Quebec is the largest Canadian province and contains a fair amount of barren, sparsely populated land. It’s also home to cool, cosmopolitan Montreal and an array of mesmerizing outdoor scenes, however, making it a land of contrasts, complexity and endless vacation possibilities. Whether looking to find a slice of Europe this side of the Atlantic or hoping for a place of comfort and mountain-accented retreat, the vast land of Quebec surely holds what you seek.

With a history that includes the influences of the native Iroquoians as well as French explorers like Samuel de Champlain, Montreal has elements of industry, adventure and power struggles inlaid deep within its foundation. The French ultimately took control of this ever-bustling town, making for a unique atmosphere that continues to be dominated by non-English language and culture even today. A trip here will be educational as well as entertaining thanks to the intermingling of so many unique ingredients, so prepare for an eye-opening experience that no other city can quite replicate.

The summer is the best time to visit Montreal, when the average temperature is 79 degrees and the nights are pleasantly cool. Some rainfall is to be expected but there’s lots of sunshine as well and in comparison to the frigid, snowy winters, the summer months are kind and gentle. So in this climate of contentment feel free to wander through the cobblestone streets, climb to the top of Mount Royal, search the depths of the St. Lawrence for a life’s deeper meaning and save plenty of time to relish the unique shopping, dining and people watching opportunities.

The Place des Arts is the place to find the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and several theatres and concert halls. Yearly festivals include the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Montreal Francofolies, and several different neighborhoods reveal both daytime and nighttime activities that range from tame and family-friendly to highly hedonistic. In short, this is a typically vibrant melting pot of a city with nothing quite typical about it.

If you’ve come to Canada with the intention of finding some wide open spaces or absorbing outdoor activities, then head north of the city towards Mont Tremblant. Winter and summer are both fine times to explore the forests of the National Park, engage in lake and river-themed activities and go for a ski at one of the resorts. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding and dog sledding are a few of the most popular pursuits here in this quiet but action-packed region, so no matter what season you decide to visit expect to find that much sought after balance of peace and excitement that not every destination has the power to deliver.

Mont Tremblant is 90 minutes north of Quebec’s major airport and exists as a haven for harried city people and anyone who’s forgotten what it’s like to breathe fresh air and work up a sweat in a non-gym environment. In addition to the endless number of possible diversions there are dozens of vacation condos and chalets in this area. Finding a lodging situation that will make you and your companions comfortable during those in-between moments is a priceless commodity. Instead of dreading the return to your accommodations, returning “home” will be a pleasure.

Modern conveniences, tasteful decorations and all the space that you need set vacation rentals apart, and they also tend to deposit vacationers wherever it is they want to be. Slope side or in the city, convenient to the boutiques and supermarkets or tucked away off the beaten path, villas, apartments and condos come in all shape and size and spring up where we need them.

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