Big cities and storybook resort towns in Québec

Québec is an Algonquin word that translates to "where the river narrows" and the entire province was frequently referred to as la belle province or "the beautiful province.” Since its founding in 1763, the predominantly French-speaking Québec has retained a unique cultural identity. In fact, it has multiple identities that complement each other: It's both European and North American; cosmopolitan and naturally wild. City folk will enjoy the sophisticated metropolises of Montréal and Québec City and in particular the historic charm of Old Québec. Those more inclined to a holiday outdoors will want to escape to the Eastern Townships and spend time along the coast.

Start your journey outside of Québec City with a visit to Canyon Sainte-Anne—it's a monumental achievement and a natural wonder in every sense of the phrase. A waterfall flows down into a canyon and offers visitors an up-close-and-personal tour via one of the three suspension footbridges that go across the canyon. The gorge was carved over time by the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River, just a short distance away from Beaupré, Québec.

For sci-fi aficionados this canyon may be familiar to Battlefield Earth fans (yes, the one where John Travolta plays a weird Klingon-esque alien warlord). There's plenty to do in the surrounding area, like visiting the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica, the Mont Sainte-Anne ski resort, Montmorency Falls, and the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area.

This year-round waterfall park is further proof that Québec has its fair share of natural wonders. Located only a few minutes from downtown Québec City, these falls are actually higher than Niagara Falls. Just like Canyon Sainte-Anne, there are a few ways to enjoy the view: You can take a cable car, walking tour, cliff-top footpath, suspension bridge, cliffside staircase, or experience the waterfall via a double zipline.

As you make your way into Québec City, you may feel transported through time and space as its old-world charm comes to life. This walled city has a rich French heritage, thanks to Samuel de Champlain’s visit in 1608. The grand capital city overlooks the Saint Lawrence River with colorful homes all in a row and the hilltop Château Frontenac, a stately hotel, serving as a magnificent focal point. A visit to Québec City Old Town is a must to take in the colonial architecture and tales. Of course, this cultural city is overflowing with chic restaurants and art galleries. Celebrate la joie de vivre!

Walk through more than 300 years of history at the Citadel of Québec, a fortress that's still operating as an active garrison, home to the Royal 22e Régiment. Built between 1820 and 1850, this impressive piece of architectural achievement remains the largest British fortress in all of North America. Located on Cap Diamant, the star-shaped fortress offers guided tours of the various structures, including a 19th-century military prison. Tours are offered in both English and French, and should you visit in the summer, you'll be able to see the Changing of the Guard.

The Notre-Dame Basilica de Montréal is one of the most beautiful buildings on the continent. It was built between 1824 and 1829, and at one point was the largest church in North America. Its Gothic Revival style is incredibly opulent and literally sparkles with rich reds, deep blues, purples, and glittering silver and gold stars. There are hundreds of wood carvings, and massive stained glass windows that depict scenes from the early days of Montréal's religious history.

There's also a Casavant organ, which dates back to 1891. This incredible piece of musical equipment has four manual keyboards, 7,000 pipes, and 92 stops using "electro-pneumatic action and an adjustable combination system." It's pretty cool, and visitors can go on a seasonal tour to take a seat at it.

While Québec City might be considered by some to be the heart of Québec, Montréal is actually the province’s largest city (and Canada’s second most populated). While Québec City has the stately Château Frontenac as its focal point, Montréal has shimmering skyscrapers. But, don’t let those fool you, this remarkably cosmopolitan city also has its cozy enclaves.

The historic Old Town’s cobblestone streets and buildings will make you forget the bustle of the city beyond. But don’t forget for too long because there are so many sights to explore, from the scenic Parc du Mont-Royal (located on the hill that helped give the city its name) to the Jean-Talon Market (for a true taste of the city).

When it comes to whimsical wonderlands, it doesn't get more beautiful than the Montréal Botanical Garden (or Jardin Botanique de Montréal). This sprawling wonderland is full of themed gardens and lush greenhouses, and is, in fact, a National Historic Site of Canada. In addition, it’s won global acclaim as one of the top botanical gardens in the world, due to its extensive collection of flora and fauna.

Founded in 1931, the garden defied the odds by opening during the Great Depression. Architecture buffs will love the Art Deco building, which was designed by famed architect Lucien Kéroack. There are also other natural attractions in the city like the Biodome, Insectarium, and the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium.