Quebec Quebec Province as a vacation destination – Montreal, Quebec City, Tremblant: Just across the northern border of New England lies Quebec, a province that’s the undisputed hub of French culture in North America, yet is three times as big as France itself! It’s here where great European armies fought to determine the history of the continent, where 10 different aboriginal nations have made their homes and 27 national parks have carved out space for Mother Nature.
Quebec City, celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2008, is a walled colonial city whose essence is captured in Place-Royale, the oldest neighborhood in North America that has been beautifully restored with restaurants, cafes and shops. Mother Nature also staked her claim at Montmorency Falls, which are higher than the Niagara Falls, and the biosphere reserves of Grands-Jardins and Hautes-Gorges-De-La-Riviere-Malbaie. When you branch out in Quebec, you’ll find its joie de vivre in small villages as well. The Tremblant area is perfect for those seeking a quiet wilderness retreat with thousands of lakes and more than 30 golf courses and of course world-class winter sports. Montebello is a pristinely simple setting for hiking, bird-watching, canoeing and other relaxing activities Charlevoix offers a rural hospitality that comes from its agricultural heritage that has thrived along the St. Lawrence River. Quebec Province as a vacation destination for gay and lesbian vacationers: Because Montreal is decidedly French and culturally European, it is a city that is quite liberal where anything goes. Le Village is one of the largest and best gay neighborhoods anywhere, where the bars, discotheques and three large entertainment complexes rival the best of New York or San Francisco. Divers/Cite, the Montreal LGBT Pride Festival, is a veritable gay Woodstock with concerts, parades and all-night parties – including Lesbomonde, the city’s largest lesbian celebration. Mont-Tremblant is less than two hours from Montreal, nestled in the beautiful Laurentian Mountains. There, year-round gay-friendly excitement can be found with alpine skiing, hiking and everything in between. The charming village is a great place to savor premium coffees, fine bistros and exclusive boutiques. Along several blocks of St. Jean Street, just outside the Old City’s walls, lies the warm embrace of Quebec City’s gay community. Gay and lesbian bars, saunas and cafes are all set with a 400 year-old community as a backdrop, perfect for fun or romance.
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Montreal, the world’s second-largest French speaking city, is very European with cobblestone streets, intimate eateries, art galleries and shops. Much of its centuries-old culture is captured perfectly in the spires and ornate facades of historic Old Montreal and Old Port. A must-see for many is the marvelous Underground City, an 18-mile network of 2,000 stores, cultural offerings and restaurants. 