies of water and some 15 rivers in the heart of the boreal forest, is the ideal location for sport fishermen-the waters are swarming with brook trout and salmon.

Arctic experiences
Harrington Harbour village, a fishing port with less than 300 residents, is located on an island near Newfoundland. Charming tiny painted houses and wooden boardwalks stand out against the backdrop of tundra and icebergs. In Fermont, an iron-mining town, one of the largest strip mines in North America is open to the public. An ingenious protective wall surrounds this northern town, sheltering it from winter's harsh weather. For those really interested in discovering the vast territory of Duplessis, take part in some eco tourism activities, and learn from those who know it best-the aboriginals, who have lived there for centuries.

18 - Nord-du-Québec

Endless silence of the tundra, the fresh fragrance of the boreal forest, the stampeding caribou herds, the spectacular ballet of the northern lights and the parade of ice floes… Northern Québec is Québec's largest tourist region. It includes the James Bay territory, between the 49th and 55th parallels, and Nunavik, above the 55th parallel. Bordered by the Arctic Ocean, it is truly the final frontier. The Inuit, Cree, Naskapi and a few non-natives share this land (half of Québec's surface area) with a fauna and flora that has adapted to the harsh conditions of this savage landscape. Attracting builders of hydroelectric stations, the turbulent rivers are home to mega projects, now open to visitors. The arid mountains are a hiker's paradise, and the game and fish are a dream comes true for hunters and sport fishermen, while the vastness of the territory is ideal for ATVs and snowmobiles. In short, this territory is overflowing with activities for adventure seekers!

The immense rivers of Northern Québec are the site of colossal hydroelectric installations. On the Grande Rivière, there are eight generating stations, including the La Grande-1 Generating Station and the Robert Bourassa Generating Facility, the largest underground generating station in the world. Since 1950, some 185,000 workers have spent time in the area to build these hydroelectric complexes. Uncover the history of this saga at the Parc Robert-A.-Boyd historical site. At the Centre d'intérêt minier de Chibougamau, you can trace the evolution of the mines over the ages and take in a sound and light show. The Réserves fauniques Assinica et des Lacs-Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi form the largest wildlife reserve in Québec. Lac Mistassini is large enough to be considered a true inland sea.

In summer, it is day, both day and night, whereas in winter, it is night almost all day. Nunavik is a place of unusual experiences. In this vast expanse, the villages are scattered, not joined by any road-travel to and from is done by airplane. This territory contains many fantastic natural phenomena, including the highest mountains in northeastern America: Monts Torngat (the highest, Mont Iberville, is 1,646 m / 5,400 ft. at its peak). The Pingualuit Crater, fashioned by a meteorite, is 3.4 km (2.11 mi.) in diameter and contains exceptionally pure water. In the winter, Kangiqsujuaq (88 km / 54 mi. away) is the starting point for guided snowmobile excursions to the crater. At Tasiujaq, you can admire the exceptional tides in the Aux Feuilles basin (in March 2002 the world's highest recorded tide occurred here). The Rivière George is known throughout the world as a prime location for salmon, char and trout fishing. Regional outfitters also offer top-of-the-line hunting and fishing packages. At the Daniel Weetaluktuk Museum, discover contemporary Inuit art, over 200 archeological objects as well as a recreation of an ancient igloo interior!

19 - Laval
A region that is both young and dynamic

Just a little bit smaller than the Island of Montreal, the island of Laval take advantage of being the 2nd larger city of the province of Quebec and of tourist area.

Separated from Montreal by the "Rivière des Prairies", six bridges enable you to take advantage of tourist attractions of the metropolis and Laval, with the same accommodation. At the north, 7 bridges give you access to the tourist area of Laurentides, famous for its various sports activities. The "Lac des Deux Montagnes" finalizes the watery surrounding of the Island.

Bordered by Montréal to the south and the Laurentian Mountains to the north, the city of Laval comprises both residential neighborhoods and industrial sectors. With almost half of Laval's vast territory reserved for green spaces, nature lovers find it difficult to choose between the large, carefully maintained parks, the area's golf courses and the fields teeming with fruits, vegetables and multi-colored flowers.

Main attractions of the area:

• space museum with its space camp and science center
• Several museums and art galleries, like "Maison des Arts", Armand-Frappier museum.
• Some theatres and showrooms
• The "Rivière des Mille-park
• The hydroelectric power station of the "Rivière des Prairies"
• The récréathèque, vast entertaining complex for the family with a track of shoes with aligned wheels, 18 holes mini golf, adventures with laser guns, skittles, park and more

Museum tours that are sure to catch your interest
The Cosmodôme is a complex dedicated entirely to conquering space. In the science center, you can take a trip through our solar system, touch a real Saturn V rocket engine and admire a piece of lunar rock. At the Space Camp, thanks to NASA-type simulators, you can even simulate a walk on the moon!

The Musée Armand-Frappier, named after a pioneer of scientific research, is dedicated exclusively to biosciences. At the Centrale de la Rivière-des-Prairies, you can see up close the turbines and spillways used for producing electricity. Also, there are many greenhouses open to the public in this horticulture capital of Québec. Visit the Économusée Fleurineau to about the traditional techniques used to dry flowers. Attractions in Laval are most often avant-garde and anything but dull!

A holiday in Laval equals relaxation, invigoration and stimulation-all at the same time!

20 - Centre-du-Québec

The Centre-du-Québec region is located halfway between Québec City and Montréal, on the south side of the St. Lawrence River. For a vacation or a weekend outing, there is no shortage of things to see or do: agrotourism, events, culture, heritage, outdoor activities, antiques, golfing, snowmobiling, ATVing, conferences and even industrial tourism! What's more, there is an impressive choice of reputed inns with good food and accommodations! Get to know the area better via one of the theme routes, such as the Route des Jardins and the Route des antiquaires, which will see you exploring gardens and visiting antique dealers respectively.
Open your eyes and take a deep breath!

The Centre-du-Québec region has everything an outdoor lover's heart could desire! There are 3,000 km (1,860 mi.) of snowmobile trails and 1,225 km (760 mi.) of ATV trails-125 km (77 mi.) of which are open year round.
There are 25 bike paths that meander through towns, forests and farming areas, such as the Parc Linéaire des Bois-

Francs and the Circuit des Traditions.
Twice a year, spring and fall, hundreds of thousands of snow geese stop over at Baie-du-Febvre, on the edge of Lac Saint-Pierre (a UNESCO biosphere reserve)-an event not to be missed. Centre-du-Québec is home to Plessisville, the maple capital of the world (where you can find the Musée de l'érable), as well as the cranberry capital of the province, Saint-Louis-de-Blandford. In the fall, come visit the immense cranberry fields at the Centre d'interprétation de la canneberge.

A brief history of Centre-du-Québec
The "Centre du Québec" region is located half-way between Québec City and Montréal, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, and has a population near 220,000.

The region is easily accessible via highways 20 and 55 and other roads. This magnificent region is delimited by the St. Lawrence River and here, mountains, forest, particularly maple forests, and water form a majestic combination. The Laviolette Bridge links up this region with the Mauricie region.

The Abenaki, the French, the Irish, the Scots and the Loyalists all left their mark on the Centre-du-Québec region, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage. To discover the places where the first Scottish and Irish colonies were established, take the Route Celtique. At the Village Québécois d'Antan, on the banks of the Rivière Saint-François, immerse yourself in the traditions of the years 1810-1910 and tour some 60 buildings typical of old Québec. You can also tour the home of an illustrious prime minister at the Laurier House National Historic Site, as well as the birthplace of painter-engraver Rodolphe Duguay (one of Canada's master engravers).