Quebec

Quebec is the largest Canadian province by area and the heart of French-speaking North America, with a culture and identity distinct from the rest of the country. Its capital is Quebec City, while Montreal is its largest city. French is the official language, and the province cherishes its unique heritage.

Quebec extends from the St. Lawrence River lowlands, where most people live, across the vast forests and lakes of the Canadian Shield to the Arctic tundra of the far north. The St. Lawrence is its lifeline to the Atlantic. The climate ranges from humid continental to subarctic.

Quebecois culture is proudly French-speaking, with a vibrant arts, music, film and culinary scene, celebrated festivals, and a strong sense of national identity. Montreal is a creative, bilingual metropolis, while Quebec City preserves a historic European charm.

Founded as New France with Quebec City in 1608, the colony passed to Britain in 1763 but retained its French language, civil law and Catholic heritage. A founding province of Canada in 1867, Quebec has seen powerful movements for autonomy and sovereignty.