L'ile aux Coudres
Charlevoix

The Island-with-Coudres, or L'ile aux Coudres, named after a hazel tree that was prevalent throughout the island when it was discovered, is a "breathtaking site." Visitors can "tour it on bike and enjoy leisurely stops at numerous attractions," or simply relax and enjoy the pristine scenery. This is a good resort area for families because "food and lodging is available at reasonable prices." Read more.

Lusk Caves, Gatineau Park
Chelsea

Lusk Caves, in the Philippe Lake area of the park, is made of marble and is "one of the biggest caves the area." The summer is the ideal time to visit because the "water level of the stream running through the caves is low." Lusk Caves are "excellent for beginners or children." If you don't want to walk the whole way, you can "rent a canoe or kayak" and take a short hike into the caves. Read more.

St.Viateur Bagel
Montreal

Other than offering more locations, St. Viateur Bagels hasn't changed much since Meyer Lewkowicz opened it in 1957. "Bagels are constantly being baked, from morning to night" at this family-run business, giving the impression that "they bake bagels 'round the clock, 24/7." Every "three to four minutes" there is "a fresh batch coming out of the wood-fired oven." Each bagel is hand rolled, simmered in honey water, and baked in a wood-fired oven. They only offer sesame and poppy to maintain the tradition that began 40 years ago, but something so good should be kept simple. Read more.

Stone Bridge at 31-Mile Lake
Maniwaki/ Gatineau Valley

To get to the stone bridge at 31 Miles Lake, you'll take "a scenic road where you can watch deer" the entire way. This road takes you to the "most fantastic place, where you can explore a cave, relax in the natural whirlpool," and absorb the scenery--"the nicest green trees and blue water." During the summer, you can canoe and kayak around the lake, and in the winter take a snowmobile or even dogsled.

Tam Tam Concerts, Park Jeanne-Mance
Montreal

At the base of Mount Royal, in Park Jeanne-Mance, is where the Tam Tam is held every Sunday during the summer. Tam Tams are drums, and the drum jam sessions are open to anyone. Many Montrealers "of all ages" look forward to this summertime activity, because "after all the winter months, it allows you to see how the people of Montreal really are--without the bulky coats." On top of that "you get to relax and have fun? with nothing more in mind than peace and harmony and having a good time." "There is no date of start or finish" and "no time either." Everything is flexible and depends on the weather and levels of light; "it starts when people want to show up."

Cafe Esperanza
Montreal

Pharmacie Esperanza is a local bar and cafe in the Mile End neighborhood of Montreal. The cafe offers "fair trade, organic products, and amazing home-cooked foods at low prices." It's independently run and a "cultural haven." The back room is where you can see indie flicks and hear up-and-coming DJs. At any given time, there is a "great crowd" and a "relaxed, yet energizing atmosphere."

Cosmos Snack Bar
Montreal

Cosmos Snack Bar serves breakfast all day long. "Don't bother counting your calories" here, Cosmos is "known throughout Montreal for its mish-mash omelet--four eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, salami, tomato, onion, and cheese." Some think it is "one of Montreal's finest breakfast and burger restaurants." When chef-owner Tony Koulakis, 67, left his grill to his three children while he went back to his hometown in Crete, he became "the star of an acclaimed documentary called 'Man of Grease.'" There's no doubt that "Cosmos is one of Montreal's finest breakfast and burger restaurants." Read more.

Jean-Talon Market
Montreal

A visit to Jean-Talon Market, or Marche Jean-Talon, is like taking "a mini-vacation." In the center of town, near little Italy, it actually takes up "a few blocks" of town. There is an "abundance of fresh produce, including organic" finds. Discover "fish, meat, and vegetable produce from around the world, including the Middle East, Asia, and Africa." Like the products, the crowd is a "wonderfully varied mix." From the fresh flowers to the abundant products and diverse crowd, this is "a wonderful place to shop."

King Mountain Hiking Trail in Gatineau Park
Chelsea

Capture a stunning vista of "the entire Ottawa River valley, including a view of Ottawa and the Parliament buildings" as you hike through the old-growth forest of King Mountain in Gatineau Park. The change in soil, water, and light offers "a lot of variety for a walk of only a couple of miles." The best time to visit is in the fall for the foliage, especially because there are "lots of red Maples." Read more.

Les Chutes (Ste Ursule Falls)
Sainte-Ursule

Les chutes, in French, or "the falls," in English, "is a large rock chasm with water cascading through it." The site is "well managed and the viewing stations are amazing." Also, an interpretation center is available to visitors. There is an endless array of activities at the park, including: boating, hiking, picnics, and barbecues in the summer, with skiing and ice-skating during the winter.