Vacations, the perfect time to discover your Québec

The first harbingers of summer are slowly being felt, and ideas are already springing up to fill our many (or not) vacation days in the coming months. Already abound on the web articles telling us which countries are the most popular this year, or the most affordable flights for our favorite destinations. And if this year, your destination was… Quebec?

Traveling to the other side of the globe is gradually becoming the norm, but what could be better than knowing more about the territory in which we live before going to explore distant lands? Quebec has a lot to offer us, both in breathtaking landscapes and in events of all kinds in the four corners of the province.

Agritourism

Some cities or regional county municipalities have even set up a program entirely dedicated to agrotourism. For example, the MRC de la Haute-Yamaska ​​and the City of Granby, in partnership with the Union des producteurs agricole, have set up the Réseau des Haltes gourmandes de la Haute-Yamaska, which offers a gourmet trail throughout the region to to discover local producers. Signs are also installed throughout the MRC to indicate whether a stop is located nearby, at what distance and for what type of products.

Thus, it is possible to stay, or simply spend the day, in the region while adding a visit to a producer, a wine or spirits tasting, or even pick-your-own activities to our activities. The QuébecOriginal and Terroir et Saveurs du Québec websites also suggest a multitude of agro-tourism destinations in each region.

For the urban dwellers of this world, the city is not left out. Whether it's through a tour of public markets or various food processors located throughout the cities, no one will be left out. In addition, the farmers' markets usually located in the smallest municipalities or the nomadic markets that wander from village to village during the harvest season can allow you to get to know the producers in your area.

Nature tourism

If your desire is to be dazzled by striking landscapes, go beyond your limits by practicing various outdoor sports or simply recharge your batteries in nature, the beautiful province is aptly named!

We are lucky to live near one of the largest rivers in the world, and the summer season is the perfect time to take advantage of it. Whether by one of the many cruises offered almost everywhere in Quebec, by simply taking the ferry or by taking advantage of the pretty beaches of Bas-Saint-Laurent or Gaspésie, which are only examples, the river definitely offers us a thousand and an option.

The many islands located there can also be the subject of a short getaway in discovery mode. For those who dream of a total change of scenery and an exploratory trip can go to the largest island of Quebec, which is a World Heritage Site in Canada and in view of being recognized by Unesco: the Island from Anticosti. It will offer you breathtaking views throughout your stay, and you will certainly be able to come across some of the tens of thousands of deer that inhabit the territory.

Quebec's regional and national parks are also must-see destinations for enjoying the summer. They can easily be added to your regional vacation planning to punctuate it with fresh air. You can even take the opportunity to sleep there in one of the many accommodation units available, ranging from campgrounds to modern chalets.

We also see the emergence of the most innovative “hotel” experiments by certain entrepreneurs who offer units built in the trees, entirely glazed or with audacious architecture, which are activities in themselves. These out-of-the-ordinary accommodations can punctuate a roadtrip and become an excuse to visit a region of Quebec.

Discover (or rediscover) our cities

For residents of regions who want to take advantage of urban environments and who first think of large American or European cities, consider taking the time to discover or rediscover our major urban centers such as Montreal and Quebec.

Basically, these offer an array of festivals and various celebrations throughout the summer, and the tourist districts are always found lively. It's then the opportunity to swim in the crowds, enjoy free shows, street food or sidewalk sales. In addition, there will always be a nice terrace not too far away to relax a little and enjoy the good weather!

For those who want to be a little quieter or who already know the central and tourist districts of Montreal and Quebec too well, dare to go off the beaten track and go explore the rest of the city and experience neighborhood life (for example, La Petite Italy in Montreal or Limoilou in Quebec). These sectors generally offer more green spaces for you to cycle or have a picnic near the water (and this includes, but is not limited to, the Lachine Canal in Montreal and the Promenade Samuel -From Champlain to Quebec). Other large cities are also full of tourist routes for all tastes.

In short, it is breathtaking that we could develop a list of getaways and activities to do throughout the province. Whether it's out of curiosity, a desire to reduce your vacation budget a little or to find a walk to organize for a weekend or a short vacation, Quebec has everything to please and entertain you while the sun is shining and the weather is warm. is hot.

Good holidays!

Reviewed by Remy-Pierre

cover photo credit: Maude St-Onge