5 Ways to Immerse Yourself in a Unique Culture in America

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.

For a full immersion in the local culture, there's nothing better than exploring Old Québec and the lively neighbourhoods around. Interactions with residents foster enriching exchanges and you will find joie de vivre everywhere you go. 

Step into one of Québec City's folk bars, where you can sing along to timeless favourites or uncover Québec classics. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere brimming with regional charm as you mingle with the locals.

Outside the city, such as on Île d'Orléans, exceptional places await, with artisans ready to share their expertise and passion.

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. 

Traditional cuisine embodies the essence of comfort food, narrating the tale of a city with a history spanning over 400 years. Indulge in tourtière, crafted from a century-old recipe. Warm your soul with a bowl of French Onion Soup or Sagamité, a First Nations dish composed of hominy, grease, and root vegetables. Enjoy a brunch featuring wild salmon and local berries.

Savour Québec City's world-class restaurants and 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!

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 pavilion that is considered an architectural masterpiece.

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.