Exploring Southern and Northern Quebec

From the coast of Newfoundland to the remote wilderness of northern Quebec, this vast area has much to offer. Whether you’re looking for a place to find solitude in nature or where you can enjoy outdoor activities without having to worry about planning and packing, there’s something for everyone here. Read more and explore Southern and Northern Quebec before you visit these Canadian provinces.

When exploring new places, people are rewarded with diversity in Quebec. In the south, visitors can experience rich hilly farmlands and maple trees. The North has a stunning tundra forest and various hydroelectric projects. In Canada’s Laurentian Mountains, Quebec is a region of pristine lakes. Native people previously inhabited it until Europeans arrived in the 16th century. Today, French speakers dominate the area; after all, settlements were given to France; however, in 1759, the British gained power.

Google Maps Quebec

Popular tours in Quebec

Traveling to Canada can be a fun and exciting experience. If you’re interested in visiting some of the most popular tourist destinations in Quebec, you’ll want to consider taking one of the many tours. Some of the most popular tours include trips to Montreal, Quebec City, and Niagara Falls. These trips can provide a fantastic view of some of the most famous landmarks in North America.

Exploring the sites in Southern and Northern Quebec

Southern and Northern Quebec are two of the most diverse provinces in Canada, with a great mix of regions, cultures, and languages. This article will explore each province in depth, from its natural resources to its people and history. Whether you’re planning a trip to one or simply curious about what’s on offer, read on for information on what to see and where to go in Southern and Northern Quebec!

Parc National de la Mauricie

The Parc National de la Mauricie is one of the most popular parks in Quebec. This park is home to over 100 different types of wildlife, including black bears, wolves, beavers, and caribou. The park also has a variety of hiking trails that will take you through the forest, over mountains, and along rivers;

Campers, hikers, canoeists, and cross-country skiers often visit this 536-sq km (207-sq mile) stretch of forest, lakes, and pink Precambrian granite. This is a beautiful location that has been preserved through the Canadian Shield. The lakes provide an outdoor adventure with trout and pike in La Mauricie’s lake. This place offers an angler’s delight as well as more exciting views one can catch of the narrow Lac Wapizagonke Valley. Popping up here, some moose and bears roam freely through the park.

Gatineau

Gatineau, formerly known as Hull, is located on the other side of the river from Ottawa in Quebec. Gatineau has relaxed people and a more peaceful atmosphere than Ottawa. For example, City Hall has a meditation room. It’s easy to see why Ottawa is a city of boozers. It has relatively lax liquor laws, and its politicians have a history of partying here. For that reason, locals in the Hull area tend to drink more, as evidenced by its lower drinking age. In Gatineau, locals enjoy the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Canada’s best museum providing visitors with a fascinating tour of over 1,000 years of Canadian history.

Joliette

Father Wilfrid Corbeil founded the Musée d’Art de Joliette, which contains a permanent collection of medieval religious art and modern works. Father Fernand Lindsay started the Festival International de Lanaudière in Rawdon to feature musicians and artists. The nearby town of Rawdon, 18 km (11 miles) west, has earned its reputation as a place of natural beauty with trails featuring the Ouareau River and Dorwin Falls that lead from within the small town.

Oka

Oka is a picturesque Canadian village that can be reached by taking a ferry boat from Hudson to the Lake of Two Mountains. Along with the beauty of nature and people, there is an 1878 Neo-Romanesque church. Oka’s Abbaye Cistercienne, founded in 1881 by French monks, is near a relaxing park 20 square kilometers (7 square miles) big. The Abbaye is now closed, but its shop remains open for visitors who can buy their famous cheese there. Located nearby, Parc d’Oka welcomes people all year round with different activities such as beaches and camping grounds. The region is home to more than 1,000 archaeological sites, including one of the world’s oldest continuously occupied villages.

You can also walk on the famous Pont des Deux-Montagnes suspension bridge or stop by the Oka Visitor Centre for information on local attractions. In addition to hiking and biking trails, there are also several lakes and rivers to explore.

Rouyn-Noranda

Rouyn-Noranda is a city in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is located in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and is the administrative center of the Rouyn-Noranda Regional County Municipality.

Towns in northern Quebec are reliant on heavy industry. Places such as Rouyn and Noranda crashed into being when prospectors found copper in the region. Initially, they were separate towns, but in 1986, they merged. While they seem all but identical, both cities have their distinguishing features. The town of Noranda is a company town with churches and schools built to house the employees of the now-defunct mine; lawns, trees, streets – it has an almost English air. Currently, residents of Noranda are more than likely to be employed in surrounding mines. As an essential and famous company based near the town, the Horne Smelter can be visited by arranging appointments. Rouyn is nearby but less structured and more commercial. The Maison Dumulon celebrates its pioneer spirit through displays of the first settlers.

Sainte-Croix

If you’re looking for a charming, picturesque mountain town in Quebec, head to Sainte-Croix. Located in the heart of the Charlevoix region, the town features stunning views and plenty of things to do. There’s a vibrant arts scene here, and you can explore quaint shops and restaurants while taking in the scenic surroundings. And if skiing is your thing, head to nearby Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle for some world-class downhill skiing.

Visitors to the Domaine Joly-De-Lotbinière find themselves in front of a grand wooden house with bold sweeping steps, pillars, and carved curves. The manor house is the centerpiece of the estate, built by the local seigneur in 1851. Within the gardens, visitors can find rare plant varieties of green plants and red oaks estimated to be 250 years old+. Among the more common finds in these gardens are blue potatoes.

Sherbrooke

The city of Sherbrooke is the capital of the Eastern Townships region, which is an industrial, commercial and cultural center. It has a self-defined status as “Queens of the Eastern Townships”. The city’s old quarter, called the North Ward, lies in rolling farmlands along the Saint-François and Magog Rivers. The first settlers were from New England, but today it is overwhelmingly French-speaking.

Southern Quebec is also home to Sherbrooke, a picturesque university town with plenty of things to do. For nature lovers, the nearby Parc national des Laurentides is a must-see, while for those looking for arts and entertainment, there are plenty of places to go in Sherbrooke. In downtown Sherbrooke, there’s a guided path on the waterfront for 20 kilometers of cycling and walking trails on the banks of the Magog River. Northern Quebec is also home to great attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fort Nelson and the beautiful Gros Morne National Park.

Terrebonne

Southern Quebec is a region that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. The province is bordered by the United States of America to the south and east and Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, to the North. The terrain of Southern Quebec ranges from flat farmland in the south to rugged mountains in the North. There are numerous lakes, rivers, and forests scattered throughout the province.

Not too far from the suburbs of Montreal, this small town was founded in 1673. Despite a fire in 1922 that destroyed much of its downtown area, the old Mille River and 19th-century buildings remain. Terrebonne is the center of Quebec’s horseriding culture, and frequent rodeo events occur. Most notably, Terrebonne has a thriving bakery that made the first delicious saltless ship biscuits and was built in 1803 by the Northwest Company to fuel voyageurs on their journey west.

Trois Rivières

Trois Rivières is a small town located in the Quebec province of Canada. It is situated on the Saint Lawrence River and has a population of around 10,000. Trois Rivières has a lot to offer visitors, including its beautiful riverfront, delicious food, and exciting history. Trois-Rivières is often known for its paper industry, but the country offers many historical sites, such as Montréal Hill.

Going back over 350 years, the site has been hit by disaster four times and remains a sacred viewing point for the city. Samuel de Champlain first mentioned the hill, and British soldiers later occupied it during their rule of Montréal. Today, visitors can hike to the top, where they will be treated to 360° views of the city below.

One thing that makes Trois Rivières such a great place to visit is its riverfront. The Saint Lawrence River is incredibly scenic, with winding banks and trees lining the waterway. There are plenty of places to walk or bike along the River, and if you’re looking for some excitement, you can also take a boat or go swimming.

Aside from its stunning scenery, Trois Rivières is also home to some great restaurants. Some of the best ones include Le Bistro du Pêcheur, which serves fresh seafood dishes, and L’Auberge du Pêcheur, which specializes in Quebec-style poutine. If you’re looking for something more traditional, La Taverne Canadienne also serves up hearty steak dinners.

Trois Rivières is a great place to visit any time of year.

Val d’Or

Val d’Or is a mining town and is the primary center in northwestern Quebec. Visitors can see sites with great histories, like the mines and historical villages around Val d’Or. It has been producing gold, silver, and copper since the 1920s, and Tour Rotary offers unobstructed views of the mine heads there. La Cité de L’or is popular attraction. Originally a gold mine, it now contains reconstructions of the village facilities on the property, including some of the original log housing and other structures. La Cité de l’Or is a popular attraction that showcases the history of mining in Quebec.

It is true that much of the village remained intact and was declared a historic site in 1979. Visitors can tour the village, old offices, some labs, and the mine shaft for an extra fee. Tours are available to explore the mines in get-up-and-go suits and helmets down a 90 m (300 ft) mine shaft.

James Bay

The size of James Bay is equivalent to that of Germany, making it larger than most other regional municipalities. The region has a variety of landscapes, from tundra to taiga, from forest to river, and contains enough power capacity to light up the whole continent. However, what the region lacks in infrastructure makes up for amply in power capacity. Its six major rivers, which all flow into the Bay, can produce enough electricity to light up the whole of North America. So far, Quebec’s government has spent over $20 billion to produce 16,000 megawatts worth of electricity in five power plants. Construction on Le Grand 2, the world’s biggest dam and generating station, is nearing completion. The majority of this project is powered by hydroelectricity.

Radisson, the main town in the area in the small settlement, offers a tourist center with beautiful views of the area. You can see all 215 dams and dikes in the Bay, especially LG 2, which is just east of town.

Lac Memphrémagog

Lac Memphrémagog is located in Montreal, Quebec, and stretches from the Richelieu River valley to the Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont borders. The land contains rolling hills, farmland, woods, and lakes that create a landscape similar to the Appalachians. Lac Memphrémagog is a top producer of maple syrup in Canada and has its monster named Memphré. A 19th-century village in the south of the lake is influenced by British Loyalists fleeing from America who settled here. The region can be seen in redbrick and wood-frame homes, as well as the resort city of Magog at the northern end of it. Benedictine monks from France bought one of the most beautiful sites on Lake Annecy in 1912 and established the Abbaye. Today, they produce cider and blue cheese called L’Ermite. The monks are also well-known for Gregorian chant, which visitors can hear when listening to mass at the abbey church.

Laurentian Mountains

The Laurentian Mountains are a range of mountains located in southern and northern Quebec, Canada. The range is part of the Appalachian Mountains system, the ancient Laurentian Shield, and stands over a billion years old. The Laurentian Mountains are divided into two sections: the Eastern and Western Laurentians. The Western Laurentians are taller and more rugged than the Eastern Laurentians. This region is full of natural activities and hiking spots for you to enjoy all year round. This area is perfect for any active person looking for new experiences.

Nunavik

In the far North of Quebec, there is a population of around 7,000 Inuit that lives in 14 communities along the shoreline. This land is more extensive than Spain, and its inhabitants number about 7,000. The terrain is rocky and wild, with few resources. Most people only visit through air travel. Kuujjuaq, in Nunavik, is the largest neighborhood with a population of about 1500. Right near Kuujjuaq are Kangiqsujuak and Wakeham Bay, where many hunting expeditions happen. The best time to go there is summer because it’s warmer and the ground remains frozen year-round. There are no roads in the North (and hardly any railroads). Visitors should be prepared for a warm welcome and know that some Inuit groups offer guide services.

Reserve Faunique La Vérendrye

The wildlife preserve is located 471 km (292 miles) northwest of Montreal and has a frontage on some of Canada’s most scenic rivers. The Reserve Faunique La Vérendrye is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Quebec and northern Ontario. The site is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life, including more than 2,000 vascular plants and 350 bird species; This is untamed land with many peaceful wilderness spots to explore. The Reserve is also home to a large population of white-tailed deer, as well as the largest population of black bears in North America. This park is home to several campgrounds and fishing opportunities during the season. Visitors can explore the Reserve by foot, bike, or car and enjoy the site’s many attractions.

Highway 117 provides access to the lakes and rivers of this park and numerous hiking trails.

Richelieu Valley

The Richelieu Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Quebec. The valley is located in southern Quebec and stretches for about 100 kilometers. The valley is surrounded by mountains and has a lot of rivers and lakes. The area is also known for its forests and lakes. There are many things to do in the valley, including hiking, biking, fishing, and snowboarding.

The Richelieu River valley runs along the Chambly region and is a crucial waterway. Fort Chambly, also known as Fort Saint-Louis, is found in the industrial town of Chambly on the Montreal Plain. It is the last defended spot of this valley before it reaches Saint-Denis. The Fort of Saint-Denis was made to replace the old fort built in 1655. This fort has been well preserved and features a museum commemorating and honoring Quebecois patriots involved in the failed 1837 rebellion against British rule. The River flows past villages surrounded by orchards and vineyards.

Sucrerie de la Montagne

This Canadian treat is set in a maple forest on top of Rigaud Mountain near Rang Saint- Georges, Rigaud. The location features sugar shacks and trails that provide a taste of the syrup’s manufacturing process. Rustic buildings house a bakery, a general store, and cabins for guests. The heart of the tour is this huge 500-seat restaurant that serves traditional banquets of ham, pea soup, baked beans, pork rinds (called Oreilles du Christ), and pickles. There are dozens of maple-based products, from syrup to sugar to candies to taffy, with folk music playing around the restaurant.

Conclusion

The vast area of land that stretches across Quebec from the Ontario boundary to historic Quebec City is rewarding in its diversity. In the south, the Appalachians’ rich hilly farmland and maple trees’ scarlet forests attract many visitors each year. In contrast, the stark beauty of Nunavik‘s icy northern coniferous forests bursts into a profusion of wildflowers in spring, alongside the most significant hydroelectric projects in the world. The region’s center is Quebec’s natural playground, the Laurentian Mountains, a pristine lake-filled landscape offering fine skiing on ancient mountains. Populated by native people until Europeans arrived in the 16th century, the area was fought over by the French and British until the British gained power in 1759. Today French speakers dominate.