9 Most Underrated Towns in Quebec

Quebec, stands out for its distinct culture, vibrant history, and breathtaking natural beauty. However, its characteristic small towns, filled with long-standing histories and remarkable outdoor activities, are often overlooked by the mainstream. Whether it's seeking historical insights at the storied waterfalls of Rivière-du-Loup or marveling at the dramatic rocky cliffs that define the impressive Forillon National Park in Gaspé, these nine underrated small towns in Quebec are sure to exceed the expectations of any traveler.

Magog

Magog is a charming small town on Lake Memphremagog, famous for its inviting atmosphere and nearby natural wonders. Downtown's picturesque bay provides excellent options for family-friendly outdoor activities, including Magog Bay Park gardens, Magog Beach, and the popular Pointe-Merry Park, which features lakeside walking trails. Adventure lovers can enjoy the flat, boardwalk trails of Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises or go hiking and skiing at Mont-Orford National Park, either within the park itself or around Lake Fraser. A highlight is the Blue Lavender Farm, where visitors can enjoy interactive displays and outdoor lavender picking.

Baie-Saint-Paul

Baie-Saint-Paul is a captivating refuge along the St. Lawrence River, tucked behind Isle-aux-Coudres. The approach to the town, following the Gouffre River, is marked by stunning natural scenery and is accessible from Boisé du Quai Park. Highlights include the tranquil waters and natural sands of Baie-Saint-Paul Beach, as well as the scenic viewpoint of Belvédère Baie St. Paul, reachable by car on Route 362. The town's most celebrated attraction is the Baie-Saint-Paul Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in a beautifully restored former cinema and complemented by quality nearby dining options such as Mousse Café and Le-Saint-Pub Microbrasserie Charlevoix. Gouffre Park offers a lesser-known but equally enchanting natural escape amid tall trees in this small town.

Gaspé

Gaspé highlights the charming and often overlooked beauty of the Gaspé Peninsula in Eastern Quebec. The town's harbor on the Gulf of St. Lawrence features a notable cross monument honoring the Birthplace of Canada and the scenic marina of Club Nautique Jacques-Cartier. The Gaspesie Museum, which focuses on the peninsula's history, is a popular site. Yet, most tourist activity in Gaspé centers around nearby Forillon National Park, famous for its towering rocky cliffs that border the Atlantic Ocean, along with rocky beaches, charming villages, and colorful lighthouses.

Kamouraska

Kamouraska provides an unforgettable seaside experience along the St. Lawrence River. Visitors especially appreciate the expansive views from Kamouraska Quai Miller, a scenic lookout with charming townhouses lining the waterfront, the Quai Taché pier reaching into the water, and the peaceful Kamouraska Beach, perfect for exploring shallow waters at low tide. The town's tranquil seaside atmosphere is enhanced by two highly-rated restaurants: La Fée Gourmande, famous for its delicious baked goods and warm drinks, and the acclaimed Poissonnerie Lauzier bistro. For those craving more adventure, the coastline extends to the Sentier du Cabouron hiking trail.

Tadoussac

Tadoussac is located where the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers meet, providing breathtaking ocean views amid verdant forests. The town center, centered around Tadoussac Bay, is renowned for the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre, which hosts ongoing research and interactive exhibits, along with Tadoussac Beach and the lively Microbrasserie Tadoussac. Beyond these, the area's natural attractions are less recognized. These include the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, where blue and beluga whales are frequently seen, rocky paths like Islet Point and Pointe Rouge around Tadoussac Bay, and hiking trails up Mont Adéla-Lessard. For those wanting to explore further, a cruise upriver along the Saguenay offers spectacular vistas within Saguenay Fjord National Park.

Rivière-du-Loup

Rivière-du-Loup, a picturesque town on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River, is a popular destination for travelers arriving by ferry from Saint-Siméon. Beyond its distinctive marina lies an expanse of lush greenery in Parc de la Pointe, featuring an extensive boardwalk along the waterfront. Unique to Rivière-du-Loup is the Parc des Chutes (Waterfalls Park), boasting a 108-foot waterfall, woodland trails, and a heritage orchard. The town is also known for dining at L'Innocent, birdwatching from the observation deck in nearby Cacouna, and accommodations at Auberge De La Pointe.

Havre-Aubert

Havre-Aubert, situated on the largest landmass among the remote Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Magdalen Islands) in the Atlantic Ocean, features a unique community vibe highlighted at the Musée de la Mer (Sea Museum) and the well-known Le Site d'Autrefois. The island's natural beauty enhances its appeal, with notable sites including Sandy Hook Dune, perfect for walking to Bout du Banc, and scenic views from the Anse-à-la-Cabane Lighthouse, close to the renowned Le Millerand restaurant. Visitors exploring the islands should also stop by the Borgot Lighthouse and the dramatic red, rocky cliffs near L'Étang-du-Nord.

Knowlton

Knowlton exudes a peaceful atmosphere, embodying classic Quebec charm. Much of its allure comes from Lake Brome, providing a picturesque setting for Tiffany Park and the Club de Golf de Knowlton. The quaint downtown is marked by the architecture of the Lac Brome Museum and Theatre Lac-Brome, situated next to the tranquil Étang du Moulin. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through downtown after visiting Café Caron, continuing on to the accessible trails of Parc Coldbrook. For a more extensive outdoor adventure, there's the Sentier Lac Brome trail system. Additionally, an evening at The Thirsty Boot offers local live music, enriching the visitor experience.

Montebello

Montebello is a vibrant, small village located alongside the Ottawa River, which serves as the boundary between Quebec and Ontario. Outdoor activities are highly popular in Montebello; it's recommended for travelers to mountain bike through the forested areas near the Ruisseau Papineau and around the Marina du Château Montebello, with bike rentals available from Montebello Mountain Bike. However, the most celebrated outdoor attraction in Montebello is Omega Park, an extensive wildlife park where visitors can drive through pastures inhabited by wolves, moose, bears, and other large North American mammals. Families can enjoy picnics here, often beneath the towering totems of the First Nations Trail, or dine at the OmegaBon Restaurant. For those interested in the town's history, a visit to the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site is highly recommended.

The Bottom Line

While Quebec's top destinations often include major cities like Montréal, Quebec City, and Gatineau, the province's smaller towns and hamlets provide unique experiences worth exploring. Adventure seekers can enjoy breathtaking views in Kamouraska along the St. Lawrence River or paddle through the Saguenay River in Saguenay Fjord National Park. Those interested in culture and history will appreciate the museums in quaint Quebec towns such as Baie-Saint-Paul and Tadoussac. These nine lesser-known towns in Quebec offer a variety of attractions suited to different interests.