Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
farmers who create this culinary magic. Québec's gastronomic trails link the harvest of the countryside with the markets of the cities. The trails are known for artisanal cheese producers, small production vintners, local growers and specialty producers. Exploring the trails is a way to meet the people who create the province's signature products, from foie gras to springtime maple syrup. The Farmlands Route (Chemin du Terroir) loops through the Laurentians countryside, with stops at producers of wines and ciders, maple goods, fresh- picked apples and Québec's famous fromageries. The Gourmet Route (Le Parcours gourmand) links restaurants and craft producers in the greater Québec City area, including those on historic Île d'Orléans, famous for pick-your-own berries in the height of summer. Charlevoix's Flavour Trail (La Route des Saveurs) links more than 40 local growers, producers and restaurateurs who produce and serve regional products such as ciders, artisanal beers, pâtés, cheeses, spices and fi ne chocolates. Grape growers and vintners—and many bistros and restaurants—are a part of Québec's Wine Route (La Route des vins). The winemakers in fi ve distinct regions have created an on-line tool to help visitors design customized routes ( www.vinsdu quebec.com/en/route-des-vins). THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM Whether in the big city or the small villages, the people in Québec know how to open their doors and make visitors feel welcome. It could be quirky and fun, like Zoobox, an innovative solar-wind-powered loft where everything is fl exible—even beds and the bathtub can be moved outside! Or Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux's tree houses, suspended spheres and rustic log cabins. In the Québec Maritime region, the lighthouse at Brandy Pot is run as a B&B that retains its historical charm. In Charlevoix, Maison du Bootlegger is a colourful house with hidden doors and secret passages that date back to the era of Prohibition. Of course, there are the resorts and historic properties that the province is famous for: the much-loved Le Château Frontenac perched on a bluff in Québec City; the boutique Auberge Saint-Antoine; and, in Montréal, the luxurious Hôtel Le St-James; The Queen Elizabeth (undergoing renovations and reopening mid-year); and Le Saint Sulpice. WHAT'S NEW? The new Pierre Lassonde Pavilion at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) is an architectural gem—the four museum galleries cover every facet of Québec's art history. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can brave the new 300-m (984-ft.) double zip-line crossing spectacular Montmorency Falls. The trip can be done duo or solo ( www.sepaq.com/ct/pcm/?language_id=1 ). Valcartier Vacation Village completed the addition of a major indoor recreation and tourism complex to complement the seasonal outdoor waterpark. It features an indoor waterpark and four-star hotel. The site has also acquired the unique Hôtel du QUICK FACT THE LE MASSIF DE CHARLEVOIX SKI HILL HAS THE HIGHEST VERTICAL DROP EAST OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. SPECIAL EVENTS JANUARY – FEBRUARY • IGLOOFEST, MONTRÉAL • MONTRÉAL SNOW FESTIVAL • QUÉBEC WINTER CARNIVAL, QUÉBEC CITY FEBRUARY – MARCH • MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE APRIL • SAGUENAY JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL MAY – JUNE • GO BIKE MONTRÉAL FEST JUNE • CANADIAN FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX, MONTRÉAL • LES FRANCOFOLIES DE MONTRÉAL JUNE – OCTOBER • INTERNATIONAL GARDEN FESTIVAL, GASPÉSIE JULY • INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL, MONTRÉAL • INTERNATIONAL PERCUSSIONS FESTIVAL, MONTRÉAL • JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL, MONTRÉAL • MONTRÉAL CIRQUE FESTIVAL • MONTRÉAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL • QUÉBEC CITY SUMMER FESTIVAL • TREMBLANT INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL AUGUST • MONTRÉAL FIRST PEOPLES FESTIVAL • MONTRÉAL PRIDE • NEW FRANCE FESTIVAL, QUÉBEC CITY • ROGERS CUP, MONTRÉAL AUGUST – SEPTEMBER • GATINEAU HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL OCTOBER • FRIGHT FEST, MONTRÉAL • QUÉBEC INTERCULTURAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL, MONTRÉAL www.quebecoriginal.com/en-ca PLACE ROYALE • QUÉBEC CITY TOURISM/JEAN-FRANÇOIS BERGERON/ENVIRO FOTO QC 112