9 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In Quebec
Quebec is a province rich in culture and breathtaking landscapes and is home to some of Canada's most captivating small towns. From the charming ski resort town of Saint-Sauveur to the picturesque village of Chelsea, a gateway to the famed Gatineau Park, each destination offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, historical significance, and culinary delights. Whether you're seeking relaxation or a chance to get in touch with the great outdoors, Quebec's small towns invite visitors to immerse themselves in their enchanting allure and vibrant traditions, making for an unforgettable getaway in this remarkable province.
Saint-Sauveur
Saint-Sauveur is a lovely resort town just 45 minutes from Montreal at the foot of the majestic Laurentian Mountains. Its proximity to the mountains makes it a hot spot for various year-round adventures. Spend a day skiing at excellent resorts such as Sommet Saint-Sauveur, Mont Avila, and Mont Habitant. These rec zones offer more than just skiing, however. Try inner tubing at Glissade Sur Tube at Mont Avila, or enjoy the Parc aquatique Sommet Saint-Sauveur (water park) during the summer. Consider a helicopter tour with Domaine des Pays d'en Haut in nearby Piedmont for a unique perspective of the breathtaking landscapes.
Looking for a mellower vacation? The town has a strong artists community as well. Pop into the galleries downtown and look for Ilana Pichon's mural, which was created in collaboration with local schoolchildren. If you find yourself in the area in late July, you can't miss Le Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur, an incredible celebration of dance and music. Accommodation options cater to various preferences, with the luxurious Manoir Saint-Sauveur providing a spa-like stay and expertly curated local outings. For a more modest stay, Le Petit Clocher Gîte Touristique B&B provides a welcoming atmosphere.
Tadoussac
Tadoussac is a mesmerizing destination known for its fabulous summer whale watching. Located at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence River, it's prime territory for various whale species, including belugas, fin whales, minke whales, and more. Book a guided tour with Croisières AML or view the massive mammals from the shore at Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Nearby, a visit to Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay to take in the stunning Saguenay Fjord on an epic hike or two is a must. Alternatively, sea kayaking in Tadoussac Bay with Mer et Monde Écotours provides a unique perspective of the breathtaking fjord.
As one of the oldest settlements in North America, with a history spanning 425 years, downtown Tadoussac is filled with historic buildings, including the Little Chapel (the oldest wooden church in North America), Chauvin Trading Post, and the iconic Tadoussac Hotel. Established in 1864, the hotel has impeccable views of the bay and is an excellent place to book a stay, especially during the Festival de la Chanson de Tadoussac. This lively four-day summer festival transforms the town into a hot spot for music performers and enthusiasts.
Knowlton
Knowlton, a village on the shores of Brome Lake, is an elegant and relaxing getaway steeped in history. Known for its well-maintained Victorian architecture, L’Actualité Magazine voted this sweet little destination as one of the prettiest towns in Quebec. You'll find various boutiques, antique dealers, cozy inns, and eateries downtown. So take some time to shop and grab a treat from The Buzz Café & Bistro. Then, for a glimpse into the past, check out Musée Lac-Brome. The museum features seven historic buildings and many exhibits that reveal the area's rich history, including a notable Fokker DVII biplane from World War I.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Brome Lake's public beach (Douglass Beach), marina, and the Knowlton Golf Club. During winter, skiing opportunities abound, including cross-country skiing at Douglass Beach and downhill skiing at the Knowlton Ski Trail. Knowlton is perfectly situated on the Brome-Missisquoi's Wine Route, a 140km route with 20+ local vintners. Stop by Leon Courville Vineyard for a tour and tasting before settling into a room at Auberge Knowlton. The hotel has been serving the area since 1849 and is an ideal spot to unwind in the center of town.
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a quaint village just east of Quebec City on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. Known as the "carving capital" of Quebec, it boasts a rich tradition of wood sculpture, with numerous galleries and workshops showcasing local artisans' talents. A notable spot, Le Vivoir, features seven artists' studios with glass partitions, inviting visitors to observe the creative process.
Beyond its artistic allure, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is surrounded by natural beauty. Borrow a free bike from Les Jolis Vélos Créatifs and cycle along the riverfront. Don't miss the incredible sunsets at Parc Nautique Saint-Jean-Port-Joli or the sweeping waterfront vistas and wooden sculptures at Parc des Trois-Bérets, where the dramatic ebb and flow of the tide unveils striking tidal flats. Additionally, stop at the Musée de la Mémoire Vivante, a fascinating museum dedicated to preserving the region's oral histories and cultural narratives.
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli hosts several exciting annual festivals, including Les Chants de Marins in August, celebrating sea shanties, and the Biennale de Sculpture in July, focusing on wood carving. If you can book a cozy B&B stay at L'Auberge La Belle Époque during one of these high times, you must!
Baie-Saint-Paul
Baie-Saint-Paul, situated along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, is a picturesque town surrounded by rolling hills. The cobblestone streets of this pedestrian-favoring locale are lined with rustic architecture, adorable boutiques, and galleries, making it a delight to explore on foot. Known as an artistic haven, Baie-Saint-Paul is famous for being the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil in the early 1980s, and it continues to celebrate creativity through events like the Symposium of Modern Art held every August at the Musée d'art Contemporain.
Beyond its artistic allure, Baie-Saint-Paul is a destination for food lovers. Indulge in delicious pastries at Boulangerie à Chacun Son Pain or savor locally made cider at Cidrerie Vergers Pedneault. For some of the best fondue you could possibly imagine, treat yourself to a meal at Ah La Vache!
After a day spent enjoying art and cuisine, consider staying at Auberge à l'Ancrage. This cozy inn provides a welcoming atmosphere and comfortable accommodations, ideal for recharging before hitting the slopes at Le Massif Ski Resort, just a 20-minute drive away.
Île d'Orléans
Île d'Orléans is a breathtaking island on the St. Lawrence River that is easily accessible by car or shuttle from Quebec City. The island only takes about an hour to drive around, and it's absolutely bursting with French heritage and ancestral homes dating back to the 17th century! One such home is La Maison de nos Aïeux, a historic residence-turned-museum that shares the stories of the island's founding families. Then, there's 18th century Manoir Mauvide-Genest, one of Québec's last-standing seigneurial homes.
Outside of historic residences, the island has plenty to discover. La Seigneurie de l'Île d'Orléans is always worth a visit with its themed gardens. Afterward, check out Parc Maritime, an indoor-outdoor museum that provides a peek into the important role that traditional wooden shipbuilding played in the island's development.
The island is also home to incredible edible opportunities. Savor maple syrup (and learn how to make it!) at Érablière Richard Boily, indulge in a vineyard tour and wine tasting Vignoble Isle de Bacchus, or consider a cheese tasting at Fromages de l'isle d'Orléans. For lodging, summer camping at Camping de la Pointe provides easy access to the river. For a cozy bed and breakfast, Auberge dans les bras de Morphee is an excellent option.
Percé
Percé, located on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the Gaspé Peninsula, is a sweet little town named after the iconic Perce Rock (Rocher Percé). This limestone formation, sculpted by the sea into an awe-inspiring arch, is a must-see attraction. Take a leisurely stroll on the Promenade de Percé for some of the best views, or get a closer look on a boat ride out to the nearby Bonaventure Island via Les croisières Julien Cloutier Inc.
Bonaventure Island is just off the coast and has ample hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. Watch as the seals and whales frolic in the ocean while an impressive colony of Gannet birds look for their next meal. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the Chemin du Roy trail, which takes you past various remnants of early colonial settlements. Speaking of hiking, back on the mainland, Percé UNESCO Global Geopark has some gorgeous trails and the famed Tektonic. Here, you can learn about the area's geological history and conquer your fear of heights on a 200-meter suspended platform.
Cultural attractions in the town include the Musée le Chafaud, which showcases the region's heritage, and St. Michael Catholic Church, an architectural marvel built in 1903 using local stones. Looking to tuck in for the night? Check into a cozy room at Chez Rose Belaid, or consider an evening in a sophisticated yurt at Domaine Renard.
Magog
Perched on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, surrounded by majestic mountains, Magog is an adorable town with a lively atmosphere packed with opportunities for outdoor play and family fun. Poke your nose into the cute shops and ma and pa eateries downtown and stroll the tranquil lakeside walking paths and beaches at Parc de la Baie-de-Magog. There, you'll find an ice skating trail that runs 2.8km all the way to Pointe Merry, where the Fête des Neiges de Magog is held every February. This festival is a celebration of all things winter and includes a myriad of family-friendly activities, including snowman building, music, and fireworks.
There's no shortage of natural beauty around. Snowshoeing enthusiasts will love the trails through the marshes at Rivière-aux-Cerises, while Mont-Orford Ski Resort, just 15 minutes from town, has some excellent downhill skiing. Nearby, Parc National du Mont-Orford presents a variety of activities year-round, including sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, camping, and cozy cabins for overnight stays.
Culturally, Magog is home to the historic Maison Merry, the oldest house in town, where you can learn about the fascinating life of Ralph Merry III, a passionate businessman. Staying the night? Quartier des Marinas has lovely accommodations on the water, perfect for a memorable stay in this enchanting town.
Chelsea
Chelsea, located just a few miles from Ottawa in Canada's National Capital Region, is a gateway to stunning Gatineau Park, a haven for outdoor activities. The park features cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow biking in winter months. Adventurers can go underground at Lusk Cave, hike to Luskville Falls, or climb the Luskville Fire Tower for breathtaking views. Relax on one of the three beaches at Philippe Lake in warmer weather, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or camping.
Gatineau Park is also home to intriguing historical landmarks. The Carbide Willson Ruins are remnants of an industrial plant that extracted calcium carbide from limestone. Another notable site is the Mackenzie King Estate, a previous retreat for Canada's longest-serving Prime Minister, featuring lovely gardens and a collection of his belongings. Wine lovers can tour Le Vignoble de Chelsea for tastings and brunch at the vineyard's eatery, Sugar Shack.
For relaxation, Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea, the largest spa in North America, offers saltwater flotation pools, massages, and invigorating hot and cold therapy rituals. To complete your stay in this unmissable town, consider lodging at the cozy Auberge Tom B&B on the lake.
Conclusion
The diverse regions of Quebec offer travelers a wealth of experiences for adventure, culture, and relaxation. From the culinary delights of Île d'Orléans to the breathtaking landscapes of Percé and the lively atmosphere of Magog, each destination presents unique opportunities to relish the area's natural beauty and rich heritage. Quebec's charming towns promise unforgettable memories, whether indulging in local delicacies, hiking scenic trails, or unwinding at a luxurious spa. Plan your visit today!
