7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Quebec
Between artistic wonders, captivating French-Canadian culture, and fascinating architectural marvels dating centuries back in time, combined with modern-day innovations, "La Belle Province" boasts incredible cities rich in history and culture. Plus, with their proximity to nature, you can find the perfect mix of manmade and natural attractions in the heart of these cities. From Mont Tremblant to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, these are the seven prettiest downtown strips in Quebec you need to add to your bucket list today.
Rue de Saint-Jovite, Mont Tremblant
Recognized for its incredible ski and snowboard opportunities, you might know this picturesque village for the iconic Mont Tremblant Resort. But besides powdery white slopes, Mont Tremblant also offers a magical downtown area. Rue de Saint-Jovite, the main central strip, is lined with quaint shops, historic buildings, and lovely restaurants and cafes that invite you in with their charm. Enjoy some delicious Italian food in Restaurant Antipasto, where mouthwatering scallop dishes and wood-fired pizzas are served in a unique eatery set in a renovated historic train station. Stop by Le St-Amour Épicerie Urbaine to see what savory foods, various cheeses, and sweet treats you can find, and treat yourself to a wardrobe upgrade at Mata Hari Boutique.
Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Baie-Saint-Paul
Known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant arts scene, Baie-Saint-Paul boasts one of the prettiest downtown strips in Quebec. This extraordinary city is set on the shores of the St. Lawrence River; soak in the beautiful scenery from Boisé du Quai Park. Fun fact: Baie-Saint-Paul is also where the first Cirque du Soleil occurred in the early eighties. Venture down Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, stopping by Hydromel Charlevoix to taste quality honey wines and spirits and see significant movements in contemporary Canadian art across sculptures, paintings, and jewelry in the Iris Art Gallery. See what quaint souvenirs and charming gifts you can find in Chez Urbain Magasin General, and discover more incredible paintings and sculptures, from figurative to abstract, created by Canadian artists in Galerie L'Harmattan.
Rue Lafontaine, Rivière-du-Loup
Find the perfect mix of stunning scenery and vibrant cultures in Rivière-du-Loup, where mesmerizing views of the St. Lawrence River come together with historic landmarks. One example is the 19th-century Brandy Pot Island Lighthouse, a classified federal heritage building that has been restored into a cozy inn for a lovely overnight stay. Stop by Aux Fous Brassant - Microbrasserie to enjoy a refreshing brew crafted with high-quality materials made in Quebec, and watch a captivating movie in the town's Cinéma Princesse. While you are in town, capture striking photos of Église Saint-Patrice, a picturesque stone building of Neo-Gothic inspiration constructed in 1855.
Rue de la Reine, Gaspé
Welcome to Gaspé, where breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife are bound to captivate the hearts of travelers. Besides teeming with nature, this mesmerizing city is also home to Rue de la Reine, one of the prettiest downtown strips in Quebec. Shop for all kinds of creative items to take home, crafted by Quebec artisans in Les Créations Marie Gaudet, before you stop by Café des Artistes to taste delicious French cuisine created with Mexican inspiration. The Promenade Jacques-Cartier is a gorgeous green area with lovely views of Bassin du Sud-Ouest.
Rue du Bord-de-l'Eau, Tadoussac
A quaint village in the North Shore region, Tadoussac is a famous whale-watching area recognized for its incredible spotting opportunities in Quebec, which you can learn more about through the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre. History buffs must visit La Petite Chapelle, the oldest wooden church in North America. This picturesque National Historic Site was constructed in 1747, and its first mass was celebrated in 1750. From there, make your way over to Microbrasserie Tadoussac to taste original quality craft beers. You will also find varieties made with local herbs, such as spruce, haskap berry, sea buckthorn, sarsaparilla, and seaweed.
Rue Principale, Saint-Sauveur
Head into the Laurentians to explore Saint-Sauveur's Rue Principale. Capture striking photos of Saint-Sauveur Church, an exquisite parish serving the people since 1854. From there, head to Au Petit Café Chez Denise, where all kinds of breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes are served with fresh flavors in a cozy setting. Parc John-H.-Molson is nearby. You can go ice skating in the winter or venture through the trails and enjoy sports in the summer. Besides, Saint-Sauveur is renowned for its outdoor adventure activities; the Sommet Saint-Sauveur resort is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with the whole family.
Rue Victoria, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
Dubbed the “Venice of Quebec” with its scenic waterfront location, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is the perfect destination for outdoor activities and adventures. Bask in the beauty of Lac Saint-François, a true paradise for wildlife lovers and nature photographers. Wander down Rue Victoria, exploring the beautiful Parc Delpha-Sauvé, and capture striking photos of the Société du Vieux Canal de Beauharnois. Visit the magnificent Marina de Valleyfield before taking the kids to splash around and play in the Delpha-Sauvé Park Aquatic Centre, featuring a heated pool, lazy river, spiral water slide, wading pool, and water games.
Canada's La Belle Province offers it all if you want to see a fascinating mix of architectural styles blending old and new-world charm, stunning natural scenery, quaint shops, and spectacular restaurants. Between the picturesque European-style village of Mont Tremblant, the one-of-a-kind restaurants of Gaspé, and the exciting water activities of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, it is time to make unforgettable new memories as you explore these downtown strips.
