12 must-visit small towns in Quebec

Located on the shores of Lake Massawippi in the Eastern Townships, North Hatley is what small-town summer dreams are made of. It's home to just under 700 year-round residents. If you’re looking for a quiet off-season escape, this is the place. Make sure to bring food because most restaurants close when temps drop. The village comes alive in warmer months, and you can even bike here from Sherbrooke.

I’m a frequent visitor to the Eastern Township’s largest city with a resident boyfriend, and I can’t recommend it enough! Just a 1.5 hour's drive from Montreal, you can enjoy a university town feel amongst the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and countryside. There are plenty of cute cafes, bars, and walks to fill a weekend. In the winter, you can ski at nearby hills, skate at the numerous rinks, or snowshoe around the area. Enjoy the river and lake on a hot day in warmer months!

Next door to historically Francophone Sherbrooke is this (much smaller) and historically Anglophone borough. Home to the only English-language university outside Montreal, Lennoxville is a quiet town of primarily students. However, it’s a nice calm alternative to Sherbrooke as a Townships base, no matter the season. 

Named for the lake that it borders, Magog is the perfect getaway year-round. Enjoy water sports in the warmer months and winter sports when the snow falls. Afterward, relax at many of the bed and breakfasts in town or warm up with a pint (or cup) at one of the numerous cafes and bars. In the summer, enjoy a bike ride to nearby Mont Orford.

Another small village (with only 800 inhabitants), Tadoussac is located where the St. Lawrence River (or La Fleuve, as the locals call it) and the Fjord of Sagneuy. That means the scenery is spectacular, and there's no shortage of activities. You can hike, whale watch, kayak, boat, and golf. You can try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to explore the surrounding area when the cold moves in.

The main town on the Gaspé Peninsula way northeast of Quebec City, the town has been a summer getaway for Quebecers forever. You may have to travel far for beaches in this province, but once you reach them, they don’t disappoint. In addition, you can enjoy mountain views, forest hikes, and untouched landscapes before returning to this adorable town to relax.

At the center of the Laurentians, just under 60 miles from Montreal, lies the resort town of Saint-Sauveur. Home to numerous festivals throughout the year, you’ll never be bored. Additionally, you can ski, cycle, hike, zip line, and more throughout the seasons. Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!

Just across the border from Vermont, this bilingual municipality is full of history. From its origins in the granite industry to its modern-day peaceful charm, it’s a perfect day trip or pitstop on the way to the border. There are plenty of parks to picnic in or cool off on a warm day.

Back up north, Chicoutimi is the main urban center in Saguenay (home to the Fjord and tiny Tadoussac.) Hike, ski, or snowshoe along the paths that span out from the town. Or enjoy concerts and festivals held on the shores of the lake. It’s the perfect base for a relaxing getaway in nature.

Up the river from Quebec City lies this village whose name translates to “Our Lady of Portage," a nod to the province’s French Catholic history. The antithesis to urban Quebec, this quiet hamlet on the shores of the St. Lawrence has everything for calm and nothing more! 

Les Éboulements is a municipality across the river from Notre-Dame-du-Portage that has been named one of the “most beautiful villages in Quebec.” A large compliment if you’ve ever visited La Belle Province. There are numerous suggested road trip routes on the Quebec Tourism website, but don’t leave this one out, whichever you choose.

The main “city” on Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine (or The Magdalen Islands, as they’re known in English) is a must-visit. Although, it won’t be easy. The isles are more remote than the rest of Quebec. Reachable by limited (and expensive) ferries and flights only, plan your trip well in advance. Once you finally arrive, you’ll be rewarded with expansive beaches that rival the ones on the US West Coast, picturesque lighthouses, and amazing coastal walks.