traveldk.com

You can see an incredible congregation of wild birds indigenous to the province by driving 45 minutes east of Québec City. Over 290 species populate the marshes, lowlands and hills of the area, the most photographed being the snow goose – thousands of them return to these fertile grounds every year.

Ever since the French settled Québec they have traditionally celebrated with food, wine and song just before the Catholic period of Lent, a time when religious customs suggest abstaining from alcohol and other temptations. Be prepared for locals to offer you the infamous mixture Caribou, a hot alcoholic drink containing brandy, vodka, sherry, port and sometimes maple sugar. Watch it – it’s as potent as it sounds.

A breathtaking 90-minute drive northeast of Québec City along the north shore of the St Lawrence River and through the rugged Charlevoix region brings you to the majestic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Hotel. Here US presidents, movie moguls and tourists of every background have come to relax in historic splendor. Expanded in 1994 to include a casino, the facility now offers 780 slot machines and 21 table games.

The most stunning casino in Canada, given its location on the Ile Notre-Dame and overlooking the Vieux-Port and the glittering towers of downtown. The casino offers a full house of attractions including four superb dining facilities and nightly variety shows. Over 18s only.

This sparkling casino includes musical variety shows, gourmet dining, 3,000 slot machines and 120 gaming tables (see Casino de Montréal).

Reminiscent of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the cathedral was built in the 19th century to service the local Catholic community. It continues to attract visitors and residents, not least because of outstanding architectural features such as the neo-Baroque copper and gold baldachin above the altarpiece. This grand lady remains firmly at the heart of Montréal’s Downtown activity.

Dion (b.1968) is one of 14 children born into a musical family in Charlemagne. A demo tape made as a 12-year-old led to an agent, René Angelil, a recording contract and eventually to her and Angelil’s marriage. Today she enjoys vast popularity as one of the world’s finest singers.

Montréal’s principal English-language theatrical venue was founded in 1969. Housed in the Old Stock Exchange Building, it has two stages and is fast becoming known for its world-class productions. The program varies between Broadway musicals, contemporary Canadian drama, as well as works by international playwrights, past and present.

An inspiring architectural concept has been created by interlinking Ruelle des Fortifications heritage structures under a spectacular glass atrium. Shops, offices and a hotel are found here.

Quality entertainment for children can be found at this science and technology center (also known as iSci) with its games, IMAX theater and interactive exhibits (see Centre des Sciences de Montréal).