9 Quebec Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
Life in a big city can be chaotic. However, you do not always have to live life at this fast pace. Sometimes, it makes sense to slow things down and enjoy every minute of your day.
The Canadian province of Quebec offers plenty of opportunities to slow your life down, especially once you are outside of the metropolitan areas of Montreal and Quebec City. Many of its small communities enjoy a slower pace of life because the residents do not have to rush to reach their destinations. The result is a more enjoyable environment for both residents and visitors.
Saint-Gabriel
Things do not move very quickly in Saint-Gabriel, Quebec, a small town with less than 3,000 residents, where relaxation comes naturally. This community is situated on the shores of Lake Maskinongé, boasting a sandy beach that is a local favorite for swimming and boating. The area also has a park with volleyball nets and a waterfront bar and restaurant, making it the ideal spot to spend a day.
Away from the water, you can grab a bite to eat at Restaurant Familial Chez Marso or check out the shops on Rue Beausoleil, including Boutique Du Village. There is a retro video game shop called OptionRétro, as well, so you can step back in time as you check out the sights.
Lac-Mégantic
Lac-Mégantic is a lakeside town that is as peaceful as it is beautiful. The heart of the community is Parc de la Baie-des-Sables, a stunning beach where you can swim, kayak, or relax in the sun. There are also volleyball courts and boat rentals available.
Just outside town, the Mont Mégantic Observatory offers one of the best stargazing sites in the world, designated as an international dark sky reserve. Back in town, you can grab some food and listen to a band at Musi-Café or go for a stroll along the Chaudière River at Boisé des Galopins.
Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant is best known for its ski slopes. If you are into skiing, you can check out the Mont Tremblant Ski Resort in the winter, which is one of the country's top alpine destinations.
However, despite its wintertime popularity, Mont-Tremblant offers a slower pace throughout much of the year. In the summer, you can spend your days at Parc Plage, a sandy waterfront area on Lac Tremblant. Or you can head to Mont-Tremblant-Village, a peaceful neighborhood away from the bustle that is home to Église du Village concert hall. Spa Scandinave Mont-Tremblant is set along the Diable River and invites visitors to soak in Nordic baths surrounded by nature.
Saint-Raymond
Northwest of Quebec City is Saint-Raymond, a lively yet quiet town that combines outdoor activities with small-town charm. Its biggest draw is Vallée Bras-du-Nord, a massive outdoor area that is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and canyoning. Its trails lead to waterfalls and lookouts, making it a favorite for nature lovers.
Back in town, the heritage building Maison Plamondon showcases the town's history and serves as a cultural hub, hosting shows and exhibits. Foodies will feel right at home, as they can enjoy Quebec cuisine, such as poutine, at Restaurant La Croquée. There's a microbrewery called Roquemont in town, too, if you want to relax with a local beer.
Gaspé
On the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula is the community of Gaspé, a secluded destination that is home to an incredible amount of Canadian history. Much of the area around Gaspé is part of Forillon National Park, where rocky cliffs overlook the Gulf of St. Lawrence and trails take you through some of Canada's most rugged environments.
History buffs will want to visit the Birthplace of Canada monument, commemorating Jacques Cartier's arrival in 1534. For a closer look at the region's culture, the Gaspesie Museum showcases the area's maritime past and Indigenous heritage. After sightseeing, relax at Haldimand Beach, a quiet stretch of sand perfect for an afternoon picnic.
Cowansville
Cowansville is situated in a peaceful area southeast of Montreal, known for its vineyards and small-town charm. Wine lovers will find themselves right at home here, as the town sits along the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route and is home to Vignoble La Grenouille. There are other wineries in the surrounding communities, as well.
For outdoor fun, Lac Davignon provides opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking. The lakeside Centre de la Nature is another highlight, featuring walking paths, baseball diamonds, and excellent picnic spots. Cowansville's downtown area is quiet, but it offers some fantastic dining options, such as the always-popular Pub Principal.
Baie-Comeau
You can always take your time in Baie-Comeau, a community with about 20,000 residents on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Here, nature lovers can explore Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes, a diverse outdoor space featuring dunes, beaches, forests, and some of the province's best stargazing opportunities.
One of the town's most unique attractions is the Jean-Lesage Generating Station, a massive hydroelectric project where guided tours reveal the impressive scale of Quebec's energy industry. For a bit of culture, the Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau hosts concerts, plays, comedy shows, and ballets. Sports fans can head to Centre Henry-Leonard to see the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League in action.
Mont-Joli
Mont-Joli is a small, quiet town with a big artistic spirit. The Mont-Joli Mural Trail is one of its most distinctive features, turning the community into an open-air gallery that tells local stories through colorful artwork.
Just outside of town, Jardins de Métis is a world-famous attraction, featuring stunning plant collections and creative garden designs that draw visitors every summer. The Centre d'Art Marcel Gagnon adds to the cultural appeal, showcasing the works of regional artists in a welcoming space. A stroll downtown will take you past numerous cafes and restaurants, including the always popular Boulangerie Le Lotus Noir bakery.
Lac-Simon
Lac-Simon is a peaceful lakeside destination in the Outaouais region, where life moves at a slower pace. The long, sandy Municipal Beach is a summertime highlight, where visitors can swim and take in the stunning view of the water. There are beach volleyball courts, picnic tables, and hiking trails at the beach, too, depending on how you want to spend your time.
Parc de l'Amitié features mini golf, tennis courts, basketball courts, and ping pong tables for an active day outdoors. You can also do some camping at Domaine Canard Blanc, a lakeside spot with a beach, marina, and playground.
Quebec is the largest province in Canada, so there is plenty of space to take it easy. The region's small communities can exist at a slower pace because residents have fewer places to be and more time to reach them.
However, that does not mean these towns are not full of great ways to spend your time. They have beaches, mountains, restaurants, art galleries, and plenty of history, creating enjoyment for anyone who lives there or visits.
