Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1520274
That famous Québec passion is in the air. Visitors find themselves immersed in an irresistible tableau of experiences, sights and emotions that spark the beginning of a love affair with the province. Visit, share and open yourself to becoming wrapped in the heart of it all. FOUR SEASON ADVENTURES Québec is a landscape of superlatives. There's warmth, plus an energy and glow that blanket the province. Québecers love special events and festivals. Everywhere, Québec's National Holiday is celebrated on June 24 th with shows, parades, bonfires and fireworks. There are music festivals: Montréal International Jazz Festival (Festival International de Jazz de Montréal), Québec City Summer Festival (Festival d'été de Québec) and many others. Summer is the perfect time to visit pick- your-own farms and follow the province's food trails, or become one with the unspoiled wilderness by hiking, climbing and paddling. There are opportunities for everyone drawn to the outdoors. Autumn brings a dramatic splash of colour and springtime follows with the sweetness of maple syrup. A large percent of the world's maple syrup is produced in Québec. Winter includes snowmobiling, cross- country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and dogsledding. Québecers celebrate hockey like no other spot on earth—the Montréal Canadiens are the oldest hockey team in the world that has played without interruption. The Québec Winter Carnival—the world's largest—anchors the winter with its snow slides, ice sculptures and canoe race on the frozen St. Lawrence River. Across the province, they pay homage to the cooler seasons—from the family-friendly Montréal en Lumière in Montréal to the fall Oktobier- fest in Sainte-Adèle, and all points between. FOLLOW YOUR TASTEBUDS There's a deep connection between land and BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS QUÉBEC Living at the Heart of it All Canada's largest province, la belle province, is known for its deep traditions rooted in centuries of French history and culture. The heart-warming customs of the people and communities are found on their warm smiles and pride of place and history. 9,000,075 Québec City www.bonjourquebec.com Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, 20 km (13 mi.) from downtown Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, 16 km (10 mi.) from downtown QC 60 OLD QUÉBEC • ©GOUVQC/SÉBASTIEN DION