An immense territory of striking beauty, Quebec is as warm and welcoming as it can be cold in winter. From its culturally marked cities to its magnificent national parks, the region has much more to offer than the clichés it inspires. You may find the lumberjacks and certainly the maple syrup, but above all you'll discover a place of incredible charm. Whether you're a city rat or a mountain rat, it has something for everyone. Discover the 17 most beautiful places to visit in Quebec.
1- Montreal
Quebec's great metropolis is a multicultural city where life is good. With its skyscrapers in the midst of an unspoiled region, Montreal is both astonishing and surprising. Its quality of life and openness to the world make it one of the best cities in which to expatriate, and once you've spent some time here, it's easy to see why. Don't miss the historic district of Old Montreal. Stroll around the Plateau, visit the Botanical Gardens and don't forget to try the poutine.
Discover our article dedicated to the 15 must-sees in Montreal.
2- Quebec City's Old Town
A fortified city in a natural setting, Quebec City dominates the landscape on the banks of the immense St. Lawrence River. An architectural gem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec is a historic district where you'll love getting lost and wandering the cobblestone streets. Visit the magnificent Petit-Champlain district and Place Royale, home to North America's oldest stone church.
We recommend booking this guided tour of the city to learn all about its history.
3- Climb Mount Royal
On the outskirts of Montreal, get lost in Parc du Mont-Royal, far from the busy streets and skyscrapers. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the man behind Central Park, the park is a true symbol of Montreal, a forest in the middle of the city. Climb up to the belvedere , passing through the various points of interest, and enjoy an impressive view of the city while taking in this haven of nature.
4- What to do in Quebec? See Montmorency Falls
Close to Old Quebec, the Chute de Montmorency is one of the region's star attractions. At an impressive 83 metres, it surpasses the famous Niagara Falls. The site has been landscaped to offer travellers several grandiose vantage points. In winter, the scenery is all the more breathtaking. The waterfall is completely frozen over, creating an enormous cone of ice known as "Sugarloaf".
Don't hesitate to book this excursion to the Chute de Montmorency, departing from Quebec City.
5- Saguenay Fjord
The majestic Saguenay Fjord stretches its blue waters from the town of the same name to the Bay of St. Lawrence. An impressive landscape criss-crossed by hills and valleys, the park is a must-see for visitors to the region. The hills surrounding the fjord boast numerous hiking trails, punctuated by superb panoramic views of the landscape. From certain points, you can even see the villages along the water's edge.
6- Mont Tremblant
North of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is a charming and picturesque old village, brimming with bright colors, inns and log cabins. It lies on the banks of the Rivière du Diable and is a good starting point for the Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, Quebec's first national park. Discover this park of wooded hills dotted with lakes and waterfalls. Parc du Mont-Tremblant is home to the highest and largest ski resort in the Laurentians.
Many outdoor activities are available at Mont-Tremblant, such as this rafting trip.
7- See Tadoussac Bay
Tadoussac is the perfect place for whale watching. They visit the bay every year from May to October, as this part of the St. Lawrence is rich in plankton. You can observe them from a boat or from the wharf. Apart from this activity, Tadoussac is a very pleasant place to stay. The bay is magnificent and the village charming. Be careful, though, if you come during the whale-watching season, as many tourists are passing through town.
If you want to see the whales up close, we recommend a kayak excursion rather than a boat trip, to protect the living conditions of these majestic animals. Here's one from our selection.
8- Parc du Mont-Mégantic
Close to the border with the United States lies the Parc du Mont-Mégantic. A popular destination for nature lovers, it combines mountains and mixed forests. In summer, you can stay or camp here, and in autumn, the leaves take on their most beautiful colors. Far from light pollution, this protected park is home to the first International Dark Sky Reserve. Summer or winter, come and admire the stars on a clear day.
9- Go to Pointe de la Gaspésie
One of Quebec's most popular destinations, the Gaspé Peninsula lies over 1000km from Montreal. Between the St. Lawrence and New Brunswick, the Gaspé Peninsula is a vast region of bird sanctuaries, nature parks and thickly forested hillsides. At the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, the mountains end their course in the ocean, giving way to impressive cliffs and pebble beaches. Nearby is Bonaventure Island, a sanctuary for many seabirds.
The Parc de la Gaspésie is one of Quebec's most beautiful national parks, so don't miss a visit.
10- Gaspé and the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse
On the Gaspé Peninsula, be sure to visit Gaspé. The town's name derives from the word gespeg, meaning "end of the land" in Micmac, the language of the region's indigenous people. This small town is a good starting point for visiting the surrounding area, including Forillon National Park and the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse. Built in 1858, it is the tallest lighthouse in the country, and is classified as a historic monument.
11- What to see in Quebec Trois-Rivières
An ideal weekend getaway, Trois-Rivières lies along the St. Lawrence River upstream from Montreal. The old town boasts a rich heritage and history, as well as numerous hotels, cafés and fine restaurants. In 2009, Trois-Rivières was elected Cultural Capital of Canada, and enjoys a strong artistic reputation. In 2015, it became the first non-European city to be named "City of Poetry".
12- St-Jean-Port-Joli
Saint-Jean-Port-Joli is a small village where time seems to stand still. A town of craftsmen, it is the capital of woodcarving and arts and crafts. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with art galleries and artisan boutiques. The town also boasts several museums, including the Old Canadian Woodcarving Museum. Don't forget its summer theater and gourmet addresses such as wineries, bakeries and microbreweries.
13- Baie des Chaleurs
South of the Gaspé Peninsula, Baie des Chaleurs lives up to its name. It enjoys a mild microclimate, ideal for spending a few days swimming, strolling along the seashore and taking part in water sports. On the bay, the village of Carleton-sur-mer is a popular seaside resort. Nearby Parc de Miguasha is home to a wealth of fossils, perfect for history and geology enthusiasts. Many travellers also stop off at the Bonaventure River to paddle its banks.
14- Jacques Cartier National Park
Close to Quebec City, Parc National de la Jacques Cartier spreads its unspoiled landscapes over 670km². Discover its year-round mountainside hiking trails, with incredible views of the cliffs, valley and Jacques Cartier River. While skiing is possible in winter, don't hesitate to put on your snowshoes and enjoy the magnificent forest under its blanket of snow. The wildlife is rich and varied, so you're sure to catch a glimpse of some wild animals.
Discover Parc National de la Jacques Cartier by booking this hike from Quebec City.
15- La Mauricie National Park
La Mauricie National Park is a concentration of Quebec's most beautiful landscapes. This 530km² boreal forest is dotted with 150 lakes. In the milder seasons, you can even swim in them. The best way to admire them is to take one of the park's many marked hiking trails. Most of them are easy, ideal for family outings or for introducing beginners to hiking.
Don't miss the Mauricie National Park if you're planning a trip to Quebec.
16- See the Magdalen Islands
A dozen islands shaped by the ocean sit enthroned on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Magdalen Islands are a complete change of scenery. Explore them on foot or by bike, admiring their biodiversity, brightly-colored houses and red cliffs. The islands are home to many species of migratory and sedentary birds, including the American kingfisher and the Atlantic puffin.
17- Hiking in Kuururjuaq Park
Far to the north of Quebec, Parc Kuururjuaq is a mystical place, with rugged terrain from the sea to the mountain peaks. The Inuit call this region Torngait, meaning a place inhabited by spirits. Here you'll find Mount d'Iberville, the highest peak in eastern Canada, and the Koroc River, which stretches its turquoise waters over 160km towards Ungava Bay. This magnificent region, shaped by glaciers, is not accessible to all, and requires a certain amount of organization and expense.
When is the best time to visit Quebec?
Wondering when is the best time to visit Quebec? Here's a list of the region's features according to season:
- Autumn: the landscapes are filled with autumn-colored trees. Temperatures are cool, but the weather is still suitable for hiking and outdoor activities with plenty of cover.
- Winter: the region is covered in snow, and average temperatures are negative. Enjoy the ski resorts and Christmas markets.
- Spring: mild temperatures and pleasant days. Enjoy the parks and gardens, and it's the perfect time to visit Montreal.
- Summer: warm temperatures, ideal for water sports and hiking at altitude. Take advantage of the region's outdoor festivals.
What to do in Quebec with your family?
- In Montreal, visit the Biodôme and discover the world's different ecosystems in one place. Stroll through the Botanical Gardens and enjoy the rides at La Ronde amusement park.
- In Quebec City, discover theAquarium du Québec and admire a wide variety of marine species in this interactive venue. Visit the Citadelle de Québec to learn more about the region's military history before watching the Changing of the Guard.
- For outdoor activities, head to Parc de la Mauricie for hiking and canoeing. You can also meet boreal forest animals at the Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien.
What's free in Quebec?
- In Montreal : hike in Mount Royal Park and enjoy an incredible view of the city from the belvedere. Stroll along the Old Port of Montreal and admire the St. Lawrence River.
- In Quebec City : explore the Plains of Abraham park and enjoy free concerts in summer. The Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain and the tour of Old Quebec are also free.
