Quebec, Province in eastern Canada
Quebec is a province in eastern Canada, covering a territory that ranges from dense forests in the south to subarctic plateaus in the center and arctic tundra in the far north. The territory borders Ontario to the west, Labrador and the Atlantic coast to the east, Hudson Bay to the north, and several US states to the south.
Indigenous peoples inhabited the region for thousands of years before French settlers arrived in the early 17th century and built trading posts along the Saint Lawrence River. British rule followed in the mid-18th century, and the province joined the newly formed Canadian Confederation in 1867.
People go about their daily routines speaking French in shops, offices, and cafes, while road signs and public announcements follow the same linguistic tradition. Bakeries sell fresh croissants alongside local specialties, and the rhythm of social life carries a European pace within a North American setting.
Most towns and cities sit in the southern third of the territory along the Saint Lawrence River and its tributaries, while northern areas remain sparsely populated and harder to reach. Travelers should keep in mind that distances can be considerable and road conditions vary with the season, especially in winter months.
The northern territory contains more rivers and lakes than paved roads, with many communities accessible only by plane or boat during much of the year. The province generates a large share of its electricity from hydroelectric dams scattered across the Saint Lawrence River system and its northern tributaries.
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