Montrealers don’t have to travel far to find hidden gems and famous landscapes that in summer seem like they belong to a tropical island. From Quebec’s beaches and rugged coastline to emerald rivers and waterfalls nestled in the forest, there is plenty to see and do without ever leaving the province.
Seemingly endless natural beauty awaits you, often within hours of Montreal.
After being locked in our homes all winter, it’s good to know that these vacation spots are close at hand.
There are also magical landscapes to discover in the most remote corners of the province if you are looking for a little more getaway.
Traveling the world and discovering new exotic places is great. But there is something very special about exploring your own backyard. Plus, you can support local communities and business owners.
Where will you go first?
St-Zotique Beach
Distance from Montreal: About an hour
Cost of the visit: $ 12 per adult
This gorgeous beach will give you major tropical vibes thanks to the beautiful water and sand.
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Penouille Beach
Distance from Montreal: 10 hours
Located in Forillon National Park in Gaspé, this breathtaking beach is worth the long trip. The beach looks straight out of a magazine and you can explore the beauty of Quebec along the way.
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Lake St-Joseph
Distance from Montreal: Three hours
This Quebec city is home to a beautiful lake and a beach with Instagram-worthy views. About three hours from Montreal, this beach will make you feel like you are vacationing on a sunny island somewhere far from home.
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Douglass Beach
Distance from Montreal: One hour and 20 minutes
Cost of the visit: Parking fees
Located in the charming town of Knowlton, this photogenic lakeside park will make you believe you’ve traveled long and far when in reality you are only a short walk from town.
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Grande Échouerie beach
Distance from Montreal: 19 hours and 30 minutes
Located in the Magdalen Islands, the Plage de la Grande Échouerie offers vast sandy plains, undulating dunes and endless views of the ocean. If you are looking to explore a place a little further afield then this is the place for you.
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Pointe-Taillon National Park
Distance from Montreal: five hours and 20 minutes
Less than six hours from Montreal, Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon is the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature. Sépaq says it best: “Who hasn’t dreamed of a day spent lounging on a vast sandy shore and walking for miles without reaching the end? This is exactly what you can do for miles of shoreline in Pointe-Taillon National Park.
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Waber Falls
Distance from Montreal: Three hours
The towering falls are a relaxing and memorable experience that is sure to impress your social media followers.
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Bonaventure Island
Distance from Montreal: 10 hours 30 minutes
Cost of the visit: $ 9 per adult
Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is where the cliffs plunge into the sea. Rocky islands dot the horizon, creating a spectacular rural landscape that, although well known, resembles to another world.
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Fall of the Emerald River
Distance from Montreal: 10 hours and 15 minutes
According to the regional tourist site of Gaspésie, the river takes its name from “the depth and [colour] stones at the bottom which gives it a green aspect. “
Hike to the falls and see the emerald green waterfalls in front of you.
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Before you go, check out our responsible travel guide to be informed, be safe, be smart and most of all, be respectful during your trip.
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