8 Offbeat Quebec Towns To Visit In 2025
If you would like to experience the fascinating mix of French Canadian culture, "La Belle Province" is the destination to be. Between one-of-a-kind artistic splendors, mesmerizing European-style architecture, and natural beauty combining riverside wonders with magnificent mountainous landscapes, prepare to unravel the magic of Quebec. From Baie-Saint-Paul to Havre-Aubert, go beyond the well-beaten path to discover unique wonders in these eight offbeat Quebec towns to visit in 2025.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Welcome to Baie-Saint-Paul, a captivating city situated on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Get inspired by its creativity; this is where the first Cirque du Soleil took place, with colorful characters performing all kinds of tricks on the streets in the early eighties. See extraordinary displays at the Baie-Saint-Paul Museum of Contemporary Art, where the Dreamweavers ‒ Cirque du Soleil Costumes exhibit is featured. Capture the city's striking landmarks, from the historic Church of Baie-Saint-Paul with its bell towers dating back to 1859, to the incredibly scenic Boisé du Quai Park. In the summer, the Le Festif de Baie-Saint-Paul is held. Dive into Quebec's music and circus scene, with concerts, shows, demonstrations, and kids' entertainment events downtown.
Magog
Head into the foothills of the ancient Appalachians to see if the spooky legends are true as you explore Magog. Between hilly backdrops framing the magnificent Lake Memphremagog, and exciting activities ranging from outdoor adventures to gastronomy, shopping, and wine-tasting, this is one of the top offbeat Quebec towns to visit in 2025. Venture through the vibrant lavender fields of Bleu Lavande and discover the amphibian, avian, reptilian, insect, and mammal residents in the Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises biodiversity sanctuary. Make sure you see extraordinary pieces of national and international native art at Musee International D'Art Naif.
Tadoussac
Uncover the perfect combination of history and natural beauty in Tadoussac; the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in Canada, visited in 1535 by Cartier. Admire the historic buildings as you meander through the charming streets. The Chapelle de Tadoussac, constructed in 1747, is a must-see. Tadoussac is also located at the meeting point of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers, offering breathtaking landscape views for those who love spending time outdoors. Bask in the beauty of Tadoussac Bay from the marina, set in the center of the village. Head on a fascinating whale-watching tour from here; these expansive sea creatures can be seen from May to October. Quebec is also home to 13 species of whales, which makes this an ideal place to spot them.
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli
Dubbed the “Cultural Capital of Canada” by Canadian Heritage in 2005, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a wonderful destination to learn about Quebec’s maritime culture. Observe shoreline flora, birdlife, and tidal phenomena in Musée de la mémoire vivante, located on the Southern St. Lawrence Estuary Blue Route. Ponder the creative works of over 50 regional artists and artisans in LE VIVOIR, a boutique gallery where hospitality, collaboration, and authenticity are valued. Treat your tastebuds to sweet maple syrup in Erablière du Bois-Joli, a quaint sugar shack in one of the most offbeat Quebec towns to visit in 2025. Shop for lovely local products in Le Moule à Sucre, from crafts to confectionaries, garden art, and herbalism.
Saint-Sauveur
Situated in the Laurentians, Saint-Sauveur is a dreamy destination for mountain lovers. In the winter, this stunning village transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland. Sommet Saint Sauveur attracts skiers and snowboarders with its scenic slopes and remarkable valley views. Year-round, you can stop by the charming shops with Chocolats Favoris being a favorite. Try tasty delicacies, including their mouthwatering ice cream and irresistible treats created with premium chocolate. Another family-friendly attraction is the Parc aquatique Sommet Saint-Sauveur. This incredible water park offers 19 exhilarating water slides in a gorgeous mountain setting. Take the kids here for an adventure they will never forget; make sure you check out the amusement park and uncover the seven available restaurants.
Knowlton
Wander through the lovely streets of Knowlton, named one of the prettiest towns in Quebec by L'Actualité Magazine. See the well-preserved Victorian architecture as you explore this historic destination, originally settled in 1802. You can even Adopt an Artifact in the Lac-Brome Museum, where an impressive collection of over 18,000 artifacts and 6,500 historical books is held. St. Paul’s Anglican Church is another intriguing site; this Gothic-style church was constructed in 1941 after a fire had mysteriously destroyed its prior structure. For a unique wildlife encounter, meet and greet alpacas as you learn about their physiology in the nearby Domaine des Nobles Alpagas breeding farm.
New Carlisle
Make your way to the Gaspé Peninsula to discover New Carlisle, one of the most offbeat Quebec towns to visit in 2025. See the colorful fire hydrants vibrantly painted after people and characters across the village, adding to the quirkiness of New Carlisle. This historic town is also where René Lévesque, the former President of Quebec and founder of the political party Parti Québécois, grew up. Spot the bronze statue in Espace René-Lévesque, a serene garden museum blending history with beauty. If you are here in the summer, spend some time soaking up the sun on the beautiful Plage du Green beach.
Havre-Aubert
Bask in the beauty of Havre-Aubert in the Magdalen Islands archipelago, one of the most exquisite offbeat Quebec towns to visit in 2025. Admire the picturesque coastline and lovely views of Entry Island as you walk along the gorgeous golden sands of Du Havre Beach. This is where the annual Sand Castle Contest takes place. Take a piece of this incredible island home with you, finding the perfect gift or souvenir at the Low Tide studio. Nicole Gravel displays her wonderful artwork, depicting the abstract influence of island life. Make sure you visit the spectacular sand dunes nearby; Plage de la Dune du Sud.
Takeaways
Whether you prefer to see breathtaking landscapes that paint picture-perfect scenery by the river, meet captivating creatures in their natural habitats, or stop by charming shops and galleries filled with local products and crafts, Quebec is a wonderful province to explore. From the creative wonders of Baie-Saint-Paul, to the magnificent wildlife-watching tours of Tadoussac, and the incredible sand castle contests of Havre-Aubert, these are the top 8 offbeat Quebec towns to visit in 2025.
