7 Most Welcoming Towns in Quebec
Canada’s French-speaking (or “Francophone”) province of Quebec is a wonderful travel destination for Americans. While its largest cities, Montreal and Quebec City, are an easy and scenic drive across the US-Canada border from places like New York City and Boston, you only have to travel a little beyond these metropolises to find yourself immersed in a variety of authentic French-Canadian experiences.
Whether they’re travelling to the US themselves (countless thousands of Quebecers flock to Florida every winter) or are hosting American travellers in their hometowns, the Quebecois are always friendly and hospitable. Find out more with our list of the most welcoming towns in Quebec, Canada.
Stanstead
Stanstead is a charming town located on the Quebec-Vermont border in the Eastern Townships and is steeped in history and cultural heritage. Founded by pioneers from New England in the 1790s, Stanstead displays a unique blend of American and Canadian influences that’s reflected in its architecture and its community spirit. The best examples of this architecture, most of it dating back to the 19th century, can be seen along Dufferin Street. Considered an “open-air museum” due to its abundance of churches and attractive buildings, here you’ll see many fine examples including Stanstead College, Collège des Ursulines, and the former post office.
Stanstead's proximity to the United States also adds to its uniqueness. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, straddling the border between Canada and the United States, is a particularly fascinating site as the border runs right through its interior, symbolizing the close and welcoming ties between the two nations.
Mont-Tremblant
Located in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, an area famous as the hometown of the Mont-Tremblant Resort ski destination, Mont-Tremblant boasts a vibrant downtown area that’s fun to explore. An amalgamation of three smaller villages located just outside the resort area, including the former municipality of St Jovite, this “new” town is anything but, and boasts a rich history that dates back 100 years.
Now officially known as Downtown Mont Tremblant, this attractive business district is also referred to as Mont-Tremblant Centre-Ville and makes for a fun diversion from the nearby ski slopes. Wander down Rue de Saint-Jovite, the town’s tree-lined main street, and you’ll encounter charming old homes and boutique stores and restaurants to enjoy. Be sure to also cross the town’s lengthy footbridge across Creek Clair, a picture-perfect spot, and spend time exploring nearby Mont-Tremblant National Park.
Métis-sur-Mer
Its location at the gateway of the Gaspé Peninsula makes Métis-sur-Mer a wonderful Quebec destination with a history that’s deeply intertwined with its Scottish heritage. Established by Scottish settlers in 1850, you’ll see these influences in the town's architecture and cultural heritage, especially in the grand Victorian summer homes built here that wouldn’t look out of place in the UK.
Métis-sur-Mer is also known for its stunning gardens, including the renowned Reford Gardens (Jardins de Métis). These beautiful gardens boast over 3,000 species of plants and flowers, along with art installations and sculptures, and are a must-visit for anyone interested in horticulture and landscape design. The La Maison du Gardien lighthouse is another popular spot to photograph, with views enhanced by the presence of the St. Lawrence River as it widens as it approaches the Atlantic Ocean.
Notre-Dame-du-Portage
As a member of the Quebec Association of the Most Beautiful Villages, you know you’ll get a warm welcome from the inhabitants of Notre-Dame-du-Portage. Situated in the picturesque Bas-Saint-Laurent region on the southern shores of the St. Lawrence River, this village can trace its roots as far back as 1672 when Jesuit priests settled here and to this day epitomizes the uniqueness of rural Quebec.
In addition to enjoying riverside walks, you’ll want to check out the well-preserved old architecture of Notre-Dame-du-Portage, some of it dating back to the 19th century. One of the best examples, the Roman Catholic Notre-Dame-du-Portage Church, was built in 1859.
Percé
The village of Percé is located in the beautiful Gaspésie region of Quebec and is considered one of the most picturesque spots in Eastern Canada. It’s especially well-known known for its stunning coastline, including the Percé Rock, a massive limestone formation that rises majestically from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Part of the le-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park, it’s worth noting that this picture-worthy rock formation is accessible by foot only at low tide, so plan accordingly if you’re wanting to get up close to it.
The town also boasts beautiful beaches, historic fishing buildings, ancestral homes, and state-of-the-art museums including the must-visit Geopark - Pavilion Tektonik with its displays relating to the region’s geography. Check out the old Magasin Général Historique Authentique 1928 for its unique shopping. Hiking, bird watching, and whale-watching boat tours are also fun things to do in Percé.
Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse
Saint-Michel-de-Bellechasse was first settled by Europeans in 1672 and is located about 20 miles from Quebec City along the banks of the St. Lawrence River and is great for American visitors looking for a unique and welcoming Quebec getaway. In addition to the lovely views of the St. Lawrence River's estuary and channels, a scene made even better with its backdrop of the Laurentian Mountains, you’ll want to explore the old town center.
As well as quaint white wooden houses influenced by the Neoclassical style of the 19th century, you’ll find attractions such as Theatre Beaumont St-Michel, a staple in the cultural scene here since the 1980s, and Mauvide-Genest Manor, an attractive 18th-century manor home that can be visited. If you’re up for a stroll, the town’s heritage walk includes visits to artist's studios.
Havre-Aubert
Havre-Aubert, part of Quebec’s stunning Îles-de-la-Madeleine island archipelago, is an enchanting travel destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and artistic flair. It’s especially well-known for its picturesque dunes, including Dune Sandy Hook, which stretch nearly 60 miles and contrasts sharply with the red rock of the cliffs and the sea below.
Havre-Aubert is also home to important indigenous archaeological sites, as well as La Grave, a historic quarter featuring old fishing buildings, an aquarium, and Musée de la Mer which details the region’s maritime history.
The Final Word
A province rich in culture and natural beauty, Quebec is home to numerous small towns that are as welcoming as they are picturesque. These towns, each with their unique charm and character, offer curious visitors a glimpse into the heart and soul of Quebec's unique heritage and lifestyle. For ideas and inspiration, read through our list of the seven most welcoming towns in Quebec.
