Quebec is a province where nature reigns supreme. With its millions of square kilometres of forests, thousands of lakes, and national parks stretching as far as the eye can see, La Belle Province offers an unparalleled playground for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking tranquillity. Renting a chalet in Quebec means taking a break from the urban pace, in the heart of a land shaped by the seasons.
But given the vastness of the territory, one question often arises: where should you go? There is no shortage of destinations, and each has its own character. From the St. Lawrence River to the peaks of the Laurentians, from Gaspé villages to the forests of Outaouais, the choice depends as much on what you want as on the time of year. Here are four destinations that deserve your attention.
Rimouski — between river and forest
Rimouski, the capital of Bas-Saint-Laurent, is a destination often underestimated by travellers who head straight for the Gaspé Peninsula without stopping there. Yet it is one of Quebec’s most endearing regions, where the St. Lawrence River takes on the appearance of an ocean and the boreal forest begins to make its presence felt.
Bic National Park, located about twenty minutes from Rimouski, is one of the province’s natural gems. Its rocky coves, headlands sculpted by the tides, and coastal trails offer panoramas that rival Europe’s most beautiful coastlines. At low tide, the tidal flats become an exploration ground for families, while experienced kayakers can venture among the islets.
In winter, the region is covered in a blanket of white and the activities shift accordingly. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling take over. The region’s chalets, often nestled in the forest with views of the river, provide the comfort needed to enjoy the cold season rather than endure it. The wood stove crackles, the snow falls gently, and the silence of the boreal forest settles in.
Summer brings its share of festivals and local markets. The region is renowned for its local products — cheeses, microbreweries, fish smokehouses — which add a culinary dimension to the stay. A chalet in Bas-Saint-Laurent guarantees a complete change of scenery, without having to travel excessive distances from Montreal or Quebec City.
For those specifically looking for a chalet by the river, Rimouski and the surrounding area offer one of the best accessibility-to-view ratios in the province: properties overlooking the St. Lawrence enjoy unobstructed views of the water, sometimes as far as the marine horizon, a setting that few regions in Quebec can offer so readily.
The Upper Laurentians — a natural sanctuary
The Laurentians are Quebec’s most popular holiday region, and that is no coincidence. Less than two hours from Montreal, this mountain range covered in mixed forests is home to hundreds of lakes, renowned ski resorts, and a trail network stretching over thousands of kilometres.
The Upper Laurentians, north of Mont-Tremblant, offer a wilder and less crowded version of this popular region. This is the land of secluded lakes, dense forests, and starry skies. The northern lights are visible there on clear winter nights, a spectacle that few regions in southern Quebec can offer.
The Rivière-Rouge area, for example, combines easy access to the Mont-Tremblant resort with the tranquillity of a preserved natural environment. Lakeside chalets make it possible to enjoy kayaking, fishing, and swimming in summer, followed by snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in winter. The Domaine du Lac Marsan perfectly illustrates this type of high-end property with direct lake access.
The local cuisine is also worth the trip. Microbreweries, artisan cheese shops, and farm-to-table restaurants have multiplied in the region in recent years. A chalet stay in the Upper Laurentians combines physical activity, contemplation, and culinary pleasures.
Montebello — charm and history
Montebello is located north of the Ottawa River, halfway between Montreal and Ottawa. This small municipality is best known as the home of the Château Montebello, the largest log building in the world, built in 1930 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company. But the region offers much more than a historic hotel.
Parc Omega, located a few kilometres from the village, allows visitors to observe Canadian wildlife in its natural habitat. Elk, bison, black bears, wolves, and white-tailed deer roam semi-freely across a vast estate that visitors explore by car. It is an activity particularly appreciated by families and international visitors who want to see Canadian wildlife up close.
The chalets in the Montebello region stand out for their architectural character. Many are built from logs, in the tradition of the first settlers, and offer a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The grounds are generally spacious, bordered by forest, and some provide access to lakes or the Ottawa River itself.
The proximity of Ottawa adds a cultural dimension to the stay. The national museums, ByWard Market, and the Rideau Canal can be reached in less than an hour. Montebello is therefore an ideal destination for those who want to combine nature and culture without compromising either.
The Gaspé Peninsula — the call of the ocean
The Gaspé Peninsula holds a special place in the Quebec imagination. This peninsula jutting into the Gulf of St. Lawrence is synonymous with wide-open spaces, fishing villages, and spectacular coastal landscapes. Touring the Gaspé Peninsula — approximately 900 kilometres — is one of Canada’s most famous road trips.
Percé Rock, the iconic geological formation rising from the sea opposite the village of Percé, attracts thousands of visitors every year. Bonaventure Island, accessible by boat from Percé, is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of northern gannets. Forillon National Park, at the tip of the peninsula, offers some of the most beautiful coastal hiking trails in the country, with opportunities to observe whales, seals, and seabirds.
Gaspé chalets have their own character. Often located by the sea or perched on cliffs, they offer breathtaking views of the gulf. Maritime culture permeates the entire region — meals of fresh seafood, conversations with local fishers, and the rhythm of the tides give the stay an authentic dimension that is difficult to recreate elsewhere.
The Gaspé hinterland also has surprises in store. The Chic-Chocs, the mountain range that crosses the interior of the peninsula, offer opportunities for alpine hiking and wildlife observation, including the Gaspé caribou, one of the last herds south of the St. Lawrence River. In winter, backcountry skiing in the Chic-Chocs attracts skiers from all over Quebec.
How should you choose your destination?
Choosing a destination depends on several factors. The season plays a decisive role: the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships are ideal in winter for skiing, while the Gaspé Peninsula and Bas-Saint-Laurent come fully into their own in summer. Montebello is suitable in every season thanks to its wide range of activities.
Quick comparison of the 4 destinations:
| Destination | Distance from Montreal | Best season | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rimouski (Bas-Saint-Laurent) | 5h30 | Summer and winter | River view, Bic National Park |
| Upper Laurentians | 2h to 2h30 | Winter (skiing, snowmobiling) | Secluded lakes, northern lights |
| Montebello | 1h30 | Year-round | Historic château, Parc Omega |
| Gaspé Peninsula | 8 to 10h | Summer (June to September) | Percé Rock, wild coastlines |
The distance from your point of departure also deserves consideration. The Laurentians can be reached in less than two hours from Montreal, making weekend stays possible. The Gaspé Peninsula, on the other hand, requires an 8 to 10 hour drive from Montreal and is better suited to stays of a week or more.
The type of stay you are looking for also guides the choice:
- Skiing and winter sports: a chalet at Mont Sutton or near Mont-Tremblant will be ideal.
- Fishing and lake activities: a chalet at Lac à la Pêche in Outaouais offers direct lake access with equipment provided.
- A complete change of scenery: the Gaspé Peninsula remains unbeatable for the call of the open sea.
- Group stay (bachelorette party, family gathering, seminar, team building): our guide to chalet rentals for groups in Quebec 2026 covers suitable properties, budgets, and activities according to group size.
Finally, remember to book early. The most popular chalets fill up several months in advance, particularly for the summer holidays and winter school breaks. Booking in January for the following summer is not premature — it is simply prudent.
To further explore Canadian destinations, consult the guide to Canada’s regions, which covers the entire country.
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Conclusion
Quebec offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences that makes every chalet stay unique. Whether you are looking for the tranquillity of a lake in Mauricie, the adrenaline of the ski slopes in the Laurentians, the historic charm of Outaouais, or the grandeur of the Gaspé coast, there is a chalet to meet your expectations.
At Soleica Chalets, we offer carefully selected properties in several of these regions. Browse our available chalets to find your next destination, or contact us for personalised recommendations based on your preferences and budget.
For an original alternative to a traditional chalet rental, discover our guide to glamping in Quebec 2026: stargazing bubbles, yurts, and treetop cabins.