Quebec

In 1534, the French sailor Jacques Cartier stumbled into what is now Quebec when he sailed up the St. Lawrence River in search of the Northwest Passage, a route Europeans hoped would lead to the treasures of China. Instead, the explorers who followed Cartier found treasure of a different kind in the rich furs of the Canadian wilderness. Today, explorers of a different kind flock to the province of Quebec in search of a piece of Europe on the North American continent.

Montreal

About six million people live in Quebec province; about half of those live in Montreal and its environs. The city is known for its cosmopolitan flavor. Although French is spoken widely, most tourists should have no problem navigating around the city with their English and a smile. While it is easy to drive around Montreal, travelers may enjoy getting around town on Le Metro, the city's clean and safe underground subway system. The city has attractions for visitors every season of the year. In January and February, Montreal celebrates La Fete des Neiges, an outdoor winter festival. In the summer, visitors can enjoy the International Music Competition, the International Opera Festival, or the Montreal International Jazz Festival. In the autumn, there is the Festival Internationale de Nouvelle Danse and an International film festival.

Quebec City

The walled city of Quebec, capital of the province of the same name, had its origins in the early 17th century. In the beginning, it was the center of a thriving fur trade. Later, logging, shipbuilding, and fishing commerce was important. The old town's location on a hill means that it is divided in two. Haute Ville, the Upper Town, was the traditional residential district. Bas Ville, the Lower Town, was the business district. Today's visitors can take a "funiculaire" (elevator) from the Place Royale, the 17th- and 18th-century buildings at the site of the city's earliest settlement, up the hill to Dufferin Terrace, the 19th-century park that afford fabulous views of the city.