Explore Quebec’s National Capital region: A land rich in history and discovery
Thinking about moving to Quebec but unsure which region to choose?
Let’s continue our tour of Quebec’s 17 administrative regions. Today, we explore the 3rd administrative region of the province, home to its capital!
Explore Quebec’s National Capital region: A place to discover
Key facts
Geographical location
The Capitale-Nationale or National Capital region is located in southeastern Quebec and covers an area of 18,643 km². It is made up of seven regional county municipalities: Charlevoix, Charlevoix-Est, La Côte-de-Beaupré, L’Île d’Orléans, La Jacques-Cartier, Quebec, and Portneuf.
With a population of over 760,000, more than 500,000 of whom live in Quebec City, the region accounts for nearly 9% of the province’s total population.
This makes it the third most populous administrative region in Quebec.
Activities and leisure
The Capitale-Nationale offers a wide variety of activities.
For sports enthusiasts, there are many team sports available, such as badminton, soccer, and volleyball. You can also register for aquatic, wellness, or adaptive activities.
Nature lovers will enjoy the region’s many parks, including Parc de la Rivière-Beauport and Parc Marais du Nord.
Don’t miss: the Montmorency Falls, among the most beautiful in the province and easily accessible, they are a must-see for visitors.
As its name suggests, the region is home to Quebec’s capital.
Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest cities in North America. Founded in the 17th century with medieval-style architecture, it is a welcoming and historic destination.
You’ll also find many traditional Quebec experiences here, such as sugar shacks, cottage rentals, and farm visits.
Whether you’re alone, with a partner, or with family, you’ll never run out of things to do!
Economy
The region’s economy is stable and dynamic, with the public service sector being the largest employer, accounting for over 85% of jobs due to the concentration of government institutions.
As of April 2022, the employment rate was 61.5%, up from 60.9% the previous year.
Top hiring sectors in 2021
In 2021, the professional sectors that were hiring in the Capitale-Nationale region included:
- Public services : 34,4 %
- Core services : 27,4 %
- Household services : 23,4 %
- Manufacturing : 7,2 %
- Construction : 6,8 %
Looking for a job in Canada? Start by uploading your resume to our Immijob platform.
Francophone education
Moving with your family?
The Capitale-Nationale region has six school service centers, which include 77 elementary schools, 24 high schools, 5 vocational training centers, and 13 CEGEPs.
For higher education, the region is home to Université Laval, TÉLUQ, INRS, and ENAP, offering a wide range of university-level programs.
For adult learners, there are 12 adult education centers in the region.
Immigration
This region experiences various migration flows from abroad.
The region welcomes immigrants from various countries, primarily France, Colombia, Morocco, China, and Tunisia. Most of these newcomers arrive for economic reasons. Several organizations are available to support your integration, including Centre Multiethnique de Québec, l’Appui and Accès Travail Portneuf.
Which immigration program should you choose?
If you plan to settle in this region, your immigration program will depend on your profile, age, education, and work experience. There are several options.
If you wish to settle permanently, the most popular options among prospective French-speaking immigrants remain the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). Aimed at obtaining permanent resident status, these programs serve as immigration pathways for Francophones looking to establish themselves in Quebec.
If you’re instead looking to embark on a temporary adventure, a work permit or study permit (depending on your plans) might be worth considering.
There are many options! For more information, feel free to contact our professionals.
Did you know?
The very first performance of Canada’s national anthem, “O Canada” took place in Quebec City in the late 19th century. Nearly 100 years later, it was officially adopted as the national anthem.
Last updated: June 20, 2022
Photo by Christian Chomiak on Unsplash