麻豆AV

Montreal and Quebec City usually come to mind when thinking about cities with lively downtown cores in the province of Quebec. Montreal is known for its vibrant arts scene, cultural diversity, gourmet food, and boutique shopping, and Quebec City maintains a European charm and over 400 years of history. However, these two cities are not the only cities and towns in Quebec with downtown and main streets worth visiting. The smaller cities and towns around Canada鈥檚 biggest province may not be major urban centers like Montreal and Quebec City. Still, they provide unique experiences focused on community, culture, and cuisine that will shift your perception of downtown tourism. Here are 9 of the best downtowns in Quebec.

Saint Jerome

The suburban city of Saint Jerome not only has a historic downtown that preserves remnants of the city鈥檚 past. It also offers cozy cafes, well-reviewed restaurants, and a bumping nightlife. Cafes like La Petit Voisine Un Homme Et and restaurants Dieu du Ciel and Restaurant Villa D鈥橢ste are only some of the reasons why Saint Jerome is an underrated foodie destination. Once your stomach is full, you can visit Saint Jerome鈥檚 main landmarks, such as the neo-classical building Hotel de Ville de Saint Jerome or the contemporary art and architectural heritage museum, Musee d鈥檃rt contemporain des Laurentides.

When the sun has set on Saint Jerome, you will not be disappointed with live music establishments like Bistro Bar Du Parc and L鈥橴sine Restaurant Bar St. Jerome. Or if you prefer bars and restaurants that make great cocktails while providing great music and a bumping dance floor, you鈥檒l want to visit Shaker Cuisine & Mixologie St. Jerome and Lucky Luke 2.

Baie-Saint Paul

This town on the Saint Lawrence River should be your destination if you鈥檙e looking for a mixture of art, culture, local breweries, and scenic mountains and rivers. The town鈥檚 main road, Saint Jean-Baptiste Street, has about 20 art galleries and museums where visitors can peruse the works of local and international artists. The Musee d鈥檃rt contemporain de Baie-Saint Paul is a great place to start, as it鈥檚 the only museum in the region dedicated to contemporary art, or if you prefer boutique galleries and unique local art, the Beauchamp Art Gallery and Maison de Rene Richard will not disappoint.

However, all art and no play is not how you enjoy Baie-Saint Paul. Thankfully, it鈥檚 also home to plenty of local breweries like MicroBrasserie Charlevoix, which specializes in Belgium-style beers. You could also indulge in delicious gourmet dishes at Le Mouton Noir while enjoying the stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding mountains on its waterfront terrace.

Rimouski

Rimouski is another gem of a town on the St. Lawrence River. Its downtown area is known for relaxing romantic strolls, restaurants with delicious regional dishes, and local culture. The 4-kilometer-long Promenade de la Mer boardwalk, located in the heart of Rimouski, allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery on the St. Lawrence River before embarking on food and art adventures.

Once you鈥檙e done with your romantic stroll, it might be easy to get spoiled for choice with the top-notch restaurant selection in downtown Rimouski. But for a gourmet dining experience, you can鈥檛 go wrong with Auberge du Mange Grenouille, and if dessert is all you need, don鈥檛 leave Rimouski without sampling the sinful delights at Patisseries & Gourmandises d鈥橭livier. Rimouski will also spoil with history and art with nine public art trails to choose from and a handful of museums and galleries like the La Maison Lamontagne and Galerie d鈥檃rt Leonard Parent.

Magog

Lake Memphremagog is the primary reason Magog is a tourist destination, making it a great place for scenic hikes, boating, cycling, and fishing. However, you shouldn鈥檛 sleep on its vibrant downtown scene, which features bustling streets with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes worth exploring. Unique local businesses like the Boutique Ville Campagne, Lacroix Espace Boutique, and Beau et Fou are great places to shop for one-of-a-kind clothing and jewelry items.

When it comes to art, Magog offers a truly unique experience because it鈥檚 home to the Musee International d鈥檃rt naif de Magog, Canada鈥檚 only art gallery dedicated to dedicated to naive art. It features 850 works by 271 artists from around the 麻豆AV. Once you鈥檙e done shopping and perusing through art, end your day at one of Magog鈥檚 cozy cafes like Cafe Remis or La Shop, sipping on a warm drink or indulging in a sugary dessert.

Salaberry-de-Valleyfield

Nicknamed 鈥淭he Venice of Quebec鈥� because of the many canals and rivers that are situated all around it, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield boasts a unique downtown with a scenic boardwalk, historic buildings, and home to one of Canada鈥檚 most beautiful parks. The Old Beauharnois Boardwalk connects Salaberry-de-Vallefield鈥檚 downtown core to Lake St. Francis and Marina Valleyfield. It鈥檚 the perfect place for water sports enthusiasts or visitors who long for a scenic stroll along crystal-clear waters.

The city is conveniently connected with bike lanes that go through the boardwalk and the rest of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield鈥檚 downtown core. Biking is also a great way to explore the city鈥檚 historic landmarks, such as the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Cecilia and the Deux Rivers Society Museum, which exhibits the history of the region鈥檚 economy and culture. Finally, you can end your day at Delpha Sauve Park, which offers scenic walks, breezy biking, and stunning sunsets along the banks of Saint-Francois Bay.

Perce

The downtown area of this scenic city on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence is for tourists who value simple things like scenery that would inspire master painters, great local seafood eats, and fine works of art. Perce Rock, a sheer rock formation on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is Perce鈥檚 main attraction, offering stunning views from downtown Perce. You can enjoy Perce Rock鈥檚 majestic setting from the comfort of one of Perce鈥檚 most popular restaurants, La Maison du Pecheur. The restaurant is known for its seafood dishes like lobster risotto, filet mignon, and salmon tartar.

A town as beautiful as Perce has inspired artists for a long time. It鈥檚 why it鈥檚 a great place to discover the works of talented artists from the province. Art galleries of local artists like Atelier-Galerie Mourad Fouad and Galerie Mylene Henry are great places to start. Or, if you prefer some history instead, visit Perce鈥檚 historic store, the Magasin General Historique Aunthentique 1928. This museum features storytellers dressed in authentic 1920s clothing, depicting a realistic glimpse into a 1920s general store and life in Perce during that era.

Tadoussac

Tadoussac is for visitors who want to visit a downtown that is a perfect weekend getaway. This scenic town on the St. Lawrence River is mainly known for whale watching, but you can enjoy a relaxing time by staying at the historic Hotel Tadoussac, which overlooks Tadoussac Bay. The hotel鈥檚 bright red roof and dormer windows give it an old-timey look, and close to cafes like Cafe l鈥橝bri Cotier or Cofe Boheme, which serve delicious breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and baked goods.

You can then take a short walk to Islet Point, where you can walk through nature trails filled with spruce and fir trees. Islet Points is also a great place to witness beautiful sunsets or spot pods of whales. Historical sites like Tadoussac Chapel and the Chauvin Trading Post are also worth a visit, offering a glimpse into the town鈥檚 400-year history. The best way to cap off a relaxing day at Tadoussac is by dining at restaurants like Chez Mathilde, which features seafood dishes that are locally sourced and will leave you wanting more.

Riviere Du Loup

The breathtaking scenery surrounding the skyline of this charming city may fool you into thinking it鈥檚 all about beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor fun. However, the Riviere Du Loup鈥檚 downtown is known for bustling summers with outdoor patios, local breweries, and restaurants specializing in regional cuisine. The city鈥檚 main street, Rue Lafontaine is a great place to start as you can sample locally brewed beer in establishments like Aux Fous Brassant- Microbrasserie or taste exceptional dishes in restaurants like L鈥橢staminet, Le Loft, and L鈥橧nnocent.

Riviere Du Loup also has well-preserved historical landmarks that can be experienced through the Heritage Walking Trail. The trail winds through the oldest parts of the city鈥檚 downtown, which includes the Manoir Seigneurial Fraser Museum and heritage homes like the Fraser Manor, built in 1829, and the Sir John A. McDonald鈥檚 Summer Residence, built in the late 1800s. Riviere Du Loup鈥檚 downtown is also a great staging area to get on whale-watching cruises and boat trips and is not too far away from the beautiful trails and falls of the Parc des Chutes.

Gaspe

Gaspe is known as 鈥淭he Cradle of French America,鈥� so it naturally has a downtown core filled with historical landmarks and museums. The Musee de la Gaspesie Gaspe showcases the history and heritage of this region and province, as well as the history of the Indigenous Mi鈥檏maq people. Downtown Gaspe also commemorates the site where French explorer Jacques Cartier planted a cross in 1534 during his first voyage to North America.

The Cross of Gaspe is part of the Birthplace of Canada Heritage Site, which also includes reconstructed buildings, representing the village of Gaspe in 1900. The heritage site also employs costumed characters from the era, adding to its immersive history. Ending the day in this truly Canadian town has to be done at De La Reine Street, where you can savor delicious cooking at popular restaurants like Bistro-Bar le Brise-Bise, Tosca, or the eclectic bohemian themed cafe, La Brulerie du cafe des Artistes.

Not every downtown or main street should be enjoyed at a club or a special invite party. The province of Quebec proves that diverse downtown cores that value heritage, local cuisine, vibrant art scenes, and unique local businesses offer alternatives to downtown tourism. Some downtowns are built for fast-paced fun, and some provide a balance that provides a little bit of everything. So the next time you need the latter, make one of these cities and towns your next downtown destination.