5 Ways to Experience a Unique Culture in North America

A cultural and geographic crossroads, Québec City is a bridge between Europe and the Americas and a proud guardian of the French language in the New World. It’s a top destination for learning French as a second language and offers a wide array of attractions and events that celebrate its francophone roots.

To fully experience local culture, start by wandering through Old Québec and the vibrant surrounding neighbourhoods. Chatting with locals leads to authentic, enriching encounters—and you’ll feel the joie de vivre everywhere you go.

Step into one of Québec City's folk bars, where you can sing along to timeless tunes or discover classic Québec songs. The atmosphere is full of regional flavour, and locals are always happy to share a moment.

Beyond the city, in places like Île d'Orléans, you'll find passionate artisans eager to share their know-how—and a deep connection to tradition.

One of the best reasons to visit the city is its vibrant food culture. Québec City is home to an impressive community of passionate chefs who constantly push the boundaries—reinventing beloved classics and creating new culinary trends that highlight the region’s outstanding local ingredients.

Traditional fare here is the very definition of comfort food, telling the story of a city with more than 400 years of history. Try a tourtière made from a century-old recipe, savour a steaming bowl of French onion soup, or sample Sagamité, an Indigenous dish featuring hominy, rendered fat, and root vegetables. For brunch, enjoy wild salmon paired with seasonal berries—a true taste of the land.

Savour Québec City's Nordic cuisine, take part in a gourmet tour, eat local in public markets, treat your taste buds to French cuisine, visit the craft breweries, and be sure to try a poutine, the craziest meal in Québec!

Québec City’s culinary excellence has even caught international attention, earning it a place in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide, with 28 restaurants selected, including 5 MICHELIN-starred, one of which is among only two in all of Canada to hold two stars.

Throughout the region and particularly in Old Québec, museums and interpretation centres have a storied history just waiting to be discovered.

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, home to the most important collection of Québec art, features a pavilion regarded as a true architectural masterpiece.

The Musée de la civilisation has interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. Its permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the province, In Other Words, Québec, is a must-visit to discover the significant events that have shaped the province.

The city hosts an astounding variety of world‑class festivals and cultural events. From the beginning of the summer season, street performers enliven the streets of Old Québec. Every year, the Festival d'été de Québec welcomes some of the biggest names in music. The New France Festival transports us back to the era of New France, offering a glimpse into the lives of Indigenous peoples and French colonists during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. The Québec Winter Carnival has been a magical part of winter since 1955.

No matter the time of year, there’s always something going on. Take a look at our calendar of events and attend a show to make the most of your stay.

Less than 20 km north of Old Québec, Wendake invites us to discover a people who have marked the history of the region. Explore the traditional know-how of this nation by visiting the Huron-Wendat Museum and the authentic craft shops that surround it.

To complete your experience, savour First Nations cuisine featuring northern game and corn, and let yourself be transported by the magic of Onhwa' Lumina, an immersive forest pathway that resonates with ancestral rhythms and chants, taking you on a journey to the stars.