These Towns in Quebec Have the Best Main Streets
Quebec is the largest province in Canada and neighbors Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. This expansive province is famed for its network of water bodies, the cultural richness of Montreal, and the history of Quebec City, the only walled city north of Mexico. While Quebec’s cities are beaming with busy and beautiful main streets, the streets of their smaller towns are just as vibrant. Discover these Quebec towns and explore their bustling main streets.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Baie-Saint-Paul is a Quebec town spoiled with mountain landscapes and water views at the bend of the St. Lawrence River. This town’s raison d’être is art, culture, and heritage. Cirque du Soleil found its humble beginnings in Baie-Saint-Paul—it is here that this famous Canadian circus started as an entertaining street spectacle with unique costumes, music, and skillful street performances.
For years, Canadian artists—including members from the Group of Seven—were drawn to the beauty of Baie-Saint-Paul, with the first art galleries popping up in town around the 1970s. Today, visitors can stroll through Rue St. Baptiste to peruse the town’s collection of art galleries. There is plenty of art to enjoy along Baie-Saint-Paul’s main street, from the contemporary art at the Iris Art Gallery to the elegant sculptures and paintings at L’Harmattan Gallery. The French-influenced buildings dotted along Rue St. Baptiste may also inspire the creatively inclined traveler!
Pointe-Claire
Pointe-Claire sits on Montreal’s West Island and is conveniently close to the Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport near Highways 20 and 40. From views of the Saint-Louis Lake shoreline to the woodland settings at the Terra-Cotta Natural Park, this residential destination is a beautiful retreat near downtown Montreal.
Aside from its collection of restaurants and shopping establishments, the town’s historic core of Pointe-Claire Village on Bord-du-Lac-Lakeshore is a must-see. This historic attraction encompasses storied sites, including the Pointe-Claire Windmill, Sœurs de la Congrégation de Notre-Dame couvent, and the Saint-Joachim church. Bike along Bord-du-Lac-Lakeshore to breathe in fresh air while admiring public art on display.
Magog
Magog is part of the Eastern Townships and sits only 20 miles north of the border with Vermont. This Southern Quebec town was named after the nearby lake, Memphremagog, which translates to “where there is a big expanse of water” in Abenaki—the language of the Abenaki indigenous people who were the first to discover the area. Magog is a year-round destination where visitors can shred some snowy slopes in the winter or admire the leafy Canadian foliage in the fall.
Magog’s collection of independent shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions are dotted along Principale Quest, the town’s main street. There is always something happening at the Vieux Clocher de Magog, the town’s cabaret-style, 400-seat concert hall and venue. Magog’s Maison Merry is another town gem, boasting as the oldest house in Magog and displaying the history of the town’s first settlers. Alternatively, visitors can spend a relaxing afternoon at Pointe-Merry Park to take in sites of the waterway.
Saint-Sauveur
Saint-Sauveur is found on the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains, and is roughly an hour’s drive away from Montreal! In the winter, this resort town is buzzing with winter activity enthusiasts, famed for its reputation as a premier ski destination.
Besides Saint-Sauveur’s offerings of night-time ski activities, snow-making capabilities, and après-ski establishments, this Quebec town is home to a cozy main street. Breakfast goers can dig into hearty plates at eateries like L’Œufrier or Au Petit Café Chez Denise. Meanwhile, visitors who love to ski will enjoy the exhibits at the Laurentian Ski Museum. To enjoy more outdoor activities, John-H-Molson Park offers plenty of fun, from water games in the summer to skating and snowshoeing trails in the winter!
Rivière-du-Loup
Rivère-du-Loup welcomes visitors who crave the Canadian outdoors. Whale watching and bird watching are popular activities near this Eastern Quebec town, conveniently nestled on the south shores of the St. Lawrence Estuary in Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Rue Lafontaine is the main street in Rivère-du-Loup, decorated with beautifully preserved buildings, including the neo-gothic architecture of Église Saint-Patrice. In between exploring the street’s independent boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, remember to stop by the Art Académie de Rivère-du-Loup, highlighting local artistic talent and works from Joane Michaud.
Rivière-du-Loup is a great jumping point for nature-fueled excursions. In the middle of the town, spend the day at Parc des Chutes and photograph the famous cascading waterfall. The park also has miles of woody trails ready for hiking. Alternatively, when weather permits, take Le Petit Lièvre to see the Île aux Lièvres and learn more about this historic island.
Gaspé
In Eastern Quebec, the Gaspé Peninsula was hailed by National Geographic Traveler as one of “Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime”. The spoils of nature await enthusiastic travelers at Forillon National Park, which is popular amongst visitors for whale walking, hiking, or admiring Canada’s tallest lighthouse. North America’s largest migratory bird refuge in Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is another popular naturescape in the peninsula, attracting visitors to the 1,545-foot-wide Percé Rock.
Visitors can also find beauty in the town of Gaspé. This small Quebec town encompasses a heritage and history from the Mi’kmaq First Nations, as well as the Irish, French, and English. Walk around Rue de la Reine in downtown Gaspé to access the Jacques-Cartier Promenade and take in bay views or watch cruise ships traveling through. The Birthplace of Canada is also nearby, offering visitors a glimpse into life in Gaspé village during the 1900s. This heritage site stands with one original heritage building, six reconstructed sites, costumed characters, artifacts, and historical re-enactments for curious visitors!
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
There are plenty of reasons to visit Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Situated on an island in the St. Lawrence River, this Quebec town is home to the province’s second-largest Marina, features spoiling views of Lake St. François, and is less than an hour away from Montreal! With its lake views and network of rivers and canals, it is hardly a wonder why this Canadian town is called “The Venice of Quebec.”
Visitors will appreciate the town’s nautical-themed downtown core and historic city center, with views of the water along Rue Victoria. From this street, walk the boardwalk along the Old Canal, visit the marina, and spend the day at Delpha-Sauvé Park. Used as a setting for many events, this famous attraction in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is visited by over 180,000 festival-goers every year. Since it is only steps from the water, a range of activities can be easily enjoyed, including motorboating, kayaking, and even scuba diving.
Quebec’s largest cities—like Montreal and Quebec City—welcome visitors to explore its vibrant main streets every year, alluring people with its offerings of unique shops, attractions, and atmosphere. From the art galleries along Baie-Saint Paul’s Rue St. Baptiste to the storied buildings in Rivère-du-Loup’s Rue Lafontaine, the streets of its small towns are certainly worth a visit as well.
