6 Ways to Experience a Unique Culture in North America


Let your senses guide you as you explore our parks, public markets, exhibits, exclusive events and first-class restaurants. Let yourself be carried away by a festive atmosphere and a culture known the world over for its unique vibe, innovative spirit, and daring cultural initiatives.
Here are 6 cultural experiences that are not to be missed:
- Audet Photo
- Maison de la Littérature, Jeff Frenette Photography
1Dive into the French Canadian Culture
A cultural and geographic crossroads, Québec City is like a bridge between Europe and the Americas and is a steadfast guardian of the French language in the New World.
The city offers a host of attractions and events that promote its francophone roots and is a destination of choice for learning French as a second language.
- Émilie Nadeau
- @chefarnaudm, Chez Boulay
- @bistroorygine, Bistro Orygine
2Taste Creative Local Cuisine
One of the best reasons to visit the city is its incredible food scene. Québec City is blessed with an abundance of passionate chefs who are continuously raising the culinary bar, skilfully reinventing classics and developing new trends that showcase Québec’s fantastic local agriculture.
Enjoy Québec City's world-class restaurants, treat your taste buds to French cuisine, visit the microbreweries, and be sure to try a poutine, the craziest meal in Québec!
- Jeff Frenette Photography
- Jeff Frenette Photography
- Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site, Parcs Canada
- Longhouse in Wendake, Francis Gagnon
3Discover a Rich Heritage in Avant-Garde Museums
Throughout the region and particularly in Old Québec, museums and interpretation centres have a storied history just waiting to be discovered.
Québec’s national gallery, Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, displays the cream of the province’s art collection and has a gorgeous new pavilion that is considered an architectural masterpiece. And Musée de la civilisation has interactive exhibits the whole family will love.
- Festival d'été de Québec, Renaud Philippe
- Stéphane Bourgeois
- Québec Winter Carnival, Fred Photo Vidéo
4Feel the Beat of our Events and Festivals
The city hosts an astounding variety of world‑class festivals and cultural events. From the beginning of the summer season, street entertainers enliven the streets of Old Québec. Every year, the Festival d'été de Québec welcomes some of the biggest names in music. Où tu vas quand tu dors en marchant combines music, theatre, and the visual arts in a multi‑site performance event that’s one of Québec City’s best‑kept secrets. 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 to make the most of your stay.
- Jeff Frenette Photography
- Jeff Frenette Photography
- @kavehko
- Marion Desjardins
5Shop in European-Style Boutiques
Put on your walking shoes—the Québec City Area has over 1,000 boutiques for a shopping experience like no other!
Soak up the European atmosphere as you explore the shopping streets and neighbourhoods or stretch your legs at one of the great shopping malls.