10 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Quebec
Québec is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada for those who love historical architecture, museums, extensive natural spaces, and walkable gardens. A long weekend in "La Belle Province" provides visitors with ample time to explore and get to know this unique part of the country, where cobblestone streets and narrow roads give the area a definitive European feel, and English is sparse in some regions. Brush up on your French language skills, whet your appetite for history, and take advantage of the opportunity to sample local cuisine. You'll be amazed at how far you can go with three days in Québec.
Montréal
Montreal is the largest city in Québec. Consider starting with a day of walking around the 18th-century architecture in Old Montreal. In the View Port, select from dozens of dining options, like the casual Jardin Nelson, or enjoy seafood or steak at Gibby’s. Next, walk over to Clock Tower Beach and relax on the sand, swim, or take a well-deserved nap. While in town, be sure to visit Espace Pour La Vie (Space For Life). This popular spot includes five different attractions: the Montréal Biodome, Biosphere Planetarium, Insectarium, and Botanical Garden. There’s so much to see here, so relax and enjoy the experience.
Montréal's namesake, Mount Royal, is also a must. The natural landmark rises in the middle of the city and creates a point of reference, as well as a popular gathering place for picnics, sports, live music, and general lounging. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City. Walk, jog, play, bike, or relax and take in the immersive city views.
Québec City
Québec City is a picturesque city located alongside the St. Lawrence River. Head out to Île d’Orléans to tour the island's unique shops and take a stroll back in time, then go over to Montmorency Falls. There are many different ways to see the park and explore the falls themselves, including along a suspension bridge, by zipline, or by cable car.
In town, explore the popular Old Québec. Stroll the 400-year-old cobblestone streets while viewing the restored colonial architecture. It truly feels like a little piece of France. Don’t miss a visit to the Château Frontenac. The Fairmont hotel opened its doors in 1893 and continues to attract attention with its prime location and elegant decor. You can access the Château Frontenac from View Québec via a funicular. Built in 1879, the historic tram has been renovated only twice and remains a top draw for tourists.
Looking to find locally sourced goods? Check out shops on the Rue du Petit Champlain or the Rue Saint-Jean. When you need to refuel, find the perfect meal from a wide variety of restaurants serving classic French cuisine within the walls of Old Québec City. Chez Boulay and Chez Temporel are popular choices, thanks to their authentic ambiance and quality service.
La Malbaie
La Malbaie sits in the Charlevoix region of Québec. The pretty town offers options for visitors who are looking for activity, as well as those looking to relax and take it easy. La Malbaie offers exceptional trails for biking, hiking, and even climbing. At Mont Grand-Fonds, the reward is an unparalleled view of the hills, valley, and St. Lawrence River. In winter, the area offers incredible downhill and cross-country skiing.
Visitors looking for a more relaxing experience can wander the streets of local villages, like Cap-à-l’Aigle and Pointe-au-Pic. Take in the coastline as well as local boutiques and cafés. Foodies will enjoy the gourmet dining options in La Malbaie, including Chez Truchon for gourmet local cuisine, or L'île Mystérieuse for a creative meal combined with modern creative flair. More than a restaurant, L'île Mystérieuse also sells and displays artwork.
Tadoussac
Tadoussac sits on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, and Tadoussac Bay is renowned for whale watching. A great first stop is the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center. The center includes Canada's largest exhibit of whale skeletons. It also provides whale song lessons and research information.
The Pointe de l’Islet Trail is the best way to observe whales and other sea life from the shore. Another option is to visit the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, which is part of The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Observe whales, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat. Hike along the trails to Tadoussac Beach and take a few minutes to tour the lighthouse station right off the trail.
Despite being a small village, Tadoussac has ample dining options. For breakfast, check out Café Bohème or Café l'Abri Côtier, where you can delight in the variety of French-inspired coffees, pastries, and lunch fare. For an exceptional seafood dinner experience, go to Clochettes, a new and highly rated addition to this small town's culinary scene.
Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières is a history lover's dream. Walk from Harbourfront Park to Rue des Ursulines and find multiple historical monuments. View the Monumental Staircase and learn about every important moment in the town’s history. The history trail concludes at the Place Pierre-Boucher fountain. For a deeper dive into the region's history, consider purchasing a museum pass. For a fraction of the cost, the pass gets visitors access to 13 cultural attractions, including tickets for the Sightseeing Bus in summer. Start at the POP Museum and learn the colorful history of Québec’s pop culture. Keep going to the Vieille prison de Trois-Rivières to explore the darker side of this city's history with a guided tour of the old prison.
Be certain to take in a performance, concert, or event at the Cogeco Amphitheatre. Cirque du Soleil is a must if you happen to be visiting during a run of shows. Finally, finish the long weekend by walking the gardens of the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine. Check out the basilica and Old Shrine, built in 1720.
Percé
Percé is a small town located on the Gulf of St. Lawrence at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. Travelers know it by the famous Percé Rock, and visitors can see the landmark up close by kayak or via a boat tour. Most tours also include a trip to Bonaventure Island. From the island, the view includes Cap Mont Joli and the Cap-de-Rosiers Lighthouse. Percé is a scenic town and the perfect setting for a relaxing long weekend communing with nature.
Bonaventure Island provides the best hiking, strolling, or biking trails to get visitors close to nature. Birdwatchers will love seeing the largest colony of northern gannets in North America, along with razorbills, seagulls, guillemots, and Atlantic puffins. Next, visit the Rivière Émeraude. Explore numerous hiking trails and integrate with wildlife, and don’t miss visiting the rare waterfall with a distinct natural color that one must see to believe. You can find the waterfall along the Rivière-du-Portage Sector trail. Back in town, visitors in mid-August can attend Percé’s annual international film festival with open-air cinema activities, presentations, and panel discussions.
Rimouski
Rimouski offers visitors waterfront boardwalks, lighthouse vistas, a national park, and plenty of outdoor adventure. Birdwatching, hiking, and biking all present opportunities to spot local wildlife and marine mammals. Lighthouse enthusiasts adore the Pointe-au-Père National Historic Site. Climb to the top of the second-tallest lighthouse in Canada and take in the view of the magnificent St. Lawrence River.
Just outside of town is the highest suspended footbridge in Québec. The bridge spans the Rimouski River and is over 200 feet high. Cross the bridge and then descend all 300 steps to explore Hell’s Gate Canyon. Here, you will find walking trails, a wooden labyrinth, an illuminated waterfall, and other unique, immersive outdoor experiences. In town, consider taking in a performance at the Théâtre du Bic. The Théâtre du Bic is known for its exceptional acoustics and intimate performance experience.
Saint-Jérôme
Saint-Jérôme is a suburb of Montreal on the Nord River and serves as the gateway to the Laurentian Mountains, providing endless opportunities to enjoy nature in any season. The trails used in summer for hiking and biking turn into ski and snowmobile trails in winter. For a more mellow excursion closer to town, take the P'Tit Train du Nord Cycling Trail that starts in town and explore the area on foot or by bike.
As a suburb of Montreal, Saint-Jérôme offers easy access via commuter train, making it a perfect long-weekend destination. Art lovers enjoy the Musée d'art contemporain des Laurentides. Housed in the former courthouse, the MAC LAU boasts an impressive collection of permanent and temporary exhibitions, featuring many artists from the Laurentians, Québec, and Canada.
Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant is located on the shores of Lake Tremblant. The scenic resort town includes a ski resort, golf courses, shopping villages, and Mont-Tremblant National Park. Visitors have access to an abundance of trails for hiking and mountain biking. There’s also plenty of water activities available, including fishing, boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. The trails around Lake Tremblant also support ATV riding in the summer and snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in the winter.
For indoor ammenities, Mont-Tremblant offers a casino and top-quality restaurants. Play the slots, try your luck at blackjack, or take in a show, then head out for Italian at the Restaurant Antipasto, or check out Maison de Soma for their unique farm-to-table menu featuring the art of fermentation and traditional aging.
Magdalen Islands
The Magdalen Islands are a cluster in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The islands are known for providing exceptional beaches as well as fresh seafood. The focus of this vacation destination is all about nature, so no need for an action-packed itinerary; explore, relax, and enjoy moving to the slow pace of island time.
As for beaches, Dune Du Sud boasts dramatic red cliffs, while Dune De L’Ouest is best known for capturing the beauty of every sunset. Pointe-Aux-Loups is great for birdwatching, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, and visitors looking for the island’s yearly sandcastle contest will find it at Havre-Aubert. The contest takes place in mid-August and welcomes amateur contestants. The islands also have a handful of lighthouses to explore, including Cap Alright, built in 1928 as the last lighthouse in the area, and l'Anse-à-la-Cabane, built in 1870 and the oldest still in service.
Québec offers visitors a wealth of opportunities to experience nature and history, often at the same time. Visitors can build a long weekend itinerary focused on relaxation or outdoor recreation. Listen to the water lapping on an island beach, or sail into the sunset. No matter how you choose to explore La Belle Province, these eleven towns are great options for a long weekend getaway.
