traveldk.com

This dramatically positioned family ski destination is set above Lake Memphrémagog and is tied with Mont Orford (see Parc National du Mont-Orford) as Québec’s highest vertical drops.

A sensational outdoor playground 40 km (25 miles) east of Québec City, the mountain is one of the most popular destinations for world-class skiing, paragliding, mountain biking or golfing at the 18-hole Le Grand Vallon course. With over 200 km (125 miles) of hiking trails, which double in the winter as paths for snowshoeing, dog-sledding and cross-country skiing, Mont Sainte-Anne defines perfectly the four-season personality of the province.

Since it opened in 1960, Mont Sutton has been a favorite with downhill skiers due to its superior slopes.

To reach this huge region of plains, forests and history, drive across the Pont Champlain following the signs for highway 10 eastward. Then take highway 133 (also called Chemin des Patriotes after the soldiers who fought the British here in 1837) toward Sorel, the fourth oldest city in Canada. Boat trips are possible around the town’s many islands. Of major note in the region, which is noted for its apple orchards and cider-making, is Fort Chambly in Saint-Denis. This well-preserved 18th-century fortress was built to defend the French from both Dutch and British attack. It is one of many similar historic forts found in the area.

This elegant stone home was originally constructed to house the Governor of Montréal, Claude de Ramezay (1657–1724) and his 16 children. Once the Ramezay family departed it was thereafter known as the Maison des Castors (beavers) because it was home to the Compagnie des Indes (West Indies Company) and their burgeoning fur trade with Europe. In 1775 General Richard Montgomery lived here with his band of rebellious Americans while they made a failed attempt to capture the city for the US. It has been a museum since 1895, with artifacts illustrating the early settlement of Québec, from tools to uniforms to historic documents. Of particular note is the Nantes Salon, lavishly decorated by 18th-century French architect, Germain Boffrand (see Château Ramezay, Montréal).

Architect Moishe Safdie mirrored the surrounding neighborhood by incorporating the French Regime style in his design for this interesting building. Inside, however, it is another story – a futuristic world complete with a range of interactive exhibitions, as well as displays of folk art, religious icons, antique furniture in period settings, and everyday items that illustrate life in the city during its 400-year history. There are also collaborative exhibitions at Place Royale and the Musée de l’Amérique française, the additional space allowing for a more comprehensive program covering multiple themes and generations (see Musée de la Civilisation de Québec).

One of the oldest Canadian bastions of visual and decorative arts. The museum houses vast permanent collections and visiting exhibitions heralding the accomplishments of contemporary artists, as well as creative works by masters from other eras (see Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal).

The only museum of art in Canada dedicated solely to contemporary art, this high-profile institution has an innovative program of exhibitions highlighting the work of artists from Canada and the international circuit.

Fortin (1888–1970) is regarded as one of the most influential landscape artists of the 20th century and his fluid portrayals of his native Québec Province, capturing its unique light, fill this tiny museum, which is housed in a former 19th-century stone warehouse. This is the largest permanent collection of his works in the world. Also on display are contemporary works by local artists.

In 1653 Marguerite Bourgeoys arrived in Ville-Marie to open a school, which began in a stable assigned to her by the Sieur de Maisonneuve. By 1655 she was head of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre-Dame and oversaw the construction of Canada’s first stone church in 1675. The chapel that remains dates from 1771. It is known as the “Sailors Chapel,” given its portside location and model ships hanging throughout.