Home to a wealth of authentic cultural experiences, Québec is the perfect place to host an incentive. The region is dotted with renowned restaurants, charming streets, an abundance of festivals and more — providing endless ways for top performers to be immersed in the local cultures.

Read on as we shine a light on the top incentive experiences in French Canada. 

A private Cirque show

Home to renowned museums and performing arts centres, Montréal’s cultural scene is alive with possibilities. One way to amaze your team is with an exclusive performance of Cirque du Soleil, in the very city where the renowned theatre company first began.

Following a delicious meal at one of the city’s premiere restaurants — like Toqué! in Old Montréal that serves inventive dishes with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients — reward your high achievers with a glamourous reception at Montréal’s original Gare Dalhousie studio. They’ll be in awe as they get a private showing of one of the most famous shows on Earth, watching the gravity defying acrobatics and synchronized choreography. There are also options to have a workshop animated or bring a corporate story to life with an immersive and customized Cirque entertainment experience.

Engaging with Indigenous communities

The province of Québec has deep-rooted Indigenous history. From the north of the province to the outskirts of Québec City, there are a variety of ways for your team to connect with local cultures.

Consider Inuit Adventures, based in Nunavik in Québec’s far north, as an option. The company provides a variety of personalized and authentic experiences, for incentive groups, which showcase the vibrant cultural heritage of Nunavik. Hear first-hand the legendary tales from Elders and listen to throat singers performing songs inspired by nature. Looking for adventure? Local Inuit guides can teach your incentive group the traditional techniques of dogsledding, ice fishing and igloo building.

Or stay at Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, a boutique hotel just outside of Québec City that overlooks the Akiawenrahk River. Groups can stay overnight in a longhouse (a dwelling built of wood and bark), be immersed in traditional First Nations experiences like a craft workshop or “Myths and Legends” activity featuring an Indigenous storyteller, and enjoy dishes with locally-sourced ingredients from the boreal forest.

Enriching experiences in Québec City

Incentives take on a European flair when Québec City is on the agenda. A lively, cosmopolitan city, Québec City is full of unique sights, tastes and sounds. Here, top performers will find hip hangouts, renowned museums and galleries like the Musée de la civilisation, and some of the oldest streets in North America — all of which make it a great place to celebrate an exceptional year. 

When it comes to accommodation, it’s hard to beat a stay at the world-famous Château Frontenac, a landmark luxury hotel offering breathtaking views of the St Lawrence River.

After checking in to a luxurious room, your team will stroll around the quaint cobblestoned streets of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site — before sitting down for a gourmet dinner at one of the city’s exclusive restaurants. One option: Le Continental, the province’s oldest gourmet restaurant that serves decadent dishes like seared duck foie gras, fillet mignon and snow crab with hollandaise.

Finish the day with a private mixology class that teaches your team how to make an assortment of flavourful cocktails.

A sweet reward

For a highly unique experience, celebrate your team with an experience deeply rooted in Québec culture: a visit to a sugar shack. Your top performers will become immersed in local culture as they learn the centuries-old French-Canadian method of making maple syrup.

After winding their way through a winter forest on a horse-drawn carriage, they will come across sugar pails festooned on trees.

As they listen to expert guides, they’ll discover the secrets to making maple syrup. That’s followed by a warm glass of cariboo (mulled wine) and a toast, before a traditional French-Canadian meal featuring carved ham, molasses baked beans and oven-warm bread.

Afterwards, they’ll listen to traditional cultural music and retire around a roaring bonfire. 

Nightlife in Montréal

Cosmopolitan and chic, an invitation to celebrate with your team in Montréal is always motivating. Thanks to its gourmet dining, lively entertainment and a never-ending party vibe, the city continually lands at the top of everyone’s list of favourite incentive destinations.

Here, your team will indulge in delectable meals at chic restaurants (such as Maison Boulud and Joe Beef), some of which offer the opportunity for exclusive buyouts. They can also take in cutting-edge entertainment, such as a weekend experiencing the liveliness of Formula 1 Grand Prix. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to experience a vibrant nightlife in the heart of a historic city that blends North American and European culture.

Enriching incentives

These five transformational experiences are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to incentives in Canada. In fact, Destination Canada Business Event’s Signature Incentive Collection includes over 200 legendary experiences available from coast to coast to coast. The Destination Canada Business Events team can help planners personalize incentives, provide insight, make introductions and much more.

For impartial insights, inspiration and introductions, planners can contact Jennifer Attersall, Director of Incentive Travel, Destination Canada Business Events at attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com