If you know anything about Quebec, it’s probably that it’s Canada’s only French-speaking province. That fact alone makes Quebec unique, but there’s much more to La Belle Province than Quebeckers might let on.
These 10 fun Quebec facts prove it.
1. Quebec Facts 101: Maple Syrup Capital of Canada
Any list of interesting facts about Quebec has to kick off with the province’s major claim to fame. It’s the maple syrup capital of the country. Since Canadians love their maple syrup, Quebec’s maple syrup industry is vital.
2. Amazing Artistry Originated Here
If someone mentions Cirque du Soleil, you might think of Las Vegas. The famous acrobatic troupe started in Montreal and has gone on to win worldwide acclaim.
3. It’s a Scene of Many Firsts
Quebec’s largest city, Montreal, has a long history. It was founded in the 1600s, long before Toronto or other major cities in Canada. In fact, it was founded before many American cities.
Montreal is home to North America’s oldest grocery store, oldest brewery, and oldest golf club!
4. Home to Canada’s Only Fortified City
Go to Europe and you’ll find walled cities everywhere. Walls used to be essential to the defense of a city. By the time Europeans got to the New World, walls were starting to go out of style.
That’s why you’ll find just one walled city north of Mexico. If you guessed that was Quebec City, you’d be right.
5. Home to the World’s Largest Winter Festival
No list of Quebec fun facts is complete without Carnaval, the world’s largest winter festival. It takes place every February and has since 1955. It was actually founded much earlier though, in 1894.
Canadians everywhere know the bright red hat of Bonhomme, the festival’s mascot.
6. Creating a World-Class Ski Destination
One of the more interesting facts about Quebec is that it’s home to one of North America’s best ski destinations. Mont Tremblant is a favorite with athletes, celebrities, and avid skiers alike.
The resort offers luxury mont tremblant rentals, which make a ski trip even more magical.
7. See the World’s Highest Inclined Tower
Montreal hosted the Summer Olympics in 1976. The city poured money into the venture, which left the city burdened with debt for 30 years.
It did give the city another claim to fame, though. Olympic Stadium is the world’s highest inclined tower. At 574 feet, it holds the dome’s roof.
8. The World’s Second Largest French-Speaking City
Fun facts about Quebec include that it’s home to the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Only Paris itself is a larger center of French language and culture than Montreal.
9. Representation on the International Stage
One of the strangest facts about Quebec is that the province sends its own delegates to international meetings and country summits.
Other provinces have now started sending their own delegates to international meetings.
10. A Forest-Lover’s Respite
Quebec has a lot of trees. In fact, it’s home to one-fifth of Canada’s forests. Quebec’s forests would cover both Norway and Sweden.
La Belle Province Awaits
Hopefully these fun Quebec facts helped you get more familiar with Canada’s most unique province. Maybe they even inspired you a little.
Looking for other great North American destinations? Check out the blog for more inspiration.