8 Of The Quietest Quebec Towns
Quebec may be Canada’s second-largest province, but it comes second to none in rich cultural heritage and fantastic natural scenery. And while Quebec may be best known for the grand sophistication of Montreal and Quebec City, this province also has a quieter and more tranquil side that you can experience in its small towns. From charming fishing villages along the Gulf of St. Lawrence to ski towns in the Laurentian Mountains, Quebec has a surprising diversity of landscapes that makes for many inviting opportunities for peaceful exploration.
When you can use a quiet escape from the typical hubbub, consider these eight quiet Quebec towns for a perfectly serene getaway.
Tadoussac
Situated along the St. Lawrence River Estuary, where the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord meet, Tadoussac is a special village where maritime traditions combine with signature Quebecois culture and flair. At the Poste de Traite Chauvin (or Chauvin Trading Post), you can venture back in time to the early 17th century, when the first colonists of New France established a fur trade with First Nations communities. For a taste of the contemporary commercial life in town, head to the Microbrasserie de Tadoussac and sample their variety of local craft beers.
When it comes to the great outdoors, Tadoussac really shines under the bright sun. In town, the Pointe de l’Islet Trail leads to a stunningly rocky slice of shoreline that also makes for fantastic whale-watching. (In particular, keep your eye out for beluga whales!) If you seek a more ambitious adventure, explore the serene wilderness at Saguenay Fjord National Park, which has one of the most southerly fjords in the Northern Hemisphere and ample opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and even via ferrata. Once you’re ready to settle down for the night, check into the Auberge Maison Gagné for a cozy bed-and-breakfast with easy access to everything in town.
North Hatley
North Hatley may only be around 19 kilometers (or 12 miles) south of Sherbrooke, yet this old-school village looks and feels like a truly quaint small town. Come to experience the serene shores of Lake Massawippi and stop at Pleasant View Beach to find a truly pleasant spot for beachcombing and swimming. In town, enjoy more dreamy lake views at Dreamland Park and indulge in a leisurely waterfront meal at Pilsen Pub.
For even more homebrewed creativity, head a few blocks inland to try the original pub fare and original craft beers at La Cie Vilandré. If you’re visiting during the summer season, hit the Farmer’s Market on Saturday for a festive atmosphere where local musicians play as farmers and artisans sell local produce, freshly baked bread and pastries, locally sourced maple and apple products, and much more. No matter when you visit, feel free to indulge in top-tier luxury at Manoir Hovey, a Relais & Châteaux hotel with direct lake frontage, exquisitely appointed rooms and suites, the award-winning Le Hatley Restaurant, and a full-service spa.
Magog
Located at the confluence of the Rivière aux Cerises (Cherry River), the Magog River, and Lake Memphremagog, which stretches all the way down to Newport (Vermont) across the Canada-United States border, Magog is a beautiful town that’s perfect for a quiet escape. For some interesting history, check out the Maison Merry to learn about the Merry family’s journey from the U.S. to Canada, Magog’s growth as a textile town, and its evolution to the vibrant town it is today. To better understand the natural environment, head over to the Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises and enjoy the pleasant view of the wetlands along the preserve’s walking trails. For some quality time at the lake, stop at Baie-de-Magog Park and take advantage of the well-kept Plage des Cantons.
Over the years, Magog has gained a reputation for its fine wines. You can taste for yourself at Vignoble Chemin de la Rivière, which makes a variety of delectable red and white varietals, and at Cep d’Argent, which specializes in sparkling wines. After doing some wine tastings, or perhaps after a long day at the lake, check into a wonderful stay at the Chalet Memphré, which is just a short stroll away from the lake.
Gaspé
Nestled at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gaspé is a gorgeous town where Quebec meets Atlantic Canada. Begin your journey at Forillon National Park, a year-round natural wonderland where the Appalachian Mountains reach the sea. The park is great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter season, and it’s ideal for kayaking, whale watching, scuba diving, and kite surfing during summer. For even more exhilarating adventures, do the scenic drive to Parc National de la Gaspésie, hike some of Quebec’s tallest mountains, and keep your eyes out for the only known herd of caribou found south of St. Lawrence.
Back in town, you can learn more about local history and culture at the Musée de la Gaspésie, which includes 15 vintage sailing vessels and a trail that leads to the Jacques Cartier Monument and its replica of the famous cross that the French explorer placed here in 1534. Also in town, feel free to kick back and relax upon checking into the lovely Auberge Sous les Arbres Inn, which provides an English-style garden oasis in the heart of the historic village.
Notre-Dame-du-Portage
About 199 kilometers (or 124 miles) northeast of Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River, Notre-Dame-du-Portage is a charming riverside village that’s long provided respite to weary travelers. For an interesting journey into local history, take the Heritage Trail to École de l'Anse and find an authentic 19th-century schoolhouse that now houses the Chemin du Portage Interpretation Centre, a museum that shares the stories of this town along the critical Portage Road that connected Ontario and Quebec to the Maritime Provinces. For a different perspective on the river, head over to the nearby Parc de la Pointe and take in the wonderful views (which might include a sighting of beluga whales), and book a tee time at the Rivière-du-Loup Golf Club that’s been welcoming golfers since 1902.
To make your escape to Notre-Dame-du-Portage extra sweet and special, book a stay at the Auberge du Portage Inn, a beautiful boutique resort with its own comprehensive health center that offers everything from riverside yoga sessions to sumptuous massages and wellness workshops.
Wakefield
Just 35 kilometers (or around 22 miles) northwest of Ottawa (Ontario), the village of Wakefield looks and feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. Wakefield may be best known for its iconic covered bridge that’s spanned over the Gatineau River since 1915 (and was fully rebuilt in 1997), and it’s certainly a great vantage point to enjoy the local scenery. But for even more opportunities for quiet reflection and exploration, hike the Sentiers Wakefield Trails to find the waterfall and discover plenty more lovely views along the La Pêche River.
To learn more about this town’s background, head back towards the covered bridge and visit the Fairbairn House Heritage Centre to tour a 160-year-old house near the site where Scottish immigrant William Fairburn established one of the area’s original farms. When you crave even more natural beauty, venture your way to Philippe Lake (which is part of Gatineau Park) for pretty beaches, scenic walking trails, and the wondrous 11,000-year-old Lusk Cave. To complete your Wakefield retreat, check into the gorgeous Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa for grand waterfall views and the ultimate in quiet luxury.
Saint-Sauveur
Perched in the Laurentian Mountains, about 75 kilometers (or 47 miles) northwest of Montreal, Saint-Sauveur is a gorgeous resort town offering year-round opportunities for epic excursions. In winter, ski or snowboard on the majestic slopes of the Mont Habitant and Sommet Olympia ski areas. In the summer months, take advantage of the warm weather and book a tee time at the Balmoral and Piedmont golf clubs or hike the scenic mountain trails at Alfred-Kelly Nature Reserve.
No matter when you’re traveling, a great time always awaits at Mont Gabriel, Ste-Adèle, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio resort with ski-in/ski-out convenience during the winter months, on-site amenities like pickleball, tennis, and golf during the warmer months, and a full-service spa with heated pools open all year.
Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Imagine a chain of breathtakingly beautiful islands at sea, islands with white sand beaches, striking red cliffs, turquoise blue water, and freshly caught local cuisine. Fortunately, you don’t just have to imagine because Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, an archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence that’s accessible by airplane from Montreal and Quebec City and by ferry from Souris (Prince Edward Island), is very real. For one of the islands’ prettiest beaches, head to Pointe de l'Est National Wildlife Area, which has the stunning Plage de la Grande Échouerie with its seemingly endless vistas, along with a rich maritime ecosystem that over 150 bird species and mammals like seals, red foxes, and coyotes call home.
To catch some views of those iconic red cliffs, go to Cape Alright and admire its dramatically colorful and craggy coastline, and make sure to spot the vintage 1928 lighthouse while you’re there. For a better taste of what else is happening on the islands, grab some Quebecois lobster rolls at Effet Mer and treat yourself to some homemade ice cream at Crèmerie du Port. And for some more fabulous food alongside a comfortable place to stay, it’s hard to beat the Auberge Chez Denis à François near the Sandy Hook beaches.
In Quebec, Quiet Can Be Quite Amazing
When you can use some high-quality peace and quiet time, Quebec most definitely has you covered. From the stunningly secluded beaches at Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine to the charming riverside hamlet of Notre-Dame-du-Portage, Quebec has plenty of quiet towns to help you get away from it all. Even near the major cities, towns like Wakefield and Saint-Sauveur let you escape into nature while staying close to the action in Ottawa and Montreal. However, if you prefer to have quiet time, these quietest Quebec towns can make it quite enjoyable.
