Big cities are well known for their most famous attractions, but it's always a joy to rediscover them through a different lens! Between hidden gems, food and themed tours, here are a few ideas to explore Montreal and Québec City in a new way this summer.

Discovering Montreal's cosmopolitan heritage

Historic, dynamic and full of life, Montreal owes much of its charm to its multicultural roots. This cosmopolitan aspect is apparent not only on the food and arts scenes: you only have to walk through its neighbourhoods to see signs of this diversity - so many "cities within a city"! This diversity is also expressed through numerous cultural festivities. Ready for a trip? Just Just choose your first destination!

Italian Montreal

The Italian community has shaped the face of Montreal since the 19th century. A quintessential gourmet district, Little Italy spreads around the streets surrounding the Jean-Talon market, to which its history is closely linked. In the 1900s, it was there that farmers of this former agricultural territory went to sell their products. After filling your belly at the market or in the local trattorias and cafés, admire the neighbourhood's buildings, known for their iconic colourful outdoor staircases, or take a break at the peaceful Dante Park. If you're in Montreal between August 5 and 20, ItalfestMTL will be in full swing.

Haitian/Caribbean Montreal

Another community in Montreal that has been important for several decades (particularly with the large waves of immigration in the 1960s and 1970s), the Haitian diaspora has strongly influenced the cultural, socio-economic and political landscape of the city. To celebrate Haitian culture in all its forms, head over to the Haïti en Folie festival (July 25 to 31). And to immerse yourself in African, Caribbean and South American cultures, check out the Festival AfroMonde (August 25 to 28).

Jewish Montreal

The Jewish community is another one that has greatly contributed to the development of Montreal, an important destination for newcomers from Eastern Europe at the turn of the 19th century and after 1950. Their heritage is still very much alive, especially in the Mile End neighbourhood, where the streets are lined with Jewish businesses, kosher markets, bagel shops, smoked meat restaurants and other cultural and culinary legacies. To learn more about the fascinating history of the Jewish community and its exceptional contribution to the city, visit the Holocaust Museum or the Shalom Montreal permanent exhibit at the McCord Museum.

Of course, we could go on and on, exploring Jewish, Chinese, Greek and North African Montreal, but you'll need more than one visit to see all of them!

Quebec City: tell us what you love, we'll tell you where to go!

The Québec City region is equally rich with possibilities. To help you make your way through all of this choice, why not start with what interests you and go from there

History, art and culture

Here, history buffs will be served! There is nothing like a stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old Québec City to soak up the soul of New France. Take the opportunity to do a bit of shopping along the pedestrian streets lined with boutiques and bistros of the Quartier Petit Champlain, and then continue your trip back in time. Place Royale, the Château Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham: so many iconic places where history itself was written! Quebec City also abounds with activities for the whole family. Interactive outdoor trails, immersive experiences, aquarium, performances and activities (usually free!) in the streets of the city: there's no shortage of ideas in the summer!

Nature and the outdoors

The Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Fly over the waterfall (the star attraction!) on a zipline or cable car, or admire it from the side of the cliff on the via ferrata trail. You can also contemplate it from the hiking trails and lookouts and enjoy spectacular views. Not far from there, the Canyon Sainte-Anne and its three suspension bridges await you. Unless you prefer to take it easy at the beach of Baie de Beauport, or simply in one of the many green spaces downtown. Are you planning an extended stay? Cross the bridge linking Québec City to île d’Orléans, a unique place where quietness and nature are honoured.

These are just a few ideas to help you rediscover Quebec's most lively, diverse and creative cities throughout the summer. At the end of the day, what matters is that you spend the season the way you like, and our major cities have everything you need to have a great time under the sun!