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Pack a little bit of Québec in your suitcase!Gifts and souvenirs
Take advantage of your stay in Québec to do a little shopping—magasinage, as we say here. To help you decide what to pick up, here are a few suggestions of typical Québec products that are also favourites among visitors. Of course, that’s not to say you won’t find some unbelievable deals or make some surprise purchases all on your own!| Taste | | Let your taste buds be tempted by the countless edible specialties and terroir products, each more delicious than the last. It’s the best way to give someone a taste of Québec! |
Maple products
After a sugar maple is tapped, its sap is collected and boiled down to a thick syrup. Prized for its taste, colour and transparency, this syrup is used to flavour desserts and make a variety of confectioneries such as candy and sugar. Where to go:grocery stores, delicatessen shops, pastry shops
Ice cider
This sweet beverage, known for its fine bouquet, is made by fermenting the juice of apples picked late in the fall, after they've been exposed to the frost. The alcohol content of ice cider is usually between 8% and 13%. Enjoy it chilled as an aperitif or after dinner.
Where to go:Société des alcools stores, cider producers
Berry jams and jellies
Three fruits grown in Québec—blueberries, cloudberries and cranberries—are highly popular thanks to their delightful flavour and nutritional properties. The blueberry, similar to the huckleberry, is found mainly in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Lac-Saint-Jean, whereas the cloudberry (or bakeapple) grows mainly on the North Shore.
Where to go:grocery stores, delicatessen shops
Also try:- Black current liqueurs, mead
- Wines, craft beers
- Smoked salmon, smoked meat (vacuum sealed)
- Hand-crafted soaps, essential oils and natural aromatic products
| Wear | | Québec’s designers enjoy an enviable reputation and Montréal is North America’s second-largest clothing production centre, after Los Angeles. Whatever the season, you can pick up some great fashions for your friends and family! |
Ready-to-wear and contemporary jewellery
There’s no shortage of talent and imagination among Québec’s creators. The same goes for jewellers; drawing on regional landscapes for inspiration, they often use materials found in their proverbial backyards. Impeccable quality, with something for every budget.
Where to go:department stores, fashion boutiques, tourist areas
Sports apparel and accessories
A land of adventure and wide, open spaces, it’s only natural that Québec would have practical, light and comfortable sports clothing—some warm, some waterproof—designed for those engaging in various outdoor activities. You’ll also find high-calibre sports gear and accessories.
Where to go:specialty stores
Winter apparel
To withstand harsh temperatures without impeding your freedom of movement, dress warmly from head to toe. Fur, down, natural or synthetic fibres—they’re all put to good use to stitch or knit the anoraks, tuques and mittens you need to stay toasty as you partake in the joys of winter!
Where to go:department stores, specialty stores
Other wearables:- Polar fleece apparel
- Pins, clothing and accessories bearing national symbols
| Gaze upon | | From Outaouais to the Gaspésie, Québec’s regions continue to inspire generations of artists. Whether they reflect the latest trends or are firmly entrenched in tradition, the art and handicrafts created here proffer a glimpse of the world as seen though the unique lens that is Québec in North America. |
Art
Why not make gallery hopping a part of your stay? Wildlife paintings, naïve paintings, genre scenes sculpted in wood or decidedly contemporary creations… the choice is endless and the prices often excellent!
Where to go:art galleries, museum shops
Fine crafts
Craft artists are masters of their field, marrying traditional techniques with boundless creativity. You’ll appreciate the quality of woven pieces, objects made of glass or metal (bronze, iron), sand sculptures and tableware.
Where to go:art galleries, economuseums, specialized shows (Salon des artisans de Québec, Salon des métiers d’art du Québec)
Aboriginal arts and handicrafts
Soapstone sculptures and lithographs from the Far North have long been held in high esteem. Clothing accessories produced by Amerindians and Inuit (caps, gloves, moccasins) as well as items inspired by their daily life captivate the curious.
Where to go:art galleries, souvenir shops
Also for the eyes and ears:- Colour posters of Québec
- Coffee table books
- DVDs, CDs (music, songs)
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| DID YOU KNOW? | With sustainable development and respect for the environment on everyone’s mind, many Québec designers are creating unique pieces by recycling fabrics and other clothing. An original and ecological choice! |
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