The International French Olympiad will consist of multiple entertaining cultural opportunities, only some of which are posted below.
- The simulation of the Estates General and the French Revolution allowing its participants to recreate the Tennis Court Oath
- ‘The trail of French settlers’ exploring the history of Quebec through its monuments
- Buzzer competitions in English and French with different levels of advancement
- “The best of Moliere” group recreation of scenes from one of the greatest French playwrights
- A baguette and croissant baking class and tasting competition
- the Vieux-Quebec (Old Town) scavenger hunt
- A movie night devoted to Louis Le Prince’s legacy of early cinematography
- The great vocabulary family quiz on the differences between French and Quebecois slangs and words
- A singing contest featuring the iconic and exclusively French songs
- The francophonie roundtable exploring the current state of international relations of the French-speaking countries
- The “pardon my French” oratory competition featuring the processes of speech writing and delivery, focused on an aspect of the French culture and exploring the art of polemique
- The Quebec Conference historical simulation at Château Frontenac; the historic hotel in Quebec City where the actual Quebec Conference was held!
- Grands Feux Loto-Québec watching from the Port of Quebec, making use of one of the world’s biggest firework shows held every Thursday from July to September in Quebec City
Sightseeing opportunities
An array of Field Trips, featured below, is offered as an integral component of IFO participation to all students, however outside of IAC’s events, Quebec City is full of numerous festivals that are worth exploring, including Festival d’été de Quebec (a music festival) and Comedi!Ha Festival (a comedy, stand-up and street art celebration).
Field Trip 1: Huron-Wendat Museum
A visit to the Huron-Wendat Museum will provide a chance to discover the history and heritage of Quebec’s original inhabitants. Click here for further details on the museum’s offerings and exhibits which are described on its website.
Field Trip 2: Vieux-Québec Walking Tour
This tour will give students a chance to see the most famous sites of Vieux-Québec, the nearly 500 year old historic center of the city. Sites that will be visited include the Fortifications of Québec, Citadelle of Québec, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, Quartier Petit Champlain, Monument Samuel De Champlain, the Chateau Frontenac, and much more.
Field Trip 3: Musée de la Civilisation
The Musée de la Civilisation is perhaps the most well-known museum in Quebec City. The museum features exhibits on the history and cultures of civilizations around the world, with a special focus on Quebec and Canada. Details on the Musée de la Civilisation can be found here on its website.
Field Trip 4: Musée National Beaux Arts de Québec
The Musée National Beaux Arts de Québec (or National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec) features works by top artists from Quebec, Canada, and around the world. Details on the collection can be found here on the museum’s website. There is a chance that the finals of the Art History Bee may also be held at this museum for one or more age divisions, though that cannot yet be confirmed.
Field Trip 5: Whale Watching
If you are looking for a unique Quebec experience, we’ll provide an opportunity to join a whale watching tour on the St. Lawrence River. Note that this trip contains an extensive bus ride to and from the embarkation point. Please bring rain gear and/or a change of clothes in case a whale splashes you and the others on the boat! An extra charge applies for this; parents and family members are also welcome to take part (provided they pay the fee of course too). Further details are available here on the website of one of the tour companies we may work with (it has not yet been confirmed if it will be this specific tour operator though).
Field Trip 6: Montmorency Falls
Just 15 minutes from the Université Laval campus are the beautiful Montmorency Falls. Click here for more information; there’s also a cable car ride to take and some other activities that students might be able to take part in as well (this is to be determined).
Field Trip 7: Jacques-Cartier National Park Hiking
For students looking for an outdoor adventure and a true change of pace from the typical Olympiad events, we’ll provide an opportunity to visit Jacques Cartier National Park, and hike about 5 miles (8 kilometers) on a scenic and not particularly difficult trail. Students may elect to just do the hike, and return to Université Laval for the afternoon events there or in Quebec City, or have lunch in the park and then go river tubing in the afternoon. This trip may have a field cap, but that will be determined after consultation with the National Park authorities.
Field Trip 8: Jacques-Cartier National Park River Tubing
If your parents are willing to attest to your ability to swim – we’ll provide a chance to go river tubing for an afternoon in scenic Jacques-Cartier National Park. This event will cost extra; costs will be posted here when available. This trip may have a field cap, but that will be determined after consultation with the National Park authorities.
Field Trip 9: Aquarium du Québec
For students who are departing Quebec in the afternoon of Day 8, or students staying over for the International Geography Championships but who have decided not to go on the optional day trip to Montreal, we will provide an opportunity to spend an hour or two at the Québec Aquarium. Further details on the Aquarium can be found on its website here. A visit to the Aquarium does not cost extra for participating Olympiad students.
Field Trip 10: Day Trip to Montreal
We will be organizing an optional day trip to Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, the second largest in Canada, and one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world. Students on this trip will have the opportunity to visit Vieux Montréal (the old city) and many other historic and culturally significant sites. We will post a full itinerary here when available. This trip will take place by bus and will cost extra. The cost will be determined once the itinerary is set, but will likely be in the $100-$150 USD range (including all travel, entry fees, lunch, dinner, guides, and tip). Parents and family members of participating students are welcome to attend (but must of course pay the same fees).