10 themed experiences across our 20 regions: enjoy summer your way

Some regions feel naturally suited to certain kinds of experiences, almost as if the land itself whispers to travellers what they’ve come to find. This isn’t about ranking regions or assigning labels—it’s about revealing what makes each place come alive. Gaspésie invites you to the open sea, Charlevoix to the trails, Montréal to the nightlife, and Nunavik to the glow of its northern sunsets.

To help you choose your next dream destination, here’s a themed overview of regions that could align with what you’re in the mood for. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a beach lover, an avid cyclist, a culture buff, a party animal at heart, a nature lover or a foodie, come explore with us! We’ll guide you every step of the way.

But take note! Almost all of our regions offer places where you can enjoy each of these experiences. These are just starting points to help you map out your plans. Feel free to contact our destination specialist to plan your personalized itinerary (it’s free!).

1. Hike to new heights

Anyone who loves reaching stunning viewpoints under their own steam will be in for a treat.

Charlevoix

In Charlevoix, the Acropole des Draveurs trail in Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière offers a challenging climb, but the view of the glacial valleys is worth every drop of sweat. You can savour the hiking experience even longer in Charlevoix by exploring the Route des Montagnes.

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

In this region next to Charlevoix, there are countless trails for discovering the Fjord du Saguenay on foot, including the Sentier des Caps in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. Waterfalls, cliffs, and even whales may be part of what you discover along the way. A little further inland, you can also hike through Parc national des Mont-Valins along its popular Des Pics trail, which leads up to spectacular views of the forests stretching as far as the eye can see.

Gaspésie

The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) delivers a rewarding challenge for short hikes and, even more, for serious long-distance trekking. Stretching nearly 650 km, the trail runs along coastal landscapes and through striking mountain terrain. It spans several mountains and parks, such as Parc national de la Gaspésie and Parc national Forillon.

2. Breathe in salt‑tinged coastal air

Thanks to the mighty St. Lawrence River stretching across our territory, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the fresh air along the water.

Îles‑de‑la‑Madeleine

In this archipelago, the sand, sunlight and red cliffs create an almost Mediterranean setting. The Dune-du-Sud beach and the one located close to Cap à Adèle are just two of the many places you’ll want to add to your travel must‑see list.

Côte-Nord

Next stop: the Mingan Archipelago, a wild coastal landscape punctuated by incredible monoliths. The water may be a bit cold for most, but everyone can enjoy the beautiful stretches of soft, golden sand that line the coast.

Bas-Saint-Laurent

The Route des Navigateurs runs along the St. Lawrence River from Centre-du-Québec to Bas-Saint-Laurent. In the latter region, be sure to fit in some exploring—climb a lighthouse, hop on a boat or set out in a sea kayak. There are coastal views to enjoy at every turn. If time permits, branch off this route and carry on to Gaspésie to complete a sweeping loop along the shoreline before circling back.

3. Taste your way through Québec

Here, you can count on eating well—even exceptionally well—wherever your travels take you. The following suggestions say it all!

Montréal

Montréal’s food scene features specialties from all corners of the world and menus that are as varied as they are delicious. Try them at a bustling public market, by booking a table at a top‑rated restaurant or by attending one of the region’s lively foodie events.

Chaudière-Appalaches

Chaudière-Appalaches is a land of maple—home to half of Québec’s sugar maples—and of farm products. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the terroir in all its abundance, thanks to its many delicious foodie stops and thriving country eateries.

Lanaudière

From Terre des Bisons to the giant corn maze at Ferme Guy Rivest (Grand labyrinthe de Lanaudière), Lanaudière’s agritourism farms makes this part of Québec a true hot spot for fun and flavourful discoveries.

4. Meander along the bike paths

With the Route verte—North America’s longest network of cycling trails, spanning roughly 5,400 km—you can really cover some ground!

Lanaudière

Lanaudière, includes a good stretch of the Route verte, plus several standalone circuits that wind through quiet agricultural scenery, with lovely gourmet stops to enjoy along the way.

Laurentides

Cycling tourists will be charmed by one of Québec’s most beautiful bike paths: the P’tit Train du Nord. Formerly a railroad track, this path is perfect for enjoying several days of idyllic adventures on two wheels.

Montérégie

In the Montérégie region, cyclists can enjoy 640 km of bike paths, making it the largest network in the province. The paths along the Soulanges Canal and Beauharnois Canal, and the La Montérégiade bike path are definitely worth checking out, as is the Montérégie segment of the Véloroute Gourmande (which you can follow all the way to the Eastern Townships if you want).

5. Tap into the urban vibe

Day and night, our cities are buzzing. Colourful neighbourhoods, packed markets, festivals of every kind, and wildly creative restaurants are all part of the experience.

Montréal

Our metropolis never sleeps. The Quartier des spectacles lights up with glowing façades and lively patios, Plateau‑Mont‑Royal’s parks burst into spontaneous gatherings, and the Espace pour la vie facilities keep families entertained in Hochelaga‑Maisonneuve… and there’s so much more!

Québec, city and area

Old Québec is a must: stroll through history, past buzzing patios, museums and the river. A walk up to the fortifications feels like stepping into another time. And every neighbourhood in this lovely city has its own vibe—all of them worth experiencing.

Outaouais

Beyond its vast natural spaces, the Outaouais region also boasts a vibrant urban flair. In Gatineau, one of our three major cities, you can enjoy standout dining, try your luck at the Casino du Lac-Leamy, and explore the Canadian Museum of History, one of Canada’s most visited museums.

Laval

On Montréal’s North Shore, the pleasures of daily life converge at the Centropolis, which features an extraordinary blend of upscale shopping, gourmet food, unique entertainment options, and not-to-be-missed events.

6. Dive into the nightlife

There’s a lot more to Québec’s nightlife than the neon lights of Montréal and the lively outdoor patios in the city of Québec. Beyond these major cities, other regions come to life as the sun sets.

Saguenay–Lac‑Saint‑Jean

In Saguenay, popular shows such as Québec Issime or La Fabuleuse Histoire d’un Royaume await you, as do regional festivals and the lively Rue Racine lined with cafés, microbreweries and great local eateries.

Mauricie

Trois-Rivières boasts an energetic and diverse nightlife where bars, microbreweries, performance venues and major events prove that even halfway between the major cities, Québec’s nightlife thrives in many forms. Not bad for the second-oldest city in the province, right?

Eastern Townships

The city of Sherbrooke is home to a large student population that loves having fun and relaxing outside of class. Luckily for them (and for us!), the city exudes a youthful, spontaneous energy thanks to its lively bars, bustling restaurant patios, festivals and performance venues.

7. Cover miles of scenery in the driver’s seat

With official tourist routes and suggested itineraries, there’s no shortage of options for those who love exploring by car or motorcycle.

Abitibi‑Témiscamingue

The Explorers’ Routes that winds through this vast region features sweeping landscapes and huge lakes along a ribbon of asphalt that entices you to drive on and on. Around every corner for miles, rugged nature, friendly villages and the freedom of the open road await you.

Côte-Nord

The captivating Route des Baleines unfolds along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, with stops at scenic viewpoints where you have a chance of glimpsing a whale’s blow in the distance. You can follow Route 138 to its farthest reach, where the road gives way to the unknown.

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Road trips take on an epic dimension in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, whether you decide to drive along the majestic fjord or do the full loop around Lac Saint-Jean. Nature—majestic and abundant—unfolds as a stunning backdrop from start to finish.

8. Unplug completely in the great outdoors

We’re not shy about it—we’re proud of our wide‑open natural spaces, ideal for both relaxing and embracing adventure. They’re what we’re known for, and for good reason.

Mauricie

In Parc national de la Mauricie, the lakes, forests and absolute tranquility allow for a classic escape to recharge your batteries not too far from the big cities. For a longer adventure, pitch your tent under the stars or, if you’re travelling light, rent a “Boîte des Bois”—a boxed kit of camping equipment that includes everything you need for a comfortable, hassle-free experience.

Laurentides

At Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, you can hike, kayak or test your limits on a via ferrata. Sentier des Cimes Laurentides features a scenic, treetop-level walkway (fully accessible to visitors) leading to the panoramic observation tower, which boasts a spectacular, 360-degree view of the surrounding forest.

Eeyou Istchee Baie‑James

At the doorstep to the Far North, you’re swept into a peaceful world infused with the scents of the boreal forest. Here, you can explore Cree traditions, climb Mont Laurier and weave your finest fishing tales.

9. Nurture a spirit of culture and discovery

Québec’s culture and heritage reveal the stories of the past that have shaped our reality of today.

Chaudière‑Appalaches

A rich heritage and historical tours come to life through the region’s museums, interpretation centres and notable sites. Visitors can explore the Grosse Île and the Irish Memorial National Historic Site, which was the main immigration gateway and served as a quarantine station for the Port of Québec from the early 19th century to 1937.

Québec, city and area

You can sense the history the moment you set foot in the old quarter. The cobblestone streets of Old Québec tell the story of four centuries of history, the museums offer a glimpse into the major events of the past, and the public squares turn into lively open‑air gathering places.

Centre-du-Québec

This region is also brimming with dynamic, immersive cultural attractions. Take a trip back in time at the Village québécois d’Antan and learn more about Indigenous traditions at the Musée des Abénakis.

10. Cap off the day with a stunning sunset

With a sweater over your shoulders, relax on a balcony or park bench and watch the day end in all its glory.

Bas-Saint-Laurent

This corner of Québec holds the unofficial title of “sunset capital.” Every town and village along the St. Lawrence River offers a prime vantage point for watching the sun traverse the vast sky and disappear behind the mountains in a magnificent array of colours Parc national du Bic is one of the places where hikers and nature lovers savour the striking land‑and‑sea scenery—a perfect setting for sunset.

Gaspésie

Cap-Bon-Ami, ldelivers a stunning scene as the sun drops behind the cliffs, and Percé offers a gentle moment as the light falls over its iconic rock standing straight and steadfast in the open water.

Nunavik

In this region of the Far North, the day ends in grandeur, with a crimson sun sinking behind the tundra, lighting up massive lakes under a northern sky that seems to go on forever. And once night falls, this region can show off some of the best northern lights around.

You get the idea: there’s a region somewhere in Quebec that’s waiting for you with exactly what you’re after. Here, a trail leads you to a summit with epic views; there, a foodie stop showcases bountiful terroir; elsewhere, a road pulls you toward the horizon, a beach invites you to slow down and breathe, a city energizes you, or a fjord proves just how huge and powerful nature can be.