Looking for a Quebecois adventure that goes beyond the typical tourist spots? Look no further than the hidden gems of Quebec’s countryside, from the Eastern Townships to Gaspésie, Saguenay, and the North Coast. Here are some of the best places to visit in Quebec that you may have never heard of.
READ MORE: DAY TRIPS FROM MONTREAL: FOUR REASONS TO EXPLORE QUEBEC’S OUTDOORS
The Countryside of Quebec
Eastern Townships – Places to Visit in Quebec
Stretching from east of Montreal to the U.S. border, the Eastern Townships offer a picturesque escape from the city. Quaint ski resorts and lush golf courses dot the landscape, while charming towns like North Hatley, Eastman, Lac Brome, and Sutton offer a range of attractions and dining options.
If you’re a fan of wine, maple syrup, or pig products, you’re in luck – they’re everywhere in the Eastern Townships. And if you’re lucky enough to visit during autumn, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning colors in the world as the leaves turn shades of red, yellow, green, and orange.
Suggested places:
Eat: O Chevreuil, 62, rue Wellington Nord, Sherbrooke, QC, J1H 5B7 – 819-346-4440
Drink: Pilsen Pub, 55 rue Principale, North Hatley, QC J0B 2C0 – 819-842-2971
Sleep: Auberge Ste-Catherine-de-Hatley, 2, rue Grand’Rue, Ste-Catherine-de-Hatley, QC, J0B 1W0 – 819-868-1212
Gaspésie – Places to Visit in Quebec
For those who love wide-open spaces and breathtaking vistas, Gaspésie is a must-visit destination. The region is a paradise for motorcycle riders, offering stunning views of the St-Lawrence from high hills and cliffs. Towns like Gaspé and Percé are popular tourist spots during the summer, and seafood and game are abundant throughout the area.
One highlight of Gaspésie is the Rocher Percé, a massive rock formation that shines in the middle of the ocean. After a long day of riding, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold beverage on a terrace in the small town of Percé while taking in the stunning view.
Suggested places:
Eat: Maison William Wakeham, 186, rue de la Reine, Gaspé, QC, G4X 1T6 – 418-368-5537
Drink: La Fabrique, 360 ave St-Jérôme, Matane, G4W 3B1 – 418-566-4020
Sleep: Manoir des Sapins, 180 boul Perron, Sainte-Felicite, G0J 2K0 – 1-877-733-8182
Saguenay – Places to Visit in Quebec
Saguenay is a region that’s rich in history and natural beauty. The Saguenay Fjord is a must-see attraction, offering stunning views of the rugged landscape and the Saguenay River. Visitors can also explore the area’s many parks, including the Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay, which offers a range of outdoor activities.
The rugged region of Saguenay is home to some of the best craft breweries in North America. After a day of trekking or mountain biking in the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, indulge in a wide variety of colorful, tasty beers. But the beer isn’t the only thing worth seeing here: the lush, green landscape is one of the most resilient in the world, and the beaches on the coast of St-Jean Lake are perfect for a summer dip.
Suggested places:
Eat: La Voie Maltée, 777 boul Talbot, Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 4B3 – 418-549-4141
Drink: La Micro du Lac, 120 rue de la Plage, St-Gédéon, QC, G0W 2P0 – 418-345-8758
Sleep: Hôtel Chicoutimi, 460 rue Racine Est, Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 1T7 – 418-549-7111
Côte-Nord
The North Coast (Côte-Nord in French) of Quebec is an astonishing 300,000 km2 of wild, uncharted territory. From Tadoussac to Schefferville, there are no roads, making it one of the most undiscovered places on the planet. But fear not: towns like Tadoussac, Sept-Îles, and Natashquan offer stunning landscapes and exotic attitudes. Sample some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted in Sept-Îles, take in the Rivière Manitou waterfalls, or explore Baie-Johan-Beetz, one of the most picturesque villages on the East Coast of America. For an even more remote adventure, head to Anticosti Island, where deer run free and humans are a rarity.
Suggested places:
Eat: Chez Julie, 1023 rue Dulcinee, Havre St. Pierre, QC, G0G 1P0 – 418-538-3070
Drink: Edgar Café Bar, 490 rue Arnaud, Sept-Îles, QC, G4R 3B4 – 418-968-6789
Sleep: Hotel Tadoussac, 165 rue du Bord de l’Eau, Tadoussac, QC, G0T 2A0 – 418-235-4421
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