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Québec has a unique, distinct culture. It is distinct from the rest of Canada, the rest of North America, and even from France. Several times in the history of this interesting province Québec has threatened to secede from Canada and become its own country. In recent years, this possibility has abated as young Québecois grow up bilingual and increasing numbers of Canadian youth in other parts of the country also learn French.
All of rural Québec is beautiful, but the Gaspe peninsula deserves special mention. There is no expedition quite like a leisurely drive up and down the coasts of the St. Lawrence River as it flows out to the sea. The river is dotted with picturesque little Francophone towns. While it is no problem to find English speakers to help you in Montréal and Québec City, on the Gaspé you may need your guidebook to help you communicate. This area is fantastic for seafood, hiking, and water sports. Several of the small cliff towns overlooking the opening to the ocean specialize in hand gliding during the summer months.
Québec City (Ville de Quebec) looks as if it were lifted out of medieval Europe . Like many other eastern Canadian cities, Québec City features a gorgeous waterfront and historic district. The food of Québec City is particularly rich, in both history and taste. There are many restaurants featuring classical French cuisine ranging from the formal to the casual croque monsieur at a sidewalk café. Québec is the only remaining fortified city in North America , a fact that has earned the city its designation as the UNESCO world heritage site. Half of the buildings in the historic district were built before 1850, and some of the architecture dates back to the days of new France. No visit to Québec is complete without a visit to the Château Frontenac. Opened in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific railway, this hotel is one of the most photographed buildings in North America .
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