Quebec is a wonderful Canadian province that welcomes many immigrants each year. Whether or not you might be thinking about immigrating to La Belle Province, take a look at these 10 fun facts about Quebec.
1. Most people living in Quebec speak French
Even though French is the official language of Quebec since 1974, many inhabitants of the province speak both French and English. It’s estimated that 95% of the population speaks French, but that more than 40% can speak both languages.
If you can’t speak French, you should still be able to find someone to talk to if you visit Quebec, or decide to immigrate to Quebec!
2. Quebec City is the capital of Quebec
Many people think Montreal is the capital city of the province of Quebec, but it isn’t the case. Quebec City is the capital city, and the name Quebec was first given to the city before it became the name of the province as well.
Montreal, however, is the major metropolis of the province. It even used to be the largest city in Canada before it was surpassed by Toronto in 1970. According to a census in 2016, the population of Montreal is 1.705 million, while the population of Toronto is 2.732 million.
3. More than 8 million people are living in Quebec
There are currently more than 8 million people living in the province of Quebec, and approximately 50,000 immigrants are welcomed as Canadian citizens each year. These immigrants come from more than 100 countries around the world, contributing to the multicultural character of the province.
If immigrating to Quebec sounds like a good idea to you, you are definitely not the only one who thinks so.
4. Quebec became a part of Canada in 1867
A fun fact about Quebec is that it entered the Canadian Confederation in 1867, becoming one of the first provinces in Canada. The province that used to be known as Canada was divided into two provinces: Quebec, and Ontario.
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick also joined the Canadian Confederation in 1867, giving Canada its four initial provinces. Today, the country counts ten provinces and three territories.
5. Quebec’s Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world
The impressive Château Frontenac of Quebec City is the most photographed hotel in the world. If you ever see it, you will certainly want to take at least a picture or two!
But the Château Frontenac is no ordinary hotel: it’s one of Canada’s grand railway hotels that were built by the Canadian Pacific Railway. It was built in 1892 and 1893, and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981.
6. Quebec City is the only walled city in Canada
Quebec City is the only walled city in Canada, and those old stone walls add to the unique charm of the city. The Citadelle of Quebec, a star-shaped, active military installation for the Canadian Armed Forces, is part of the fortifications of the city.
If you ever visit Quebec City, you will certainly want to take pictures of the old walls of Quebec as well as of the Château Frontenac.
7. The legal drinking age in Quebec is 18 years old
If you love drinking beer, you are going to love this fun fact about Quebec. Unlike some other regions where the drinking age is 21, you only need to be 18 years old to buy and drink alcohol in the province of Quebec.
Molson Coors Canada, located in Montreal, is the oldest brewery in North America. It was founded in 1786, and it’s still occupying its original site. If you are old enough to drink a beer in Quebec, be sure to taste a Molson!
8. About 2% of the world’s forests can be found in Quebec
One of the fun facts about Quebec is the abundance of forests within the region. The beautiful forests of Quebec represent 2% of the world’s forests, as well as 20% of Canada’s forests. They cover more than 750,000 km2.
Quebec also possesses more than 3% of the world’s reserves of fresh water. If you ever come to Quebec for a visit, be sure to spend some time outdoors so you can enjoy what the forests, the lakes and the rivers of the province have to offer.
9. Quebec is the greatest producer of maple syrup in Canada
Have you ever tasted delicious maple syrup made in Quebec? Quebec is the greatest producer of maple syrup in Canada, so you should have no problem finding some at the grocery store, or in souvenir shops if you are only coming for a visit.
Maple syrup is smooth and has a sweet, distinctive flavour that is difficult to describe. If you try it, you will love it!
10. The snowy owl is Quebec’s official bird
One of the more interesting facts about Quebec has to do with its unique animal mascot. The snowy owl became the official bird of of Quebec in 1987. It is seen as a symbol of Quebec’s support of wildlife protection.
The snowy owl, unlike other owls, can hunt both during the night and during the day. It mostly eats lemmings, but can hunt a diversity of small mammals, as well as birds and fish.