12 Quaint Villages to Explore on a Day Trip from Québec City

With its postcard-perfect village core and delicious local stops, Deschambault–Grondines is a true hidden gem. Local favourites include Julie Vachon Chocolats, the artisanal bakery Le Soleil Levain, and the cozy Restaurant Myranel. A walk to the Cap Lauzon promontory reveals sweeping views of the river, especially at low tide when the stairs leading down to the shoreline become accessible. Just outside the village, the Fromagerie des Grondines offers a chance to savour exceptional cheeses. For a deeper connection to the region’s past, the historic Moulin de La Chevrotière opens a window into local heritage through guided visits.

Cap-Santé makes a strong first impression with its undeniable charm. The historic Vieux-Chemin, ranked among the most beautiful streets in Canada, showcases stunning heritage homes and a rich architectural legacy. L’Escale du Roy brings together a boutique of local creations, an art gallery, and the local tourist information centre—all under one roof. From the wharf, a short walk down to the river reveals a peaceful pebble beach, perfect for a quiet moment by the water. And before heading out, the alternative market Le P’tit Patelin offers a tasty stop, especially for those craving a delicious falafel pita.

Neuville enchants with its historic homes and sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, whether from the wharf or the scenic Haltes du Saint-Laurent. Known as the sweet corn capital of Québec, the village invites visitors to sample fresh harvests from the many roadside farm stands. A stop at Ferme Langlois et Fils—also an Economuseum dedicated to market gardening—offers a deeper look into local agricultural traditions. The journey wraps up beautifully with a tasting at Vignoble Domaine des 3 Moulins or a pint at the microbrewery l'Esprit de clocher.

Just 20 minutes from downtown Québec City, Wendake offers a remarkable opportunity to discover the richness of Wendat culture. To better understand the history of this Nation, visitors can explore the Onhoüa Chetek8e Traditional Site, the Huron-Wendat Museum, and the National Longhouse Ekionkiestha’. In Old Wendake, a heritage trail reveals fascinating stories, while local shops offer moccasins and handcrafted art. The Kabir Kouba waterfall adds a breathtaking natural touch to the experience. For a true cultural immersion, La Sagamité restaurant serves traditional dishes like sagamité soup and the signature “potence.” As night falls, the Onhwa’ Lumina multimedia trail brings legends to life through sound, light, and storytelling.

Psst! Wendake is also accessible by bike from Québec City via the Cheminots cycling path—a 15 km ride that makes for a fun and active day out!

Surrounded by the Huron and Jacques-Cartier rivers, Stoneham–Tewkesbury is a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With 93% of its territory covered in forest, the area offers kilometres of trails through the Mont Wright forest and the peaceful Marais du Nord wetlands. For a moment of relaxation, the Nordique Spa Stoneham provides a serene escape in the heart of nature. On the foodie side, Pascal Le Boulanger (the gourmet baguette is worth discovering!) and the microbrewery La Souche are local favourites—perfect before or after a day of adventure.

A well-known resort destination, Lac-Beauport dazzles with its lush natural surroundings and prestigious homes encircling the lake. A true outdoor paradise, the municipality is home to the Sentiers du Moulin, a vast network of trails for mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. The Le Relais ski centre also draws plenty of skiers in winter and hikers during the off-season. For a relaxing forest escape, the Siberia Spa offers an experience like no other. When it comes to food, Lac-Beauport features several great spots, including Le Batifol, Îlot Repère Gourmand—known for its refined cuisine and stunning lake views—and Chez Boub, where locals treat themselves to an ice cream after a full day outdoors.

In Sainte-Famille, the sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River’s north shore, with Mont Sainte-Anne in the background, are nothing short of spectacular. To step back in time and learn about the island’s founding families, the Maison Drouin offers a glimpse into early settler life. Right next door, Les Fromages de l’isle d’Orléans invites visitors to taste the very first cheese ever made in North America. When it comes to raising a glass, it’s hard to choose between Vignoble Domaine Sainte-Famille, Vignoble du Mitan, or the Microbrasserie de l’île d’Orléans. And in season, locals and visitors alike happily wait in line at Chez Mag for their famous lobster poutine or the iconic Lobster Roll.

At the eastern tip of Île d’Orléans, Saint-François charms with its peaceful atmosphere and sweeping views. For a spectacular panorama, the observation tower offers a stunning vantage point over Cap Tourmente and the nearby islands. Agriculture shapes the landscape here, and tasty stops abound—like Compliments de Belle-Maman (an Economuseum dedicated to preserves), Fromagerie Ferme Audet with its famous goat milk ice cream, and the nostalgic Confiserie de la Vieille École. A leisurely stroll through the Seigneurie de l’Île d’Orléans reveals expansive gardens and fragrant lavender fields, perfect for a quiet moment in nature.

On the southern side of Île d’Orléans, Saint-Jean delights with its row of stately heritage homes—silent witnesses to a rich past—and its charming red-roofed church overlooking the river with quiet elegance. Walking along the shoreline below is pure joy. For a sweet and stylish break, La Midinette—a bakery and wine bar founded by the Monna sisters of Cassis Monna & filles—is a must. The Ferme du Capitaine Noël is another highlight, with its vinegar workshop, distillery, and gourmet boutique. To step back in time, the Manoir Mauvide-Genest offers a glimpse into the French colonial era. And for a refined pause, the Maison de thé (Tea House) is a true gem, with its elegant period décor and perfectly brewed tea.

In Saint-Laurent, land and water have always met in harmony. To learn more about the island’s maritime heritage, the Musée maritime and the former chalouperie (boat workshop) offer fascinating insights. Just nearby, Confiturerie Tigidou delights with homemade jams and snacks. In the heart of the village, art lovers will feel right at home at the Centre d’Art Saint-Laurent, housed in a rustic old barn, and at 3 Poules à l’île, a boutique filled with unique home décor and one-of-a-kind finds. Saint-Laurent is a gentle, creative, and flavourful stop on the island.

L’Ange-Gardien invites visitors to slow down and savour the moment. Along Avenue Royale, century-old homes and historic barns line the road, offering postcard-worthy views of the St. Lawrence River. The village is also home to some delicious local stops, including Ferme Le Comte de Roussy, where depending on the season, visitors can enjoy pick-your-own experiences or shop for fresh products at the farm boutique. Their variety of homemade pies is not to be missed. Just a short drive away, Vignoble Domaine L’Ange-Gardien—a hidden gem—offers tastings paired with breathtaking views.

Tucked between Mont Sainte-Anne and Cap Tourmente, Saint-Joachim stretches along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. The village’s crown jewel is the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, a favourite among hikers and birdwatchers who come to witness the spectacular snow goose migration each spring and fall. Every year over Thanksgiving weekend, the Festival de l’Oie des Neiges celebrates this natural wonder. Saint-Joachim is also home to other remarkable sites, including Canyon Sainte-Anne, the Heritage Discovery Centre – La Grande Ferme, and Saint-Joachim Church, one of the oldest churches in Québec, built in 1779.

Looking to extend the adventure just a little further? Baie-Saint-Paul awaits with its inviting restaurants, charming boutiques, and vibrant art galleries—well worth the extra few kilometres heading east.