Are you looking for inspiration for your next romantic getaway? Look no further! In Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and the Îles de la Madeleine, you’ll find everything you need to fan the flames of love with your significant other. The sea and spectacular landscapes have the power to evoke a range of emotions, from serenity to exhilaration. Sounds amazing, right? All you have to do now is choose which of these spots to visit on your next trip as a couple!

Magnificent sunsets in Bas-Saint-Laurent

The region of Bas-Saint-Laurent is known throughout the country for its gorgeous sunsets. In fact, the Kamouraska area boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets in Canada! Stop in La Pocatière, Rivière-du-Loup or Rimouski to fill your eyes with colour. Doesn’t this seem like the perfect start to a romantic getaway?

A stay at Vieux Loup de Mer

If you’d like to explore more of this wonderful corner of the world that offers nature, culture and gastronomy, consider booking a few nights at Vieux Loup de Mer where you can stay in a traditional Québec dwelling that’s been converted into a chalet. Available year-round, these comfortable and fully equipped units are great places to unwind and admire stunning views of the St. Lawrence Estuary. In the fall and winter, you can also enjoy crackling fires in the woodstove.

Legendary Percé Rock

Gaspésie has a well-deserved reputation as a region that’s worth a visit. Extremely popular in the summer, it also offers plenty to do outside the peak tourist season. A road trip along Route 132 is an opportunity to soak up a series of panoramic views of the St. Lawrence as well as enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. Be sure to stop to admire legendary Percé Rock at the tip of the peninsula. It’s an impressive sight at any time of year! And if you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale or seal swimming nearby…

Abundant nature in Parc national de la Gaspésie

Nature lovers are sure to want to visit Parc national de la Gaspésie! There are lots of activities you can enjoy in this idyllic setting, including snowshoeing, skiing and fatbiking in the winter, and hiking, biking and canoeing in the summer and fall. If you’re feeling more adventurous, inquire about moose observation in the Mont-Albert area. Being in the presence of these iconic animals, the largest members of the deer family, will certainly adds a touch of magic and romance to your visit to this park!

Impressive marine mammals in Côte-Nord

What could be better than discovering the world of the whales during a romantic getaway? Home to breathtaking vistas, Côte-Nord is also a great place to observe many species of cetaceans. To start with, go see the majestic Saguenay Fjord, which is sure to wow you! At 105 km (65 mi.) long, it’s one of the longest fjords in the world. What’s more, this waterway contains both fresh and salt water, which suits the beluga whales that live there year-round. There are many other sites in the region where you can observe marine mammals from the shore, including the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. For an even more romantic experience, pack a picnic and watch the sun set as you savour your meal by the water.

Beaches galore

After your memorable whale-watching experience, head east on Route 138 to discover the many beaches in Côte-Nord. Stop at the one in Pointe-aux-Outardes for a stroll with your significant other. A little further on, near Port-Cartier, you can explore Pointe-aux-Anglais Beach, the longest in the region. Côte-Nord is renowned for its vast stretches of fine sand, so these beaches are well worth a visit. With a little luck and a lot of patience, you may even catch a glimpse of a whale in the distance, which will make your beach visit even more magical!

A serene archipelago

The beauty of the Îles de la Madeleine alone will give you a feeling of zenitude and a desire to get closer to your other half. Breathe in the fresh sea air, scan the horizon and relax with your loved one to get into the spirit of the Islands! Why not go for a stroll along one of the region’s many beaches, which offer 300 km (190 mi.) of pure bliss! And while you’re at it, be sure to sample local products and take part in outdoor activities, including stand-up paddleboarding and sea kayaking, which will offer you unique views of the archipelago from the water. In the winter, depending on the weather, you can go for a stroll along the shore on foot or on a fatbike, an experience that’s even more romantic at dusk.

Cap Alright: A photogenic lighthouse

Renowned for offering legendary hospitality, the Islands are home to many sites worth visiting. One of these is the Cap Alright Lighthouse, the smallest on the archipelago (standing at 8.5 metres, or 28 feet, tall), but also the most photographed. Located at the top of a red sandstone cliff at the eastern end of Havre aux Maisons Island, this sentinel of the sea offers breathtaking views of the water and is easily accessible on foot (but be sure to keep a safe distance of at least 3 metres, or 10 feet, from the edge of the cliff!). Snuggled up with your other half, take a moment to appreciate the scenery as time seems to stand still around you.

The maritime regions of Québec are a perfect destination for a successful romantic getaway since they offer three essential ingredients for connecting deeply with yourself and your partner: heavenly sites, the sea nearby and lots of fresh air. All you have to do is choose where you want to go and hit the road. Enjoy your trip!