11 Best Quebec Towns For A Weekend Trip
Québec is Canada’s “La Belle Province” with the largest French-speaking population in the country. As a result, it offers a unique opportunity for travelers to discover the distinct French cultural and historic influences that shaped the hundreds of towns dotting the magnificent countryside.
From the mountainous regions to the north to the majestic shores of the St. Lawrence River to the south, here are the 11 best Québec towns for a weekend trip.
Bromont
Beautiful Bromont is North America’s premier night skiing destination and the gateway to the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route. As a result, it is a year-round choice for weekend journeyers. Local wineries offer a day of discovery for wine enthusiasts. Award-winning Vignoble Courville is a must with its exceptional wine selection, chill vibe, and unbelievable mountain and lake views. Three Bromont craft breweries, including Brasseurs de West Shefford, Le Brouemont, and À l’Abordage, offer distinct selections yet share the warmth of Bromont hospitality. Culinary delights range from lobster poutine at Shack du Pêcheur Express to clever takes on classic Italian at La Selva to global fusion at Pittnik.
As temperatures dip, the snow of Mont Bromont glistens under the stars and lights of “Nuits Blanches,” as skiers whiz down the slopes into the wee hours of the morning. Spend the night in Old Bromont at the Auberge Nuits St-Georges and awaken to explore the village shops outside your door. Domaine Château-Bromont offers a mountain setting, while the Beatnik Hotel is rustic and a little quirky.
La Malbaie
Known as the birthplace of Canadian resorts, La Malbaie sits on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. This town is all about relaxation with its soul-calming views and unspoiled natural surroundings. Lush, green, and filled with enchanting buildings, bridges, and water features, the grounds at the Gardens of Les Quatre Vents are known as some of the best private gardens of their kind. Galerie d'art Au P'tit Bonheur features stunning landscapes by renowned regional artists and other impressive works in an intimate gallery setting.
The nearby Domaine Forget de Charlevoix hosts an annual international festival with live performances including orchestras, soloists, dance, and jazz. The historic property overlooks the St. Lawrence River and features a sculpture garden, winding trails, and accommodations at Domaine Forget de Charlevoix Studios.
Sample local cuisine at the many cafés, bistros, and restaurants in town, whether it is pizza at Toujours Mikes, tapas at Allegro, or steak at Grillade La Bohème. Luxurious accommodations await on the banks of the river, including Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu and Hôtel et Pavillons Le Petit Manoir du Casino. There are also plenty of hospitable country inns.
Métis-sur-Mer
As the gateway to the Gaspé Peninsula, Métis-sur-Mer delights shutterbugs with enchanting views, distinct seaside architecture, and lovely churches. At the Reford Gardens, a meticulously transformed spruce forest is one of the largest plant collections of its kind. The gardens are a testament to horticulturalist Elsie Reford’s hard work, from the woodlands to the pond and the house gardens to enchanted trails.
The Point Metis Lighthouse has served as a beacon for maritime navigation since 1874. The charming white and red landmark includes the Keeper’s House, which is available for weekly rentals.
The Café Sur Mer is a gathering place where guests linger over lunch or a café au lait while admiring local art. The combination of cozy rattan seating, walls of books, and local artwork creates a quirky ambiance. Book a stay at the peaceful Auberge du Grand Fleuve on the shores of the river. Restful, spacious rooms, an expansive terrace with spectacular river views, and a charming bistro serving traditional four-course table d'hôte meals complete your Métis-sur-Mer experience.
Rimouski
Rimouski is in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, at the mouth of the Rimouski River. Considered the maritime capital of Québec, Rimouski's picturesque location along the St. Lawrence estuary offers captivating views from the town’s Coastal Trail and promenade. An artsy town, Rimouski’s riverside Sculpture Alley and Riverside Trail feature the work of local artists.
The Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site includes a lighthouse station, keeper's house, and foghorn shed. You can also learn about the ill-fated voyage of the ocean liner Empress of Ireland or climb aboard the Onondaga submarine.
A foodie destination, Rimouski’s chefs experiment with the endless flavors of locally sourced ingredients. Reserve a table at Chez Saint-Pierre to sample a multi-course blind menu. The Rimouski Public Market is the perfect spot to explore the local food scene, from bagels to pastries and pizza to various global cuisines. La Fumerie de l'Est is a local smoked fish and meat artisan that also happens to sell an excellent selection of beers from local microbreweries.
Vieux Loup de Mer’s authentic Québecois chalets personify rustic elegance, with carefully restored buildings situated throughout their secluded coastal landscape. Visit their small gourmet food shop stocked with tantalizing local products.
Mont Tremblant
For over a century, Mont Tremblant has remained a steadfast resort town with all the charm, amenities, and beauty one could ask for in a weekend adventure.
The slopes are dotted with speedy skiers in the winter, and Skyline Luge “go-carters” barreling down the hillside in the summer. The panoramic gondola takes you high above the village, with 360° views of the mountainous landscape and surrounding valleys.
The pedestrian village’s cobblestone streets lead to chic boutiques, luxurious accommodations, and an innovative food and wine scene. After a day of exploring, enjoy first-class dining and live jazz music at Choux Gras Brasserie Culinaire. For a more casual, upbeat experience, sample creative cocktails and small plates at Central Tapas and shift into party mode when the hot spot transforms into a pulsing nightclub after 10pm.
Make the most of the exciting nightlife in the thick of it all at Place St-Bernard Hotel. Mountain lodging like Étoile du Matin offers a more tranquil setting to recover from your busy day.
Percé
Percé is the iconic Québec maritime village known for its views of Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. The bustling village is surprisingly lively considering its peaceful setting and size, with an inviting variety of eateries, boutiques, and studios. The colorful building façades and impressive views of the Gaspésie coast create a captivating picture. Time your weekend trip for the fall, when things slow down and the scenery bursts into brilliant color.
The beach at Coin-du-Banc’s unique Camp de Base offers a direct entry for the area’s guided outdoor activities, from mountain biking to sea kayaking and fishing. For a more relaxing visit, stroll the Percé boardwalk, contemplate the majestic Percé Rock, or comb the beaches for pebbles. You can also take a boat tour to Bonaventure Island for an up-close and personal experience with the colony of Northern Gannets and the beautiful historic homes of local fishermen, artists, and cottagers.
Finish your stroll at Pit Caribou microbrewery to sample local craft beers, or head to La Société Secrète to sample artisanal spirits in the old St. James Anglican Church in Cap-d’Espoir.
Spend the night at the quaint chalets at Gite du Capitaine overlooking the rock and wake to a generous breakfast served by your hosts. Hôtel la Normandie is a postcard-worthy inn and restaurant with almost 360-degree views of the water and a secluded beach.
Saint-Alexis-des-Monts
Saint-Alexis-des-Monts is the speckled trout capital of the Mauricie region with over 600 pristine lakes. If you are up for a weekend of outdoor adventures, this town could be your Eden.
June’s Festival de la Truite Mouchetée attracts avid fishing enthusiasts of all walks and ages. Saint-Alexis-des-Monts knows how to celebrate the fish that put it on the map! From tempting cuisine featuring fresh trout to live music and kid-friendly activities to fireworks, the event will not disappoint.
The fall is a particularly special time of year when the brilliant autumnal display creates a striking contrast against the town’s skyline. However, the town's trails offer year-round enjoyment. After a long day of hiking, refuel with craft beer and local cuisine at La Ferme Nouvelle-France Microbrewery.
Domaine Rivière Sacacomie’s uncompromised setting is a Québec hideaway featuring eclectic themed rooms at the Carnegie Mansion and a selection of private chalets dotting the forested acreage. The Auberge du Lac-à-l'Eau-Claire's peaceful lakeside setting and renowned table d'hôte menu will chase your stress away.
Île d'Orléans
Île d'Orléans is a small island located in the St. Lawrence River estuary reachable via the island bridge. With six charming villages, the island offers more than a weekend of adventures.
Views of Saint-Pierre offer a splendid introduction to the island’s unique landscape. As the largest village, it offers two cultural venues, Espace Félix-Leclerc and the Nouveau Théâtre de l'Île d'Orléans, and tastings at Verger Bilodeau Cider House and Distillery and Isle of Bacchus Vineyard.
Saint-Laurent is a maritime charmer with heritage wood houses and spellbinding views of the St. Lawrence and Appalachians. Explore the works of local artists at the Saint-Laurent Art Centre and maritime history at the Musée maritime de l'île d'Orléans.
Ancestral houses and buildings in Saint-John include the circa 1734 Manoir Mauvide-Genest and a heritage stone church. In Saint-François, the Ferme Audet Fromagerie specializes in local goat cheese, ice cream, and a selection of artisanal skincare products.
Dine at The Moulin de St-Laurent Restaurant, a 1720s former mill with views of a cascading waterfall, or enjoy casual fare at Hangar Bistro. Stays include the romantic mid-19th century White Sheep Inn, complete with a hearty breakfast and La Goéliche Inn, with its cozy rooms and French cuisine.
North Hatley
Located on the sleepy shores of Lake Massawippi, North Hatley is another weekend-worthy gem. Whether you claim a park bench to take in the view, take to the trails to discover scenic treasures, or explore the local gallery, a weekend in North Hatley is pure relaxation.
Take a leisurely hike through a serene, cool forest along the picturesque Scowen Park Trail. Browse the collection of “naïve art” at Jeannine Blais Gallery, where whimsical works offer a colorful, simplistic styling filled with joy and innocence. Rotating exhibitions keep the gallery fresh.
Auberge la Chocolatière’s picturesque green and white building is a classic example of the pleasing historic architecture of North Hatley. The inn includes a classic bistro and what many consider the main attraction, a chocolate boutique. Sample locally sourced, artisanal chocolates, desserts, and local gourmet products such as honey, maple syrup, and coffee.
Town staple Massawippi Mercantile is a popular eatery, boutique, and gathering place that offers an authentic local experience. Affectionately known as “The Merc,” a daily innovative breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu offers three good reasons to squeeze in at least one meal at this rustic eatery. The Merc is also known for its Saturday night live jazz.
For an upscale stay, Manoir Hovey is a two-key Michelin destination offering impeccable hospitality, beautifully appointed rooms, and terroir-driven cuisine.
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François
Petite-Rivière-Saint-François offers the ideal weekend retreat for active travelers. Exhilarating skiing and mind-blowing hiking trails offer unrivaled views, making this a Charlevoix region destination for the adventurous and outdoorsy.
Its shining star, Le Massif de Charlevoix, is a year-round resort offering all you want in a weekend getaway. Ideally located between the St. Lawrence River and towering mountains, the pristine location offers views encompassing the region’s vast expanse.
The mountains boast the longest vertical drop east of the Rockies, ideal for skiing, alpine hiking, tobogganing, and more. Test your courage on the luge run, traveling at exhilarating speed for close to 5 miles. In the summer, the resort pivots to mountain biking, trail running, canyoning, and hiking.
The forest at Le Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François is over 14 square miles of public land featuring an extensive trail network. You never know what the terrain will reveal, from dense, cool forests to heart-stopping river views. Well-positioned lookouts provide opportunities to snap a picture or simply appreciate the glorious natural beauty.
Charming eateries such as the white-gabled house and rustic wood-paneled interior at Café du Domaine à Liguori feature pared-down menus and comforting beverages. Restaurant Auberge Le Four à Pain serves up delicious homestyle meals and comfy accommodation for a laid-back stay. Auberge la Courtepointe’s charming red roof and awnings create a warm welcome with rooms overlooking the ocean.
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
Serene Lac des Sables is the focal point of Laurentides sweetheart, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. Splendid natural surroundings, pleasant eateries, and homey accommodations add up to a very satisfying weekend escape. Local trails at Parc Linéaire are particularly magnificent in the fall when the trees put on an impressive show of colors. However, the landscape changes with the seasons, each offering its unique sense of splendor.
The Patriot Theatre is a Québec landmark, offering a constantly evolving lineup of performances, including plays, concerts, and tributes. The heritage circuit tours the town’s notable sites, with interpretative panels telling the town’s story along the way.
Explore the fascinating world of coffee at Couleur Café, where roaster and owner Annie Gaudet offers a “Tree to Cup” experience, sharing the wonders of the humble coffee bean's journey.
Popular eateries include the utterly charming and very satisfying Maison 1890 and Restaurant Le Clos des Délices. Fall in love with the romantic Auberge de la Tour du Lac. Its unique circular architecture, delightful terrace, homey dining room, and rustic country rooms await in a pristine location overlooking the water.
Final Thoughts
From mountain resorts and hiking trails to the wineries, microbreweries, and innovative menus on the local food scene and the artwork and sculptures at local galleries to festivals and performances celebrating the spirit of Québecois communities, it is time to pack your bags and head out to the villages of La Belle Province.
Whether it is winter's majestic snow-covered peaks, autumn's brilliant colors, summer's endless trails and activities, or spring's cozy sugar shacks, a weekend in any of these 11 best Québec towns offers a magical experience.
