Optica Advanced Photonics Congress

28 July - 01 August, 2024

Centre des congrès de Québec
Québec City, Québec, Canada

About Québec City

Time Zone: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-04:00)
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Electricity: 120 V, 60Hz

Québec City is a destination like no other. The birthplace of French North America and the only walled city north of Mexico is an open-air treasure chest that will delight history and culture buffs alike. Its European background and modern North American character are set off by a heady blend of history, traditional and contemporary art and French-language culture. Year after year, travel magazines continually rank the Québec City region among the world's top destinations.

French Canadian Culture

Capital of the province of Québec
Home to a population of 717,000 inhabitants (Greater Québec City Area), 95% of them French-speaking. However, many people, including the vast majority of hospitality industry workers, also speak English
A very safe city, with one of the lowest crime rates in North America
Among the world's best food cities
Famed for its hospitality and joie de vivre

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain
Recognized as the cradle of French civilization in North America
A UNESCO world heritage treasure due to its heritage site of Old Québec
The only fortified city north of Mexico
A unique North-American religious heritage: first Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies, first Anglican cathedral to be built outside the British Isle and the only Holy Door outside Europe
Influenced by different nations: Hurons-Wendat, French as well as British and Irish

One-of-a-Kind Geography

9,000 km in area (5,592 mi)
Québec comes from the Algonquin word kébec, meaning "place where the river narrows"
Inaugurated in 1919, the Quebec Bridge is the longest cantilever bridge in the world
Divided into two distinct parts (the Upper Town and the Lower Town) and linked by nearly 30 sets of stairs
Old Québec is easily walkable
Parks, wildlife reserves and scenic attractions are minutes away, with a host of outdoor activities available all year round
Located less than 15 minutes by car from the city center, Montmorency Falls are 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls

Attractions

Québec City’s history, friendly vibe and myriad attractions make it a stand‑out travel destination throughout the year. Every season brings its own special activities and stunning sights.

Plan your visit by reviewing a list of top attractions. >

LGBTQI+ Attractions

Québec is known for its openness, and the LGBTQ+ community enjoys the atmosphere of freedom and security that prevails here. Travellers of all sexual orientations are first and foremost travellers. Period. The area's wide-open spaces and tourist attractions are here for everyone.

A pioneer for equal rights, Québec was one of the world’s first jurisdictions to prohibit all forms of discrimination against homosexuals.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969 and is now listed in the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms as a prohibited ground of discrimination. In June 2002, the National Assembly of Québec unanimously passed a law recognizing civil unions between same-sex couples, giving them the legal freedom to adopt children or seek assisted reproduction. It goes without saying that married couples in Québec’s LGBTQ community enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples.

In Québec City, Rue Saint-Jean is home to most of the LGBTQ+ businesses, and it is festooned with rainbow flags. The bustling area features cafés, restaurants and shops. Le Drague Cabaret Club is Québec City’s most well-known LGBTQ+ bar.