18 Beautiful Places in Quebec That’ll Take Your Breath Away

Until I moved to Montreal, in the province of Quebec, I didn’t understand just how beautiful and European-like this part of Canada is.

The province is filled with charming European style towns, gorgeous national parks, and breathtaking natural wonders.

Don’t believe me? 

Check out the list below to discover the most beautiful places in Quebec.

I guarantee you’ll find a whole new outlook on how wonderful this part of Canada is.

Montreal

After living here for two months, this city now holds a special spot in my heart. It’s a charming and mainly French-speaking town that has all the architectural charms of Europe. 

During your stay, you must check out the Port of Old Montreal. 

There were moments while strolling it’s cobblestone streets that it felt like I was actually in a small Parisian town. 

You should also head to Notre-Dame Basilica, the interior is fit for royalty. You may even recognize it as where Celine Dion got married—she’s basically Canadian royalty. 

At the end of your explorations, head to the top of Plateau Mont-Royal for a breathtaking view of Montreal. I recommend heading up there around sunset for the best view.

Fun Fact: Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada.

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Check out one of these fun activities while you’re in Montreal.

Eastern Townships

The Eastern Townships are basically a tourist region about two hours east of Montreal. It’s made up of a group of small cities, towns, and villages.

Also referred to as “The Townships”, this area is a favorite among locals and tourists for an idyllic weekend away. 

These townships have something for everyone. The most popular activities include cycling, spa days, golfing, festivals, stargazing, and wine tastings. 

While you’re visiting, I urge you to check out Foresta Lumina. 

It’s an epic night-time multi-media experience that involves you walking approximately a mile through the forest that’s filled with lights, music, and videos. 

Another exceptional experience to seek out is their Wine Route. It’s a multisensory experience that involves sampling wine at 20 different wineries. 

While you’re stocking up on wine, consider adding some cheese into the mix. The Eastern Townships are known for their Cheesemaker’s Circuit Têtes Fromagères.  

Parc du Mont-Megantic

Inside the Eastern Townships, you’ll find the most alluring spot in Canada to gaze at the stars.

It’s one of only 16 locations in the world that’s qualified as part of the International Dark Sky Reserve.

Visiting the park’s ASTROLab is a must to see the night time views that have qualified Parc du Mont-Megantic to fall under this unique reserve status. 

If you’re looking for something to occupy your time during the day, plan to hike the park’s beautiful trails. The trails reach three summits, Mounts Megantic, Saint-Joseph, and Victoria.

Tremblant Village

Tremblant Village is a charming European style village, found about an hour and a half north of Montreal. 

This petite village is insanely charming with its colorful roofs, delicious cafes, and adorable shops. 

During the winter this is a prime place for some skiing or snowboarding. 

Throughout the summer you can hike or canoe on one of the lakes. Either way, this is your spot if you love the outdoors. 

They also have well-known golf courses if that’s your thing—I know my dad’s been dying to golf here. 

While you’re visiting, you must go to the top of Mont-Tremblant. It’s got a picture-perfect view, and the gondola ride up provides plenty of opportunities to get that perfect Instagram shot.

Quebec City

The village of Old Quebec is like something out of a movie, and the perfect spot for a romantic holiday. 

It’s filled with historic buildings, cobblestone streets, shopping and lots of delicious food. 

Built-in 1609, it’s also the place for any history buffs. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for being one of the most intact fortified towns with architecture that’s been retained for over 400 years.

Strolling along Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, is a must!

Also stop by Chateau Frontenac while you’re visiting. It’s a historic hotel that sits up above Old Quebec, basically, it looks like a castle straight out of a Disney film. 

I recommend strolling down Terrasse Dufferin for stunning views of the St. Lawrence River before retiring to the chateau for an afternoon tea or evening cocktail. 

Montmorency Falls

Do you think Niagara Falls is the biggest waterfall in Canada?

You’re wrong—don’t worry, I also assumed being the most well-known that they must be the largest too.

Turns out Montmorency Falls has Niagara Falls beat by 100 ft.

The coolest part about visiting the falls is that you can zipline across them. This is something that’s on the top of my Canadian bucket list. 

Don’t stress if zip lining across the falls sounds too scary, you can also take in the view via a suspension bridge or on a panoramic circuit ride that’s basically a gondola over the falls. 

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, stop by The Manoir at the falls serves up the best brunch in the area. It features local cheeses, meats, tourtière (meat pies), and smoked fish. 

Fun Fact: Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, lived in the Manoir during the early 1800s. He eventually had to move back to England to marry and would become the father of Queen Victoria.

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Check out one of these cool activities while you’re in the area!

Parc National de la Jacques Cartier

Just 40 minutes north of Quebec City you’ll find Parc National de la Jacques Cartier, a stunning park that’s not overly crowded. It will make you feel like you’re truly in the middle of the wilderness. 

Parc National de la Jacques Cartier is the perfect place for photography. It’s filled with flora and fauna, glacial valleys, hiking trails, and log cabins.

During the winter months, you can ski, hike, or snowshoe. In the warmer months, you can kayak, hike, canoe, bike, and paddleboard.

Charlevoix

An hour and a half north of Quebec City, you’ll find some of the most beautiful ski mountains and resorts in Canada. 

Staying at Le Massif de Charlevoix Resort is a must any time of year. You can book accommodations at the summit or at the base of the mountain. They even offer the option of booking camping vans for the adventurous guests.

During the warmer months, they offer mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and a scenic train ride. 

Throughout the winter months, the resort offers skiing, sledding, and guided backcountry ski excursions. 

If you’re looking for something less outdoorsy to do, my advice is to follow the Flavour Trail. It’s a mapped route of local producers and farms. Some highlights include charcuterie, fresh milk, wild mushrooms, delicious cheeses, and wines. 

I’d recommend stocking up and then finding the perfect spot to have a picnic to devour it all.

Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Parc

La Malbaie is a little region that’s about two hours north of Quebec City. Getting there is a picturesque drive if you go along the coast on Route 362. 

Once you’re there head to Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. 

It’s a large part of UNESCO’s biosphere reserve, and surprisingly not an official park despite its name. 

I urge you to check this spot out during the Fall, it’s seriously breathtaking with all the foliage bursting into oranges, reds, and yellows. 

Fun Fact: It’s also one of the highest rock faces east of the Rockies.

L’Anse-Saint-Jean

Lying three and half hours east of Quebec City, L’Anse-Saint-Jean offers an opportunity to see nature at its finest.

Built-in 1838, this bucolic village is filled with rolling pastures, family-run boulangeries, and turn-of-the-century farmhouses. 

During the summer, the village has something for everyone. Activities include horseback riding, hiking, fishing, sailing, swimming, and kayaking. 

If you visit during the winter, you’ll have a choice of alpine skiing, ice-fishing, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, or tobogganing. 

Fun Fact: The village is well-known for its iconic bridge, Le Pont du Faubourg. 

If you haven’t heard of it, here’s the rundown—it’s an old covered wooden bridge that’s famous because it was the chosen image for Canada’s $1,000 bill back in the 1950s. 

Tadoussac

This petite village sits along the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord and is home to only 800 residents. 

It’s about a 3-hour drive east from Quebec City and the oldest settler village in Canada. 

Tadoussac is one of the most epic places for whale-watching in the world. 

Run by the Essipit Innu First Nation, Vacances Essipit is the spot to plan your whale-watching adventure. 

They’ll take you out in small group tours and the best part is all the money you spend goes back to the Innu community.

If whale-watching isn’t up your alley, they also have bear watching, kayaking, fishing, and hiking available. 

Saguenay Fjord National Park

Two hours north of Tadoussac you’ll find a panorama of mountains, sea, and quaint villages. 

It’s also an area that doesn’t attract a ton of tourists, making it the perfect place for a relaxed weekend away. 

If you’re into hiking, this is a wonderful spot to spend time. One of its most popular trails, Mary Statue at Cap Éternité will take you approximately 7 and a half miles above sea level. 

You’re guaranteed to have a drop-dead gorgeous view that you’re going to want to take a photo of. 

If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t stress. They’ve also got fishing, climbing, sea kayaking, whale watching zodiac tours, sailing, cruises, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Fun Fact: Saguenay Fjord National Park is the only glacier-cut fjord in North America inhabited on both sides.

Chic-Choc Mountains

Aside from having a fun name, these mountains form a part of the Appalachian Mountains and are a must for any skiing fanatics. 

There’s also an opportunity to see moose, caribou, and eagles in their natural habits.

Just be prepared for a longer drive, the Chic-Choc Mountains lie about 6 hours north-east of Quebec City.

Gaspé

This postcard-worthy city has tons of lighthouses and was named on National Geographic Traveler’s list of Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime. 

It’s roughly 7 and a half hours north of Quebec City, so consider it a road trip destination.

During your visit, Rocher Percé is a must-see. It’s a famous massive arched rock formation on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. 

If you want the best view, aim to be there at sunrise and have your camera ready for an epic sight.

If you’re into lighthouses, take the Lighthouse Tour. You’ll see over 40 lighthouses that line the coast. If you plan, you can even book overnight stays at some of them!

Forillon National Park

About an 8-hour drive from Quebec City, and only 30 minutes from Gaspé, you’ll find Forillon National Park. 

If you’re into hiking, you need to hike the End of the World Trail. 

You’ll hike past a beautiful lighthouse, then down to the water. It’s the perfect spot to see seals and whales hanging out along the shoreline. 

It’s especially picturesque at sunrise, have your camera at the ready!

Îles-de-la-Madeleine

Îles-de-la-Madeleine was named by National Geographic as one of its 25 best trips to take in 2020. 

This small group of islands is accessible via plane, ferry, or cruise. You’ll definitely want to book your tickets ahead of time no matter which you choose. 

You’ll likely want to book a flight as it’s roughly a 16 and half hour drive from Quebec City. 

Once you’re there you can island hop, since sand dunes connect six of the islands. 

You should hit up Havre-Aubert. This is the largest island in the  Îles-de-la-Madeleine and is home to indigenous archeology sites. 

If you’re visiting in February or March, I urge you to book a Harp Seal watching tour. You’ll take a helicopter onto the frozen Gulf to see them, but they are so adorable that it’s well worth it. 

If you aren’t in town during seal season, there are plenty of other activities for you to enjoy in the warmer months. 

Throughout the summer they have nautical excursions, golfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, kite surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and motorcycle tours. 

You can also visit historic La Grave to see historic fishing buildings, a maritime museum, an aquarium, and lots of shops and cafes. 

Fun Fact: You may also hear Îles-de-la-Madeleine referred to as the Magdalen Islands.

Parc National des Pingualuit

In Quebec’s northernmost park you’ll find one of the world’s best-preserved meteor craters. 

It’s estimated that Pingualuit Crater was created some 1.3 million years ago. 

If this is interesting to you, just know it won’t be easy to get to. The quickest way to get there is to fly, which works out to be about 9 hours of travel time from Montreal. 

Mingan Archipelago

Mingan Archipelago is a chain of approximately 40 islands filled with giant limestone rocks that will make you feel as if you’re on another planet. 

During your island hopping, you’ll likely see seals, puffins, and whales. You’ll also kayak, boat, swim, camp, and hike.

This is another stop that takes a ton of time to get to—almost 13 hours to be exact. If you make the trek from Quebec City, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views. 

I hope this inspires you to get out and explore the province of Quebec while you’re in Canada. 

Writing this has made me so excited to continue to explore my home country’s northern neighbor. 

I have a feeling I’ll continue to discover more beautiful places in Quebec to add to my bucket list as my time here continues. 

Do you know of any stunning places in the province of Quebec that I missed? Let me know in the comments below!

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Check out some of my favorite activities in Quebec!