7 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Quebec
The province of Quebec is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Canada for those looking for an out-of-the-usual vacation experience. This stronghold of the French language in North America has a distinctly European flavor that makes it a great “dupe” for France itself… and all within driving distance of the USA.
The province’s many attractive small towns are safe bets for those wanting to experience a traditional Quebec getaway. From the village-like ambiance of Ayer’s Cliff on beautiful Lake Massawippi to quaint Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, a town known for its impressive Benedictine monastery and stunning scenery, each of these towns offers a distinct flavor of Quebec's fascinating culture. From tranquil lakeside retreats and historical sites to vibrant cultural scenes and outdoor adventures, these seven offbeat towns to visit in Quebec provide a perfect mix for explorers looking to experience the province.
Ayer’s Cliff
Ayer’s Cliff was established in 1815 and is located on pretty Lake Massawippi just a short drive north of the border with Vermont. In addition to watersports, including kayaking, fishing, and swimming at its public beach, Ayers Cliff is also a popular spot for hiking, especially along the Tomifobia Nature Trail, a nearly 12-mile-long biking and walking route along the shore of Lake Massawippi.
For a truly authentic rural Canadian experience, time a visit to coincide with the Stanstead County Agricultural Fair, the oldest in Quebec held at the end of August each year. Established in 1845, off-beat fun here includes a variety of classic fairground attractions and rides, animal displays, as well as horse racing and equestrian displays.
Eastman
Located in the picturesque Memphremagog region of Quebec and only a short drive from the city of Sherbrooke, Eastman’s history dates back to 1888 after the area started being developed for its copper mining. The scenery here is amongst the best in Quebec thanks to its proximity to Mont Orford and four nearby lakes. In addition to its watersports, the area is popular among hikers and bikers for its extensive trail network.
Cultural activities here include the Théâtre de La Marjolaine which pioneered French summer theatre in Quebec; and the Eastman Correspondences, a literary event that has been showcasing Francophone literature for over 20 years. The town is also home to famed author Louise Penny who helped put Eastman on Canada’s literary map.
Saint-Benoît-du-Lac
The smallest community on this list by far, Saint-Benoît-du-Lac is home to just 43 people but boasts a number of offbeat attractions worth visiting. Topping the list of quirky things to do, the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey is an architectural marvel and an important spiritual center for Benedictine monks. Built in 1912 and looking like a classic French chateau, the backdrop of Lake Memphremagog and Mount Owl's Head only accentuates the elegance of this huge stone building with its green copper roofs and turrets.
For a memorable off-beat experience visitors can tour the facility and afterwards purchase products made by the monks, including cheeses, ciders, jams, and apple butter. A great time to visit is during the abbey’s apple orchard harvest in September, with special apple-picking experiences, or later in September and early October when the spectacular fall colors peak.
North Hatley
Located on the shores of Lake Massawippi in Quebec's scenic Eastern Townships, North Hatley is every inch the classic Canadian small-town. It’s so pretty, in fact, that it has been designated as one of the Eastern Townships’ prestigious Cœurs villageois, a select group of communities that reflect the region’s character.
With a population of just 700, its village-like appeal focuses on the town center where century-old homes have been transformed into lovely inns, bed and breakfasts, and boutique shops. For art enthusiasts, Galerie Jeannine Blais has featured eclectic displays of artwork from around the world for over 37 years, and also sells paintings and prints by local artists. If there’s time, include a tour of the 150-year-old Capelton Mines in your North Hatley itinerary.
La Malbaie
Situated on the St Lawrence River about 90 minutes northeast of Quebec City, La Malbaie has been a popular resort town for over 200 years, attracting visitors including historical figures like United States President William Howard Taft. It’s especially popular for its winter sports scene, with Mont Grand-Fonds ski resort featuring 20 trails, 87 miles of cross-country ski paths, and 25 miles of snowshoe trails Come summer, the mountain’s hiking trails offer views of the St. Lawrence and Laurentian mountain ranges.
La Malbaie also boasts many cultural attractions, including the Hôtel-Casino de Charlevoix and the Maison du Bootlegger, an authentic, off-beat speakeasy set in a historic 1860s home that offers a fascinating peek into prohibition times. The nearby Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, part of UNESCO’s biosphere reserve, is another great reason to visit La Malbaie, especially if it includes a drive along scenic Route 362.
Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse
Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse is located about 18 miles from Quebec City and is another St. Lawrence River community worth exploring. The town’s well-reserved architecture is fun to see, especially the classic white wooden houses in Old Saint-Michel. Enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the town’s leafy streets taking in attractions along the way like Theatre Beaumont St-Michel, which has been showcasing summer theater here for over 40 years.
Other offbeat fun things to do in Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse include the family-friendly Mathurin Farm with its animal petting experiences, including lamas; and visiting Mauvide-Genest Manor, a National Historic Site of Canada dating from the mid 1750s complete with its own private chapel.
Havre-Aubert
While it’s not all that easy to get to, the small Quebec town of Havre-Aubert is well worth a visit if you can swing it. Located on the island of the same name – it’s the largest island of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine archipelago and is located near the mouth of the St. Lawrence River – Havre-Aubert is accessible by ferry from Prince Edward Island and is definitely a bucket-list destination in Canada.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty, defined by golden dunes that stretch for 62 miles connecting it with five neighboring islands, Havre-Aubert is home to significant archaeological sites and the historic quarter of La Grave. This unique and distinctly offbeat neighborhood features historic fishing buildings, an aquarium, a maritime museum, as well as cafés and shops.
The Final Word
Exploring Quebec through its offbeat towns offers a journey into the heart and soul of this beautiful Canadian province, revealing its cultural richness, its natural beauty, as well as its fascinating history along the way. From scenic Ayer’s Cliff and the artistic vibes of Eastman to the trails of Austin and the unique spiritual retreat in Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, each of these towns has its unique allure. Together, these seven offbeat towns to visit in Quebec promise a memorable Canadian getaway.
