12 Quebec Small Towns With Unmatched Friendliness
With unmatched natural Canadian beauty and culture-rich communities, a trip to Quebec is a must for any avid traveler. The local population has a reputation for fostering welcoming, friendly communities. Travelers who speak French will have a particularly good time, though English-speaking travelers will also enjoy themselves in Quebec's small towns. No matter what time of year it is, Quebec boasts four seasons of fun. From winter skiing in Sutton to exploring the trails of beautiful Gatineau Park in the fall and rushing through the sky on various zip lines, travelers will find it all in Quebec’s friendly small towns.
Tadoussac
Animal lovers looking for a family-friendly destination should plan to visit Tadoussac, Quebec. The town has a strong reputation as a whale watching destination, but there are plenty of other fun things to see and do as well. Tadoussac’s population hovers around 800 people, and the tight-knit community is known to welcome whale-loving visitors with open arms and smiling faces. During a visit to the small town, travelers can book a whale watching cruise with companies like Croisières AML and Tadoussac Autrement.
Alternatively, head to the local wharf where hiking enthusiasts will find the De la Pointe-de-l'Islet Trail. The 1.3 km loop is surrounded by beauty and provides views of both the Saguenay River and the St. Lawrence River. For even more outdoor enjoyment, spend a few hours at the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. A great whale watching destination, the park features a lighthouse, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails. Those who want to engage with the locals can attend the annual Tadoussac Song Festival to enjoy the local music scene and dance among happy, singing residents.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Baie-Saint-Paul is a gorgeous mountain town known for being the birthplace of Cirque du Soleil. The town boasts a booming arts scene, and on holidays, residents come together on the pedestrian-only streets to celebrate with live music, art, and various street performers. Travelers looking to get a taste of the town’s friendly nature do not need to plan their trip around a holiday, as these welcoming vibes are ever present in the town’s local shops and bars.
The Azulée Lavender Farm is another great outdoor activity for those who enjoy spending time in nature. For something a bit more adventurous, hop on the Charlevoix Train. The scenic ride takes passengers from Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie, passing stunning mountains and rivers along the way. One of the liveliest and friendliest times to visit this town is in the summer during Le Festif. This magical music fest brings the entire community together and keeps everyone in good spirits.
Saint-Sauveur
Travelers will find Saint-Sauveur nestled amidst the Laurentian Mountains, not too far from the bustling city of Montreal. As one of the province's top ski destinations, it’s best to visit in the winter months. That said, happy residents and fun activities can be found here year-round. For ski fans, a visit to Sommet Saint Sauveur or Ski Mont Habitant is a must. Even in the off-season, these ski resorts are booming with beaches, tennis courts, aerial courses, rides, and water park attractions, making them an enjoyable family outing at any time of year.
After all that outdoor recreation, travelers can relax and rejuvenate at one of the town's spas. Manoir St-Sauveur is an excellent choice and offers a wide range of treatments. Like many small Quebec towns, the arts are appreciated here. Travelers looking to jump into the local scene should plan to attend Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur. The annual event features incredible dance and music performances that will leave everyone in a jolly mood.
Magog
Situated at the tip of the beautiful Lake Memphremagog, Magog is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys scenic views and outdoor activities. When the weather is nice, travelers can relax at Magog Bay Park. Here, beach swimming, cycling paths, volleyball courts, and an observation tower are all available. For those who prefer hiking to beach days, head to Cherry River Marsh, where outdoor lovers can enjoy boardwalk marsh trails, water hikes via kayak, and a wide range of mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
Those hoping to fully immerse themselves among the friendly town residents will want to plan their visit around the Caribbean Arts Festival. This annual event takes place in August and features Caribbean art, music, food, and plenty of vibrant colors. The Harvest Festival is another great reason to visit Magog, especially for anyone who enjoys a good wine.
Percé
Boasted as the place “where great vacations happen,” Percé is a family-friendly travel destination with plenty to see and do, especially for nature and animal lovers. In addition to having warm, welcoming residents, Percé is also known for its incredible ocean views, delectable seafood, and memorable natural landmarks. From Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the iconic Percé Rock—a giant, sheer rock formation that loosely resembles a ship sailing on the water. While in the park, travelers can enjoy four different hiking trails, ancestral homes, and the biggest attraction, a colony of Northern Gannets.
Those traveling with kids will want to check out the Percé Geopark during their visit as well. Here, the whole family can enjoy a range of amenities and activities, including a suspended glass platform, a games room, guided hikes, and a TEKTONIK multimedia room. Before leaving town, trying the local fare is a must. For seafood lovers, La Maison du Pêcheur and Restaurant La Maison Mathilde are great options.
Kamouraska
Like most small towns with thriving arts scenes, Kamouraska is filled with friendly faces that are ready to welcome visitors and fellow artists with open arms. Travelers looking to get the most out of Kamouraska will want to plan their trip around the Festival Archipel —a three-day event focusing on heritage and artistic performances. Those who can’t make it for this particular event, don’t worry, there’s always plenty to see and do in town. Festival des Générations, for example, offers a range of activities for kids and adults alike.
Expect everything from softball tournaments and live music to face painting and laser tag. Outside of the festivals, history buffs will enjoy strolling through the Kamouraska Regional Museum where costumed guides help visitors explore three floors worth of local history. Another local museum worth visiting is the Centre d'art de Kamouraska where travelers can enjoy various exhibits, a book store, educational programs, and various one-off events.
Montebello
In Montebello, Quebec, even the animals are friendly and welcoming, especially at Omega Park, where the deer eat straight from visitors' hands as they drive along the 12 km car route. The popular park also features 800 wild animals, 2,200 acres of gorgeous nature, several accommodation options, and a Wolf Observatory, among other rotating attractions and events. While Omega Park is considered a must-see attraction, there’s plenty more going on in this lively little town.
History buffs can explore the home of an old prominent Canadian political figure at Manoir-Papineau National Historic Site. Meanwhile, travelers with a sweet tooth will enjoy a visit to the award-winning artisanal chocolate shop, ChocoMotive. Montebello is also known as a premier destination for mountain biking and fatbiking. Visitors who are interested in these activities can try to plan their trip around the annual Montebello Mountain Bike Festival, which takes place in September.
Sutton
Sutton is a charming mountain town that truly comes alive in the winter when the town's popular ski resort, Mont Sutton, is open for business. Even in the off season, the resort offers travelers a wide range of activities that allow them to enjoy the area's natural beauty in all of its glory. Things like camping, ziplining, mountain biking, chair lift rides, disc golf, and hiking are all on offer at Mont Sutton. For even more outdoor excitement, travelers can check out the Sutton Natural Environment Park, where the various hiking trails are accompanied by stunning views.
Much like any good, friendly town, Sutton hosts various annual events that help bring visitors and community members together for a few hours of fun. In the fall, the Mont Sutton Fall Festival boasts all the regular Mont Sutton activities plus live music, wine tastings, sales, and workshops. In the summer, the Tour des Arts is an excellent way for visitors to engage with the local arts scene. Finally, Sutton hosts multiple Sutton Jazz Festivals throughout the year, a perfect outing for music lovers.
Rouyn-Noranda
The town may be well known for its copper mines, but Rouyn-Noranda has far more to offer than just precious metal deposits. For nature enthusiasts, a stroll through Aiguebelle National Park is a must. Here, travelers will find various hiking trails and a jaw-dropping 22-meter-high footbridge. A wide range of wildlife roam throughout the park, including moose, beaver, mink, heron, osprey, and several others. Activities here range from camping and ice climbing to fatbiking and boating, just to name a few.
After a few hours in the park, avid plant lovers will also want to visit Fleur D'eau Botanical Park, where they will discover over 25,000 plants and trees. For a break from the town’s natural beauty, head to Aréna Iamgold for a Huskies game and witness some of the best that junior hockey has to offer. Music and art are often celebrated by the friendly residents of Rouyn-Noranda. A great example of this is the town’s annual World Guitar Festival—Festival des Guitares du Monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Chelsea
Chelsea is a popular town best known as the Gateway to Gatineau Park. The town proudly boasts a welcoming culture and picturesque settings, perfect for locals and travelers alike. While visiting the area, a trip to Gatineau Park is an absolute must. The conservation park is home to winding hiking trails and several scenic lakes, including Meech Lake, Philippe Lake, La Pêche Lake, and Pink Lake. Other park activities include birdwatching, rock climbing, swimming, and kayaking.
Those who enjoy a thrill can explore The Great Canadian Bungee Corporation, where they can bungee jump from a 200-foot drop or ride a 1,050-foot zipline through the sky. After such an exhilarating experience, why not relax and unwind at Nordik Spa, which provides saunas, baths, massages, great food, and various other spa treatments. Then, finish your exploring off with a visit to the historic landmark — Carbide Willson Ruins. The picturesque ruins are the remains of an old fertilizer plant.
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
Perhaps it's the fresh air and natural attractions or the delicious restaurants and friendly service, but there is something undeniably cozy about Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the town's outdoor beauty at places like Tyroparc, where activities including hiking, ziplining, aerial courses, and rafting are all available. Major Beach, located on Lac des Sables, is another, far less adrenaline-inducing, way to enjoy the town’s landscapes.
Those hungry for a taste of the local fare should pay a visit to Brasserie les 2 Richard. The sports-based tavern has been in business since 1975 and is well reviewed by the locals. Each summer, Sainte‑Agathe‑des‑Monts comes alive with the Festival des chansonniers, held from August 1-3, 2025. This beloved event showcases more than a dozen local singer-songwriters performing on multiple outdoor stages throughout the town.
Gaspé
Known as the “birthplace of Canada,” Gaspé is filled with historic landmarks, fun things to do, and jaw-dropping views. During a visit, head to Pointe-à-la-Renommée Lighthouse, where travelers can soak in the beauty of the old lighthouse, learn about the first maritime radio station in North America, and hike the surrounding trails. Those looking to learn more about the Gaspé Peninsula will enjoy spending a few hours at Gaspésie Museum. Here, visitors will find all kinds of informative exhibits and fun events. After all that exploring, it’s time to fuel up with some local fare. Seafood lovers will find all the mouthwatering fresh dishes they can handle at Brise Bise. For the outdoor enthusiasts, a stroll through Forillon National Park is a must. The popular park has a bit of everything — cliffs, forest, and sparkling views of the sea. Before departing, take a moment to admire the Birthplace of Canada historical site.
Finishing Thoughts
From friendly faces at local pubs to lively music festivals, unmatched skiing opportunities, and landscapes that are postcard-perfect, there are so many reasons to visit these 12 small towns in Quebec. The towns, in addition to being warm and welcoming, each have their own unique flavor of fun. So whether you’re looking for thrill-seeking adventures, laid-back spa retreats, or want to taste all of the best local foods, these towns will not disappoint.
