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One of Canada’s most spectacular areas of rivers, lakes, mountains and wildlife, La Mauricie National Park is only a two-hour drive from downtown Montréal or Québec City. It is accessible all year round, and is a perennial favorite with campers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is particularly popular with anglers, with trout and pike found in abundance in Lac Wapizagonke.

Stargazing is the rule in this huge natural wonderland as the Astrolab observatory beckons astronomers of every level.

Rising majestically beside the Eastern Townships Autoroute, Mont Orford is the central area for outdoor activities in this sprawling preserve, covering over 57 sq km (22 sq miles) around the mountain.

This astonishing attraction offers exhilarating activities for all age groups. From the dizzying heights of the world’s highest leaning tower, the Tour de Montréal atop the Stade Olympique; through the jungle environment of the Biodôme, home to numerous indigenous wild plants and animals; and to the 200 beautiful acres of the Jardin Botanique – you can easily spend a full day or two exploring this area (see Parc Olympique).

Set in a 19th-century heritage building, this site presents temporary cultural exhibitions and offers brochures and descriptions of Parks Canada sites throughout Québec and Canada.

René Lévesque’s separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) was in power from 1976 to 1985 and ensured French-language dominance in Québec with Bill 101, alarming the province’s Anglophone minority.

Try the delicious breakfasts here or a satisfying dinner of roast beef or fish and chips. Great music and friendly service.

The painter Borduas (1905–60) is one of Québec’s most legendary artists and also one of its greatest political activists. Born in St-Hilaire, just outside Montréal, he made his name when he criticized the established social and political norms in 1948 by writing a scathing manifesto entitled Refus Global . He was a founding member of the abstract Automatistes school of art, which eventually included Jean-Paul Riopelle.

Perkins serves homemade bread, muffins, cakes and sweets at its take-out counter, or you can enjoy soups and sandwiches either inside or on the terrace.