Travellers might know the province of Quebéc for its European-esque cities. But its culinary scene deserves a spotlight, too.
Why Quebéc Should Be on Every Foodie’s Bucket List
When it comes to classic Canadian foods, we all know poutine holds a special place on the menu. While this delicious dish is found throughout the country, it specifically hails from the province of Quebéc, where it was born in the 1950s. And for anyone who’s experienced the savoury, rich flavours of poutine, it’s no surprise that its birthplace also offers countless other culinary delights.
From fresh local ingredients to microbreweries, Quebéc is a dream destination for food lovers.
1. Farm-to-Table Freshness
The farm-to-table movement is alive and well in Quebéc — not only at its restaurants, but also in the goods it produces. The province is known for high-quality agricultural products, including artisanal cheeses, fresh berries, and locally cured charcuterie.
There are plenty of places to experience this fresh food culture, including Île d’Orléans. Located just east of downtown Quebéc City, the island is celebrated for its agriculture, which shines through in its wines, jams, cheeses, and other specialties.
2. Rich Culinary Heritage
Quebéc’s cuisine is not only influenced by local ingredients; it’s also a reflection of the province’s diverse history and cultural heritage. French settlers brought their culinary traditions in the 1600s, a period of British rule left its mark, and Indigenous peoples have been shaping the food culture for centuries.
These influences all come together in beloved dishes such as tourtière (a savoury meat pie), pea soup, and crêpes.
3. Poutine
No list would be complete without Quebéc’s most iconic dish: poutine. French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, poutine originated in Quebéc in the 1950s and has since become a symbol of Québécois cuisine. Enjoy the classic version or try creative takes with toppings like pulled pork or lobster.
4. Innovative Fine Dining
For those with gourmet tastes, Quebéc doesn’t disappoint. Both Quebéc City and Montreal boast sophisticated fine dining scenes, where renowned chefs craft avant-garde dishes using local ingredients.
In Quebéc City, restaurants like Légende draw inspiration from the region’s culinary heritage, while in Montreal, spots such as Mon Lapin, Chez Delmo, and Bouillon Bilk offer everything from inventive wine pairings to modern eclectic plates.
5. Maple Products
As the world’s largest exporter of maple syrup, Quebéc proudly celebrates maple as one of its culinary stars. Indigenous peoples were the first to tap trees for syrup, long before European settlers arrived, and that heritage remains central today.
Travellers can sample maple syrup, butter, taffy, and liqueurs across the province. A traditional sugar shack offers the ultimate experience, where maple infuses every course and sweet traditions like maple taffy poured over snow are a must-try.
6. Diverse Craft Breweries
Quebéc’s culinary scene goes beyond food — it’s also home to a thriving craft beer movement. Breweries such as Dieu du Ciel in Montreal and Brasserie Dunham in Dunham highlight the province’s range of creative brews. Travellers eager to sample local varieties will find no shortage of microbreweries in both Quebéc City and Montreal.
Explore with Collette’s Small Group Tour of Quebéc
To learn more about Collette’s tours to Quebéc, visit gocollette.com.
CARP members save an additional $100 per person off any tour — combinable with all other retail offers. See www.collette.com/carp to learn more.
