Grownup Accommodations
Boutique Accommodations in Québec
Whether you choose to stay in an historic landmark like the Chateau Frontenac in Québec City, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Montréal, or a charming B&B in the Eastern Townships, La Belle Province has a full range of options we’ve enjoyed.
MONTRÉAL
Le Germain Hotel Montréal, Quebec
Once an office building, now converted into a boutique hotel with just over a hundred rooms, Le Germain’s loft-like decor and location are right at home in Montréal’s urban centre, making it a perfect location to set out on foot to explore the city. But don’t expect rush-hour hustle and bustle here. The rooms are large and inviting with just the right injection of modern design to feel chic and serene, without being cold or impersonal. They also offer complimentary wi-fi and breakfast, and an all-day, all-night espresso station, which makes their price point even more of a treat for those who like a little luxe.
QUÉBEC CITY
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Québec City
www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec
Château Frontenac is an iconic piece of Canadian history
Why stay in just a hotel when you can stay in a piece of Canadian history? Le Château Frontenac is possibly one of the most photographed hotels in the world, and for good reason. It’s copper-tiled gables and towers are the centrepiece of Québec City’s iconic skyline and the hotel’s luxe interior with its coffered ceilings, stone arches and polished brass will have you feeling like you truly are staying in a castle. Like most castles, some of the rooms can be smaller than other modern luxury hotels, but you can rest assured that a peaceful night’s rest is assured here, thanks to the signature beds and amenities that Fairmont Hotels are known for. Read more about Le Château Frontenac in this post.
Château Frontenac Lobby
Hilton Hotel, Québec City
While the Hilton Québec may not be a boutique hotel property, there’s no denying there is something unique about this hotel,and I can sum it up in this photo taken at sunrise during Winter Carnival celebrations:
Watch the sun rise over the Chateau from your room at the Hilton Québec
The Hilton knows what its guests want, and what they want is location, location, location. And there’s no better one than the Hilton Québec City, no matter what season you may choose to visit. Its proximity to both the old walled town and the bustling nightlife of the Grand Allée bars and restaurants puts it at the epicentre of all the action. The amenities are what you should expect from any Hilton, including comfy robes, free wifi and a fully-appointed bathroom. But make sure to ask for a room on the northeast side, because I would challenge anyone to find a better view of Quebec City. Looking out over two of the gates into the historic centre, with the St. Lawrence river in the distance, the picturesque rooftops are punctuated only by the historic Chateau Frontenac and the graceful lines of the art deco Price Building. At the Hilton, you’ve got everything you need for #RomancingWinter (or any other season) right out your window.
MONTEBELLO
Fairmont Le Château Montebello, Montebello
If your idea of wilderness living includes gold-leaf-topped chocolate strawberries in your room, then you’re going to love the Château Montebello. Built back in the 1930s as a private club where the wealthy upper crust could ‘escape’ to the Québec wilderness in what is now the Outaouais region, Château Montebello represents everything you would want in a decidedly Canadian resort hotel: log-cabin construction using over 10,000 giant red cedars shipped in from British Colombia; top-notch facilities for everything from swimming and boating to fishing and tennis; and of course a stellar dining room that serves delicious gourmet meals. I could go on and on about this hotel, but you’re better off to read the full article, and you’ll be splurging on a room here for yourself. (and if you go in the shoulder or off-seasons, it’s less of a splurge, and more of a ‘score!’)
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS: SHERBROOKE
Marquis de Montcalm Deluxe B&B, Sherbrooke
Versailles Suite at the Marquis de Montcalm
Than and Silvain are your hosts at this B&B located in a residential neighbourhood only minutes from downtown Sherbrooke, and when we were searching for a place to stay last-minute on a Sunday night, this turned out to be a real find. Spotlessly clean, and reflecting the hosts’ love of France, our suite was more than a little inspired by the palace at Versailles, from the ornate lighting fixtures to the feature wall mural behind the king-sized bed, showing a Versailles-inspired garden painted by a local artist. It’s clear that this couple has poured a lot of love into this home and its renovation into a B&B – and with a few celebrity guests including David Duchovny and Roch Voisine who have stayed here, clearly they’ve done something very right.
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS: NORTH HATLEY
Gite le Chat Botté, North Hatley
Le Chat Botté means ‘Puss in Boots’ in French
The Eastern Townships are known for their food, and this extends even to this beautiful Victorian B&B – I mean, where else can you expect a delicious 3-course breakfast! Not only is the food as delicious as its presentation suggests, but the home is just as beautiful, too, and dates from the late 1800s when the town itself was founded.
A 3-course breakfast is served in the summer on this pretty porch
Our ensuite bedroom incorporated the original bathroom in the house which featured a claw-foot tub instead of a shower and our comfy bed had some of the softest sheets we’ve slept on. There are plenty of places to sit and relax both inside and out: a charming circular porch where breakfast is served and tea is available all day, and cozy corners to read with books and magazines everywhere. The property also has access to the river across the road where there is a paddleboat available for guests’ use, if they don’t want to walk the short distance into town. North Hatley is known as one of Québec’s prettiest towns and we think that le Chat Botté is one of the reasons why.
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS: SUTTON
Eagles Nest Treehouse at Au Diable Vert, Sutton
Our quirky home for the night: the Eagle’s Nest
Yes there’s boutique, but why not stay in something truly unique instead: a bonafide treehouse high in the hills of the Eastern Townships just outside Sutton, Québec. Au Diable Vert offers a selection of unusual accommodations, but their treehouses offer an experience you can’t get in many places. The Eagle’s Nest treehouse where we stayed is aptly named, too, as it is on the top of the property which is itself nestled between two sets of mountains. To see more photos and to learn what staying in a treehouse is like, read about our experience here.
CHARLEVOIX
Auberge La Mansarde, La Malbaie
Auberge La Mansarde in La Malbaie
To say that Auberge La Mansarde has character is an understatement. This home just outside of La Malbaie was built in 1850 and exudes the charm of yesteryear: outside there is a wraparound verandah inviting you to pull up a chair and read for a while; there are wide-plank floors upstairs and down; and the sloping walls with tongue-and-groove panelling upstairs feel like you’re a guest in a farmhouse or cottage that has been in the family for generations. Upstairs many of the original smaller bedrooms have been combined to create large ensuite rooms with small but functional bathrooms, some with sittings rooms, and all furnished with antiques. Louise, the owner, has been running this B&B for 28 years and she definitely knows what guests like, including delicious breakfasts that are served in a large dining room.
TROIS-RIVIÈRES
Oui Go!, Downtown Trois Rivières
Oui Go! was like a lovechild between a B&B and a modern boutique hotel
This city located at the confluence of the St. Maurice and St. Lawrence rivers was a delightful surprise when we stopped in on a Sunday night in August. The downtown was hopping, restaurants were packed and there was even a free concert happening on the nearby waterfront. What was an even more delightful surprise was the boutique hotel that we discovered called Oui Go! which just might be a personal favourite.This small 16-room hotel is like a lovechild between a B&B and a boutique hotel, with its chic, modern decor, welcoming lobby, and a fantastic breakfast that is included and served to guests. Plus its location in the heart of the action meant everything is within walking distance including the old town of Trois-Rivières with its historic buildings. If you do stay here, definitely ask for Room 303 which has not one but 2 beautiful arched windows. Sigh.
OUTAOUAIS (GATINEAU)
The British Hotel, Aylmer
Historic properties are notoriously difficult to renovate, not just for structural reasons but because the architectural details and character of the place must be taken into consideration in order to preserve what makes the property so special. Thankfully, British Hotel owner Mike Clemman is as obsessed with fine construction details as he is with the hotel’s storied past. As Canada’s oldest hotel, The British has played a significant role in Canadian history, sheltering everyone from prime ministers to music stars, and it is believed to be where Thomas D’Arcy McGee’s assassins holed up after they murdered the founding father in 1868.
But while the exterior of the British and some of its interior has been preserved to reflect its 1834 origins, the guest rooms are surprisingly modern with decor that feels very NYC boutique-y versus historic French-Canadian. I call it the best of both worlds. And definitely plan on enjoying breakfast at the adjacent cafe, which is in an equally beautifully-restored Bank of Canada building.
RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP
Auberge de la Pointe, Rivière-du-Loup
Modern rooms with views of the St. Lawrence at Auberge de la Pointe
Don’t let its rambling collection of buildings or vintage ‘motor hotel’ style sign fool you: Auberge de la Pointe will surprise you when you walk through its front doors: there’s a modern lobby, cozy bar with a glassed-in wine cellar, spacious restaurant and stylish lounge area. There’s also a pretty nice outdoor patio at the back that you wouldn’t expect, either. The reason for this juxtaposition of retro and modern is that the Auberge de la Pointe has been a family-run business operating in this location for since the 1950s, when it really WAS a motel. Over the years, the hotel has expanded, increasing its number of rooms and adding buildings to accommodate a spa and conference centre, the whole time continually updating the guest amenities. The reason for this investment is that this hotel offers something that is priceless: rooms with views overlooking the St. Lawrence that cannot be beat.
Îles du Pot à l’eau-de-vie (Brandy Pot Island) Lighthouse
The original lighthouse was built in the 1800s and is now a boutique inn.
You can’t get much more ’boutique’ than a lighthouse in the middle of the St. Lawrence River that has been turned into a 3-room inn! But that’s exactly what you’ll find on this group of islands that are called Îles du Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie, (“Brandy Pot Islands” in English) located about 8 km offshore from Rivière-du-Loup An historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage has been restored from ruin and welcomes a maximum of 3 couples who can enjoy some peace and quiet on this small forested island that is also a bird sanctuary. A delicious dinner and breakfast are prepared onsite by staff who stay on the island in another cottage and look after everything the guests need. Read more about staying at this historic lighthouse and the not-for-profit company behind its rebirth as a boutique inn.
NEAR TADOUSSAC
Canopée Lit, SACRÉ-COEUR
A ‘Bubble’ at Canopée-Lit near Tadoussac is a one-of-a-kind experience.
You won’t find a lot of hotel rooms that are remotely like the “Bubbles” (les Boules) at Canopée Lit. This eco-friendly concept in forest-living offers guests the chance to sleep in a unique structure that gives them a truly immersive experience in nature. “Bubbles” are innovative, inflatable structures with clear acrylic domes that allow you to view the stars from your bed inside. But what makes them even better is that they are raised into the trees (hence the name of the place ‘Canopy Bed’). It’s an unbelievable sensation to watch the stars come out at night while you feel like you are floating in the treetops. Read all about the experience and see more photos and video here. Then book yourself in for a night you’ll never forget.
GASPÉ PENINSULA
Auberge sous les Arbres, GASPÉ
Auberge sous les arbres is absolutely charming and literally steps up from downtown Gaspé’s main street.
This charming B&B offers everything you could possibly want in a picturesque inn: hospitality that starts at the reception desk with a welcome sample of alocal craft gin, elegantly appointed suites, a delicious breakfast, and a pretty garden-like location that is literally steps from Gaspé’s main street. As historic as this property is, they offer all the modern amenities you could want, including an EV charging station on-site. This one is definitely a keeper!
Riotel, PERCÉ
www.riotel.com/en/hotels/perce/
Views like this are why people visit Percé
If you are travelling to the seaside town of Percé, you are there to take in the incredible views of its iconic landmark, Percé Roc. And Riotel Percé is one of your best options for stellar hotel room views. The oceanfront hotel offers 39 updated rooms, most of which look directly out onto the Rock. The best views are from the Superior rooms because they are on the second floor and have balconies (there is no elevator, however, and access is via an exterior walkway). The hotel also has firepits on the grass lawn for gathering, and immediate access to the pebbled shore for morning walks. And added bonus: their Paqbo restaurant is very good!
La Grand Hermine Ship/Chalet, GESGAPEGIAG
www.chaletsdelansestehelene.ca
Le Grande Hermine ship/chalet
You won’t find a more unusual accommodation in the entire Gaspé Peninsula than this 1/2 scale replica of explorer Jacques Cartier’s ship, La Grande Hermine. Decked out (pardon the pun) as a self-catering chalet, this meticulously crafted ‘ship’ was the passion project of the builder who wanted to commemorate the historic landing by Cartier here in Chaleur Bay. The ship may appear historic, but the comforts within are modern, including a master bedroom with ensuite in the prow and another loft for two in the galley/living quarters. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sleep in a story. Read more about that story here.
Gîte du Mont-Albert, PARC NATIONALE DE LA GASPÉsie
Mountain views from the bar at Gite Mont Albert
If you think provincial parks are all about camping in tents, think again. Right in the heart of one of the Gaspé’s most beautiful national parks is a 4-star accommodation you might not expect: the Gîte du Mont-Albert. Why rough it when you can luxuriate instead in this mountain lodge-style hotel that offers everything from craft cocktails in their stunning great room, to box lunches prepared ahead for you to take on a hike. The dining is amazing, as well, so no need to pack hotdogs or hamburgers when there’s foie gras on the menu! And because this property caters to the outdoorsy set, there’s no pretentiousness here, just a warm welcome and a very soft landing after all the adventure just waiting steps from its doors.
Want to read more about our experiences in Québec? Click here.
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