7 Cutest Small Towns In Quebec For 2025
Quebec is a province with a personality. Simply put, it is where French-Canadian charm and breathtaking landscape meet. People go there for Montreal or Quebec City, but the province's heart and soul lie in its small towns. In villages such as Baie-Saint-Paul, Percé, Knowlton, and Hudson, life goes a bit slower, and the world tastes just a bit sweeter. Whether you are an art, nature, history, or food buff, these villages provide just the right combination of all four.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Baie-Saint-Paul is the type of village that will make you want to leave your job and become an artist. It is located in the Charlevoix region and is renowned for its artistic village, which is perfect for the artistic vacationer who is looking for the quintessential getaway. The town is sprinkled with galleries such as Galerie d'art Iris and Galerie Beauchamp. Here, you have the opportunity to observe artists actually working at the two galleries as well as in the shop. It is also where the Cirque du Soleil company originated, so there is already a palpable creative buzz. To refuel when the time is right, Ah La Vache! serves superior cheese fondue in a cozy, chalet-situated ambiance. Should you desire something more energetic, the adjacent Parc National de Grands-Jardins has simple drives to scenic hikes with breathtaking views, especially from the Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes trail.
Percé
If you've ever seen a photo of a giant rock arch jutting out of the sea, chances are it was Percé Rock. This small town on the Gaspé Peninsula is essentially built around one of Canada's most fabled natural attractions. You can hop a boat out to see it up close or simply view it from the seafront promenade. Then ride the ferry to Bonaventure Island, where over 100,000 gannets roost and will leave you agog, forming a compelling spectacle. Another must-see is the UNESCO Global Geopark, where you can stand on a glass floor above the cliffs. If you have an appetite, go for La Maison du Pêcheur for some fresh-off-the-boat seafood—it's been welcoming visitors since the '60s.
Knowlton
Tucked away in the Eastern Townships, Knowlton is a picture-perfect little village out of a fairy tale. It's especially loved by readers of Louise Penny's "Inspector Gamache" series, which is inspired by the area. Even if you're not a reader, however, you'll love the town's antique shops, charming boutiques, and cafes, including the Café Caron & frères Knowlton. It's a cozy locals' café with great coffee and sandwiches. History buffs will enjoy the Lac-Brome Museum, featuring one of only a few remaining World War I Fokker airplanes in existence. Paddleboard or simply swim leisurely in Lac Brome in the summer. It's not busy or glitzy—just serene, quaint, and full of inviting small-town charm that will have you staying longer than you want.
Hudson
Hudson is the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon sipping coffee, browsing art, and feeling as if you've strolled into a tiny European village—except it's just an hour outside Montreal. The core strip has some terrific independent shops, and the Ottawa River vistas are unmatched. Visit Mikko Espresso for an absolutely excellent flat white, then stroll on over to the Greenwood Centre for Living History, a beautifully preserved 18th-century home that lets you experience what living in historic Quebec was like. If you're there during summer, try to catch a performance by the Hudson Village Theatre if you can—it's small but puts on high-quality shows. Add the annual Hudson Music Festival, and you have a town punching well above its cultural weight.
Saint-Sauveur
Popular for its ski hills and après-ski, Saint-Sauveur is more than a ski town. Of course, Sommet Saint-Sauveur attracts the crowds in winter, but even during summer and fall, the town is charming and lively. For food, stop by the Pizzeria La Grande Fourchette for delicious pizza and fries or Restaurant La Bohème for French dishes. Sweet-tooth enthusiasts will love Cotard Chocolatier as a destination for hand-made chocolate. Nature lovers can hike trails close by or peer over panoramic scenery at the Laurentian mountain lookouts. Whether you're visiting for the sun or the snow, this place has something for everyone all year round.
Tadoussac
Tadoussac is the town where those who've never done whale watching will want to give it a shot. The little town is one of the best places in North America to see belugas and blue whales. But even if whales aren't your cup of tea, don't fret because there's so much more to love here. The Hôtel Tadoussac is a red-roofed building with breathtaking views. Hard on its heels is the Chauvin Trading Post—a reconstruction of one of North America's oldest trading posts. If you're looking for something more laid-back, wander over to the Islet Point trail, a brief loop with good views over the water. Tadoussac itself is small, but the scenery is on a whole different scale.
Kamouraska
Kamouraska is the sort of town where the sunsets will take your breath away. It's located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, and it has a peaceful, dreamy quality to it. The name means "where rushes grow at the edge of the water," and yes, it's as lovely as you'd imagine. Take a walk over to Kamouraska Quai Miller for some of the most idyllic river views you'll ever see. Then stop by the Chocolaterie la Fée Gourmande, a resident chocolatier whose caramels people road-trip for. And if you like history, the Musée Régional de Kamouraska is worth seeing, with exhibitions on boat-making and how it used to be around there during the 19th century. It's not a town trying to boast—it just exists peacefully, on its own terms.
Wherever your passions are—food, history, art, nature—Quebec's towns offer all that and more, with a healthy dose of charm. From Percé's cliffside scenery to Kamouraska's peaceful streets, these towns are not only beautiful—they're full of character and experiences you just won't find in the cities. 2025 is the ideal year to do nothing, get in the car, and discover the hidden treasures that make Quebec so charming. You'll be wishing you'd made a longer reservation than you did, trust us.
