Quebec has much to offer as a tourism destination, giving Indian visitors the chance to explore its little known attractions – from heritage sites in Quebec City to natural splendours of Charlevoix to the warmth of native hospitality, and much more By Sudipta Dev
Quebec is in the heart of French speaking Canada. The capital Quebec City, is just a three hours drive from Montreal. For Indians visiting Toronto, exploring some of the highlights of Quebec can be an interesting option that travel agents can look at while planning itineraries. Quebec is one of the largest producers of maple syrup in the world. Maple is grown in only a few states in Canada, and a visit to a traditional sugar shack Érablière le Chemin du Roy gives an interesting insight into the history of the industry and the making process. The sugar shack is surrounded by trees, which are tapped in spring. Trees that are more than 20 years old are tapped, and some of them have scars that are at least five decades old. Visitors are welcomed with a glass of local Caribou, made of red wine, hard liquor (like whisky) and maple syrup. They can have lunch at the shack and enjoy traditional music. The best part of the unique experiences at the sugar shack is saved for the last – taffy on snow candy.
Quebec City has a very European feel to it with 95 per cent of the populace being native French speakers. A leisurely walk soaking in the sights and sounds of the fortified Old Quebec is the best way to explore the historic city. There is a guided tour inside the Parliament, which also has a restaurant for visitors, serving delicacies with focus on regional cuisine. Quebec City is on the banks of the St Lawrence River, which is the third largest river in North America. Visitors can get a beautiful view of the river from the Battlefields Park. The park is also the site of the Quebec Winter Carnival and a popular location for cross-country skiing. A canoe race, ice sculpture competition, are among the highlights of the carnival. The residents in Quebec City truly know how to celebrate winter. Hotel de Glace, the Ice Hotel which comes up during the winter months, has been beating its occupancy record every year.
Native hospitality
Aboriginal tourism offers a great insight into the life and culture of native communities in Canada. Traditional Huron Site is a recreated village that has guided tours and activities which could be of interest to Indian visitors. The guided tour includes visit to the Long House, the sweating tents (for purification), giant tee-pee, and others. The activities range from canoeing to snow shoe ride in the forests, archery and craft class. Visitors get to experience the warm hospitality of Huron – Wendat community.
For those interested in aboriginal culture, a unique accommodation option is the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations. At this aboriginal themed boutique hotel, guests can stay in luxurious rooms that are decorated with indigenous objects. Those a bit more adventurous can sleep in the nearby Long House and experience the true lifestyle of a native community. The hotel has an excellent restaurant with good vegetarian options. The museum in the premises is a fascinating showcase of the life, art and heritage of the Wendat community.
Diverse attractions
Enroute from Quebec City to Charlevoix is a destination which is considered among Canada’s hidden gems – Canyon Sainte-Anne. This is the site of the magnificent Sainte-Anne Falls, which is higher than the Niagara Falls. The 74-metre-high waterfall is a spectacular site which visitors can enjoy from the three suspension bridges and the many observation decks. A visit to the park is an enthralling experience for all age groups and categories – from families on vacation to avid hikers. Adrenaline junkies can also zipline across the gorge. The area is managed by the McNicoll family.
The Bureau d’information touristique de Charlevoix is located at a lookout spot from where visitors can enjoy the scenic vista of St Lawrence River and the mountains. Baie-Saint-Paul has a vibrant art scene – thanks to the Musée d’art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul. This contemporary art museum holds many national and international art exhibits throughout the year. The little town of Baie-Saint-Paul is famous for its art galleries, quaint shops and restaurants. Saint-Jean-Baptiste street is the best place for some curio shopping. Home of Cirque du Soleil, the very first show ‘La Fete Foraine de Baie-Saint-Paul’ was held here in 1984.
An interesting accommodation option here is the Hôtel Le Germain Charlevoix, which was a wooden barn, now converted into a hotel famous for its eclectic designs. The precincts of the hotel also includes a railway station, a public square, meeting rooms, spa and other facilities.
Regarded as one of the most scenic routes in North America, the St Lawrence Route links Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie where the iconic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is located. The imposing architecture and impeccable hospitality make this the hotel of choice for most visitors to the region. The Casino de Charlevoix in the vicinity is a big draw for locals as well as tourists with its 900 slot machines.
Picture perfect Charlevoix
Charlevoix is famous as the site of meteorite impact, and the best place to understand this is at the Astronomy Observatory where an expert will explain the phenomenon that shaped the area’s landscape 350 million years ago. Visitors also get the once in a lifetime opportunity to touch rare metorite rocks. A surreal experience on a clear night is looking through the telescope and seeing Jupiter with its three moons. The observatory is supported by the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu.
One of the tourism highlights of Charlevoix is the Maison du Bootlegger or the Bootlegger’s House. It was a high-end hunting and fishing lodge for American tourists. At that time Charlevoix was a dry area and to hide from the church and the authorities, liquor was served here for select clientele. The house has false doorways, secret chambers and trapdoors. The fact that Elvis Presley had visited here is confirmed by his signature on a wall. Interestingly, among the many photographs framed on the walls of the rich clientele who frequented the house in those days, two were of Indian origin. The Bootlegger’s House is today a tourism hotspot with a popular restaurant/ bar and a hotel.
Those visiting Charlevoix from May to October can go on a whale watching cruise. Even though it was the beginning of the season, the writer was fortunate to see beluga, blue, fin and humpback whales, along with penguins and seals. Enroute to the jetty are small villages on either side of the road with population of just about 200 people. There are beautiful holiday homes overlooking the St Lawrence River that can be rented by visitors who want to enjoy a holiday with a difference.