Explore Quebec, French Language, and Culture
Hidden Quebec Tourist Attractions Beyond Montreal
Oct 6, 2009
Ironically, Canadian symbols, including the Canadian flag are almost exclusively Quebecois phenomena. Getting into rural Quebec geography, the rolling Appalachian landscape shows off billowing chimneys above the maple trees, signaling their habitant lifestyle. Behold the fleur de lis of the Quebec flag flying high and alone, and witness the folksy charm of Quebec tourist attractions each season of the year in a unique and appealing way.
Out of the City, Culture and French Language Study By Season
In the autumn, the colourful landscape alone is something to be in awe of. Find a peak and take in the rolling sea of red and orange maple trees extending as far as imaginable, interrupted occasionally by a winding stream, fresh, clean, and cold; an image from a Canadian beer commercial.
Walk through the quaint weekend farmers markets in a rural hamlet and be astounded by the fact that unlike Paris or Montreal, this place is really French. There may not be an English speaker for miles. There is no better place for practical French Language study because there is no better way to learn than to get out of your Quebec City hotels and involved with the people.
In the winter, the Quebecois lifestyle shines through. Most school children will admit that winter is in fact their favourite time of year. This is because the Quebec geography and climate allow winter to be appealing and enjoyable in variety. Kept warm by winds off the St. Lawrence, outdoor hockey rinks are found on every open lot and spare piece of land in town.
Snowshoeing is common and comparable to hiking in the summer through mountain trails and across small frozen lakes that speckle the province. Glissading (sliding) is an activity for any spontaneous moment, as there is nary a shed without one or more toboggans of various shapes and sizes. And there are numerous and fantastic ski hills and resorts.
One thing is certain, after walking to the depanneur (convenience store) where beer and wine are always available and cheap, one will notice the scent of the woodstoves emitting that habitant perfume which warms the homes preparing for Hockey Night in Canada.
Maple Syrup Spring Tradition
Spring time in Quebec tourism is all about maple syrup. Steam visibly rises out of the bush in the distance where a family maple farm is boiling the sap. Mazes of lines through the trees carrying the sap along its journey. If the maple farm is maintaining its traditional appearance, actual tin buckets will be hanging on the trees where they are tapped to harvest this splendid nectar.
A visit to one of these ‘sugar shacks’ for a full course where virtually everything is cooked or baked using maple syrup should not be missed. One can get a tour of how it all happens or sit back with a beer and listen to the local flavour of music.
Quebecois Music and Community
Another difference from the rest of Canada, is that this place like no other has music that is all its own. In most small pubs from Quebec City to the Gaspésie, the Quebecois are all singing the same folk songs. Quebec has its own radio and television culture that has gone to great lengths to preserve itself and its language.
There is a governing body regulating the French language, so that Anglicisms are identified and neutralized. This is not a bad thing, but this is what most Canadians are unaware of when they proudly wear the maple leaf, and pour their syrup, not considering that there are few maple trees or snowshoes to speak of outside this independent Canadian treasure.
