Declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1985, Québec is the only city in North America to have preserved its original fortifications. The province of Québec’s capital is also known to be one of the safest urban districts of the world. Cradle of French civilisation in North America, Québec City is also a bilingual (French/English) destination.
Founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Québec City has kept its European flavour. Cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafés, museums and several other treasures are yours to discover by foot in a very clean environment.
Québec City is the ideal leisure and travel destination! In fact, Condé Nast Traveler readers have listed Québec City amongst the top 10 favourite tourist destinations around the world and first in Canada!
Whether it be enjoying festivities on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (official provincial holiday on June 24) and at the Québec City Summer Festival (early July), or exploring different sites such as the Citadelle, one of the most important functioning fortresses in North America; the Fortifications, a 2.9-mile stone wall surrounding the city; a traditional Native American village, where you can discover legends about the creation of the world or the significance of masks; a maple-sugar shack, where you’ll taste maple toffee on snow; or the Île d’Orléans, an agricultural community proud of its 600 historic buildings, you will be amazed by so many activities abounding in and around the city!
General Overview
Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain
Québec City celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008
The cradle of French civilization in North America
In 1985, the “Arrondissement historique de Québec” was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Capital city of the Province of Québec whose total population is seven and a half million
Seat of the National Assembly (Provincial Legislature)
Land area: 9 000 km2, located 250 km east of Montréal
The Greater Québec City Area population totals 642 000, 95 % of which are francophone. English is widely spoken in all service industries and tourist and shopping areas.
Québec City, Côte-de-Beaupré, Île d'Orléans, as well as the Jacques-Cartier and Portneuf communities are included in the Greater Québec Area territory.
Quality of Life
One of the safest areas in North America
Healthful environment, clean air, ample greenery and wide open spaces
Cost of living is lower than in the world’s large cities
Economic activities
A Canadian center for hi tech research
A major seat of the biotechnology and biomedical industry
Primary industries: logging, quarries and sandpits, agrifood
Manufacturing industries: pulp and paper, wood products, metallurgy, printing, food and beverages
Service industries: civil service, health care, tourism, education, transportation and communications
38,000 jobs related to tourist activities in 2004
Tourism
Nearly 5.1 million visitors per year (2008), 1.1 million of which were from outside Canada, representing 75 countries
1.63 billion dollars of tourist expenditures per year (2008)
Some 250 lodging establishments for a total lodging capacity of 12 600 rooms
Over 14 million of nights per year (2008)
3rd destination in Canada, after Toronto and Montréal (number of tourists)
Satisfaction rating: 99% for visitor reception; 99% for safety
Tourists' origin
Province of Québec 66.7%
Canada 12.3%
United States 11.0%
Overseas 10.0%
Québec City region, a world-class destination The Québec City region offers all the excitement of big city living and all the exhilaration of nature just minutes from town. The city itself is uniquely beautiful. Green, clean and safe, Québec City is equipped with the best in tourist and entertainment facilities. It constitutes the ideal destination for a leisure travel, an incentive travel or a business travel.
Top quality tourists facilities Luxuriate in the comfort of our hotels and inns. Whether you choose an upscale hotel or a charming small inn, you'll be welcomed with warmth, courtesy and efficiency. There are some 12,600 rooms available in the area, including over 2000 international-class rooms. Québec City enjoys good air, train and road transportation service and the Jean-Lesage International Airport was entirely remodelled in 2008.
Gastronomy Treat yourself to the pleasures of gourmet dining in our refined restaurants, friendly bistros, sidewalk cafés and springtime maple sugar shacks. You'll discover why Québec City has a well-deserved reputation as the North American capital of exquisite cuisine.
Culture Choose among the many artistic, cultural and sporting events:
The Mr. Christie Québec Winter Carnival, the world's most famous winter celebration
The Québec Summer Festival, the largest francophone music and street performer event in North America
The SAQ New-France Festival brings to us the atmosphere of by-gone days of other centuries
Theater, film and folk festivals and much more.
Major museums include the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, Musée de la civilisation, and Musée de l’Amérique française. Offering international exhibitions in one or the other location, they please the entire family. Visitor find attractions for every taste, from multimedia shows and fascinating museums to spine-tingling water and snow slides.
Outdoor activities Enjoy the great outdoors only minutes away from downtown. Partake in your favourite summer sports on the majestic St. Lawrence River or any of the countless lakes and rivers in the area, or spend time hiking, climbing, golfing or just enjoying the scenery in one of our sprawling parks. Nature lovers can observe moose, bears, lynx as well as the incredible migration of the snow geese every spring and fall in the many wildlife reserves and parks. Experience exceptional winter sports conditions at one of several ski resorts situated less than 30 minutes from downtown.
Choose Québec City and you'll discover a region that has everything it takes to turn your stay into magical memories. Visit www.quebecregion.com for more details.
