Sunshine and warm weather are back in Quebec and it’s already time to organize your next vacation! If you’re also in the planning process, we’ve prepared a little guide for you bringing together 8 local destinations, each more breathtaking than the last, so you can prepare for a magical summer in Quebec!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
1. Charlevoix
An idyllic region, Charlevoix is a destination of choice for foodies thanks to its famous Flavor Trail. Bringing together local restaurants at the cutting edge of gastronomy such as Les Faux Bergers, artisanal products from Baie Saint-Paul to La Malbaie, sparkling ciders, amazing beers from microbreweries like Menaud and a multitude of fine cheeses, you won’t run out of choices! Then, continuing your journey on Route 138, stop at Port-au-Persil to rest a little or have a bite to eat with a breathtaking landscape on the banks of the Saint-Laurent.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Just 4 hours from Montreal, Charlevoix is an ideal destination for a long weekend road trip! If you want to take the opportunity to spend the night there, we suggest you stay at Repère Boréal or Le Germain Hôtel & Spa Charlevoix for a magical experience!
Grands-Jardins and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie national parks are also among the best stops to explore the region’s natural beauty. The hikes leading to the Acropole des Draveurs or Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes are probably on many outdoor enthusiasts’s bucket lists and, with such majestic views, we understand why!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Île d’Orléans
Bringing together 6 unique and gorgeous municipalities, Île d’Orléans is a place rich in gastronomic and historical treasures.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
In Sainte-Pétronille, you’ll find a welcoming vineyard offering tastings with a breathtaking view of Montmorency Falls and Cap Diamant as a backdrop. Don’t leave without visiting the chocolate factory and the local market for fresh and delicious treats. Then, head to Saint-Laurent maritime park for a peaceful moment near the coast.
Crédit photo: Vignoble Ste-Pétronille
On the south side of the island, stop in Saint-Jean to admire one of the most beautiful villages across Quebec and explore Manoir Mauvide-Genest, a vestige of New France built in 1734.
If genealogy captivates you and you want to know more about your roots, stop at Parc des Ancêtres and Maison de nos Aïeux in Sainte-Famille to learn more about your origins. Finish your journey in Saint-Pierre, passing by their numerous cider houses and the blackcurrant liquor store Monna et Filles while admiring the city’s first church, standing since 1717.
3. Gaspésie
To continue your journey through time while enjoying spectacular landscapes and the sea breeze, Gaspésie is the perfect place for your next road trip! Cradle of Western history in North America and legendary place where Jacques Cartier planted his cross in 1534, Gaspésie is also known for its lush national parks.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Start your trip by going to the end of the world, to Forillon National Park, the easternmost point in the gulf. Get your fill of fresh air in front of its impressive cliffs and during walks in its beautiful forest! You’ll also be able to observe a variety of wild animals, from whales and seals to black bears and moose. Relax on its pebble beach and admire the incredible view of the Cap-Gaspé lighthouse located in the park, enthroned on a 95-meter cliff.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
If the Second World War’s history is a subject that interests you, don’t forget to stop by Fort-Péninsule, a coastal battery from this period! And if you prefer to awaken the adventurer in you, visit the fossil site of Miguasha, classified on the UNESCO world heritage list.
A getaway to Gaspésie obviously cannot be complete without a visit to the Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé national park where you can admire its colony of 116,000 northern gannets.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
4. Îles-de-la-Madeleine
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine archipelago are among the most idyllic places in Quebec and must be on your local bucket list! Always near the sea, a summer getaway is ideal but, with the temperature being mild until the end of September, an autumn stay can also be magical.
Combining land and sea is not only good on a surf and turf menu, it’s also the symbiosis offered by the hiking trails between winds and tides going around the Islands, counting more than 230 km of hiking! Long beaches and natural trails of intermediate to difficult level will guide you through your journey around the different villages of the archipelago.
Among the beaches to visit during your stay in the Islands, don’t miss Dune-du-Sud, where you can also explore a cave, and neither Pointe-aux-Loups and Île-du-Havre-aux-Maisons for ultimate relaxation to the rhythm of the waves. And for a romantic getaway, there’s nothing better than horseback riding on the beach at sunset. Swimming, paddleboarding, sailing or kitesurfing are also available activities, making Îles-de-la-Madeleine a perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts!
5. Centre-du-Québec
Just 2 hours from Montreal and 1 hour from Quebec, Centre-du-Québec is a superb versatile destination where you can escape during your next summer getaways! Start your stay with a colorful dinner at Shad Café in Victoriaville, then continue your day with a cultural visit to Musée Laurier and a stroll along the waterfront at Quai de Ste-Angèle. Also make sure to stop at Distillerie du Quai to discover excellent local gins that have won awards around the world or enjoy a copious brunch at the Maison de Bibi in Bécancour.
For a restful stay, stop at Auberge Godefroy where you’ll eat like a king and where you can enjoy a complete spa day in their 4-season Aqua-Détente space. Don’t leave without tasting a good poutine (originally created in Centre-du-Québec) or stopping at Fromagerie St-Guillaume to bring back some of the region’s emblematic cheeses!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
6. Chaudière-Appalaches
Extending over more than 15,000 km in the heart of the mountains, Chaudière-Appalaches is a region as vast as it’s varied. For a summer getaway, we recommend the Montmagny area, including a stay at Domaine Esker Nature, where cozy chalets surrounded by nature await outdoor enthusiasts.
You can take the opportunity to explore the splendid Parc des Appalaches since trails are accessible directly on the site. With more than 140 kilometers to discover, there are routes for all types of hikers, including the Long Lake loop or the ascent of Rolette mountain and Grande Coulée, all offering breathtaking views. After a full day in nature, take a relaxing break at the chalet to enjoy the relaxation zone where you’ll find spas, a dry sauna, a relaxation yurt and even massage therapy services.
For a good local beer on a terrace, all you have to do is visit the Côte-du-Sud microbrewery and for a high-quality coffee, you should stop at Babel Café!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
7. Eastern Townships
Named one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world by the New York Times, the Eastern Townships are an unmissable destination to add to your summer bucket list. Start with a stroll through the fragrant fields of Bleu Lavande, then continue your exploration of the surroundings with a hike through the region’s most beautiful natural landscapes, stopping at Mont-Orford or the Coaticook gorge. Meanwhile, wine lovers should wander through gorgeous local vineyards like Cep d’Argent and Léon Courville, where every sip tells the terroir’s story.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
For Perseid season, plan to contemplate the stars at Mont-Mégantic Observatory, the perfect place to admire this breathtaking celestial spectacle. To end your stay in style, treat yourself to an happy hour or a dinner on the water by boarding one of Escapades Memphrémagog sunset cruises. And if you want to bring back a unique souvenir, know that the Eastern Townships are also full of antique boutiques which will allow you to make original finds before heading back home.
8. Québec
Finally, if you prefer a stay in Capitale-Nationale, you won’t lack options in terms of local wonder either. For outdoor enthusiasts, 30 minutes from Quebec City, you can explore the majestic valleys and abundant forest of Jacques-Cartier National Park. It’s a great place for canoeing, but you can also hike and fish if you have a permit.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Culture enthusiasts, you should stop at Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec and Maison de la littérature! Before hitting the road again, enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay in Capitole Hôtel’s sublime decor. With its ultimate comfort and its ideal location in Old Quebec, it’s the perfect place to rediscover this charming neighborhood and to end your staycation on a high note.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
We hope that our local suggestions will inspire you and help you plan your next getaway in Quebec!
Have a great vacation across the province!
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