5 Places to Visit in Quebec
After several months spent at home due to the pandemic, we are so excited to be able to move freely throughout Quebec. Given the decline in airline activity and the border closures in effect in several countries, this is now more than ever the right time to visit our beautiful region.
Quebec is well known for its natural beauty and is easy to explore on the road. Based on my previous road trips, read on to find out 5 places to visit in Quebec this summer.
Chelsea, Outaouais
Located north of Ottawa, Chelsea is a charming village anchored by sprawling parklands. The rural municipality of Chelsea prides itself on its culture and its picturesque setting.
Start your day at Gatineau Park, a natural oasis covering 361 km2 of hills and forest. Its rich biodiversity makes it a prime destination for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, and picnicking. During your visit, you can take part in guided hikes with a nature interpreter, and discover Gatineau Park’s wildlife and ecosystems. Among the numerous areas of the park, do not miss the Pink Lake and the Eardley Escarpment both offering scenic lookouts.
For those in need of a dose of adrenaline, Camp Fortune offers exciting outdoor adventure up in the mountain. The gnarly, sloped mountain biking trails on Skyline are not for the faint of heart. There are undulating trails for beginners, but most are best suited to intermediates and experts.
End up your day soaking at the Nordik Spa, the ultimate spa location in North America. This relaxation and wellness centre focuses on the thermotherapy and relaxation techniques, offering a multisensory experience in a natural setting. Find out more about my experience at the Nordik Spa here.
Bromont, Eastern Townships
Well known for its mountain offering a 4-season experience including a giant water park, Bromont is full of diverse and varied activities from agrotourism to cultural events.
The Old-Bromont is a good starting point for your visit. Its patrimonial buildings, lovely boutiques and restaurants make it a place where we enjoyed spending time. Do not miss to visit the Chocolate and confectionery Museum to discover their fine homemade chocolates and their chocolate-themed museum.
Bromont is the gateway to the Wine Route of Brome-Missisquoi. The Wine Route passing through hills, valleys and picturesque villages is a feast for all your senses. Many vineyards can welcome groups for a whole day or just for a tasting. At La Bauge Vineyard, they have designed a self-guided tour in the form of two rallies, one for children and one for adults, on their walking trails which allow you to discover the vineyard and admire their animals.
Extend your stay in Bromont by staying at the renowned Chateau-Bromont Hotel. Find out more about my experience at Chateau-Bromont Hotel here.
Orford, Eastern Townships
Orford is in itself an exceptional playground thanks to the presence of the Mont-Orford National Park, golf courses, the Montagnarde bike path and numerous resorts. The scenery is encapsulated by the presence of mountains and lakes, which makes the landscape absolutely magnificent.
Hiking is undoubtedly the best way to discover Mont-Orford National Park. This is the perfect opportunity to access many viewpoints that are said to be among the most spectacular in the Eastern Townships region.
Make the most of your visit by tasting the unique local products. Ideally surrounded by Mount Orford and Lake Memphremagog, Au Vignoble d’Orford is a charming vineyard offering guided tours and tastings activities.
The last time I went to Orford, I stayed at the Estrimont Suite & Spa. Find out more about my experience in Orford here.
Estérel, The Laurentians
Estérel is located just 60 minutes from Montreal, surrounded by five lakes and majestic forests. The city of Estérel was created 61 years ago with the aim to be an outstanding holiday destination. Today, Estérel is a quiet residential area offering great privacy due to its vegetation and topography.
That being said you may wonder why going to Estérel? The main attraction of Estérel is undoubtedly the exceptional Estérel Resort bordered by three prestigious and navigable lakes, an endless forest and a Nordic spa.
Estérel Resort is bustling with a wide range of activities to practice in the summer. Alone, as a couple or among friends, you can choose between hiking trails, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, bike, golf, and more. We truly enjoyed our previous stay at Estérel Resort, find out more about our experience here.
Saint-Jean Lake, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
History, nature, and adventure await you in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean. Allow at least 3 to 5 days to explore the main activities available in the cities surrounding Saint-Jean Lake. You will be able to admire the immensity of the landscapes, have fun in the attractions and enjoy the renowned gastronomy.
The numerous hiking trails around the lake offer sporting or soothing walks thanks to the diversity of the landscapes including mountains, valleys, plains, beaches, and riverbanks. It is absolutely amazing!
During our 3 days spent in the Saint-Jean Lake area, we also visited a farm to experience blueberry picking. The harvest season usually runs from mid-July to mid-September. Find out more about our experience in Saint-Jean Lake here.
Due to the health measures currently in effect, plan for your activities by doing the following:
- Find out what activities are available
- Make your reservations in advance
- Do not hesitate to call as information and measurements change
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