11 Best Small Towns in Quebec for a Weekend Retreat
Quebec, a province rich in history and natural beauty, is a captivating blend of vibrant cities, picturesque small towns, and “joie de vivre” (a French expression meaning “joy of living”). From the enchanting streets of Old Quebec to the serene landscapes of its countryside, Quebec is a Canadian province full of charm and character. It is the largest province in Canada, but its small towns, like Baie-Saint-Paul and Sutton, stand out for their stunning scenery, historic architecture, and warm, welcoming communities. Each town is unique, whether it's the artistic spirit of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, the coastal beauty of Percé, or the tranquil charm of Kamouraska. Quebec’s small towns provide a perfect escape into a world where nature, culture, and history intertwine, offering visitors an unforgettable weekend retreat.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Baie-Saint-Paul is a beautiful town in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The town is the birthplace of the world-renowned circus company Cirque du Soleil and has been recognized as the “Cultural Capital of Canada” since 2007. Not surprisingly, Baie-Saint-Paul has numerous art galleries for art lovers to visit, like Galerie d'Art Iris, Musée d'Art Contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul, Galerie d’Art Beauchamp, and the Red Door Gallery.
Many art galleries are in the heart of the culture district along Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where visitors will also find one-of-a-kind boutiques, cafés, and a microbrewery + bistro, Le Saint Pub. It’s the perfect place to stroll, shop for local crafts, and enjoy a coffee before checking into the boutique hotel, Maison Otis—a historic inn with beautifully appointed rooms and modern amenities.
North Hatley
On the northern tip of Lake Massawippi, North Hatley is a small town with a New England-like atmosphere, 19th-century historic homes, boutiques, bistros and cafés, historic churches, and waterfront parks. It is in a region known as the Eastern Townships of Quebec—a collection of small towns and villages settled by Americans, British Loyalists, and Irish and Scottish settlers in the 18th century. North Hatley is popular with outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The area has the highest concentration of golf courses in Quebec, like the North Hatley Golf Club, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024.
In the heart of the village of North Hatley, plan to stay at Auberge la Chocolatière. This chocolate-themed inn includes a full à la carte breakfast with fruit and a homemade chocolate ganache at the onsite bistro. Nearby, visitors won’t want to miss a stop at Bleu Lavande, one of the largest lavender farms in Canada. Stroll through the lavender fields and flower gardens, enjoy an immersive experience, and shop for products made with lavender essential oil.
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
Known as the “sculpture capital” of Quebec, this town, full of wooden sculptures and art galleries, has a vibrant arts community that offers a mix of cultural experiences. Start a visit to Saint-Jean-Port-Joli by exploring the Musée de la Sculpture sur Bois, a museum dedicated to the art of wood carving that showcases works by the world-renowned sculptor Médard Bourgault. It provides insight into the history and techniques of wood sculpture, with a collection of impressive and intricate carvings.
Visit local workshops and galleries to discover unique crafts at boutique + galleries like Le Vivoir and Tempête - Café Culturel, including wood carvings, paintings, and other handmade items. Spend overnight at Chalets Port-Joli, which offers well-appointed chalets with breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and easy access to outdoor activities.
Tadoussac
The small town of Tadoussac is where the Saguenay River meets the St. Lawrence River. Visitors to this small town of 800 residents should consider a stay at the iconic Hôtel Tadoussac with its distinctive red roof; initially built in 1864, the hotel was demolished and rebuilt in 1942. The hotel faces Tadoussac Bay, which offers stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The Tadoussac Chapel, built in 1747, is the oldest wooden church in North America. It’s a small, picturesque chapel with a lot of historical significance, offering insight into the early missionary efforts by the Jesuits in the region.
Tadoussac is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, with over 13 species of whales drawn to the marine life sanctuary, Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, including minke, fin, humpback whales, and belugas. Various 2-to-3-hour boat tours are available with Croisières AML, from VIP cruises at twilight to thrilling early-morning Zodiac expeditions. To learn more about the whales that swim in the St. Lawrence River, visit Tadoussac’s Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre and see its collection of whale skeletons, including a 13-meter sperm whale.
If visitors prefer to stay on dry land, the surrounding Saguenay Fjord National Park has several hiking trails like the Sentier de la Statue and the Sentier de la Montagne Blanche that offer panoramic views of the Saguenay Fjord’s majestic cliffs.
Knowlton (Lac-Brome)
This picturesque town in the Eastern Townships offers a charming village atmosphere with Victorian-style architecture, antique shops, and the beautiful Brome Lake. The town is renowned for its duck products, particularly Brome Lake ducks, exported to food lovers worldwide, including in the United States and Japan, so why not stop by Canards du Lac Brome, which has bred Peking ducks since 1912?
Take a self-guided walking tour of Knowlton, first settled in 1802, with stops at the Brome County Historical Society Museum, the 1908 Post Office-turned Town Hall, the old courthouse built in the Greek Revival architectural style, and St. Paul’s Anglican Church which features stunning stained glass windows created by Tiffany & Co. Spend the weekend at the Auberge Lakeview Inn, a 150-year old Victorian-style inn, with an English-style pub and restaurant, and a view of Lake Brome where guests can go kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing. During the fall, the town hosts the Knowlton Literary Festival from October 17 to 19, 2024, which provides the perfect opportunity for a culinary + literary weekend retreat.
Percé
Percé is famous for the iconic Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island, home to thousands of plunge-diving gannets. It has a charming seaside appeal, complete with its own lighthouse, known as Le Phare de Percé, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s a great spot to take in the coastal scenery, learn about the lighthouse’s history, and spend the night under the stars. Camping Baie de Percé is a 140-site property close to the promenade, the beach, the harbor, and the spectacular Percé Rock. The site is located on the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark grounds—which recognizes regions with significant geological heritage. The Geopark offers a variety of activities, such as hiking trails, guided tours, and interactive exhibits in the Geopark Discovery Center.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park, home to North America's largest northern gannet colony. Bonaventure Island is only accessible by boat, so check out the Bateliers de Percé to arrange a tour, and then spend an afternoon on the 15-kilometer hiking trails that offer stunning coastal views and lead to the gannet colony. The four main trails on the island range from 2-3 hours in length, with an intermediate degree of difficulty.
Saint-Sauveur
Saint-Sauveur is located in the Laurentians region of Quebec and is a popular year-round destination known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, gourmet dining, and vibrant village atmosphere. The jewel of Saint-Sauveur is the mountain known as Mont Saint-Sauveur, a winter ski resort renowned for its stunning night skiing and a water park in the summer featuring water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
Book an overnight at Le Petit Clocher Gite Touristique for a relaxing weekend getaway—a bed and breakfast housed in a former monastery. Take advantage of the B&B’s proximity to the Strøm Spa Nordique and book a spa package for an afternoon of pure relaxation. Wander into the village of Saint-Sauveur and enjoy coffee and croissants at any of the pretty little café-bistros, like Brûlerie des Monts, Drüp Café Boutique, or Café White et Compagnie.
Île d’Orléans
Thirty-six kilometers from Quebec City, Île d’Orléans is an island in the St. Lawrence River that comprises six smaller villages connected by a 67-kilometer road that circles the island. A gastronomic way to see the island is to take a food and drink tour around the island, with stops at the Chocolaterie de l'Île d'Orléans (chocolate shop), Le Vignoble du Mitan (a winery), La Nougaterie de Quebec (candy store), and the award-winning black currant wine producer, Cassis Monna et Filles. Another must-visit shop on the island is Les Fromages de l'Île d'Orléans. In this historic cheese factory, visitors can learn about the island’s cheese-making traditions and sample their famous fresh cheese, Le Paillasson, one of the oldest cheeses in North America.
With religion playing an important part in the province’s history, the island is home to several historic churches, including Église de Sainte-Famille and Église Saint-Pierre, with beautiful stained glass windows. For a romantic retreat, consider staying at the Ancêtres Auberge & Restaurant, a rustic yet elegant inn overlooking the river, whose onsite restaurant serves traditional Quebecois cuisine using local ingredients from the island.
Magog
On Lake Memphrémagog, the freshwater lake that straddles the border between Quebec and Vermont, Magog offers a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. The town has a beautiful waterfront and a vibrant cultural scene. The town’s centerpiece is the 31-mile-long glacial lake, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply sitting on the shores enjoying the view. Pontoons, jet skis, and water bike rentals are available at Magog Marine, or visitors can book a “Bubbly Hour” cruise with Escapades Memphrémagog to explore the lake.
For a luxurious stay, consider the 5-star Ripplecover Hotel & Spa, which offers upscale accommodations, a full-service spa, gourmet dining, and breathtaking views of Lake Massawippi. Choose from an elegant suite, a spacious villa, or a rustic, fully-equipped log cabin. With a gourmet restaurant onsite, Le Riverain, a cozy pub, The Cove, and a poolside bar, Sloop Bar, visitors will find it tempting to stay at the resort the entire weekend. If venturing off the resort is part of the plan, a short drive to Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac is well worth it. It’s a beautiful abbey where the thirty Benedictine monks who live there produce artisanal cheeses, cider, and tasting boxes for purchase, but visitors can also take a guided tour of the abbey and attend a Gregorian chant service. The Abbey has a small onsite hotel for visitors who want to take a break for silent reflection.
Sutton
Another pretty Quebec town in the Eastern Townships is Sutton. Nestled in the foothills of the Sutton Mountains, it’s an excellent destination for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing getaway. Book a room at the Auberge Sutton Brouërie, a boutique inn in town. The inn also has a microbrewery onsite, allowing guests to sample local craft beers and bistro-style cuisine. The inn’s location makes it the perfect base camp for exploring the mountain town.
A popular ski resort in winter months, in the summer, Mont Sutton is a paradise for outdoorsy people who like hiking, with trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Parc d'environnement Naturel de Sutton (PENS) is a natural park that offers beautiful hiking and walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, like the easy 2.8-kilometer Boucle du Vieux Chemin, the intermediate Boucle du Mud Pound, or the difficult 12.3-kilometer Lac Spruce et Lac Mohawk trails.
Kamouraska
For a quiet retreat where sightseeing and long walks are the order of the day, look no further than Kamouraska, a small town of 700 residents along the St. Lawrence River known for its breathtaking sunsets, charming old houses, and delicious local cuisine. Wander through the village of Kamouraska, which celebrates the 350th anniversary of the Seigneurie de Kamouraska, founded on July 15, 1674, in 2024. Learn more about the area by visiting the Musée Régional de Kamouraska, a museum housed in the former Kamouraska convent built in 1851 and carefully restored. Stop for lunch at the Café du Clocher de Kamouraska, a friendly café with a view of the River, located in a former stable.
For an outdoorsy experience, consider staying at SEBKA (Société d'écologie de la batture du Kamouraska), a recreational and ecological park along the river. Renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, SEBKA is popular with rock climbing enthusiasts, hikers, and kayakers. It offers rustic camping facilities, including campsites and ready-to-camp tents where visitors can enjoy a tranquil retreat under the stars.
Quebec offers an array of charming small towns perfect for a weekend retreat. Each town boasts a unique character, blending stunning scenery, historic architecture, and welcoming communities. Baie-Saint-Paul, known for its vibrant arts scene, and North Hatley, with its New England-like atmosphere, invite visitors to explore galleries, historic sites, and scenic landscapes. Tadoussac, famed for whale watching, and Percé, with its iconic rock formation, offer breathtaking coastal views and outdoor adventures. Meanwhile, towns like Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Sutton, and Kamouraska provide serene escapes into nature, culture, and local traditions, making Quebec’s small towns an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.
