Quebec: 7 unusual places off the beaten track

author
Pierre
date
12 Apr 2026
Accueil » Get Informed » Quebec: 7 unusual places off the beaten track

Wondering what to do in Quebec in 10 days or 2 weeks?

How about a little departure from the classics?
Quebec has a much wilder and more unexpected side than you might imagine.

Between forgotten islands, isolated mountains and timeless villages, these places tell the story of another journey.
Quieter, more authentic, more human.

👉 Here, we don’t really visit.
We discover, take our time… and experience something different.

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Visit the Poisson Blanc regional park in the Laurentians

A truly special place.
The park is located in the Laurentians, about 1h30 from Montreal.
As soon as you arrive, you feel the rhythm change. Silence, calm water, forest everywhere.

The islands are an absolute must-see.
There are dozens of them, all different.
Some are wild, others are developed for camping.

Here, you can rent a canoe and go exploring.
Sleep on an island, build a fire, watch the sunset.
It’s simple, but powerful.

A little detail I love:
Each island has its own character.
You choose your spot, and it becomes yours for a night.

Parc régional du Poisson Blanc (Laurentides)

Going to Monts Groulx on the North Shore

This is a whole new dimension.
The Monts Groulx are located on the North Shore, far from the rest of the world.
It’s a raw, immense, almost untouched territory.

The atmosphere is unique.
Tundra landscapes, rounded peaks, total silence.
You really feel small in the face of nature.

A must-see is the view from the heights.
As far as the eye can see, nothing but mountains and lakes.

Here, you can hike for several days without meeting anyone.
Sleep in the wild, watch the caribou, completely unplug.

Here’s an interesting detail:
there’s almost no network.
And in the end, that’s what makes the experience so powerful.

Monts Groulx (Côte-Nord)

ExploreÎle Verte on the Lower St. Lawrence River

Île Verte sits on the St. Lawrence River, facing the Lower St. Lawrence.
As soon as you arrive, everything slows down. Fewer cars, more silence.

The lighthouse is a must-see.
One of the oldest in Quebec, with an open view of the river.
Wooden houses and fields create a gentle atmosphere.

Here, you take your time.
Bicycle rides, walks along the water, simple encounters with the locals.
Perfect for taking a break for a few days.

Little detail I like:
there’s no stress.
Just the wind, the river… and that feeling of being somewhere else, really.

Phare de l'Île Verte en été

Walking in Aiguebelle national park (Abitibi)

It’s a long way from the crowds here.
The park is located in Abitibi, northwestern Quebec.
From the moment you arrive, you can feel the untouched wilderness.

The most striking features are the geological faults.
Long natural crevasses cut through the landscape.
With footbridges suspended over them, it’s quite impressive.

You can hike, canoe or just enjoy the silence.
The lakes are calm, the forest is dense and the air is pure.

Little detail I like:
the mirror of the lakes.
When there’s no wind, the landscape is perfectly reflected.

parc national d'aiguebelle

Barachois beach in Gaspésie

Barachois beach is located in Gaspésie, near Percé.
Here, everything is open. The sky, the wind, the river.

It’s a long sandbar stretching for several kilometers.
On one side, the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
On the other, a calm, almost motionless lagoon.

The light is an absolute must.
Especially at the end of the day.
The colors change quickly, and the landscape becomes almost unreal.

You can walk for hours without meeting many people.
Watch the birds, settle down, just breathe.

Little detail I like:
silence.
Just the sound of wind and water.

Plage du Barachois au coucher du soleil

Discover the Parc des Grandes Rivières (Lac-Saint-Jean)

The park is located at Lac Saint-Jean, in a still very discreet area.
Here, you quickly feel the wild and quiet side of Quebec.

What really stands out is the water.
Powerful rivers, hidden waterfalls, and very quiet areas.
The contrast between energy and serenity is really strong.

You can stroll through the forest, follow the trails, or just sit by the water.
Some corners give the impression of being alone in the world.

It’s also a place steeped in history.
There are traces of an ancient monastery, now abandoned.

A little detail I love:
this blend of nature and memory.
It’s as if the place still tells a story.

Parc des Grandes-Rivières (Lac-Saint-Jean)

Explore the Pontiac Region of the Outaouais

Pontiac is a Quebec you rarely see.
Located in the Outaouais region, near the Ontario border, the area is still very unspoiled.

Here, the atmosphere is simple and raw.
Forests as far as the eye can see, powerful rivers, and very few tourists.

The Ottawa River is a must-see.
Wide, wild and perfect for understanding the history of timber transportation.

You can go canoeing, rafting, or just relax by the water.
The villages are small and authentic, with a real sense of local life.

Little detail I like:
the “rawCanada ” aspect.
No decor, no staging… just the territory as it is.

pontiac ouatais

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