Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA HERITAGE AND CULTURE Visitors to Old Montréal are captivated by its atmospheric stone buildings, museums and monuments, dating back to the 17 th century. Many have been converted into chic restaurants, outdoor cafés, boutiques and art galleries. Québec City is the only walled city north of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a textbook of 17 th and 18 th century architecture. Begin with a visit to Battlefi elds Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham, the site of pivotal clashes between French and English forces (www. ccbn-nbc.gc.ca ). The cobblestone streets of the Old City are best explored on foot, a perfect setting for strolling and window shopping. Catch the view from the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River, or stop for tea at Le Château Frontenac, the world's most photographed hotel (www. quebecregion.com ). Nighttime takes on new dimensions at Foresta Lumina in the Eastern Townships— a night-illuminated pathway along one of the province's most popular walking trails, including across North America's longest suspension footbridge ( www.foresta lumina.com/en ). The Québec Aboriginal Tourism Corporation provides a wide range of information on everything from food and lodging to arts and outdoor adventures (www.quebecaboriginal.com). MUST SEE, MUST DO The region of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is well known for its premier biking routes, including the Véloroute des Bleuets (Blueberry Route) encircling a scenic lake (www.veloroute-bleuets.qc.ca/en). Sherbrooke, in the Eastern Townships, is a centre for outdoor lovers who want to sample Fatbikes—specially designed bicycles with wide tires, making it easy to tackle snowy surfaces (www.destination sherbrooke.com). In the Gaspésie region, Plongée Forillon and Auberge Griffon Aventure provide unforgettable experiences swimming with harbour seals, starfi sh and lobster (www. plongeeforillon.com; www.auberge gaspe.com/aventures/scuba-diving). Piknic Électronik's outdoor events offer music enthusiasts a chance to enjoy summertime weather, a stunning view of Montréal and quality electronic tunes every Sunday from May through September ( www.piknicelectronik.com/en). Hiking along the steep banks of Sainte- Anne Canyon is a fi rsthand introduction to the history, geology, fl ora and fauna of the Charlevoix region (www.canyonsa.qc.ca/en). Explore the rich history of the Huron- Wendat Nation at the Huron-Wendat Museum, 15 minutes from Québec City. Have an authentic Huron-Wendat experi- ence by spending the night in the long- house! ( www.tourismewendake.ca). SCENIC DRIVES Dominated by mountain peaks soaring to nearly 1,200 m (4,000 ft.), the Eastern Townships' 157-km (98-mi.) Summit Drive follows the region's highest points, revealing one gorgeous panorama after another. Forged by glaciers, the 235-km (146-mi.) Fjord Route follows the winding Saguenay River, offering a never-ending show of imposing rock faces and majestic capes. Route du Richelieu's historic 230-km (143-mi.) transportation road traces the lovely Richelieu River, encompassing historic villages, archaeological digs, museums, heritage churches and bucolic landscapes. The 260-km (160-mi.) King's Road (Chemin du Roy) is Canada's oldest roadway, linking Québec City to Montréal along the St. Lawrence River's spectacular north shore. FAMILY FUN Québec overfl ows with year-round family fun! As an example, in the Outaouais region July is Family Month, with a full menu of activities round the clock. Museums in Gatineau and Ottawa, indoor tube sliding and rock climbing, cycling and wildlife parks offer something for every member of the family ( www.tourisme outaouais.com/en-ca). WHaLe WatCHinG, foriLLon nationaL ParK • Le QUÉBeC MaritiMe/MarC LoiSeLLe PARK PICK LA MAURICIE NATIONAL PARK the landscape of La Mauricie national Park north of Shawinigan is a quilt of forests, rock and lakes typi- cal of the rugged Canadian Shield. it is an outdoor lover's dream: wilder- ness lakes and streams for kayaking and canoe camping; trails for hiking and mountain biking in summer and snowshoeing in winter; and natural pools for a quick dip to cool off . the Parks Canada family-friendly otentiks (canvas roof and walls on a wooden frame and fl oor) sleep fi ve and are equipped with solar lights, barbecue, fi repit, lantern and wood stove. Some are open year round ( w w w. p c . g c .c a /e n g /p n - n p/q c / mauricie/index.aspx). More info on National Parks and Historic Sites: www.pc.gc.ca • 1-888-773-8888