Province of Québec
for whale researchers, nature lovers and gourmets
Québec is a province in Canada known for its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. It is the only province in Canada where French is the official language. Québec offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for outdoor enthusiasts, culture vultures, foodies and nature watchers.
Just three hours by car from Québec City, the small town of Tadoussac sits directly on the St.
Lawrence River—a paradise for whale watchers in Canada. The town is located at the mouth of
the Saguenay Fjord, where nutrient-rich waters mix with the cold Atlantic currents. This unique
environment creates an ideal habitat for a variety of whale species, including blue whales, fin
whales, humpback whales, minke whales and beluga whales.
For those who dream of being whale researchers, it is possible to join marine biologists on boat
expeditions on the St. Lawrence River. Using blowholes and spouts, they track whales and
identify them based on physical characteristics. In many cases, marine biologists can even
recognize and name individual whales. Guests observe the whales’ behavior and document their
migration patterns, social interactions and feeding habits. There are few opportunities to get
closer to these majestic creatures than with the whale researchers in Tadoussac. Marine biologist
Dany Zbinden has been studying whales in the St. Lawrence River since 2001 and leads
expeditions as far as Antarctica.
© Lise Gagnon/GREMM
At the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre in Tadoussac, visitors can learn fascinating facts
about marine mammals, listen to recordings of whale songs, see the 13-meter-long skeleton of a
sperm whale and track whale migration on digital displays. Marine biologists are available to
answer questions and provide insights into their research.
© Lise Gagnon/GREMM
But Canada is not just for nature lovers—it also offers urban charm. Québec City, the capital of
Québec shares its name with the eastern Canadian province itself and is one of the most
fascinating cities in North America, boasting over 400 years of history and stunning French-
Canadian architecture. Its historic walled center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to
numerous landmarks, including the famous Château Frontenac.
The UNESCO-listed city of Québec stretches along the St. Lawrence River on two levels: the
Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and the Lower Town (Basse-Ville). The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac,
an architectural landmark, towers over the city’s historic district. For over 125 years, it has hosted
prominent guests such as Charles Lindbergh, Queen Elizabeth II and Celine Dion. Château
Frontenac also played a significant historical role, particularly during the Québec Conferences of
1943, where Roosevelt, Churchill and Canadian prime minister Mackenzie King met to plan the
Normandy landings. It also served as a filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s film I Confess.
Following extensive renovations, the hotel now features a modern interior with marble bathrooms
and Art Deco elements. Guests can enjoy an exquisite breakfast or afternoon tea at the Place
Dufferin restaurant, where the maple-wood-smoked bacon comes highly recommended.
Restaurant recommendations – mavi’s favorites
Laurie Raphaël
Laurie Raphaël is one of Québec’s original culinary pioneers. Led by the Gagnon-Vézina family,
this fine-dining institution has been among the top restaurants in Québec City for over 30 years.
Chef Raphaël Vézina follows in the footsteps of his father, renowned chef and author Daniel
Vézina, bringing out the best of local recipes and ingredients. This is the place to go for a refined
and elegant dining experience.
ARVI
This small restaurant in Limoilou is a favorite among both meat lovers and vegetarians. It was
named one of the best new restaurants in Canada by Air Canada’s EnRoute magazine. ARVI, which means ‘see you later’ in Savoyard, offers a truly personal and authentic experience.
The open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs prepare, plate and serve each dish. All
ingredients are locally sourced, many from the restaurant’s own gardens and greenhouses.
With its thoughtful presentation and original flavor combinations, ARVI has earned a reputation as one
of Québec City’s top dining destinations.
© Maude Chauvin
Le Clan
Chef Stéphane Modat, originally from Catalonia, Spain, honed his craft in several Michelin-starred restaurants before emigrating to Canada with his wife. There, he fell especially in love with
Québec’s terroir. He collaborates closely with First Nations communities, joining them in hunting,
foraging and fishing to incorporate indigenous traditions into his cuisine.
At Le Clan, Stéphane combines avant-garde culinary techniques with a deep appreciation for
local ingredients. This award-winning restaurant in Québec City’s historic center serves artistic,
innovative dishes that challenge conventional fine dining. The menu features the finest Québec
specialties, such as bread baked with seawater from Côte Nord and Stimpson surf clams. A rising
star among Québec City’s best restaurants.
© Frederic Laroche
Another mavi’s favorite for an overnight stay:
Manoir Hovey
Manoir Hovey is an exceptional luxury hotel in North Hatley, Québec, renowned for its stunning
location and first-class service. Awarded two Michelin Keys, this Relais & Châteaux hotel sits
picturesquely on the shores of Lac Massawippi, nestled in the Appalachian countryside.
The hotel perfectly blends historic charm with modern comfort. Its elegantly furnished rooms,
suites and pavilions offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding gardens. Guests can
unwind at the hotel’s spa, which features a thermal bath and lakeside pool. The surrounding
Eastern Townships region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, wine tastings and
cultural experiences.
© Relais & Chateaux
The vast landscapes of Québec are also best explored by bike. The province boasts an
impressive network of cycling trails, providing diverse opportunities to experience its natural
beauty. The centerpiece is Route Verte, the longest network of cycle paths in North America,
spanning approximately 4,300 kilometers. Officially inaugurated in 2007, this extensive network
connects eight distinct routes, leading cyclists through picturesque villages and towns.
mavi's favourites:
The Gourmet Route leads to farms, fruit plantations, cheese dairies and cranberry farms
The Seafaring Route runs along the St. Lawrence River, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities
The Maple Route invites visitors to discover Québec’s world-famous maple syrup production
Perhaps it is no coincidence that the name Québec means where the river narrows in the Algonquin language—because it is here that the beauty, charm and soul of this unique region come together.