Province of Quebec territory. Quebec is a city in Canada: sights and interesting facts. Entertainment and recreation

Coming to new places, we always think: would we like to stay here forever? And most often we admit to ourselves that we could not love a foreign city with all our heart and call it our own. But the situation is quite different with the fabulous and slightly provincial Quebec.

Quebec City, which is the capital of the province of the same name, is located in the southeastern part of Canada, near the border with the United States and Atlantic coast.

There are several versions related to the origin of the city's name. The most popular says that it got its name from the Indian word kebec, meaning literally "the place where the river narrows."

official language in Quebec is French, and the inhabitants of the city call themselves French Canadians. English is widely used in the tourism sector (in hotels, restaurants, boutiques in tourist areas, amusement parks, etc.).

The founding father of Quebec City is a French diplomat and explorer Samuel de Chamelin who founded the city on July 3, 1608 on the site of an abandoned Indian Stadakon settlements. In the 18th century, the city came under the control of Great Britain. In 1820, due to the threat from the Americans, the construction of the outer walls began in the city. Quebec fortress, which to this day is a state military facility. In 1867, Quebec becomes the capital of a Canadian province.

Most of the population of Quebec are employed in such sectors of the economy as public administration, tourism, trade, healthcare and transport (there is a large port in the city).

A trip to Quebec implies, first of all, an excursion vacation, which will give a lot of positive emotions to tourists of all ages. You can also visit many cultural events here, and there are plenty of opportunities for active sports in the vicinity of the city.

Region	Province of Quebec, Region of Capital Nacional
Population	517 00 people
Population density	1104 people/km 2
	Canadian dollar
Timezone
Postal code
International dialing code

Climate and weather

Quebec is located in the temperate zone, with its distinct four seasons. Winters here are frosty and snowy, with an average air temperature of -9…-13 °С. Often the temperature drops to -20 °C, reaching -30 ... -35 °C in some years. Spring in all its glory comes to Quebec only in May. Summer in these places is relatively warm, thunderstorms often occur. The average air temperature from year to year is kept at around +18 ... +20 ° С, but more and more often weather forecasters record heat above +30 ° С, which is difficult to tolerate in conditions of high humidity (about 90%). It is difficult to single out any period that is most favorable for visiting Quebec, since each season brings not only its own unique charm, but also difficulties, whether it be frost, heat or heavy rains.

Nature

Quebec City is located at the mouth of the majestic St. Lawrence River carrying its waters to the Atlantic Ocean. There are several parks on the waterfront, which offer a magnificent view of the river and the mountains towering in the distance.

In the warm season, the streets of the city are buried in the greenery of parks, gardens, squares and alleys. The most popular holiday destinations among tourists and residents of the city are parks Domaine de Maizerets, Parc de l'Esplanade and park area along the promenade near Castle Frontenac.

The real pride of the city is Montmorency waterfall(Montmorency Falls Park), located just a 20-minute drive from the center of Quebec and able to compete for the title of the most beautiful waterfall in Canada, even with the famous Niagara. In height, it surpasses Niagara by as much as 30 meters, reaching a height of 83 meters. You can admire the natural landmark of Quebec at any time of the year, because the view of the waterfall covered in ice is worthy of freezing a little. At night, Montmorency is illuminated by thousands of lights, the electricity for which is generated by the waterfall itself. The observation deck overlooks Quebec City and the river.

Attractions

The most interesting historical architectural monuments of Quebec are located in the so-called Old Quebec(Vieux-Québec), which consists of the Upper and Lower City. Each house here is made according to an individual project and can safely claim the title of a landmark.

The symbol of the city is Quebec fortress(Citadele). On the territory of the citadel there is a museum and a unique church, which, as it were, is “drowned” into the ground so as not to rise above the fortress walls and thus not serve as a guide for the enemy’s aimed shooting. Visiting the fortress is allowed only as part of excursion groups. The ticket price is $10 for adults and $5.5 for children from 7 to 17 years old.

No less famous building of Quebec is the beautiful frontenac castle(Le Chateau Frontenac), which houses a hotel considered one of the most photographed hotels in the world.

Magnificent architectural monuments of the ancient city are also the building Quebec Parliament (Hôtel du Parlement), Laval University (Université Laval), railway station (Gare du Palais), Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré church and Notre-Dame de Québec, Quebec Bridge (Pont de Québec) and etc.

Quebec is replete with all sorts of monuments and sculptures: the founder of the city Samuel de Champlain, Joan of Arc, Winston Churchill and others. A huge number of all kinds of cannons do not go unnoticed by guests, which is evidence of the difficult fate of the ancient city.

To date, Quebec is home to more than a dozen museums of various subjects, ranging from the most famous Museum of Civilization, dedicated to ethnology and history of the region, and Museum of Fine Arts, numbering several tens of thousands of works of art, and ending Museum of the 22nd Royal Regiment, the Maritime Museum of Quebec and the Museum of Fabrics and Clothing. But back in the middle of the 20th century, there was not a single one of them in the city. Many expositions were collected through the efforts of the local residents themselves.

Nutrition

If you are even a little foodie, then you have come to the right place. After all, Quebec is called the culinary capital of North America. Indeed, eating in Quebec is considered one of the greatest pleasures in life, its quality and variety is one of the main reasons why you will want to return to Quebec again and again.

It is believed that the meal should take place in a pleasant and unhurried environment, so fast food restaurants are not at all popular with local residents. On the streets of the city you will find more than a hundred different cafes, bars, restaurants and eateries, most of which are concentrated in the Old City and downtown Quebec.

Quebec cuisine stands a little apart from the cuisine of the rest of Canada, as it was formed under the strong influence of French cuisine.

Of all the establishments specializing in Quebec cuisine, it is worth paying attention to the restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens, located in one of the oldest houses in the city, the construction of which dates back to 1675. All dishes here are prepared from products produced in province of Quebec. The average bill per person without drinks will be about $30. It should be noted that Quebec cuisine can be found in most places in the city.

In Quebec, you can easily find Japanese ( YUZU), Chinese ( Tomas Tam Restaurant), Thai ( Apsara), Italian ( Savini), Greek ( Casa Grecque) and other restaurants.

Many restaurants offer excellent set meals for around $10-12.

In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 10%; in the most expensive establishments, tips are included in the bill and can reach 15% of the check amount.

For local cheeses, meat pates and pastries, head to the market Les Halles du Petit Quartier where you can taste delicious local delicacies at an affordable price.

Accommodation

In Quebec you can find all kinds of hotels: luxury hotels, motels, hotels like Bed and breakfasts, youth hostels, family-type boarding houses, etc. You can rent a house or apartment.

The average cost of living in 3-star hotels is $ 130-150, in 4-star hotels - $ 180-200, in hostels the cost of a bed is about $ 30-40.

One of the most popular hotels in Quebec is, of course, Castle Frontenac. You can spend the night in a real castle for $ 200-345 or even cheaper, as many rooms are constantly discounted.

Every year in December, near the Montmorency Falls, a ice hotel. The cost of living here ranges from $200 to $550 per person. The hotel is being dismantled in April.

Entertainment and recreation

Throughout the year, Quebec hosts many festivals and other cultural events that allow residents and guests of the city to take part in musical performances of all genres, get acquainted with the cultures of different peoples and eras, or just have fun with friends or close relatives.

One of the most significant cultural events in Quebec is the Winter Carnival, which ranks third among all carnivals in the world after Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Carnival takes place in February for 2 weeks. Traditionally, during the carnival, the keys to the city are handed over to the symbol of the holiday - Bonhomme the snowman. Various cultural, sports and family events take place during the carnival. The parade in the Upper and Lower Towns, the international competition of snow sculptures and canoe races on the frozen river are the most popular among spectators. During the carnival, every cafe, bar and restaurant hosts live concerts in the evenings.

The arrival of spring in Quebec is marked by the holding of theater and film festivals. In the spring you can also visit Gastronomy Festival, Gay Art Festival, International Book Fair etc.

July 3 is held city ​​holiday, within the framework of which musical and theatrical performances, fairs, sports competitions are held at many venues. Summer also hosts the Humor Festival (Grand Rire), Quebec National Day, Canada Day, Chinese Culture Festival, etc.

In autumn you can visit Alternative Music Festival(Envol et Macadam) Africa Days Theater Festival, Quebec Celtic Festival, French Song Festival(Coup de cœur francophone), Toy Parade and more.

But even on those days when no cultural event officially takes place in the city, guests will not get bored. You can take a sightseeing tour of the Old City in a horse-drawn carriage; you can admire the city from the side of the river, from where breathtaking views of the Frontenac castle and the Lower Town open, you can go on a short trip by ferry; in winter, many residents and visitors of the city go skiing in the Plains of Abraham or ice skating in Valcartier Villages Vacances, where a water park operates in the summer. The city has many entertainment centers for the whole family, as well as the city aquarium (Aquarium du Quebec), in which, in addition to fish that inhabit the rivers and lakes of North America, polar bears and even whales live, and a zoo, the main inhabitants of which are birds.

Purchases

Shopping lovers will have a pleasant pastime in the numerous souvenir shops, boutiques and shopping centers of Quebec.

For souvenirs it is worth going to Rue du Tresor art market, where for more than 50 years representatives of the local bohemia have been selling their creations.

The largest shopping center in the city is Place Laurier. In addition to many boutiques of famous brands (Old Navy, Mexx, etc.), you can visit the huge Toys "R" Us toy store, as well as La Baie and Sears department stores. For Canadian brands, head to Place de la Cité.

La Boutique de Noël de Québec is open all year round in Quebec, where you will find amazing Christmas decorations and many original gifts.

Most shops and shopping centers in the city operate on the following schedule: Monday to Wednesday from 9:30 to 17:30, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 21:00, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Opening hours increase, usually in December. Small shops are most often closed on public holidays.

Transport

You can get to Quebec by any mode of transport. Jean Lesage International Airport regularly receives flights from all major cities in Canada, as well as from New York, Chicago and Paris. The cost of a taxi from the airport to the city is fixed at $35.

Traveling to Quebec from Toronto or Montreal should consider traveling by train. You can get to Quebec by bus from almost anywhere in Canada. The railway station and the bus station are located in the same building - Terminus Gare du Palais.

If you're traveling by private or rental car and have plenty of time, take Highway 138 from Montreal to Quebec. But if you are in a hurry, it is better to use roads numbered 20 or 40.

The best way to get around the Old Town is on foot or by bike, as bike paths (Route Verte) are laid everywhere, but driving is either prohibited or it is one-way and it is extremely difficult to find a parking place. Traveling around the Old City can be made on special eco-friendly electric buses Écolobus, the cost of one trip in which is $ 1. To go up to the Upper City by funicular, you will have to pay $1.75.

Buses (RTC) run in the rest of the city. The ticket price is $2.65 (when buying a ticket on the bus for cash - $3), but keep in mind that the ticket is only valid for 2 hours after purchase. You can purchase a daily ticket (valid until 4 am the next day after activation) for $ 7, a ticket for 2 days ($ 11.5) or a week ($ 26). Children under 5 travel free. Tickets can be bought at special kiosks or at Pharmacy pharmacies.

Taxis can be caught almost anywhere in the city or called by phone. All cars are equipped with meters and a device for paying fares using a credit card.

Between Quebec and Levy ferries cross the river every half an hour. The ticket price is $3.1 for adults and $2.1 for small passengers (from 5 to 11 years old).

Connection

Pay phones are located on the streets, in many hotels and bars.

All domestic mobile operators provide the ability to connect roaming, you can also choose the appropriate tariff from local operators.

You can connect to the Internet via free Wi-Fi in almost all hotels in the city, in more than 50 cafes and restaurants, as well as in many public parks through ZAP Québec hotspots.

Security

Official statistics claim that Quebec is the safest city in all of Canada, which, by the way, constantly occupies a leading position in the relevant international rankings.

As for natural disasters, it must be said that, despite the proximity of the ocean, the city has never been hit by hurricanes, from which the entire US west coast suffers so much. Going to Quebec in winter, it is still worth considering that the air temperature here can drop below -30 ° C, snow storms often occur.

When hiking in the mountains, always leave the exact details of your itinerary and approximate return time so that hotel staff or your family can call for help in case of your absence for too long. In the mountains, mobile communication is not available in many places.

Business climate

The government of the province of Quebec independently regulates the activities of companies registered in its territory, including the establishment and collection of taxes.

The most promising business areas in Quebec today are tourism, applied and biotechnology. This is due to the fact that about 100 thousand tourists visit the city every year, and this figure has a stable upward trend. In the field of high technologies, Quebec occupies a leading position compared to other regions of Canada due to the availability of highly qualified personnel and material resources.

The conditions for creating and doing business in Quebec are the same for Canadian citizens, as well as for foreign citizens and legal entities. When creating a business in a number of cases provided for by the laws of the province, you can qualify for financial assistance or tax benefits.

Quebec has signed a number of free trade agreements.

The property

Real estate prices in Quebec are traditionally lower than in other major cities of the country. The cost of a 2 bedroom apartment ranges from $120,000 to $340,000. Traditionally, the cost of apartments in the city center is higher than on the outskirts, by about 30-40%. A small house in the suburbs will cost $180,000-$200,000.

Property owners in Quebec are annually required to pay a tax in the amount of 1 to 1.5% of the value of the property.

All attendants are fluent in English, restaurant menus and booklets about the city are always duplicated in French and English, but road signs are most often written only in French.

When going to Quebec, make sure you have comfortable shoes, as many streets of the Old City are pedestrian, and besides, they are paved: it will be difficult for you to walk on them in heels or shoes with thin soles.

Once these lands were called New France, and to this day they are the French-speaking part of the country. Those who wish to move here permanently should learn not only English, but also French.

New France

This name was inherent in the territory of North America, which was in the possession of France from 1534 to 1763. Although in 1534 Cartier declared Canada the property of the French crown, real colonization began in 1604, and in 1605 the first city of Port Royal was founded by Samuel de Champlain.

In 1608, he also founded the city of Quebec, which became the main center of New France in Canada. The history of this area began with the fact that King Henry 4 gave the rights to trade in furs in Canada to merchants from Rouen.

It was they who appointed Samuel de Champlain as their representative to negotiate and cooperate with the local Indian tribes. When the city of Quebec began to be built, the fur trade began to be conducted in it.

In 1642, Montreal was founded - a port city, which today is the largest in the Canadian province of Quebec. It is the largest province in Canada, covering almost 17% of its territory. If we compare it with European countries, then it occupies an area equal to three France.

Province of Quebec

Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the province of Ontario, the land of Quebec covers an area of ​​1,542,000 km2. It is the second most populous Canadian province. The largest city is Montreal, the capital is Quebec, which is home to over 700,000 people.

The official language of this area is French, which is considered native to 80% of the population of this area. Its constitutional rights include the ability to:

• independently adopt laws regarding the property and criminal rights of its citizens;
• administer justice independently;
• build their own education and health systems.

With such constitutional freedoms, the separatists present here demand its separation from Canada. In referendums held on this issue, by a majority of votes, the city of Quebec with the entire territory remains in the federation. The main industries developed in this area are aerospace, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, metallurgy and information technology.

Quebec

Quebec is a city in Canada, which is the economic and administrative center of the province of the same name. The old part of the city is located where it was founded - on a large cliff hanging over the St. Lawrence River.

Jean Cartier, who declared these lands the property of the French crown, gave the cliff the name "diamond" because of the inclusions in the rock of many crystals. Once it was here that the fur trade flourished for 60 years. Although many farmers stopped cultivating the land and moved into the "forest tramps", as fur hunters were then called, furniture making, shipbuilding, weaving and other crafts flourished in Quebec.

Due to the opposition of the local Indians, who often attacked the population, it grew very slowly. Only by the end of the 17th century did it begin to expand and strengthen, which had a positive effect on the increase in the number of emigrants from France who went to Canada in search of a better life.

Today Quebec is a center for the development of high technologies, tourism and the administrative center of the country's largest province.

Central part of the city

From the point of view of travelers, although beautiful, modern Quebec (city) is unremarkable. Interesting places are in its old districts.

The central part of the city has become a UNESCO heritage, as it is here that granite buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries have been preserved. The famous Frontenac Castle is also located here, from the windows of which you can see the picturesque banks of the St. Lawrence River.

The old part of the city is divided into 2 districts surrounded by the city wall. Bass-Ville is located at the foot of the Cap Diaman mountain and is an old French-style streets filled with boutiques and cafes. Once it was a district of merchants and merchants.

Haute-Ville, with its cobblestone pavements and architecture, is reminiscent of old European cities. Here tourists are expected by carriages, street cafes, an ancient monastery and museums. The center of Haute-Ville is occupied by a five-pointed fortress, the largest in North America.

No less interesting is Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1647, and you can stay for the night in the beautiful Chateau Frontenac hotel, located in the castle, which is a copy of the original, standing in the Laura Valley.

From one area to another can be reached by funicular.

Upper Quebec

The adornment of the upper city is the old Chateau Frontenac castle, which has preserved its former beauty and grandeur to this day. Built in Gothic Renaissance style. Its turrets and walls are visible from anywhere in the city.

The castle looks like the palace of a fairy princess, and its conversion into an extravagant hotel has made this place very popular with tourists. The interior decoration and tapestries are perfectly preserved from the 19th century.

Right behind the hotel is Duferin Terrace, near which there is a monument to the man who founded Quebec. The city (photos confirm this) remembers and honors the memory of Samuel de Champlain, the first unofficial governor of the province. Quebecers love to look out from the terrace at the picturesque banks of the river. No less beautiful in the nearby Governor's Park.

Military gatherings, executions and public punishments used to be held on the Army Square. Today, there is a fleet museum and a monument to the Faith, dedicated to the activities of Catholic missionaries in Canada. In the northern part of the square, paintings and crafts by local artists and artisans are exhibited. Nearby cafes and 18th century buildings are reminiscent of Paris of that time.

No less interesting to visit the Holy Trinity and the monastery of the Ursulines.

lower town

If you go down the “dizzying staircase” from the Duferin terrace, you can get to lower Quebec. Once it was here that the first settlement founded by de Champlain was located. It consisted of several wooden houses and a warehouse where furs were stored.

In the lower city there is Montmorency Park and the Place Royale, on which in 1686 a bust of Louis 14 was erected, replaced in our time by its copy.

One of the most famous sights of this place is the old church of Notre Dame, built in 1688 in honor of the victories of the French army over the British.

In the museum of antique furniture and utensils, you can get acquainted with the life of the inhabitants of the city of the 17th-19th centuries. The Museum of Civilization is dedicated to the activities and development of society since the founding of the French colony in Canada.

Citadel

Built by the French in 1750, the star-shaped fortress was supposed to protect the then few inhabitants of Quebec from the British. As the city grew, the need arose to expand the citadel, which was carried out in 1820 by the British, who sought to protect the population from American attacks.

Today it houses the most elite military unit in Canada - the 22nd Royal Regiment. In the former gunpowder warehouse there is a museum of the famous regiment. Not far from the Citadel are attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, built in the French Renaissance style and the Grand Theater of Quebec.

Climate in Quebec

Unique is not only the history of this region or Quebec itself (city). The climate here is no less famous than the monuments of architecture.

It is characterized by sharp temperature changes, a long winter lasting from September to April, and a short hot summer. It is the inhabitants of this province who know the concept of "icy" rain, during which drops, falling to the ground, turn into "prickly" and sharp pieces of ice or small hail.

Also frequent in winter are temperature drops from -30 to +8 degrees for several days. No less famous are the Quebec winds that blow here at any time of the year. If in summer they soften the exhausting heat, then in winter they are difficult to resist.

That is why the city authorities have allocated funds for the construction of tunnels connected to the subway. Now, to go from the office to a restaurant or shops, you do not need to go through windy Quebec. The city, whose hotels hospitably await travelers all year round, is accessible to tourists underground.

Quebec today

Sometimes it is difficult for tourists to understand, Quebec is a city of which country? In English-speaking Canada, there is a huge French-speaking territory that has retained its culture and identity since the colonists from France settled the province.

Today, Montreal and Quebec - the two largest in this territory - are the concentration of cultural and economic values ​​​​of these places. These lands have mountains, forests, islands and 130,000 bodies of water. This resource-rich region was preserved not only for the descendants of the colonists, but also for the indigenous population of Canada. In 50 villages located in the province, 11 Indian tribes live. Each of the villages is a tourist center where you can stop and "plunge" into the life of the indigenous people.

No less famous are the ornithological reserves of Quebec, where you can observe the life of 270 species of birds.

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The province of Quebec could accommodate France, Spain and the UK combined. However, almost all of its population is concentrated in the southern part - on the lands of the fertile and picturesque valley of the St. Lawrence River and to the south of it. Here, 99.5% of the population of Quebec lives on 30% of the territory; the rest is almost deserted expanses of taiga and tundra (which already starts from 55 ° north latitude, i.e. even a little south of the latitude of Moscow), with a rare Indian and Eskimo population - and huge hydropower and mineral resources of the Canadian crystalline shield. From the south to the valley of the full-flowing St. Lawrence River, the northern spurs of the Appalachian Mountains emerge. In the north, the Laurentian plateau breaks off to the valley, from which many small rivers rush down like waterfalls. One of these rivers, which flows into the river. St. Lawrence just below the city of Quebec, forms the famous Montmorency Falls - almost twice as high as Niagara and much more picturesque. The landscapes of Quebec are so diverse and enchanting that it has received the unofficial name "Beautiful Province" in Canada. (La Belle Province).

The province of Quebec is to some extent a special world not only within Canada, but also for the entire North American continent. It has developed what in Canada is called a "special society" ("distinct society", "societe distincte"), with its own language, lifestyle, value system - and with its own hierarchy of cities, in which 78.5% of the population of this province lives. And before talking about these cities separately, I would like to note what unites them, regardless of size: all large, medium and most "small" cities of Quebec _ francophone(including those with English names). The three largest and oldest cities - Montreal, Quebec and Trois-Rivieres - are located on the banks of the mighty (in terms of high water content equal to our Volga) St. Lawrence River. The national anthem of Canada (which, by the way, was composed in Quebec in French, and later very loosely translated into English) calls the valley of this river the "blessed cradle" of Canadians (beni foot son berceau!).

CHERKASOV Arkady Ivanovich - Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Head of the Department of Political Problems of Canada, ISKR Academy of Sciences. Copyright © 2008.

Continuation. For the beginning, see: "USA * Canada", 2008, N 1.

Acquaintance with the province of Quebec usually begins with the city, which for almost three centuries played the role of the economic and cultural capital of Canada, and until recently, the role of its sea and air gates - from Montreal.

The "census metropolitan area" of Montreal, according to data for 1996, consisted of 3327 thousand inhabitants (according to the 2001 census 1 - 3511 thousand, and according to an estimate at the beginning of 2008 - 3375 thousand 2) and then consisted of "actually city Montreal" - 1016 thousand people and territorially merged with it "cities" (and actually urban areas) Laval - 330 thousand, Longueuil - 130 thousand, Montreal-Nora -

80 thousand, Saint Laurent - 75 thousand, Verdun - 60 thousand, Chateauge - 40 thousand, Lachine - 35 thousand, and dozens of others. Many of them are located within "Montreal proper", representing, nevertheless, officially "separate cities" with their own municipal bodies. Such, for example, are the richest and most prestigious areas - the "cities" of Westmount, Utremont, Mont-Royal (approximately 20 thousand inhabitants each), Hampstead - 7 thousand, the more modest Côte Saint-Luc - 30 thousand, and many other. In 2000, the provincial government decided to officially merge all adjacent "cities" located on the river island of Montreal, with the "city of Montreal" occupying its central part (and all small towns on the right, south bank of the St. Lawrence River - with the largest of them - Longueuil), and the formation of unified municipal bodies under the authority of single (for the "island" Montreal and Longueuil) mayors. This caused protests from municipal officials and part of the inhabitants of these small towns - especially the richest of them - losing their independent status and, accordingly, a separate budget.

The second largest city in the province is the capital city of Quebec (694 thousand inhabitants in 2001). It also consists of a historical core - "the city of Quebec proper", in which only 170 thousand live, and the "cities" of Beauport, Sainte-Foy, Charlebourg (approximately 70 thousand inhabitants each), Sillery (12 thousand), Vanier (11 thousand), as well as many others, including the picturesque Levi (40 thousand inhabitants) on the opposite, right bank of the St. Lawrence River. Here, the provincial authorities also insist on the official merger of the municipal bodies of all the "cities" of the left bank under the auspices of the mayor's office of Quebec, and the right bank - "headed" by the city of Levy, which, as in Montreal, caused protests from part of the population. Municipal reform of the

of the native agglomerations of the province of Quebec, which also covered the left-bank suburbs of the federal capital (the merger of the Quebec cities of Gatineau with Hull, Aylmer, and others, but without the formation of a "capital federal district" as in the United States 3), is still far from complete.

Next in terms of population (160 thousand) follows Saguenay, or, more correctly, Saguenay (Saguenay) formed in 2002, also consisting of merged cities, including the university city of Chicoutimi with its industrial neighbor, the city of Jonquiere, each of which has a population of 60,000 people. Then come: the "capital" of the most fertile agricultural region of Southern Quebec - Estria, or the Eastern Cantons - the city of Sherbrooke (160 thousand) and the old (founded in 1634), but now purely industrial ("world capital of newsprint production") Trois-Rivieres - 140 thousand inhabitants.

In addition to the predominance of the French language, Quebec cities are distinguished from other cities in Canada by a special lifestyle due to the fact that the majority of the population here is made up of a very special people - French Canadians, or, more precisely, Franco-Quebecs who do not consider themselves French 4.

There are more than seven million French Canadians in Canada (all of them are descendants of only ten thousand settlers of the 17th-ro - early 18th century from Northern France), of which six million people live in Quebec. However, in the last two or three decades, the French-speaking inhabitants of this province prefer to call themselves simply Quebecers - "quebecois" (quebecois).

Once upon a time, Quebec was the first capital of all of Canada, or rather, the North American "New France", covering a significant part and territory of the modern United States. The French arrived in North America before the British. The first to sail here was the French sailor Jacques Cartier, who in 1534 discovered the St. Lawrence River - a wonderful waterway deep into the continent. The English colonies, whose inhabitants were at enmity with the Indians, were located to the south, a narrow strip along the Atlantic coast, while the French, who had established relatively good relations with the Indians, quickly expanded their possessions, adding to them both the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi Valley - the heart of the newly discovered continent. It seemed that a great power, which was bound to emerge in fertile and fertile North America, would develop on the basis of French culture and would speak French.

But history decreed otherwise. Due to the strategic mistake of the French government, which decided not to allow Huguenots and other "dissidents" (the most energetic and mobile part of society) in the colonies, the settlement

3 This idea has been in the air since 1958, when the federal National Capital Commission was created. But it constantly encounters the implacable opposition of the provincial authorities of Quebec ("not an inch of the sacred Quebec land to the feds!").

4 For more information about French Canadians, see: Koleneko V.A. French Canada in the past and present. M., 2006; Golubeva-Monatkina N. I. French language in Canada and the USA. M, 2005; Klokov V. T. French language in North America. Saratov, 2005; as well as reviews of these books in the journal "USA * Canada": Baranovsky K. Yu. French language in Canada and the USA, 2006, N 12; Komkova E. G. Quebecers are recognized as a nation, the Quebec problem remains unresolved, 2007, N11.

"New France" went very slowly. As a result of the Seven Years' War of 1757-1763. France was defeated and lost its North American possessions. The French settlers in Quebec (at that time - 70 thousand people), partially mixed with the Indians, remained here to live as a conquered people: only 270 people agreed to leave for France, which was already alien to them.

After the British conquest in 1763, immigration from France practically ceased. But the birth rate and natural increase until the middle of the 20th century were at a record (for peoples of European origin) level. This demographic phenomenon, supported by the Catholic Church, was called "revenge of the cradles" in local journalism. In more than two centuries of isolated development, the Quebecers have become culturally, linguistically, and socio-economically distinct from the European French to a much greater extent than the Anglo-Canadians from the English. The population of Quebec is officially recognized in Canada as a "special society"; Québécois themselves, for the most part, regard themselves as a separate nation, 5 and the provincial legislature is called "National Assembly".

When Canada achieved independence from Great Britain, two official languages ​​were proclaimed in 1969 at once: English and French. Moreover, the people speak an old northern French dialect with many "local" words and expressions that were already born in Canada under the influence of English and even Indian languages. Suffice it to say that the French "cheval" (horse) sounds in Quebec as "zhual" (for which the local dialect itself was called "zhual"), "goodbye" - "bonjour!" (i.e. like "hello"), but "tua e mua" (toi et moi, those. "you and me") here becomes "tue pi mue". (By the way, in Quebec, in contrast to France, they very often turn to unfamiliar and semi-familiar people with "you").

For a long time, conquered Quebec was one of the poorest provinces in Canada. All wealth, industrial enterprises, business, technological skills belonged to the descendants of later immigrants to Canada - the Anglo-Canadians and Americans. The French Canadian youth had only three possible ways to improve his social status: to become a priest, a lawyer or a doctor. The local elite said: "It should be so: business and technology are the work of heretics, Anglo-Saxon Protestants, and we French Canadians are traditional Catholics, poor but proud, strong in our spirituality." A peculiar feeling has developed in Quebec society - a mixture of an inferiority complex (due to poverty and backwardness) and a superiority complex (due to its Catholic "spirituality").

But that was over when, in the 1960 elections, young liberals led by Jean Lesage came to power in Quebec. "Spirituality - spirituality," they said, but in everything else we must be no worse than others.

On November 27, 2006, the existence of the Quebec "nation within a united Canada" was officially recognized by the Federal House of Commons at the suggestion of the leader of the ruling Conservative Party, Stephen Harper (Koleneko V.A. Recognition of the Quebec nation. - Vestnik ROIK, 2007, N 23, pp. 14 - 15), which caused sharp objections even in the ranks of the party he headed, up to the demonstrative resignation of one of the ministers of the federal government.

The new government began the reforms that Quebec called the "Quiet Revolution" and successfully implemented them in 20 years. Quebecers began with the restructuring of public education, directing it to practical purposes. A whole new generation of engineers, technologists and, most importantly, businessmen was created , conducting modern business in their native French.Quebec was not afraid to take large loans from the United States and use them to develop and develop the resources of its North, as well as to help French-speaking small and medium-sized businesses.The largest hydroelectric power plants in the world were built in the Quebec North. The world's cheapest electricity, part of which was exported to the United States to pay off debts, allowed for the rapid development of its own industry.As a result, Quebec turned from the poorest to one of the richest provinces in Canada (second in terms of gross regional product, - the fourth out of 10. In terms of economic power, Quebec, taken separately, where now there is produces a little over one-fifth of Canada's total GDP, about the size of Austria or Sweden. And, what is very important, a significant part of this wealth was directed to the protection and support of the national culture and the French language. Having gained wealth with the help of wealthy English-speaking neighbors, Quebec has not lost, but even strengthened its national (French Canadian) identity.

Quebecers remember and preserve their customs and are proud of them. Colorful folklore holidays are held here, the brightest of them is the winter carnival in Quebec, which attracts thousands of tourists from neighboring English-speaking provinces of Canada, from the USA, France and other countries of the world (this is the second carnival in terms of the number of guests after the famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro). Guests are attracted by the ancient city of Quebec - a true gem of late medieval French architecture. For an American, a trip to Quebec is "the cheapest way to see Europe without crossing the ocean." The only city in North America where the city wall has been preserved, Quebec is declared by UNESCO as part of the "world cultural heritage". In 2002, Quebec expected to host the Winter Olympic Games, a lot of money was spent on their preparation, but at the last moment the right to them was intercepted by the American Salt Lake City.

Another Quebec holiday borrowed from the Indians is the spring harvest of sweet maple sap, from which delicious and healthy maple syrup is brewed in the forest "sugar" houses. It contains no sugar, but is sweet as honey and is included in many Quebec dishes.

The main holiday of Quebec is the Day of Jean-Baptiste (i.e. John the Baptist, considered the "heavenly patron" of the French Canadians), sometimes simply called "Quebec Day". It is celebrated on June 24, when merry processions, dancing in the streets and evening fireworks are held. In essence, this is the same holiday as our Ivan Kupala Day (in Russia it is also June 24, but this is according to the old, church calendar; according to the new style, it falls on July 7). "Quebec Day" is celebrated in the province much more widely than coming a week later, July 1, Canada's national holiday - "Canada Day".

The indigenous inhabitants of the province of Quebec are Indians (according to the 2001 census, 6-130 thousand people), live side by side with the French Canadians, partly mixed with them, and just like the Inuit Eskimos living in the Far North of Quebec (11 thousand) , with the support of the provincial government, are trying to preserve their national customs and culture. However, people of many ethnic groups live in the province, whose ancestors settled in Quebec later than the ancestors of the French Canadians; many of them, especially from among the Catholics - the Irish or the Scottish highlanders, once in the French-speaking environment, completely "Frenchized" (while retaining names like Johnson, Ryan, Rowan, Harvey or Berne). In the 2001 census, only 680,000 Quebecers reported their "pure French" ancestry, while 3,414,000 people reported "pure Canadian", more than in any other region of Canada. There were many who named their (full or partial) British ethnic origin - Irish (290 thousand), English (220 thousand) and Scottish (160 thousand); ethnic Italians (250 thousand), Germans (90 thousand), Jews (80 thousand), Russians (25 thousand), black French-speaking Haitians (75 thousand), Greeks (60 thousand), Chinese (65 thousand). The vast Sino-Vietnamese quarter in the heart of Montreal has become one of the city's exotic attractions.

Quebecers have a very good attitude towards Russia. The province was with her back in 1985-1987. concluded agreements on economic cooperation, including in the development of the North 7 . In 1999 Quebec hosted the international "Summit on the North", which was attended by representatives of 15 countries, including Russia. This meeting had an unofficial motto: "Quebec - Capital of the World North". After all, the most extensive and resource-rich northern territories of the world belong to Russia and Canada. I would like to hope that international cooperation in the development of these resources and the study of the Quebec socio-economic experience will help other northern countries.

6 www.statcan.ca/english/Pgbd/demo28f.htm

7 For more details, see: Cherkasov A. I. Modernization of the Quebec economy in the 60s - 90s: the experience of the development of the North. - "USA - EPI", 1996, N 11; his own. Quebec: Russia's Northern Connections. - "USA * Canada", 1999, N 2.

to become just as rich and happy, while retaining their national and cultural identity, as Canadian Quebec has preserved it.

The struggle of French Canadians for their national rights, which escalated in the course of overcoming the former socio-economic backwardness of Quebec in the 1960s and 1970s, gave rise to a separatist movement in the province, the periodic strengthening of which poses a serious threat to the integrity of the Canadian federation. In 1976 - 1985 and 1994 - 2003. in power in the province were the governments of the Quebec Party, whose goal was to achieve the political sovereignty of Quebec (while maintaining an economic union with "the rest of Canada"). At the referendum held on October 30, 1995 on the question of the sovereignty of Quebec, 49.4% of the inhabitants of the province (moreover, the majority of French Canadians) voted for its separation from Canada, and 50.6% for keeping it within Canada. The unity of Canada was saved by only 53,000 votes. In the provincial elections of 2003, the Quebec Liberal Party returned to power in the province, now led by the former figure of the federal Conservative Party Jean Charet - pro-federalist, but adhering to the course of Quebec autonomy in many areas (including language and immigration policy).

The official modern name of the province comes from its capital - the city of Quebec, and it - in turn - from the word "kebek", which in the language of one of the Indian tribes means "the place where the waters narrow" (R. St. Lawrence). In French, this name is pronounced as "Kebek", in English - as "Kvibek", with the stress in both cases on the second syllable; so it should be pronounced in Russian. (The sign, similar to our accent mark, which is placed above the first "e" in the French spelling of the word "Quebec", only means that this unstressed "e" must be pronounced distinctly, without "swallowing".). Another linguistic subtlety worth knowing: when the word "Quebec" is used with the article (le Quebec, au Quebec, du Quebec.) - it means provinces, and if without the article (a Quebec, de Quebec.) - then this city Quebec. By the way, its name is increasingly common and Anglo-Canadians begin to pronounce it in the French manner, without the sound "v".

Thus, the ancestors of 80% of Quebecers came from France - the vast majority at least three centuries ago. Residents of "purely British" origin made up only 4.2% of the population, Italian - 2.6, Jewish - 1.2, Arabic - 1.0, Greek - 0.7, Chinese - 0.5. The ethnic composition of the inhabitants of Quebec is less diverse than in Ontario, although dozens of peoples are also represented here. It is said that Montreal was racially the most "white" of the multi-million cities in North America for a long time. In the last decade, however, its own "black community" has arisen here, but speaking... French. These are immigrants from the island of Haiti (22 thousand people in 1991 and already 70 thousand in 2001), who now make up a significant proportion among Montreal taxi drivers. There is also a Chinatown in Montreal, where a significant proportion are immigrants from Indochinese countries, who also speak French. Even according to the 1996 census, the so-called "visible minorities" made up 12.2% of Montreal residents (for comparison: in Toronto - 31.6%, in Vancouver - 31.1%, while in the city of Quebec - 1.5% ,

Sherbrooke - 2.1, Trois-Rivieres - 0.9, Chicoutimi - 0.4%). Of the 434,000 "visible minorities" then living in the province, Montreal accounted for 401,000. Among them were 122,000 black Quebecers, 74,000 Arabs, 48,000 Chinese, 47,000 Hispanics, 46,000 people from India and Pakistan, 38,000 people from Indochina, etc.

Over the past century, a significant part of the Indians of Quebec, who make up about 2% of the population of the province, have also switched to French. The Inuit (Eskimos) living in the Far North retain their native language.

French in 2001 was fluent in 94.6% of the inhabitants of the province, English - only 45.4%. Under provincial law, children of immigrants are required to be sent to French schools. This policy, carried out since 1974, markedly changed ("Frenchized") the appearance of Montreal and other Quebec cities.

So, 45% of the population of Quebec is concentrated in its largest city, Montreal, which soon after its founding (1642) took the place of the largest economic center of Canada for more than three centuries: the Montreal port is accessible to ocean-going ships rising along the mighty St. Lawrence River .

Today it is one of the most beautiful cities in North America; Western European and North American urban and architectural concepts are intricately intertwined in its appearance and architecture, and yet European, perhaps, still prevail. Unlike many North American cities, Montreal is largely built up with solid, stylistically consistent buildings, combined into harmonious ensembles. Many buildings have granite cladding and sculptural decorations. Montreal is compared either with Paris, or with Budapest, or even with St.

spread over many river islands. The city, growing, went out on both banks of the river, absorbing numerous suburbs - Laval, Longueuil, Verdun, Lachine and many towns, the names of which, like the names of most of the streets of the city, are given in honor of Catholic saints and therefore begin with "Saint-" or "Saint" (for this feature, cheerful Montreal received a very ironic-sounding nickname "City of Saints").

Among the many sights of Montreal, the oldest church of Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecour, built in 1657, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Montreal (1824), famous for its luxurious interior decoration, partly copying Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside, attract special attention. Old Montreal, however, is being attacked by skyscrapers - the headquarters of banks and various companies that dominate the city center. Nearby giant boxes have already overwhelmed the grandeur of Montreal's Notre Dame; others irresistibly rush to the main street of the city - Sainte-Catherine, and a view of Montreal from the right bank of the river. St. Lawrence, although impressive, is already too reminiscent of the views of New York Manhattan.

The boundaries of the sky have noticeably blurred and moved. The French are successfully advancing on the English-speaking west of the city. The central Jewish quarter completely disappeared (its inhabitants moved to the more prestigious north-west of the city). Disappeared (demolished, rebuilt and landscaped) former quarters of immigrants and the poor in the port area.

In terms of the number of museums, art galleries, theaters, Montreal has no equal among Canadian cities. Although Toronto overtook it first as an industrial, then as a banking and business center (the headquarters of the largest Montreal banks moved there), and in the late 1970s in terms of population, Montreal's leading role as the country's largest cultural center remains unshakable. There are four prestigious universities - French-speaking Montreal and Quebec-in-Montreal (UQAM) and English-speaking McGill and Concordia.

In Montreal, the pavilions that once gave a strong impetus to the further development of the city of the World Exhibition "Expo-67" (on the island of Saint Helen) still operate. This one of the largest expositions in the world is called "Land of the people" (taken from the work of Antoine de Saint-Exupery) or, in the English version, "Man and his world". A major event in international cultural life was the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. The ultra-modern cycle track built for the Games was converted into a magnificent "Biodome" in the early 90s. (Biodome)- a museum, or, if you like, a collection of working models of various bioclimatic zones.

Even more original and romantic is the appearance of the capital of the province - the city of Quebec, founded in 1608, where many ancient monuments and a whole area of ​​late medieval buildings - the Latin Quarter - have been preserved. Quebec City is distinctly divided into Upper City, perched on a cliff, and Lower City, sandwiched between a cliff and the St. Lawrence River. In the Upper Town there are many old residential buildings, Catholic cathedrals and other architectural monuments of the 17th-19th centuries. There are also several dozen excellent historical and art museums, including the restored Citadel, the Museum of Civilization (no worse than the one in Halle on the banks of the Ottawa River, but different in organization), the Museum of Quebec, etc. Narrow streets, usually filled with tourists, are located numerous shops, shops, restaurants and bars. The imposing building of the National Assembly, built in the style of the French Renaissance, and other government buildings attract attention. The city is dominated by a huge hotel "Chateau Frontenac", built in 1893 in the form of a giant castle. A green field spreads not far from it - the plain of Abraham, on which in 1759 the decisive battle for Canada between the British and the French took place, which ended in the victory of the British. On significant dates, a theatrical performance is played here, repeating the course of this battle. In Quebec, monuments were erected to the founder of Canada, Samuel de Champlain, to many statesmen and religious figures of New France, other historical figures of Canada and the whole world - from Joan of Arc and Simon Bolivar to Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. This is truly a monument city and a city of monuments.

The lower city with the narrowest and most ancient street in North America, Sule Cap, is an area where a quarter of a century ago the poor lived predominantly. In the early 1980s, most of the old houses in the Lower City were renovated and internally remodeled (which, of course, led to a significant increase in housing prices and rents). It has turned into a quite respectable and even fashionable district of Quebec. The reason for this reconstruction was the organization in the summer of 1984 of the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the discovery of the river. St. Lawrence ("Roads to Canada") by Jacques Cartier.

The presence of cheap hydroelectric power and mineral raw materials, an abundance of forests, an advantageous transport and geographical position, and in the recent past also a constant surplus of relatively cheap labor (massive relocation to the cities of the formerly predominantly agricultural population), led to the rapid development in Quebec of such industries as non-ferrous metallurgy. , aluminum smelting (using imported raw materials), woodworking, pulp and paper industry, oil refining (imported oil), textile, clothing and food industries. Of the mechanical engineering industries, shipbuilding and aircraft building are represented, and to a lesser extent, the automotive industry (branches of American and other foreign firms). The main part of industrial enterprises is concentrated in the Montreal agglomeration. In the city of Quebec, there is a light and food industry, which, however, are inferior in scale to the main tourism industry here. In the cities of Hull and Trois-Rivieres there is a pulp and paper industry. Aluminum smelting is carried out near large hydroelectric power stations in the Sagne region (Chikoutimi-Jonquiere). From the cascades of HPPs on the northern rivers (Manicouagan, Uthard, as well as in the James Bay basin, where the largest HPP _ La Grande-2, with a capacity of 5.3 million kW) is located, electricity is exported to the United States, supplying the state of New York.

The French Canadian culture of Quebec is distinguished by European sophistication and at the same time a rich and deep identity. It has its own school of fiction, theatrical art, national cinematography, original painting and - on the basis of the richest folk musical folklore - a galaxy of magnificent chansonniers, whose work at one time gave a strong impetus to the post-war revival and flourishing of the well-known musical culture in the world of modern France.

Quebec is divided into Upper City, located on a rock, and Lower, adjacent to the river bank. Both parts of the city are connected by funicular. Houses on the opposite bank of the river - this is another city, Levi.

City `s history

The first European to reach these places was the French navigator, former successful privateer Jacques Cartier (1491-1557). In 1535, he discovered an Indian settlement of the Huron tribe here. In 1608, another founder of French colonization, the traveler, hydrographer, and the first governor of New France, Samuel de Champlain (1567-1635), founded the first permanent settlement in this part of Canada, whose inhabitants were engaged in barter trade with the Hurons and Algonquins (and with the Iroquois, since the first clash in 1608, relations have been hostile, no trade alliance has been concluded with them), offering goods for furs. In these places there was strong competition between English and French traders, whose interests were protected by the armies of their countries.
In 1629, Quebec was captured by the British, who held it until 1632, but were forced to retreat and return it to France. In 1690, the English fleet under the command of William Phips (1650/1651 - 1694/1695) - the first governor of the English colonial province of Massachusetts Bay - tried to capture Quebec, but was driven back by the troops of Count Louis de Buade de Frontenac (1620-1698). .) - French military leader and governor of the French colony of New France, now Canada.
In 1711, the English fleet again tried to take the city, but a chance helped the Quebecers: the English fleet crashed on the rapids of the St. Lawrence River, never reaching the target.
The struggle for Quebec became one of the important episodes of the war, in which the fate of France's colonial possessions in North America was decided. This war in the colonies went on simultaneously with the European Seven Years' War (1756-1763).
The British did not abandon their intention to take the city, and in 1759 Quebec was besieged by English troops. The French detachments outnumbered the British, but suffered a crushing defeat in open battle. The city was handed over to the enemy.
A year later, the French military leader Duke Francois Gaston de Levy-Leran (1719-1727), who was instructed by King Louis XV the Beloved (1710-1774) to return Quebec, laid siege to the city captured by the British. There were more French than the British, but they had superiority in artillery. The British sank the French ships, and the French fled, leaving behind all the sick and wounded. The battle for Quebec (1760) decided the future of Canada, which still recognizes the authority of the British crown.
At the beginning of 1763, the Seven Years' War ended, the Paris Peace Treaty was concluded between Great Britain and France, according to which France ceded Canada to England.
In 1791, the city of Quebec became the capital of Lower Canada, a new province of the British Empire, and since 1833, the capital of the province of Quebec.
In 1864, the city became the venue for the historic Quebec Conference, during which the issue of self-determination of the British colonies in North America was decided. The result of the process of Canadian confederation was the formation in 1867 of a new federal state - the Dominion of the British Empire Dominion Canada.
During World War II 1939-1945. U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt (1882-1945) and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965) met twice in Quebec at Frontenac Castle to plan Allied action in Europe against Nazi Germany.

Population

Quebec City is located in the administrative region of Capital Nacional, but the "national capital" (as the name of the region is translated from French) it is called only at the provincial level.
The population of Quebec City is mostly French-Canadians, making up 95%. Despite a long period of policy of assimilation of the French-speaking inhabitants of the city during the British rule, all attempts to "dissolve" the Francophones in the English-speaking environment were unsuccessful. Later, with the outflow of the English-speaking population and the partial assimilation of the Irish, the English language in Quebec faded into the background, and the French-speaking population became the vast majority. In general, the province of Quebec has a bilingual population, but in and around Quebec, francophones dominate. The city has a separate school system: one for Catholics, the other for Protestants, in which education is carried out, respectively, in French or English.
The city's name, Quebec, is the official name in both English and French. But there are also variants of Quebec City and Ville de Quebec.
The architecture of Quebec retains the main features of the old European city: it has preserved a significant part of the old buildings, called the Latin Quarter, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most notable historical buildings are the National Assembly building, built in the French Renaissance style, and the massive Château Frontenac Hotel. Built in the form of an ancient castle in 1893, the hotel stands near the plain of Abraham, where an annual costume show is played, during which episodes of the 1759 battle for Quebec between the French and the British are recreated.
Another important event in the life of the city is the traditional winter carnival, held in the city since 1894. A huge ice palace is erected on Jacques Cartier Square, named after the discoverer of these places, an international competition of ice sculptures is held, canoe races, swimming in the snow, and in different quarters of the city - three parades.
The large, kilometer-long metal Quebec Bridge connects Quebec with the city of Levi, located on the right bank, named after the same Duke Francois Gaston de Levi-Leran, in the 18th century. trying to take back the city of France.
The main symbol of Quebec and a landmark of world significance is the citadel, built in the 17th century. Thanks to her, Quebec is the only city in North America north of Mexico City, where the fortress walls have been preserved. The length of the fortified structures is 5 km.
The city retained its status as the capital of the Canadian French-speaking province of Quebec; this large urban agglomeration is second only to Montreal in terms of the number of inhabitants. Quebec is home to the Quebec Parliament and the provincial government.
The city has a developed industry: sawmilling, pulp and paper, food, as well as high-tech industries in the field of telecommunications. There are shipyards and a major port available for ocean-going ships. The city's economy is thriving despite the global financial crisis, and Quebec has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada.

general information

Location: eastern North America, southeastern Canada.

The capital of the province of Quebec.

Year of foundation of the city: 1608
Administrative division: 35 districts, 6 districts.

Languages: French (94.6% of the population), English.

Ethnic composition: whites, African Americans, Arabs, Asians, others.

Religions: Catholicism - 80%, other (Protestantism, Judaism, Orthodoxy, Islam, outside of religion) - 20%.

Currency unit: Canadian dollar.

Major rivers: Saint Lawrence, Saint Charles.

Major airport: Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (Quebec City International Airport).

Numbers

Area: 450 km2.

Population: 516,622 (2011).
Population density: 1148 people / km 2.
Average height above sea level: 98 m

highest point: 118 m
Distance to Montreal: 240 km to the northeast.

Climate and weather

Moderate continental.

January average temperature:-12°C.

July average temperature:+19°С.
Average annual rainfall: 1000 mm.

Relative humidity: 80%.

Economy

GDP: $30.8 billion (2011)

GDP per capita:$59,618 (2011).

Industry: woodworking, pulp and paper, shipbuilding, food, hydropower, port industry (sea and river port: the total turnover of sea freight is 18.1 million tons (2012).

Service sector: transport (seaport, railway, two international airports), financial, trade, tourism.

Attractions

■ Cult: Convent of the Ursulines (1639), Cathedral of Notre Dame de Quebec (1650), Church of Notre Dame de Victoire (1688), Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (1793), Anglican Cathedral Holy Trinity (1793).
■ Architectural and historical: the citadel (XVII century), city walls (1820-1831), the Catholic University of Laval (1852), the building of the National Assembly (the parliament of the province Hotel du Parlement, 1878-1892), the old Quebec funicular ( 1879), Chateau Frontenac Hotel (1893), Cantilever Bridge over the St. Lawrence River (1907-1917), Quebec Cantilever Bridge (1919), Rue de Petit Champlain, Latin Quarter, Place Jacques Cartier, Place Royale (Place Royal), University of Quebec (1968), Grand Theatre, Gare du Palais, Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel, 2001), Artillery Park, Fields of Abraham (site of the 1759 battle), Quebec trompe l'oeil fresco, 420 m2 (1999).
■ Museums: Museum of the Province of Quebec, Museum of the University of Laval, Museum of Civilization, National Museum of Fine Arts.

Curious facts

Frontenac Castle (Hotel Chateau Frontenac) is named after Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac and Palluot (1620-1698), governor of New France in the late 17th century, considered the founder of Canada.

The old Quebec funicular, 54 meters long, was opened on November 17, 1879 and has been in continuous operation since then, except for major repairs and a couple of accidents. Initially, the functioning of its mover was based on hydraulics, which was replaced by an electric motor in 1907.

Place Royal (Place Royal) of Quebec is the place where Samuel de Champlain landed in 1608 and founded the first French settlement in North America.

Fields of Abraham - an area near the historic center of Quebec City, a park. Named after a real historical figure - Abraham Marten, nicknamed the Scot (1589-1664), who pastured his cattle in these fields. On September 13, 1759, the decisive battle between the British and French took place on the Fields of Abraham. It currently houses the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec.

Most of the fortifications of Quebec City have survived solely due to the order of Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, Lord Dufferin (1826-1902), Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878, who forbade the dismantling of old buildings for the construction of new ones and made the citadel his official residence. The Citadel is still the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, who traditionally spends several weeks a year there. The principal residence of the Governor General is Rideau Hall in the city of Ottawa.

In winter, Quebec City gets a lot of snow, and although the temperature at the beginning of winter rarely drops below -15°C, it sometimes drops to -35°C in January.

Landmark of the city - Quebec trompley fresco with an area of ​​420 m 2 on the wall of a building along Notre Dame Street in the Petit Champlain quarter in Old Quebec (French "trompley" - "optical trick", a technique in art to create an optical illusion of three-dimensional image) . The Quebec mural depicts many historical characters who played a large role in the history of the city, including Samuel de Champlain and Jacques Cartier.

The Quebec Hotel de Glace, or Ice Hotel, is the first ice hotel in North America, opened in 2001. It is built in early December of each year, opens in early January, and melts itself in April. The construction of the hotel from blocks of ice involved 60 workers. The hotel has a capacity of 85 guests, who are offered reindeer skins and sleeping bags for the night. The hotel even has an ice chapel where weddings take place.

One of the most visited places in Canada is Quebec. The city, which is so called, is located in the province of the same name. About its history and sights that can be visited within this place, read the article.

Values

Many words have multiple meanings. The same thing happened with the word "Quebec". The city is only one of two places on the map that share the same name. The province in which the French have lived since ancient times is also known as Quebec.

A similar fate befell many geographical names. For example, Moscow is not only a major capital city of Russia, but also a famous river.

Location

Both the province and the city are located in Canada. To be more precise, in the northeastern part of the continent called North America. Interestingly, France covers an area three times smaller than Quebec.

The province includes such regions as Charlevoix, Laurentide and Estri. They have a huge number of stunningly beautiful lakes and mountains. The valleys and plains near the St. Lawrence River and Lake Saint-Jean attract numerous tourists with their views.

Where is Quebec City located? On the territory of the province of the same name, which is famous for its landscape. So, the fascinating coast of Saguenay and Gaspesie are very popular places that are valued for peace and comfort.

Provinces

There are a large number of large provinces and colonies. So, one of them is three times the size of France, and that's Quebec. This province lies on the territory of one and a half million square kilometers. It borders other similar regions such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Ontario. In addition, some states of America are also "neighbors" of Quebec. These are Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Maine.

The province includes a large number of fairly large cities. Of course, there are also small ones. However, some settlements are considered the most important. So, here are the cities of the province of Quebec:

• Montreal is the largest locality outside of France where French is spoken.
• Quebec proper is the provincial capital. It is this city that will be discussed in this article.

Of course, these are not all cities that are part of the province of Quebec. In fact, there are many more. It's just that Quebec and Montreal are considered the most important for this area, that's all.

Language

The adjective "French", which is often used next to the words "Province of Quebec", can be understood in what language all conversations are conducted in this place. Indeed, French is the official language of the province. In general, only Quebec is a city in Canada where the use of this language is enshrined in law. French is used in everyday communication, on television and in cinemas, in shops and restaurants.

However, it is interesting that the native French do not consider the language spoken by the inhabitants of the province of Quebec to be correct. They are convinced that he was nevertheless influenced, because of which some aspects of him underwent changes. So people from France prefer to stay in Toronto.

Quebec City

Canada is a country with many cities rich in history. Quebec, translated from the Indian language, means "a place where the river narrows." This settlement appeared on the map in 1608, not far from the settlement of the Iroquois tribe. Then it turned into the capital of the French province and began to be considered the cradle of North America.

Story

As mentioned earlier, Quebec (a photo of the city is presented in the article) appeared in 1608. The development of the settlement proceeded rapidly. So, in 1688, a church called Notre-Dame-de-Victoire was built here. It is currently known for being the oldest stone church located in North America.

Subsequently, the French began to come here. They built up the city with new houses. It so happened that the territories belonging to the Indians were given into the possession of a European nation. They were called New France - a colony of the ruler of the state, Louis XIV. To protect the province, European soldiers were sent to its territory, and missionaries arrived here with them, who dreamed of converting the Indians to their faith. This is how Christianity came to Quebec.

Despite the fact that the British made several attempts to capture the settlement, they were successful only in 1759. It was then that the French colony turned into a powerful fortress.

What did the city look like before?

Quebec is a city with a rich (by North American standards) history. It has been performing its function for four centuries now. Initially, it was small, but very quickly thousands of people moved to the settlement, who decided to build a "new" France.

Since the inhabitants of the city were often attacked by the British, its upper part was surrounded by a stone wall that could withstand the onslaught of the enemy. Inside the fortress looked very nice and cozy: small houses pressed against each other. The streets meandered strongly, leading ordinary citizens to majestic castles. Interestingly, Old Quebec is a city included in the list of cultural heritage, which is compiled by UNESCO.

Attractions

Many people from all over the world visit Quebec - a city whose sights are known all over the world. For example, the baroque altarpiece was previously used in the Ursuline convent. Marie de l'Incarnacion, a Frenchwoman and colonist, founded it. Until now, it has a special school of Ursulines. Parallel to this, a convent with an altar is a very popular place in Quebec.

Another well-known point on the city map is, of course, the Château Frontenac Hotel. It was built at the end of the 19th century near the local cathedral. The castle complex includes an alley called Dufferin, by which many people recognize the city of Quebec in photographs.

Canada (a photo of the country on the map is presented in this article) has its own symbols, and the capital of the French province is no exception. One of the most famous emblems of the city is Château Frontenac, which has become an expensive hotel. It is easily recognized by tourists, because this place is constantly becoming an object for photography.

Of course, these are not all the attractions of Quebec. However, these places are the most visited among tourists who come here every year.

The cultural program

Any self-respecting tourist should make a list of places he wants to visit in advance. It is also necessary to make notes about those events and festivals in which you want to take part.

This article talks about those sights and cultural buildings that can be included in the list of places to visit.

• Aquarium. Its area is 16 hectares. It was founded almost fifty years ago, at the same time that the biological center appeared in Quebec. Three hundred species of animals living in the sea are collected here. And there is a zoo nearby.
• Museums. Since Quebec is a city with a rich history, there are a large number of museums on its territory. There are so many of them that even three days are not enough to visit them all.
• Parc de Chan de Bataille. This place is used as a venue for open-air concerts, that is, those that are organized in the open air. In addition, there are many monuments and fountains. Even the Museum of Quebec is located in this park. And yet, by going to the Parc de Champs Des-Batailles, you can visit the Fields of Abraham - the place where the battle once took place, which put an end to French dominance over the province of Quebec.

Districts of the city

Interestingly, the capital of the province of Quebec is a city, although significant, but small. It is one of the oldest settlements in North America. This can be understood from the narrow steep streets, a powerful fortress wall, which is still preserved. The Latin Quarter and the Jesuit monasteries also indicate that this city has a long history.

It is divided into two parts - Upper and Lower. They separate new, more modern places from purely medieval buildings. So, in Upper Quebec, you can ride real carts, see the horses that pull the carts. The historical heart of the city is also concentrated here. Lower Quebec is a place that would be familiar to modern man. The bulk of boutiques, restaurants, shops and cafes are concentrated here.

Movement

In both areas of the city, it is customary to move around with the help of bicycles. There is a developed network of bike paths that can easily get to any sights or get into a quiet and cozy park. Such popularity of cycling is due to the fact that the Old Town is almost unsuitable for driving by car, because its roads are paved with cobblestones, and the traffic here is one-way. In narrow streets it is very difficult to find a place to park.

In New, Lower Quebec, it is quite convenient to travel by car. However, people are constantly rushing between the Upper and Lower parts of the city, so changing transport almost every day is not very comfortable. That is why it is customary to ride bicycles in New Quebec.

How to get there?

Quebec is not a city that you can fly to on a direct flight from Russia. However, it can be reached with transfers. They will be made in Paris, Frankfurt am Main, Warsaw or New York (the city, of course, not the state). This journey will take about 17 hours.

Jean Lesange Airport is located 11 kilometers from the city. It was built in ten years, between 1929 and 1939. The first flight here was made in 1941. Since then, it has functioned smoothly, and in 2008 it was reconstructed, as a result of which it acquired a new, modern look.

The journey by car from the airport to Quebec takes no more than half an hour, or to be more precise - 20 minutes. It can also be done on the city bus, which regularly brings tourists directly to the city center.

Roads for cars are a link between many major cities that are located near Quebec. For example, from New York or Toronto you can get here in just a quarter of a day, that is, in six hours. There are intercity trains. The local railway station is very unusual, which attracts the attention of many tourists.

Ferries operate in the summer, which can take everyone to a place called Quebec in seven hours. The city in Canada, the photo of which is presented in the article, is very often visited by tourists, so it is not difficult to get to it. You just have to want!