2 days in Quebec City and 2 in ?
 

We have 4 days and have decided to spend 2 in Old Quebec and 2 exploring. Any suggestions on a nice small town/village to stay in? Don't want to spend a lot of time driving to/from Quebec City. I would say maximum distance 1.5 hr.

You could go in the Charlevoix region. The town of La Malbaie would be a good spot. The views of the St.Lawrence River are terrific, there are several activities such as whale watching, visiting art galleries or playing golf. The food in the region is terrific. There a few choices of lodging such as The Fairmont- Manoir Richelieu (they have a terrific golf, a nice spa and the Casino is located by the hotel if you care for such a thing), La Pinsonniere (a member of Relais & Chateaux) and several "auberges. I have had a nice meal at Auberge des Falaises but have not stayed there. I have stayed at the Fairmont three times ( I go there for the golf and love their restaurant LE Charlevoix). Nonetheless is it a very nice region to spend a few days and it is about 1.5 hours from Quebec city. You will find info on the Quebec tourism information web site bonjourquebec.com

Have a nice trip!

Add another vote for the Charlevoix. If you go as far as La Malbaie make sure you take the 362 from Baie-St-Paul to La Malbaie. The road goes along the water and the landscape is literally one of the most painted in Canada.

From Baie-St-Paul it is easy to visit Ile aux Coudres, Parc des Grands Jardins and the Haute Gorges de La Malbaie.

As a second option, the 132 between Montmagny and...well, as far as you want to drive, is very scenic and less travelled.

Definitely Charlevoix! I am writing this while I'm on vacation just outside Quebec City - this region is wonderful! You might want to look at the small town of Baie St.Paul - very quaint, with lovely art galleries, good restaurants... There are cruises on the Saguenay Fjord from Tadoussac, and the scenery is incredible. By the way, when you're in old Quebec City, have lunch at Aux Anciens Canadiens; they have a fixed-price lunch of Quebecois food for $14.95; it's a bit touristy but surprisingly good. We're going home tomorrow - I hope your trip is as good as ours has been!
Tania

How far is the drive to Charlevoix from Montreal?

Montreal to Baie St-Paul is 4 hours.
I've just spent a week there. Very, very nice. Went for a cruise on the high part of River Malbaie, inside the Hautes-Gorges park. Very spectacular. Reservations for cruise are a must (at sepaq.com).