Tourism in Quebec
Tourism is the fifth-largest industry in Quebec. Some 29,000 companies are involved in the industry, generating 130,000 direct and 48,000 indirect jobs. In 2006, Quebec welcomed 3.2 million foreign tourists, most of them from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Japan. Quebec's French heritage sets the province apart from the most of Canada and the United States, as well as Mexico. The province has preserved its Francophone culture with a European feel. Location of Quebec. Quebec is located in the northeast portion of North American and occupies an area of 1,667,926  km (643,820 sq. mi.). It is the largest province in Canada with three times as much area as France. It borders on the United States to the south and Ontario to the west. Over 90% of its territory is made up of the Canadian Shield. Most of its population lives in the area surrounding the St. Lawrence River in what is commonly called the St. Lawrence Lowlands. The Appalachian Mountains occupy the southern portion of Quebec. Culture and language. Language. Largely French in terms of language and culture, Quebec has preserved its Francophone heritage in the midst of a strong  Anglophone culture. French is the mother tongue of 82% of Quebecers, and English is the mother tongue of 10% of the population. The remaining 8% is divided among some 30 languages such as, in order of importance, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Greek. Over 40% of the population is bilingual. In major cities like Montreal, this percentage is as high as 64%, and 16% of the population speaks a third language. Culture. Quebecers enjoy dining and celebrating, which is clear from the many festivities that take place in Quebec. They also enjoy literature, the performing arts, painting, sculpture and fine  crafts. Quebec talent has made its mark on the world, such as Cirque du Soleil, Céline Dion, and Jacques Villeneuve. Tourist regions. Quebec is made up of 21 tourist regions: Major cities. The two largest cities in Quebec are Montreal and Quebec City. Four ways to discover Quebec. Quebec offers four different tourist experiences, each with a wide range of activities. The City Experience. Montreal. The only Francophone metropolis in North America, Montreal is also the second largest Francophone city after Paris in terms of population. This major centre of 4.1 million inhabitants is a tapestry of cultures from the  world over with its many neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, the Latin Quarter, the Gay Village, Little Italy, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, the Quartier International and Old Montreal. Montreal has a rich architectural heritage, along with cultural activities, sports events and festivals. The city is celebrating its 375th anniversary in 2017. Quebec City. The capital, Quebec City, is the only fortified city in North America. The oldest Francophone city in North America, Quebec City was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 and celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008. The St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence River is one of  the largest rivers in the world and historically was the means of access to the centre of North America. Its 1,800 kilometres (1,120 mi.) are lined with coastal villages, bird and marine mammal sanctuaries, lighthouses and verdant and rocky shores. The river is one of the largest navigable waterways in the world, and its estuary is known for its marine mammals, birds and fish. Upstream from Montreal to the tip of Gaspésie, a road borders the shores of the St. Lawrence River, allowing drivers to explore a coastline that changes from mountainous to rural to wilderness. Visitors can explore the  rich Saguenay Fjord. The 1,600-kilometre (994-mi.) St. Lawrence River transforms into a gulf that is more like an inland sea. The Gulf of St. Lawrence can be travelled by ferry, sailboat, kayak or cruise ship. Whale watching is popular in Quebec, particularly in Tadoussac. There are also islands and archipelagos scattered along the river. The Île d'Anticosti and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine have legends from sailors and fishermen who continue to live there. Adventures. For those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure, Quebec's wide open spaces allow outdoor sports, hunting and fishing: What to do. Sports  and outdoors. Sports and outdoor activities in Quebec can be enjoyed summer and winter: Festivals and events. Quebec's events include sports, cultural events and festivals. Cultural events. Montreal Quebec City Gatineau Sports events. Montreal Cuisine. Quebec's cuisine derives its rich flavour from a blend of influences. It has a French culinary base and is enriched by the contribution of the Amerindian peoples and the communities that have made the province their home. Terroir products that grace Quebec tables include ice cider, micro-brewed beer, wine and over 100 varieties of cheese. Another feature of Quebec is the sugar  shack, a family culinary tradition of eating maple products to the rhythms of Quebec folklore (beginning of spring, during March and April). Others Quebec culinary specialities include: shepherd's pie, poutine, sugar cream pie, pouding chômeur (a sponge cake with a maple syrup sauce), maple syrup, baked beans, tourtière (a meat pie), cretons (a pork spread with onions and spices), etc. Transportation. Transportation to Quebec includes plane, bus, train and car. There are flights to Quebec from major cities in North America, Europe and Asia. Montreal is a 70-minute flight from New York and is less than 6 hours  and 45 minutes by air from London or Paris. Provinces and states that border Quebec are served by rail and road networks. Other means of transportation such as boat and snowmobile can also be used by the more adventurous. Quebec has a road and air network for travel between cities, using car, bus, plane, train, bicycle on the Route Verte, or by ferry. Lodging. Quebec has 5,800 establishments that hold official lodging certificates, from youth hostels to five-star hotels. Establishments are classified using a stars and sun system. Possibilities include: