7 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Quebec

With its enchanting seaside villages and wooden hand-carved sculptures, the largest province in Canada makes the perfect setting for a fairy tale. Founded in 1608, this city is one of the oldest in North America. Quebec is a French Canadian province that thrives on flowing rivers and rolling hills so beautiful, they can only be compared to the gorgeous art that hangs in galleries and museums, crafted by the hands of local artists. Keep reading this article to voyage through some of North America’s most fairy-tale small towns.

Tadoussac

Within this small town is a portal to an aquatic world. The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre is full of dreamy installations that share scientific research on whales. This small but mighty museum is the North Shore’s most popular, drawing in a large crowd of about 35,000 visitors each summer. Switch from science to history at the Chauvin Trading Post. This 1600 replica of the first Canadian fur trading post explores the deep roots of European trade in local history.

This post holds more than history; it also features gorgeous and rustic craftsmanship that has been lost to time. See more gorgeous architecture at La Petite Chapelle, a waterfront chapel that was built in 1747. This church is widely considered to be the oldest wooden church in North America and holds the stories and hopes of many generations. Group tours of “The Tiny Church” are available in French and in English.

Montebello

There is no setting more appropriate for a fairy tale than the world’s largest log cabin. For 95 years, the log cabin Fairmont Le Château Montebello has brought warmth to the chilly Canadian countryside with its large hearth and mixture of luxury and charm. Head to the heart of the village for the perfect snack stop. Fromagerie Montebello is a family-owned shop that sells cheese made on-site using traditional methods.

From Adoray to Manchebello and Papineau Head, the Fromagerie will please the most diverse palettes. Pair the cheese with chocolate from the nearby shop, Chocomotive. These artisanal treats can be found within a repurposed train station, which gave the chocolatier its fun name. The chocolates are not only lovely to behold but are made organically using indigenous ingredients.

Kamouraska

When the sun sets on Kamouraska, travelers will want to see it from Quais de Kamouraska, a small beach with simple comforts but stunning views. Atop the waves and shore, a boardwalk and a bright yellow bench await anyone who wants to sit and behold the serenity of the sparkling water and the surrounding village. The beauty seen here is reflected on the canvas and other art pieces at Centre d’art de Kamouraska, the local art museum.

The art is inspired by the unique landscapes of Kamouraska, shown in the form of multi-sensory experiences. The town has preserved its prominent past at Musée régional de Kamouraska. From the affluent furniture of the elite to treasures from historic sports and businesses, the exhibits showcase the history of this seaside village. The museum was once a convent, adding to the interesting lore of the location.

North Hatley

North Hatley comes alive around Lake Massawippi, which is framed by alluring hills and sprinkled with sailboats. Fishing tournaments are held here throughout the year, as this lake drops to 76 meters, making it one of the deepest in the region. Between this vast lake and the nearby forest is Manoir Hovey, a hotel that offers a full spa experience. The spa feels like a sanctuary for rest and revitalization where guests can be treated to therapeutic massage, relaxing pedicures, and more.

Nearby, Solstice Sauna mixes the wellness focus of a spa and the majesty of the lake. Here, visitors can plunge into the cold waters, then dry off in the warmth of the sauna. This space makes self-care social, following Ancient Scandinavian traditions.

Saint-Jean-Port-Joli

Within Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a dreamscape carved from wood. Walk through this dreamscape at Parc des Trois-Bérets, where a trail of hand-carved sculptures leads visitors through a trail along the river. More intrigue resides within Musée de la mémoire vivante, a museum focused on remembering the past while discovering the future. The exhibitions mix heritage and modernity, ranging from sociocultural change through music to the origin of wood carving (a prominent art form in the area). Finally, browse through the work of some of Quebec’s finest artists and craftsmen at Le Vivoir. With colorful pallets on the walls and stalls that hold locally crafted jewelry, art supplies, and more, walking through this gallery feels like walking through the collective mind of its 70+ artists.

Percé

Percé is a small seaside community that has storybook-style valleys that roll into rocky cliffs. Travelers can start their exploration on l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé Park's four trails that wind through forests and meadows, never venturing far from the sea. Those who prefer to stay on the shore can explore the Promenade de Percé, which features a boardwalk, swings, an observation tower, and more.

The heart of this town is at sea: Bonaventure Island. The world’s largest accessible Gannet colony lives on the island, making it a UNESCO-listed territory. These 121,000 or so gannets (a yellow and white bird that looks more like a creature from a fantasy novel) are surrounded by ancient rocks and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, making the island a great place to wander around for humans and birds alike.

Baie-Saint-Paul

Nestled within Baie-Saint-Paul is a fantastical journey through color and form created by over 300 local and international artists at Galerie d'art Beauchamp. The gallery is family-owned and has been passed down through three generations. Beyond the gallery walls, there is even more beauty with just as much vibrancy. The colors of Belvédère de Baie-Saint-Paul lie not in brush strokes, but in lush trees where the Gouffre River rests against rolling hills. Explore these rolling hills and lush greenery in the most fairy-tale way possible by visiting The Mountaineers of Charlevoix. This equestrian center guides tours both on horseback and via sleigh, so guests can ride into the wild either way they choose.

While being dreamy, traveling through the places on this list feels more like waking up than sleeping. These places hold discoveries of the present and past within museums dedicated to teaching visitors about the humans, animals, and geography that have made Quebec the magical place it is. Whether you want to eat artisan cheese and chocolate, walk through pathways surrounded by wooden sculptures, or just sit on a boardwalk by the river, these small towns will welcome you with whimsy and warmth.