8 Of The Friendliest Towns In Quebec
Québec, the “Francophone” province in the world's second-largest country, offers easy access across the US-Canada border, including from The Big Apple and Boston. Home to notable cities, Montreal is an urban megalopolis, while Québec City is known for its old-world charm through aesthetically preserved architecture dating back to the Confederation. The small towns abound in nationally recognized buildings, exceptional scenery, and tourist attractions from the doorstep.
Each has a history worth discovering. La Malbaie, the birthplace of resorts in Canada, is home to friendly folk with high tourism standards and American flavor. Stanstead is a lively college town right atop Vermont with a library that touches both nations. The flavorful mix of towns is a great introduction for any American to the unique culture. Discover a very special slice of the friendly neighboring nation, starting with a Charlevoix town that soothes your senses and excites the soul.
Baie St. Paul
At the convergence of the Gouffre and St. Lawrence Rivers, Baie St. Paul is an iconic Charlevoix town. Noted as the cultural capital of Canada with a renowned architectural heritage, it comprises a popular escape among Québecois year-round. Stop by the notable contemporary art museum in a restored former cinema with rotating exhibitions, among art galleries and music festivals. Offering doorstep access to the summertime shores, it is also just a thirty-minute drive to Le Massif, a friendly local wintertime mountain bustling with families and snow sports enthusiasts along alpine and cross-country ski trails, luges, and dog sledding. Nearby, the historic covered bridge, Pont Couvert de Saint Placide, begs for a photoshoot. The foodies enjoy a spectrum of restaurants for casual or gourmet meals, like Le Mouton Noir, alongside agritourism experiences and a public market in the summer.
Even in high seasons, Baie-Saint-Paul feels like a breath of fresh air with a calming vibe and energizing powers thanks to the infectious outdoorsy spirit. The postcard-perfect setting doesn't hurt either, whether you're exploring the area or the art-strewn downtown with its riverfront Gouffre Park. From the dog-friendly Plage de Baie-Saint-Paul to the next-door Boisé du Quai Park, climb Tour d'observation for an amazing viewpoint. Right across the small river, Belvédère Baie St. Paul is a scenic spot overlooking both the town and the St. Lawrence River. Just southwest, Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix offers pet-friendly trails, including Sentier Gabrielle-Roy Ouest through a beautiful riverfront forest, plus nature-centric accommodation at Refuge La Grande Vue, meaning great view, or Refuge Liguori, right in the heart of the hiking area.
Îles de la Madeleine
Accessible by ferry or via air, Îles de la Madeleine is a gorgeous, often overlooked archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Exuding a prevailing sense of serenity with a certainly small-town vibe, the islands boast distinct Acadian heritage, reflected in the warmth and craftsmanship of some 12,000 locals. Many come for the remote feel and low crowds to discover arts, music, and a culinary scene against jaw-droppingly beautiful coastal landscapes. No list of the most picturesque places in Québec would be complete without this remote destination. The pristine beaches beckon, backed by ochre cliffs and sand dunes, transporting you out of the country into a reality only your imagination could summon during the hours behind the work desk.
The islands's beautiful face comes with a soul to match—the many fishing villages, like beating hearts—just pick one. The charming Cap-aux-Meules along the main island's southeastern shore is home to Parc des Buck. After starting the day at Boulangerie Madelon Fin-Croute, you will discover local artisans’ studios and savor fresh seafood, while Auberge du Port will tuck you into the sound of the waves. Observation Deck is a gorgeous spot to spy on the coastline with a staircase from the beach. Cape Lighthouse is particularly stunning at sunset on the northern edge. Stop by the Information Touristique and bring a keepsake from Les Farauderies. Explore other islands with hiking trails, lighthouses, and crowd-free watersports, including kite surfing and kayaking.
La Malbaie
La Malbaie, the birthplace of resorts in Canada, has been a destination from around the world ever since the mid-19th century. Abounding in fresh air pursuits through its wide-open spaces, this town in Charlevoix is home to friendly folk with high tourism standards and a touch of an American flavor. Still so authentically Québécois, La Malbaie is the place to indulge in a deserving getaway you've been putting off, with countless ways to get active or relax. Take a leisurely stroll in the morning along the pier at Pointe-au-Pic and explore through the splendor of the region's Mother Nature's generosity. Along its bucolic landscapes, you will discover the iconic historical Fromagerie St-Fidèle Inc. next door to the church of Saint-Fidèle built in 1883.
Shining through a rich history of tourism, it was settled by the wealthy industrialists who sailed to Pointe-au-Pic. Many high-ranking Canadians and Americans boosted the local economy and the number of mansions built. Today, you can admire picturesque homes and villas in their footsteps, like William Howard Taft, the 27th US president, among the initial wave of newcomers. Having formed a resort, La Malbaie exudes Old World charm that many can't get enough of against the panoramic views of the St. Lawrence and beautiful coastline. From golf courses to bike paths, La Malbaie gets your heart beating and then relaxes your body and calms your soul. Fifteen minutes inland, Mont Grand-Fonds is a downhill ski area with all-season trails and a cozy pub.
North Hatley
Find this charming town where the river flows into the gorgeous Lac Massawippi along its northern shore. Much like the commendable lake's powers to attract, the local friendliness and creativity disarm, with no better way to meet the folk than during the Emporium North Hatley. Catch a show at The Piggery Theatre, or grab a pint at La Cie Vilandré - Pub & Microbrasserie. From Dreamland Park tipping into the lake with its scenic Quai de Lac Massawippi to Scowen Park, a beautiful walk through the summertime forest, fall colors reflect in the waters while the trails turn to snowshoeing. Whether you're in for a stroll along the water's edge or some mountain running, the relaxed environment makes you really appreciate the natural bounty.
Lined by brick buildings with antique shops like Pomegranate, all roads in North Hatley inadvertently lead you to the waterfront. Stop by the pretty Eglise Sainte-Elisabeth, book a charter with Lake Massawippi Fishing Guide, or simply soak in the views from the marina. Pilsen Restaurant & Pub offers three waterfront patios, serving seafood, pasta, burgers, and a full bar, while Auberge la Chocolatière is a popular stay. The River Park is surrounded by shops, a gazebo, and live music in the summer, with lots of green space for picnics and two waterfronts. Next to the local library, the Lake Massawipi Area Historical Society preserves and promotes cultural heritage through historical documents, photographs, and artifacts amid the romantic and serene lake environs.
Percé
Located in the beautiful Gaspésie region in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé is known among outdoor lovers for hiking, bird watching, and whale-watching boat tours. Take a hike to Mont Sainte-Anne, Tour du Sentier des Belvédères, or relax at La Grotte, a wildlife park with a shimmering waterfall. Strolling along historic fishing buildings, ancestral homes, and state-of-the-art museums, Percé Boardwalk is an attractive strip. One of the most picturesque spots in Eastern Canada, the town boasts beautiful beaches, like Plage de l’anse au nord. Capt. Mont Joli overlooks the Percé Rock. Accessible by foot at low tide, this majestic limestone formation rising from the gulf is part of the le Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park. To the north, Belvédère Au Pic de l'Aurore is a viewpoint from which to spy on fall foliage wrapping the renowned stunning coastline.
Percé is also home to the state-of-the-art geopark, Pavilion Tektonik, with its displays on the region’s geography, walks, and adventures for every age. Don't miss Plateforme Vitrée Suspendue, on a fresh-air hike to the platform, with beautiful scenery and plaques on history. Magasin Général Historique Authentique 1928 offers unique shopping, and for dining or for drinks afterward, nothing beats the local vibes at the hip Pub Pit Caribou Percé. Chute De La Riviere Portage offers hiking trail access and a staircase to the pet-friendly, rocky riverside area surrounded by forest. Just south, Camping Côte Surprise is a popular, pet-friendly camping area. You can easily cross to the aptly named Île Bonaventure, home to Gannets Colonies Observatory Tower, Quai de l'Île Bonaventure, and a hiking area along the northern edge.
Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carre
This small town in the Laurentides region of Québec is just over an hour northwest of Montreal and about 10 km from downtown Mont-Tremblant. With something for every season, the forested surroundings are spectacular on a fall hike, while Rue Belle Vue, Lac Superieur, and Passerelle Verte offer scenic strolls right in the heart. Next to the trail, Maison des Arts et de la Culture Saint-Faustin is a must-stop with breathtaking works by the artist and a garden. Cordon Lake Tour, a popular nature escape into some of Québec's forest, is accessible year-round with several lakes and many viewpoints. Nearby, La Panoramique Trail - Lea Perched Refuges is a pet-friendly, moderately challenging route that takes about an hour, with the views built into the name.
For many, the delightful Sentier des Cimes Laurentides is an experience worth a trip on its own. The unique journey takes you through the heart of a forest with a mix of attractions, paths, boardwalks, and a tower. Take the ascending trail to a sturdy structure at the height of the trees with tower access via stairs and an elevator to the second-level walkway, with cool exhibits and rest areas. From golfing at Royal Laurentien Golf to leaf-peeping around Centre Touristique et Educatif des Laurentides, recharge at the charming Le P'Tit Stop next to Lac Barbotte. Zone MBPark, a waterfront attraction, and Camping Desjardins Enrg are popular in the summer. No wintertime escape is complete without feeling the good vibes at Mont Blanc, a no-frills ski mountain.
Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse
Initially European settled in 1672, this town offers spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River's estuary and channels. Its deep history is strewn around the old town center, overlooking Île d'Orléans. The Laurentian Mountains complete a postcard-like look. Just a 30-mile hop east of Québec City along the St. Lawrence River shores, the area is known for its many waterfalls. Just inland, Les Sentiers de la Chute du Rocher Blanc is a scenic hike to picnic by a cascade. Head east to Accès à la Grève, a relaxed waterfront parkland perfect for a photoshoot. Offering easy access to the island's spectacular attractions like the observation tower, the town's Marina Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse is your jet set to as far down east or the opposite bank.
After adventures, recharge at the highly rated Casse Croute La halte gourmande in a cantina-like setting. ICE AND DELIGHTS is a must to accompany your summertime walk around the town's heritage sites and artists's studios. Many enjoy the quaint white wooden houses influenced by the Neoclassical style of the 19th century, plus the Theatre Beaumont St-Michel, a staple since the 1980s. Mauvide-Genest Manor is an attractive 18th-century manor home open for tours. Quai de Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse is a scenic overlook at the tip of the marina that allows you to take in the sunset. What a great town for American visitors to experience a quintessential slice of Québec, bask in traditional Canadian friendliness, and visit Québec City if you've never been.
Stanstead
Bounding the US to the south, this charming town on the Québec-Vermont border in the Eastern Townships is steeped in history and cultural heritage, with both French and English on the streets. Founded by pioneers in New England in the 1790s, you can still feel the famous NE vibes of states like Maine and Connecticut. The Stanstead Stone Circle, a geographic marker on the 45th parallel, is an equally distant point from the North Pole and the Equator line, with a picnic area. Home to Stanstead College to Collège des Ursulines, take a campus stroll around the buildings that give the city its youthful essence. Stanstead displays a character like no other, thanks to its strong community spirit, multifaceted nature, and frequent events.
Admire the unique American and Canadian influences through architecture, dating back to the 19th century along Dufferin Street, including the former post office. Considered an “open-air museum,” soak up the charm on a stroll and choose a cozy patio to soothe a drink amid churches and attractive buildings. Not just any library, Haskell Free Library and Opera House straddles the border between Canada and the US. The fascinating site spliced by the Stateline through the heart symbolizes the close and welcoming relations between the two nations. Don't miss the tourist-favorite CAAZ Centre d’art and Musée Colby-Curtis, with interesting history on those who lived there, plus the option to have sweet tea in a scenic garden.
Quebec is a renowned destination across the world; no other place displays a distinct American culture with French heritage wrapped up in the too-well-known Canadian friendliness. As you travel throughout the maritime regions of Québec, you can discover many riverfront and gulf towns, including the stunning Îles de la Madeleine. La Malbaie's bucolic landscapes offer both peace and excitement.
So pick a welcoming town and revel in the friendly hospitality like never prior. Perhaps one of the most charming towns in the province, North Hatley beguiles visitors, from its brick-building-lined sidewalks to the Lac Massawippi waterfront. Percé boasts La Grotte, a wildlife park with a shimmering waterfall, while for shimmering hikes, Sentier des Cimes Laurentides leads you to walkaway above the forest.
