Quebec

The province of Québec, located at the northeastern part of North America, is remembered by many as New France. Since the day the French took possession of the area in the 16th century, the culture of Québec has been deeply rooted in French customs. The official language of the province is French, with English speakers accounting for less than 10 percent of the population. Divided by the magnificent St. Lawrence River, Québec's geography is uniquely varied. Over 90% of the province is covered by the Canadian Shield, the world's greatest area of exposed Archean rock. The majority of the population and industry are located in the southern region which is divided into lowlands of the St. Lawrence and the Appalachians. The region is known for its vast natural resources from the fertile lowland soil to the dense forests dotted with lakes and rivers. The humid summers attract outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Also in the southern region are the province's most visited cities. The largest, Montreal, is a cosmopolitan metropolis known as the cultural heart of Québec. The capital, Québec City, is known for its historical Old City and the beautiful Château Frontenac that dominates the skyline. An interesting attraction in Québec that is not to be missed is the sugar shack. As the world's leading producer of maple syrup, the tasty treat is incorporated in many different desserts. At a sugar shack you can enjoy a traditional Quebecois meal as well as sample the maple treats for dessert. Traditionally sugar shacks were only open during the spring when the sugar was harvested but today visitors can experience sugar shacks year-round.