A province of Canada, Quebec is the only province in Canada, whose sole official language is French. The second most populated province, most of the inhabitants live within 100 miles of the United States border. Occupying a territory three times the size of Texas, most of Quebec is sparsely populated. The province's natural beauty with its deep lakes, cold rivers, snow-capped mountains and green valleys offer visitors a rich variety of adventures. Golfers must make time to visit Charleviox and hit the links at Manoir Richelieu Golf Club. Considered one the best courses in all of Canada, the views alone are worth the greens fees.
Old Quebec City
Designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a world heritage treasure, the city of Old Quebec is reminiscent of a trip to Europe. The streets still offer horse-drawn carriages, street performers and the charming feel of a time long since passed. Visitors to the area should take a walk along Dufferin Terrace, which overlooks the Saint Lawrence River. The jewel of the area is the famous Chateau Frontenac hotel, which has earned Guinness book of records acclaim for being the most photographed hotel in the world. The massive 650-room hotel is perched on a cape making it the most prominent building in Quebec City's skyline. A symbol of the city, a replica of the Chateau stands in Disney's Epcot center in Disneyworld, Florida.
Montmorency Falls
About 15 miles outside of Old Quebec City, Montmorency Falls are the highest water falls in Quebec. At 275 feet, the falls are more than 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls. Named by explorer Samuel de Champlain, there are staircases that will allow visitors to view the falls from different vistas but perhaps the best view is from the suspension bridge over the crest. From here, visitors will get an incredible (and slightly knee shaking) overhead view of the falls. If that is not enough, they should try a gondola ride which will take them to the top of the falls. A visit in winter is dramatic as portions spray from the waterfall freeze creating a beautiful, natural ice sculpture called a sugar loaf. The falls can also be taken in from one of the areas most esteemed restaurants, The Manoir Montmorency. Offering fine dining with a breathtaking view, the meal and the view will be memorable for a lifetime.
Montreal
Montreal is Canada's second largest city and the nation's cultural center. With a rich artistic community, the city has hosted the world on more than one occasion. In 1967, Montreal hosted the World's Fair known as Expo 67 and then, just nine years later, hosted the successful 1976 Summer Olympics. One of the great pastimes in the Montreal is shopping and the city offers one of the most unique shopping areas on the plane--the Underground City. Officially known as RÉSO, this massive underground world features 20 miles of tunnels connecting buildings all across the Montreal. The underground city is the largest subterranean structure in the world offering endless malls, banks, hotels, colleges and theatres, all without windows. Used by a half million people each day, the underground city has more than 120 access points. Above ground Montreal's Notre Dame Basilica is a neo-gothic church built in 1829 and while it is not a replica of its namesake in Paris, it is known for its lavish beauty. A walk to Mount Royal in Mount Royal Park, will offer sweeping views of the city and beyond.
About The Author
Tom Nari teaches screenwriting and journalism in Southern California. With a degree in creative writing from Loyola University, Nari has worked as a consultant to the motion picture industry as well as several non-profit organizations dedicated to the betterment of children through aquatics. Nari has written extensively for GolfLink, Trails and eHow.
Photo Credits
Quebec Castel image by apeschi from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
