海角社区

Chelsea

Just 13 miles from Ottawa, Chelsea is a scenic corner where the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers unite. Chelsea takes the laid-back character of the surrounding nature at Gatineau Park and the big city across the river, decorating it in cozy vibes. Camp Fortune offers a terrain park for skiing and base lodges, plus an aerial park with zip lines. Pink Lake Trail is a memorable hike with stairs, boardwalks, and well-maintained paths through a dense forest. There's also a lookout point right off the parkway of the vibrant lake in rich vegetation with interpretive panels about its rare ecology. Some 20 minutes east, Mont Cascades features a water park, skiing, and snowshoe trails.

Chelsea's luxurious Nordik Spa-Nature invites visitors to unwind and soothe sore muscles after an adventurous day, akin to relaxing in Northern European hot springs. There are several art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, like Bougie Doozy Candle, across from Le Petit Bar 脿 Vin. Champlain Lookout attracts cyclists for a bird's-eye view of the lush, colorful valley, once part of an ancient ocean. Perfect for a quick escape or destination getaway, visit in the fall season for every shade of autumn along the multi-use trails and stunning overlooks. Ruins Carbide Willson is accessible through the beautiful park, which has scenic spots, waterfalls, and historic structures, plus amenities and ample parking.

尝鈥橝苍蝉别-脿-叠别补耻蹿颈濒蝉

Try to find a more laid-back place than 尝鈥橝苍蝉别-脿-叠别补耻蹿颈濒蝉, defined as "human settlement," along Route 132. This picturesque fishing harbor, typical of the region, is a perfect pitstop for a day of browsing in scenic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence waters. Microbrasserie Pit Caribou has an open terrace where you can enjoy the watery vistas over a flight, plus delicious food offerings. Step out into the sunset along Quai de l'Anse-脿-Beaufils. Next to the marina on Rivi猫re de l鈥橝nse-脿-Beaufils, La Vieille Usine is a cultural space with a patio, bistro caf茅, a bar, and free exhibitions, offering a variety of performances.

尝鈥橝苍蝉别-脿-叠别补耻蹿颈濒蝉 hosts a welcoming feel through a number of accommodations to explore over a weekend or longer. The active enjoy hiking just inland at Sentier des Montagnes. Next to the pub, Magasin G茅n茅ral Historique Authentique 1928 reflects the ambiance of the 1920s in meticulously preserved digs. The actors and vintage memorabilia make it feel like stepping back in time to simplicity and tradition on a guided tour in a dog-friendly atmosphere. The top-rated H么tel Motel Vagues Vertes is an airy hotel with fair prices and scenery from the doorstep you will never want to leave.

Montebello

About an hour from Ottawa, Montebello exudes charm along the northern bank of the Ottawa River. This town in the Outaouais region claims "the 海角社区's largest log cabin," the luxurious Fairmont Le Ch芒teau Montebello. Rent a velo next door at Montebello Mountain Bike to explore the park's amazing trail system, which is within hand's reach of the river shore. Browse the linear main street with a stop at La Belle P芒tissi猫re to Centre D'Action Culturelle de la MRC de Papineau. You decide which is more unmissable: the all-season Chocomotive or the seasonal Lieu Historique national du Manoir-Papineau. This blue castle in a park setting offers tours in both of the national languages.

Golf Le Ch芒teau Montebello is a lush public golf course with trails and pretty features. Right up the highway, First Nations Trail is a kid- and dog-friendly hike with curious young fawns. Take the perimeter trail around a small lake with fish and a fish food dispenser on the shore. Part of the popular Omega Park, the park hosts abundant wildlife, including wolves. Enjoy cabins and tipis to stay right in the natural habitat of different species, plus First Nations totems, picnic tables, and an eatery. At dinnertime, Le Zouk is a restored pub known for Instagrammable dishes and a whole Canadian experience. The uncrowded marina offers unobscured views on a stroll and picnic tables at sunset.

North Hatley

This scenic village in the Eastern Townships on Lac Massawippi's northern tip is an enchanting place for romantic adventures. Some 25 minutes south of Sherbrooke, the active can even bike to and from. North Hatley sprawls on both shores of the lake, a midsummer dream. From foliage walks to bike rides, the Lake Massawipi Area Historical Society blends the panoramic views of the surrounding hills with local culture. It is romantic and serene on a weekday to walk along the water, with little restaurants and stores along the way. Scowen Park offers a dog-friendly trail system along the river, while Dreamland Park flaunts a scenic pier into the lake, Quai de Lac Massawippi.

Filled with heritage residences, bistros, cafes, and B&Bs, Manoir Hovey Relais & Ch芒teaux was called Canada's best resort hotel in 2023, while the town's white gazebo looks straight from Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls. North Hatley is a boutique shopping destination with an authentic French vibe that encourages leisurely get-togethers in the fresh air. Pilsen Restaurant et Pub offers three waterfront patios with an upbeat vibe to indulge in seafood pasta, burgers, and a full bar. Visitors can book a fishing charter next door or explore down the shore to Domaine Alpagas Essencia, a popular family attraction on the eastern bank, with fuzzy alpacas, plus handmade wool products and Peruvian art.

Saint Sauveur

Just 80 miles from Montreal, Saint-Sauveur is home to Qu茅bec鈥檚 largest snow park, with fewer crowds than the perpetual buzz atop Mont Tremblant, yet easy access to Parc national du Mont-Tremblant. Sommet Saint Sauveur offers a variety of runs, night skiing, a restaurant/bar, plus a snowboard park. Drop by Mus茅e du ski des Laurentides for the fame behind the town with the "longest skiing season in Canada." Surrounded by more "ski hills," Ski Mont Habitant offers groomed, family-friendly terrain, perfect for practicing snowboarding, while Ski Sommet Olympia has intermediate trails, a ski school, and a bistro. Parc John-H.-Molson offers ice skating, snowshoe trails, and a snow slide.

Replete with friendly businesses and amiable mountain views, this gorgeous (and laid-back) ski town is perfect for a dose of French flavor on a day trip or a winter getaway. From holiday shopping along the main to a diverse restaurant scene, browse for local goodies and gourmet 海角社区 cuisine. There are plenty of ways to soak up the views, like a number of beautiful golf courses. Find stays for every taste and budget throughout, like the cozy Manoir Saint-Sauveur resort hotel at the heart of all the breathtaking scenery. Parc F.U.N. du Sommet Saint-Sauveur is a warm-weather destination south of downtown. Coincide your visit during one of the regular festivals at Georges Filion Park.

Sutton

Just over an hour east of Montr茅al, Sutton is worth the further drive from Ottawa to southeastern Qu茅bec; the winding roads are a real treat for the eyes, eh? Offering a true Qu茅becois mountain town experience, Sutton is tangled within trails to peaks and parks. Mont Sutton is a ski resort, while Sutton Natural Environment Park offers camping. Whether you scale the peak on foot or take a chairlift, expect speech impediment from the spectacular falltime panorama. Round Top is a great hike for the experienced, while Lac Mohawk offers a serene slice in a wildlife park for families to relax in tranquil water views. The kids enjoy meeting adorable animals at the alpaca farm to the north.

From cozy nooks like Gato Sutton and Le Plesant Cafe to a public golf course, you'll never be bored with Sutton's mix of brasseries, plus B&Bs and affordable hotels. Browse boutiques and share a drink at Sutton Brou毛rie鈥擬icrobrasserie & Auberge, which doubles as a great accommodation. 脡cole d'art de Sutton is a long-standing cultural exhibit with rotating artworks in a beautiful space south of town. D'Arts et de r锚ves is another cool outdoor art space with installations against mountain views, while Parc Godue is a family-friendly place for a foliage hike. Drop by La R茅serve Naturelle for a local wine bottle to uncork back home over a story about Sutton.

Tadoussac

Tadoussac, a favorite getaway from the city, boasts a rich architectural landscape and heritage of the C么te-Nord region. Near Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay, the town is renowned for its whale-watching tours and charming waterfront cafes that serve delicious local cuisine. This north shore on the estuary of the St. Lawrence River is rich in wildlife, with trails right in town, like Sentier de la Coupe. Islet Point features a spectacular wooden boardwalk along the bluffs, overlooking the harbor, boats, and belugas at sunset. Saguenay-St-Lawrence Marine Park offers boating and water activities along a protected estuary and fjord with blue and beluga whales.

From popular whale-watching excursions to year-round hiking, don't miss the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre. The Chauvin Trading Post is 颁补苍补诲补鈥檚 first fur-trading post, founded in 1600. Les Dunes is a beautiful beachfront to the north, although not for combing, but great to perch with a picnic along the steep beach. From cozy cafes to fine dining, many places stay open year-round, including Th茅芒tre des B茅loufilles. Scale Mont Ad茅la-Lessard, find a waterfall or enjoy sea kayaking. There's also cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Despite being a popular town to visit, the local hotel prices don't bite, including H么tel Tadoussac.

Wakefield

Find this tiny village in the Outaouais region along the west bank of the Gatineau River. Under 30 minutes from Ottawa, visitors enjoy rich culture and history in a relaxed, natural setting. From Cafe Le Hibou to Wakefield Bakery, start the day with authentic French pastries and cuisine. The Wakefield Grand is a popular hotel on the doorstep of Centre Vorlage, the perfectly groomed local ski resort to learn and practice, plus uphill ski (alpine touring) and a pub with excellent craft beer and delicious grub. Stop by Exp茅ditions Wakefield for outdoor gear and the cozy March茅 Wakefield Market for locally crafted gifts. Just inland, Wakefield Waterfall is a scenic spot to spread a picnic.

The Wakefield Covered Bridge spans the river with a walkthrough in its historic red embrace, with signs and build process memos, where many can unwind or have picnics. Explore along the river shore from Wakefield Station, a Canadian Pacific Railway stop, to the River Walk South, which has great views of the Gatineau River. Boutique Jamboree is right along the way to browse for a gift. Bluebarn Coffee Roasters is a great brunch spot for caffeine addicts on the outskirts with French pastries and coffee drinks to enjoy on a scenic patio in the early fall colors. Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa is on the doorstep of Gatineau Park.

Quebec鈥檚 Most Relaxed Towns: A Perfect Escape

The association of the most beautiful villages of Qu茅bec promotes the architectural and heritage of its 40 villages and the quality of the surrounding landscapes. Both North Hatley and Tadoussac meet the criteria with a population of under 8000, a classified heritage building, exceptional scenery, and access to tourist attractions.

No wonder Tadoussac, 颁补苍补诲补鈥檚 first fur-trading post from 1600, has long been a magnet, first a strategic settlement, now a tourist hotspot. Did you know that the locals call the great St. Lawrence River鈥擫a Fleuve? There are many more gems. Each reveals a unique side of the beautiful province, rich heritage, and diverse landscapes.