Outside the wall of Old Town, a must-see

is the famed hotel Chateau Frontenac. This

massive castle-like structure boasts more
than 600 rooms on 18 floors.
2 winter 2016
Photographed by Drew Coffman.

getaways

La Belle

PROVINCE
A Week in Quebec

www.stowawaymag.com 3

Situated at the eastern end of Canada is the sprawling

province of Quebec. The second-largest administrative
area in the country, this predominantly French-speaking
area of more than eight million residents is rich in
history, deep in culture, varied in diversity, and
plentiful in attractions.
Because of its topography and geographical location, much of the province is sparsely populated. Still,
la belle province (French for the beautiful province,
as it is known), offers an impressive menu of things
to do, see, and experience. Here are a few.

4 winter 2016

Old Town Quebec

The second-largest city in the province, Quebec City is about 143 miles
(230 kilometers) northeast from
Montreal, Quebecs most populated
city and metropolitan area. The capital city of the province, Quebec City
sits on the St. Lawrence as the river
begins to narrow.
Within Quebec City is an area
known as Vieux-Quebec, or in
English, Old Quebec. This historic
portion of the city is the only existing walled and fortified city in North
America. Visitors will be enthralled
and enchanted with its cobblestone

getaways

Lac Saint-Jean
streets and European flare and feel.
Old Quebec is bustling with shops,
restaurants, and charm. Here, you
can also check out the Citadelle of
Quebec, a military installation constructed in 1673.
Outside the wall of Old Town, a
must-see is the famed hotel Chateau
Frontenac. This massive castle-like
structure boasts more than 600
rooms on 18 floors. It is known for
having accommodated stays from
dignitaries and political figures from
around the globe.

Incredibly, Quebec has more than one

million lakes and waterways, though
many of these are tiny and have
not been named. Perhaps the most
notable Quebec lake is Lac Saint-Jean,
located in the breathtaking Saguenay
region of the province, 126 miles (203
kilometers) northwest of Quebec
City. If youre visiting Quebec in the
summertime, this is an appealing
destination, especially if youre an
outdoors fanatic.
Lac Saint-Jean offers gorgeous, picturesque views and provides opportunities for canoeing, fishing, rock

A scenic
view of
Montmorency
Falls,
Quebec City.

climbing, and for simply taking a

scenic stroll on the banks of the
27-mile-long lake. Wildlife is often
spotted at or close to the lake. Also
near the lake there are generous
numbers of lodging options and
places to eat.

Authentic Quebec Food

Speaking of eating, no one can visit

Quebec and feel justified without
at least sampling the local food
scene. Probably the most unique and
famous Quebecois dish is poutine, a
palate-pleasing dish that consists of
French fries liberally smothered with
cheese curds and a gravy-like sauce.
Just about every restaurant in the
province will serve this tantalizing
delight. You can even pick up a packet
of sauce mix from a grocery store or
convenience store and stir up your
own concoction.

Charlevoix

Less than a two-hour drive northeast from Quebec City, up the St.
Lawrence River, youll find the artists
wonderland known as Charlevoix.
Quebecois and visitors alike will
flock to the eye-pleasing landscape
and peaceful environment this
region boasts.

Others

A comprehensive list is difficult to

compile, but if time permits, make
sure to visit these sites:
Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal
St. Josephs Oratory, Montreal
Montmorency Falls, Quebec City
Gatineau Park, Gatineau
Forillon National Park, Gaspe
Canyon Sainte-Anne, Beaupre

Josh McFadden
Photographed by Luke Chesser.

www.stowawaymag.com 5