Photo by Tourism Chaudière-Appalaches © Phil Têtu
The Belle Province of Québec provides countless romantic destinations for travelers, offering the charm of French culture without you having to book a trip to Europe.
Stroll hand in hand through the Old City of Québec, bask on the islands of the St. Lawrence River, and sleep under the stars at Mont Mégantic. Explore all that Quebec has to offer for a romantic and rich cultural experience that’s just a short flight or drive away from home.
Quebec City
Québec City skyline with cruise ship. Photo by Lévis © Maxime Potvin
Canada’s most European city is also one of its most charming; partners can escape to another era entirely by walking along its historic streets and boardwalks. The Old Québec City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to cobblestone streets and 18th century buildings. The area has a long military history; impressive fortifications include the Citadelle and Battlefields Park, which are open for tours and offer many quiet, peaceful spots for a picnic.
Québec city © Jeff Frenette
After absorbing the area’s history, explore the local shops at Quartier Petit-Champlain, a neighborhood with old stone buildings and narrow streets reminiscent of Paris. There, you can also take in the beauty of the landmark luxury hotel, Fairmont le Château Frontenac. The hotel’s riverside walkway, Terrasse Dufferin, provides a place for local artists and musicians showcase their talents. To finish your trip off right, enjoy a romantic dinner of rich, local fare at Resto La Buche or Le Clocher Penché and watch the sun set behind the towering Montmorency Falls.
Charlevoix Region
Photo by Réseau Charlevoix
The Charlevoix region features a dramatic landscape inset with vineyards, farms, coastal hiking and biking routes, and an abundance of nature for you and your partner to discover. It’s so stunning, in fact, that it was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere reserve in 1989. A short 50-minute drive or train ride from Quebec City will take the two of you to one of the most scenic getaways in the province. We recommend hopping aboard the Train de Charlevoix, which travels along the St. Lawrence River through the countryside between Québec City and La Malbaie.
Photo by ©Tourisme Charlevoix, Annie Ferland
Culture lovers will appreciate Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Baie-Saint-Paul, which is home to the largest concentration of art galleries in Canada. A culinary adventure awaits hungry pairs on The Flavour Trail, a circuit that takes you to meet the region’s producers of cider, traditionally made beers, cheeses and exquisite chocolates, and organic meats. Grab a bottle to enjoy together at your hotel room or bed and breakfast. For a quaint country experience, spend your last day biking or kitesurfing together at one of the most beautiful islands on the St. Lawrence River, L’Isle-aux-Coudres, located off the coast of Baie-Saint-Paul.
Montréal
Vieux-Montréal et Vieux-Port – Rue Saint-Paul. Photo by © Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin
Ahh Montréal. It’s a city on many travelers’ bucket lists, for reasons that go beyond its European flair and unique culinary options.
The first thing on your list should be to explore Old Montréal and the impressive Notre-Dame Basillica at Place d’Armes. After you’ve soaked in some culture, stroll in the sunset light through the Bonsecours Market, a charming and romantic district that’s home to cutting-edge design shops and forward-thinking restaurants.
Spa Bota Bota. Photo by Destination Canada For the ultimate in relaxation, visit Bota Bota, a unique floating spa in the heart of Old Port. Couples can relax with a hot oil eucalyptus-orange massage or a dip in the large Jacuzzi that overlooks Montréal’s shores. At the end of the day, indulge together at one of the city’s top-rated restaurants such as Toqué, Europea, and Montréal Plaza. Even better, plan your trip around MTLàTABLE, a festival that offers 15 days of gourmet festivities in November.
Other romantic day trips to consider
Mont-Tremblant: Located about an hour and a half drive from Montreal, Mont-Tremblant was voted the #1 ski village in Eastern North America by readers of Ski Magazine. Take your partner on a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the nearby Aboriginal-inspired Kanatha-Aki Nature Centre, where you can go on an overnight dogsledding adventure complete with a Swiss fondue dinner at the top of a mountain. In the summer, take in the Luminas Experience from Moment Factory, which transforms Mont-Tremblant into an enchanted forest.
Sacacomie Lodge: The majestic, log-built Sacacomie Lodge borders the Mastigouche wildlife reserve and is located just 90 minutes from Montreal. Opt for their Romantic Package, which comes with two nights accommodations, two 4-course dinners, unlimited access to the Geos Les Bains spa, and more.
Lighthouse Trail: The 2,030-kilometre Lighthouse Trail provides a tour of 43 different lighthouses along Rivière-du-Loup to Tadoussac. Cozy up for an overnight stay in the former Pot à l’Eau-de-vie lighthouse and have a meal at a seaside inn.
Charm, romance, and effortless sophistication await travelers to Canada’s historic province of Quebec. Break out the French dictionary and get packing. Bon voyage!
This post is a sponsored collaboration between Destination Canada and Gothamist staff.
