Quebec is packed with jaw-dropping attractions and destinations that locals know and love — from charming small towns to incredible natural wonders and stunning beaches that look straight out of a postcard.
Whether you’ve lived in Quebec all your life or recently moved, there are a few must-visit destinations that practically define life in La Belle Province.
We’ve rounded up 11 Quebec attractions that are a must-visit for any local. If you’ve checked off at least six of these spots, congrats — you can officially call yourself a true Quebecker.
Îles de la Madeleine
Address: Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC
Why You Need To Go: The Îles-de-la-Madeleine is an archipelago of eight stunning islands located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The islands are home to breathtaking white-sand beaches, beautiful landscapes and vibrant heritage, making them an ideal vacation spot that any Quebecker should visit at least once.
Head to Havre-Aubert Island, the largest and most forested island in the archipelago, for soft, sandy beaches and plenty of hiking opportunities; or visit Grand Entrance Island, known as the lobster capital of Quebec, for delicious, fresh seafood.
Îles de la Madeleine website
Old Quebec
Address: View-Quebec, QC
Why You Need To Go: Can you even call yourself Quebecois if you’ve never been to Old Quebec?
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec is the most intact fortified town north of Mexico, and is the historic and cultural heart of Quebec City.
The area has quaint cobblestone streets and historic gems that will transport you back in time. Wander through Rue Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, or visit the site of the Battle of 1759 at the Plains of Abraham.
The Old Port is said to be he best place to shop for antiques and art in the city. Start on rue Saint-Paul and continue to rue Saint-Pierre, popping into shops for artifacts and unique items.
Quebec Cite website
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Price: $4.73+ per adult
Address: 5300, boul. Sainte-Anne, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located just minutes from Quebec City, Chutes Montmorency is a must-see for visitors and Quebeckers alike.
Cascading down 83 metres, the waterfall stands higher than Niagara Falls and is a spectacular sight to see at any time of year.
During your visit, you can approach the waterfall in different ways and feel its full force. Take a cable car to the top of the cliff to admire the falls from a unique vantage point. Or, cross the suspended bridge to the belvedere, where you can feel the power of the river.
More adventurous visitors can also try out a 300-metre zipline that takes you right across the falls.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency website
Mont-Tremblant
Address: Mont-Tremblant, QC
Why You Need To Go: Mont-Tremblant is a resort town in Quebec where you’ll find endless charm. The town is known as a winter destination for skiing, but it also offers tons to do and see in summer.
With its colourful buildings, the village of Mont-Tremblant looks more like something you’d find in Europe rather than Canada.
You can take a gondola ride to see panoramic views of the Laurentians, explore hiking trails or shop for artisanal treats.
The town is also known as Quebec’s top cycling destination, offering picturesque routes with lush mountain landscapes.
Mont Tremblant Tourism website
Forillon National Park
Price: $9 per adult; free admission until September 2, 2025
Address: South area toll booth – 2286 Grande-Grève Boul., Gaspé QC; North area toll booth – 1440 Cap-des-Rosiers Boul., Gaspé QC
Why You Need To Go: Forillon National Park in Quebec offers a perfect blend of sea, cliffs and forest.
Located in the eastern Gaspésie region, the park offers visitors the chance to see whales and seals and enjoy pristine beaches with warm waves.
Here, you can hike on trails that lead to gorgeous lookouts to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Cap Bon Ami, a beautiful lookout and beach, offers a front-row seat where you can admire the seabirds, marine life, and the soaring cliffs of the area.
Forillon National Park website
Montreal Botanical Garden
Price: $23.75 per adult
Address: 4101, rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: The Montreal Botanical Garden is recognized as one of the largest and most beautiful in the world, and really, can you call yourself a true Quebecker if you haven’t experienced it for yourself?
An oasis in the middle of the city for over 80 years, the garden boasts a collection of 22,000 plant species and cultivars, 10 exhibition greenhouses and around 30 thematic gardens to explore.
Among its many gardens are three cultural gardens, including the popular Chinese Garden, where you’ll find pavilions designed in traditional Chinese architecture as well as a contrast of yin and yang.
Montreal Botanical Gardens website
Oka National Park
Price: $10.10 per adult
Address: 54 Chem. des Collines, Oka, QC
Why You Need To Go Located 35 minutes from Montreal in the Laurentians region, Oka National Park offers plenty of outdoor activities, whatever the season. In summer, you can enjoy the park’s supervised beach, hiking trails and bike paths.
The park is a classic camping spot near Montreal. Camping is available year-round, and accommodations include serviced and unserviced sites, as well as ready-to-camp sites.
Two traditional ready-to-camp tents are also available for people with reduced mobility.
A unique spot to visit in the park is the Calvaire. With its four oratories and three chapels, the Calvaire is a unique complex of historic buildings and can be reached by a scenic trail.
Oka National Park website
Percé
Address: Percé, QC
Why You Need To Go: Located on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the Gaspésie region, Percé is a city offering spectacular scenery, a vibrant culture, and an enchanting setting.
The city is home to the famous Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. You can discover Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé for sea excursions and wildlife viewing, or Percé UNESCO Global Geopark for hiking trails and spectacular lookouts.
Be sure to also check out Anse du Sud, a beautiful beach bordered by black rock, and the scenic La Grave boardwalk.
Perce tourism website
Gatineau Park
Price: Free admission
Address: 33 Chem. Scott, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: As one of the most-visited parks in Canada, Gatineau Park is a must-visit spot for any true Quebecois.
The 361-square-kilometre wilderness site features scenic lookouts, multi-use trails, mesmerizing lakes, and unique caves. The park is also a sanctuary for more than 100 species of plants and animals at risk.
The park is home to the meromictic Pink Lake, a stunning natural wonder that takes on a beautiful turquoise-green hue, making it an especially scenic spot to visit in the summer and a rare beauty in the park.
Gatineau Park website
Baie-Saint-Paul
Address: Baie-Saint-Paul, QC
Why You Need To Go: Situated in the picturesque Charlevoix region of Quebec, Baie-Saint-Paul is a town renowned for its art and heritage, just an hour from Quebec City.
The town boasts a relaxing, postcard-like setting along the St. Lawrence River, offering a mix of nature and culture.
Here, you’ll find museums, art galleries, shows, lively bars, bistros and gourmet restaurants that make Baie-Saint-Paul the cultural capital of the region.
Visit the bustling Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street to find charming boutiques, art galleries, artisanal shops and restaurants.
Destination Baie-Saint-Paul website
Parc Omega
Price: $47.84 per adult
Address: 399 Route 323 Nord, Montebello, QC
Why You Need To Go: Operating since 1991, Parc Omega in the Outaouais region offers visitors a unique opportunity to see a variety of wild Canadian animals living in their natural habitat.
The park is well known for its car safari, where you can discover North American wild animals like elk, bison, wolves, bears, foxes and much more right from your vehicle, and also offers hiking trails and restaurant services.
There are also accommodations allowing you to extend your stay, including teepees, tents, and cabins, as well as the unique wolf cabins, where you can view directly into the wolves’ den.
Parc Omega website
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
