Québec is a province in Canada that is known to have a prominent French culture, with a large portion of its population who are skilled in the language. The province has a classic European vibe with gorgeous architectures, especially in Québec City - the capital of Québec. Québec City is so impressive that even UNESCO declared it a world heritage city centre. Aside from its rich French-Canadian culture, Québec City is also home to lots of delectable Québecois dishes like poutine and tourtière. Definitely, a foodie’s haven! However, there are some real gems situated just a short distance from the city! Imagine beautiful landscapes, mountains, and waterfalls. If you are yearning to get outside the city for a bit, read on to learn more about some of the best weekend trips in Québec, Canada.
1. La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve
La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve one of the largest nature reserves in Quebec, spanning over 12589 square kilometres (4860.6 square miles) of land and lake area. Consisting of over 4000 lakes and two huge reservoirs, this nature reserve is definitely a great destination for those who are looking to a weekend of relaxation within the great wonders of nature. Aside from the usual outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, visitors can also choose to camp within the various campsites! It takes 5 hours and 40 minutes via Autoroute 440 O from Quebec City.
2. Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant makes for an awesome weekend road-trip! A drive from Québec to Mont Tremblant takes about four hours and it’s totally worth it. Located at the foothills of the Laurentian mountain range, this winter oasis is famous for their ski-resorts and scenic mountain views. This gorgeous resort town is filled with lots of activities for visitors. The Laurentian offers some of the best slopes for the ski-lovers. If you are up for a little more adventure, opt for the 4.8-kilometre (3-mile) guided nighttime trek through the snowy terrains. For a full-on relaxation trip, go for scenic outdoor Scandinavian baths and unwind your muscles in a comfortable hot tub.
3. Sherbrooke
A 2.5-hour drive will lead you to Sherbrooke, a city sitting on the Saint-François and Magog rivers. This stunning city has a rich history that can be dated 8000 years back. It is also surrounded by an abundance of beautiful landscapes. Sherbrooke is surely a great choice for a weekend trip. You wouldn’t want to miss a relaxing hike in the ultra-charming Mont Bellevue park because there are more than 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) of trails you can go on. Other than that, there are also lots of attractions you can look out for. Visit the Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts and immerse in the local art scene or go on a vineyard tour!
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4. Quebec City (from USD 26.0)
If you are residing in other parts of Quebec, Quebec City is definitely a perfect weekend vacation spot! Recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, there is a lot that this historic, culturally rich city has got to offer. Getting to know more about the heritage of Quebec City is really easy. You can either sign up for some free walking tours or go on a self-guided tour to understand the city a little more. There are lots of restaurants, cafes and shopping streets to explore as well! Go on a shopping spree at either Petit Champlain District or Rue Saint-Jean where you’ll find lots of unique boutiques.
Quebec Old City Walking Tour with Upper and Lower Towns
Duration: 2 hours
5. Percé
Percé is a village located in the Eastern region of the Quebec province and it thrives mainly due to its tourism industry. Visitors flock to the Percé to take a look at the very unique huge Percé Rock formation situated in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Aside from this majestic sight, the Bonaventure Island off the coast where stunning cliffs, beaches and wildlife can be found. Go full-on vacation mode with the different activities offered by the village, shop at boutiques and have a feast in the restaurants! It takes about 8 hours and 15 minutes via Autoroute 20 E and QC-132 E to reachPercé from Quebec City.
6. Sutton
Sutton is a beautiful mountain village located in Eastern Quebec. If you love the nature and admiring scenic landscapes, a vacation to Sutton is a must. Visitors can discover the beauty of this village by going on a hiking or biking trip. If you are there during the winter, remember to go on a skiing adventure at one of their many skiing trails. The art lovers can visit the Plein Art gallery and participate in the many art-related festivals and events organised by the village. It takes about 3 hours to reach Sutton via Autoroute 20 O or Route Transcanadienne O.
7. La Mauricie National Park
Located near Shawinigan in the Laurentian mountains, the La Mauricie National Park is the home to a mixture of majestic conifers and mixed deciduous trees. The lakes within the park make for a good base for a relaxing kayaking or canoeing adventure. That is also one of the best methods to enjoy and immerse in nature’s beauty. Visit during winter and you’ll get a panoramic view of the frozen lakes amidst the beautiful landscapes, and that is truly a sight to see! It takes you about 2 hours and 36 minutes from Quebec City to this park via Autoroute 40 O.
8. Montreal (from USD 79.51)
Montreal is a 255 kilometres (158.5 miles) away from Québec City, and you can reach there easily after a 3-hour drive. As one of the most well-known cities in Canada, Montreal definitely has a lot of offer. Famous for their art-scene, the city is home to lots of festivals like the Jazz Fest and Mural Festival, both held during the summer. Also, when in Montreal, go on a foodie trip! There are tons of famous restaurants within the city and if you arrive in the city during summer and autumn, you might be able to catch the Food Truck Festival. During the event, there will be a huge gathering of food trucks near the Montreal Olympic Stadium. You’ll be so spoilt for choices!
3-Hour Scooter Sightseeing in Montreal
Duration: 3.0 hour
9. Tadoussac (from USD 54.0)
A three-hour drive from Quebec City will bring you to the village of Tadoussac. Take your drive along the River Route between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie and enjoy the scenic views of the mountain peaks before you reach the village. Go for a visit to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine. It is a medieval-inspired architecture furnished with rose-tinted windows and beautiful stained glass. If you are interested in whale-watching, go on a cruise tour that allows you to watch different varieties of beautiful whales.
Tadoussac: Saguenay Fjord Zodiac 1.5-Hour Twilight Cruise
Duration: 1.5 hour
10. Saguenay (from USD 67.0)
Like Tadoussac, Saguenay is another beautiful town surrounded by beautiful lakes, valleys and hills. It is a three-hour drive from Quebec City. There is a ski-resort called the Mont Lac-Vert and they are one of the best winter wonderlands within the town. With lots of vertical drops, slopes and snowshoe trails, this resort is definitely a happy place for the outdoor lovers! If you think that’s too cold, you can also go for a wildlife-watching trip at the wonderful Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park.
Rivière-du-Loup: Whale Watching Excursion
Duration: 3.5 hour
The beautiful gems of Quebec
Quebec is really big and there are just so many other places within the province that you can explore. There is definitely something for everyone. Canada is a beautiful country surrounded by lots of beautiful landscapes. If you are planning for a short weekend vacation in Quebec, remember to keep this article in mind!
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