Top 7 Quebec Towns To Visit In 2025

As Canada’s largest province by area and second-largest by population, Quebec has plenty to offer visitors. Yet while travelers tend to be most familiar with the cosmopolitan character of Montréal and the Old World charm of Quebec City, there’s much more to discover in Quebec’s smaller towns. Not only does this province abound in daring mountain ski resorts, but it also has beautiful coastal villages, lovely lakeside retreats, and so much more.

Whether you’re most intrigued by the rugged coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the thrilling peaks of the Laurentian Mountains, or some special surprises within easy reach of the larger cities, get ready to be wowed by these amazing towns. With this in mind, let’s check out seven of the top Quebec towns to visit in 2025.

Wakefield

Picture a charming riverside village with woodland trails, covered bridges, and horseback riding, then imagine a suburb just 36 kilometres (or 22 miles) from Ottawa (Ontario). Stop at the famed Wakefield Covered Bridge to marvel at this charming bridge designed after the 1915 original, then make your way to the Fairbairn House Heritage Centre to tour this historic 1861 homestead with an original log cabin and access to nature trails. For even more quality time in nature, it’s a short drive to Gatineau Park, a splendid preserve with ample opportunities for swimming, paddling, and boating at Philippe Lake, as well as hiking, biking, and (wintertime) cross-country skiing on land.

If you seek a different perspective on Wakefield and its natural environment, head over to Captiva Ranch, where you can hop on and embark on an amazing equestrian excursion. Then, check into The Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa, originally built as a flour mill in 1838, but now operates as a posh boutique hotel with luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, a full-service spa, and delectable dining with grand views of the La Pêche River and MacLaren Falls.

Montebello

Where can you roam around a castle, find animals roaming freely, wander around a cute historic village, and find plenty more exciting activities to do year-round? Try Montebello, a stately town on the north bank of the Ottawa River, about 83 kilometres (or 52 miles) east of the city of Ottawa. Start at the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site, the grand 19th-century estate built for Louis-Joseph Papineau, the lawyer, politician, and reformist activist who advocated for the end of British Colonial rule and the preservation of French-Canadian communities and tradition. Just beyond the castle, you will find a gorgeous village full of special treasures, including the Centre D'Action Culturelle de la MRC de Papineau, an incredible gallery dedicated to showcasing the original works of local artists and keeping the world of art accessible to all.

A short drive north of town, discover Montebello’s wild side at Parc Oméga, a special park dedicated to wildlife conservation that also lets visitors (safely) get an intimate view of bears, bison, elk, foxes, and other animals. Or, if you prefer a more relaxing outing on the open greens, do a tee time at Golf Le Château Montebello, an astoundingly beautiful course where golfers have flocked to play since 1929. And for preferred access to the golf course, along with world-class restaurants, an award-winning spa, and elegant rooms and suites, stay at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello.

Mont-Tremblant

Located almost halfway between Ottawa and Montréal in the Laurentian Mountains, you will find the stunning ski town of Mont-Tremblant. Of course, the Tremblant ski resort tends to be the main attraction with its 102 trails across 754 acres of skiable terrain offering up to 645 metres (or about 2,116 feet) of vertical drop, but there’s also plenty to do here during the warmer months, including golf at Le Diable and Le Géant. Beyond the slopes, discover a more rugged and pristine mountain environment at Mont-Tremblant National Park, Quebec’s oldest national park and a prime destination for hiking, biking, swimming, paddling, and via ferrata during summer, and for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking during winter.

While Mont-Tremblant can be heaven for nature lovers and outdoor thrill seekers, there’s also plenty to do in town. If you’re feeling lucky, hit up the Casino de Mont-Tremblant for a full array of slots and table games. For something artsy, check out the summertime (July to early September) Place de la Gare, a fully immersive art festival featuring a wide variety of works by local and regional artists. Also, check into the Fairmont Tremblant for a luxurious ski-in/ski-out hotel with elegant rooms and suites that keep you near the center of the action.

Rigaud

Situated on the shores of Lac des Deux-Montagnes and right by the Ontario provincial line, about 70 kilometres (or 43 miles) west of Montréal, Rigaud is a lovely year-round destination overflowing with natural treasures. Head to Mont Rigaud for four seasons of exciting outdoor excursions, including mountain biking in summer, and skiing and snowboarding during the winter season. If you prefer a more tranquil escape into nature, try Sentiers de L'escapade for a 27-kilometre (or roughly 17-mile) network of hiking trails up and around the mountain, and go to Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes de Rigaud for a lovely spiritual retreat site set in a beautiful forest environment.

When you can use some more nourishment, head over to Petit Brûlé to tour this gem of an eco-friendly farm offering an amazing assortment of fresh produce, ethically produced meats, and artisan products like pies and maple syrups. And when you desire some more creature comforts, the Auberge des Gallant has you covered with elegantly appointed accommodations, fine cuisine at their 1171 restaurant, and a relaxing full-service spa.

Saint-Alexis-des-Monts

Perched in a quiet corner of the Laurentian Mountains, around 143 kilometres (or 89 miles) north of Montréal, the Quebec village of Saint-Alexis-des-Monts abounds in glorious natural beauty. This region is home to some 600 lakes, including the crown jewel of Lac Sacacomie. Not only can you enjoy all kinds of boating and paddling adventures on the open water, but you can also treat yourself to a refreshing day at Geos Spa Sacacomie with 24 geothermal pools and an extensive menu of massages and other treatments.

Beyond Sacacomie, there’s a whole lot more to see and do up at Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve, an incredible park set in the rugged mountain wilderness where you can hike, bike, hunt, fish, and paddle to your heart’s content. Or, head back towards town and explore La Nature d'Alexis and its 46 kilometres of trails through mixed forest featuring various scenic landscapes. Finally, check into the Hôtel Sacacomie for a cozy and comfy mountain retreat by the lake, and one that provides easy access to that wonderful Geos Spa.

Petite-Rivière-Saint-François

At first glance, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François might seem like an unassuming village by the St. Lawrence River, around 92 kilometres north (or 57 miles) of Quebec City. But once you look closer, you will find one of North America’s best ski areas east of the Rocky Mountains. More specifically, Le Massif de Charlevoix offers 405 acres of skiable terrain with trails suitable for skiers and snowboarders at all levels, and at various points, you will discover jaw-dropping panoramic views of the river and the surrounding Laurentian Mountains. Even if you come during summer or fall, it’s still quite possible to enjoy the views while hiking or biking the trails. And for even more incredible mountain scenery, hit the trails at the nearby Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix.

Though Petite-Rivière-Saint-François really is a small town, there are plenty more big adventures to embark on around town. Go to Le Parc des Riverains to enjoy a uniquely pretty beach area by the river, and explore Domaine à Liguori to learn more about the region’s past and discover an array of present-day amenities, including a cafe, a springtime (maple syrup) sugar shack, fitness workshops, and a summertime community market. Once you’re ready to call it a day, enjoy a restful night at L’Auberge Le Four à Pain, a charming boutique inn where you will feel right at home.

Percé

Nestled on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Percé not only serves as a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean but also its very own maritime destination. No trip to Percé feels complete without exploring the Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, the region’s signature park anchored by the iconic Percé Rock. Yet while you’re here, you will also have the chance to spot the world’s most accessible northern gannet colony and sail to the curious coastal wilderness of Île-Bonaventure. Once you’re back on the mainland, go to Géoparc de Percé, a UNESCO-recognized nature preserve with some 23 sites detailing some 500 million years of natural history, and some 18 kilometres of hiking trails sporting panoramic views of the village and the coast below.

Speaking of the coast, head up to Coin-du-Banc for a wide expanse of sandy beach perfect for swimming and beachcombing. While in the area, also check out the Parc municipal de la Rivière Émeraude and feast your eyes on this gorgeous forest preserve with a stunning waterfall and the serenely satisfying Sentier de la Rivières hiking trail. Back in town, you can retreat to the welcoming refuge of L'Auberge La Maison Rouge à Percé, a fantastic boutique hotel offering prime views of Percé Rock and fully renovated guest rooms.

Say Bonjour to Good Times and Great Vibes in Quebec

Quebec may have some great cities that overflow in Euro-style glamour and sophistication, but there’s plenty more to see and do in this province’s smaller towns. Head to Percé to experience Quebec’s coastal side with remarkably beautiful beaches and maritime wilderness. Try Petite-Rivière-Saint-François for perhaps Canada’s most underrated skiing and mountain scenery. Go to Montebello to lose yourself in a charming historic village, and find a lovely riverside town with an easygoing attitude in Wakefield. With so many options across the province, you always have good reasons to visit Quebec.