Welcome to la belle province! There's much to see in this truly beautiful province, and its two most prominent cities -- Montreal and Quebec -- are within a few hours' drive of each other. That makes the offerings of both cities readily available to residents and visitors alike.
Montreal is a buzz of friendly activity, home to more than 40 annual festivals and international events, 5,000 restaurants, five professional sports teams and 1,000 parks and green spaces.
With all it has to offer, where does one begin? With summer festivals, of course.
Montreal Jazz Festival
Perhaps the king of Montreal festivals is the annual Jazz Festival. This year's festival, running from June 29 to July 9, will feature Bonnie Raitt, B. B. King, John Pizzarelli and hundreds of other performers.
While there are many charged-for performances, many more outdoor activities and performances are free to the public.
18th Century Public Market
August 26 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
August 27 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
At the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, visit an 18th-century marketplace -- stalls, an inn, a native camp, musicians, and demonstrations by craftspeople give a fun and interactive way of seeing the way the world used to be.
Quebec City
Just a few hours from Montreal is Quebec City, Quebec's historic provincial capital. As the only walled city in North America, Quebec City is divided into Old Upper and Lower Town, each with a unique appeal to visitors. For kids, a walk through Old Town is a little like stepping back in time.
Old Town retains an almost European feel, with an irresistible elegance and romance to captivate every family member. First stop? A place where elegance and romance have been brought to a kid-friendly level. Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. Or take a peek at Lower Old Town from the Funicular, the only one of its kind in Canada.
Quebec City Summer Festival
The Quebec City Summer Festival is one of the most popular local festivals of the season. It runs from July 6 - 16, 2006, and features nearly 500 free shows and concerts. With circus arts, street performances and music (rock, pop, hip-hop, classical and folk), it truly has something for every taste.
Where are you going this summer? Discuss your travel plans with other readers in our forums!
Image courtesy www.old.montreal.qc.ca, le photographe masqué.
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