Québec by the Sea is full of exceptional places that can be a home base while you take the time to explore an area of our regions. You know what I mean: the type of getaway you offer yourself as a well-deserved reward because you’re due for a break, want to have some fun or need some time alone in nature… Whether on an island, along the water or in the mountains, all the places listed below invite you to enjoy a magical getaway in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine. Which one will you treat yourself to first?

Île aux Lièvres and the Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Islands: A Getaway in the St. Lawrence

Duvetnor is committed to the protection and conservation of several islands in Bas-Saint-Laurent that shelter thousands of seabirds, two of which are accessible to the public from late May to late September. Imagine spending a night or two at the Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Lighthouse, which has been transformed into a charming three-room inn! Cradled by the sound of the waves and treated like royalty at mealtime, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s short trails, lounge on the deck and climb to the top of the lighthouse at sunset!

Duvetnor also invites you to visit Île aux Lièvres, a narrow piece of land in the middle of the St. Lawrence that’s 13 km (8 mi.) long. In addition to 45 km (30 mi.) of hiking trails, you’ll find wilderness campsites, seven cottages and a cozy inn on this island. Offering an all-inclusive package, the inn is very close to the landing dock, while the fully equipped cottages are a little further away but still near the water.

Au Vieux Loup de Mer: Rustic chic and gourmet experiences

Overlooking the Bic Islands in Bas-Saint-Laurent, the 15 chalets found on this site welcome you in style. Offering views of Baie-Rose and featuring antique furniture and a wood-burning stove, they provide all the comforts of a boutique hotel. When you stay here, you’ll feel the soul of these buildings steeped in history, all of which were old dwellings that were carefully dismantled and then reassembled and renovated in their new locations.

From the site, you can walk down to the shore, head to nearby Parc national du Bic for outdoor activities (including hiking, biking, sea kayaking and bird watching) or visit Rimouski and the surrounding area, all while enjoying the privacy of your chalet. On site you can also take advantage of the Garde-Manger gourmet shop, where you’ll find all kinds of tasty treats: dishes prepared by top local chefs such as Colombe St-Pierre and Adrian Pastor, a selection of spirits made in Québec, charcuterie meats, seafood products, cheeses, and desserts featuring flavours from Bas-Saint-Laurent. For breakfast, you can also enjoy the ultimate morning luxury: fresh eggs you collect yourself from the henhouse and pastries delivered directly to your chalet from a local bakery!

Panora: Seaside pods between sea and mountains

You can’t get any closer to the St. Lawrence Estuary than by staying in a Panora seaside pod in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, in Gaspésie. The 10 units (accommodating two or four people) feature large windows with panoramic views of the sea and sunsets—which means you can live in harmony with the tides from morning till night!

The units’ modern and sophisticated design combines simplicity and comfort with quality materials and functional amenities. Relax on the couch, on the deck or in the hot tub overlooking the water or make the most of this sea and mountain destination by going for a stroll along the shore or a hike in the nearby mountains.

Located about 30 minutes away, Parc national de la Gaspésie offers an incredible variety of trails in the forest or mountains. Less than an hour away, you can climb or drive to the top of Mt. Saint-Pierre for breathtaking views of the area’s cove and glacial valley. Don’t miss the two immersive experiences in Mont-Saint-Pierre at the observatory and in the bell tower room: the first focuses on local geological history, and the second will introduce you to free flight, a sport that’s popular in this area.

Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs: A wilderness immersion

Perched at an altitude of 615 metres (2020 feet) in the Réserve faunique de Matane, in Gaspésie, this mountain lodge will immerse you in nature throughout your all-inclusive summer or winter getaway. This is a friendly place to stay, with large communal tables in the dining room and common areas that encourage conversation with other guests—which will help you quickly forget the lack of Wi-Fi, television or telephone in your room! All 18 of the lodge’s rooms are cozy and comfortable, with panoramic views of the mountains.

Every day, a team of experienced guides offers guests a variety of nature-based activities: short or longer hikes or electric-assist mountain bike rides, stand-up paddleboarding on one of the lakes in the area, snowshoeing or backcountry skiing, etc. You can also combine effort with relaxation by heading to one of the three contemplative platforms located close to the trails, all of which offer striking views from a yoga mat or hammock!

As a bonus, a stay at the mountain lodge offers opportunities to observe moose relatively easily. At the end of the day, what a joy it will be to return to the cozy cocoon of the lodge, relax in the hot tub and enjoy pre-dinner drinks with the other guests as you share tales of your day’s adventures!

Maison Mer: A trio of exceptional places to stay on the Islands

Les Rochers, Blanche de l’Ouest and Petit Hôtel de la Montagne make up Maison Mer’s collection of exceptional accommodations in the Îles de la Madeleine and provide opportunities to discover the archipelago while staying in magical places.

You’ll find the luxury of simplicity at Les Rochers, an architectural rental property that reimagines the traditional seaside home with contemporary flair. Located on a hilltop at the western tip of Havre Aubert Island, the house offers three double-occupancy rooms with large windows and high-quality furnishings.

On the same island, in Bassin, Blanche de l’Ouest is a spacious house in a typical Îles de la Madeleine style that was completely renovated in 2021. Overlooking L’Étang-des-Caps, it offers four rooms and a loft with refined comforts and can accommodate up to 10 people.

Also located in Bassin, Petit Hôtel de la Montagne is a small self-service hotel housed in a former general store. It offers four rooms (each with a private bathroom) with a refined design and large windows to enjoy the scenery. The kitchen, dining room and living room are all shared spaces. The building also houses a boutique and art gallery, Maison-Papier, as well as a coffee counter.

Anticosti: From Auberge Port-Menier to an Island of Treasures

What a privilege it is to vacation on Anticosti, a huge island at the gateway to the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Côte-Nord! From mid-June to late August, you can stay at Auberge Port-Menier, a lodge in the island’s only village. Anticosti is home to impressive canyons, shores bordered by high cliffs containing precious fossils, boreal forest, caves and salmon rivers, not to mention Vauréal Falls and an abundance of white-tailed deer…

Discover the many treasures of this island during a five-night package at the lodge, which is managed by Sépaq. Your stay includes round-trip flights from Mont-Joli, three meals a day, the loan of an electric bicycle or fatbike as well as a watercraft, admission to Parc national d’Anticosti, a one-day guided tour by shuttle in the park and another one-day guided tour by shuttle of the western sector of Port-Menier. To venture further afield, you can also rent a 4x4 vehicle for an extra fee.

The lodge offers 16 modern rooms overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The restaurant serves gourmet bistro-style cuisine with a strong Côte-Nord influence. Another attraction is the presence of dozens of curious white-tailed deer!

So when are you planning your next exceptional getaway in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord or the Îles de la Madeleine? Start planning your trip now!