8 Best Hotels in Side Trips from Quebec City, Quebec

A restored 1920s redbrick home with antiques, a maritime theme, a wraparound porch, and a back garden that sits at the edge of the Gouffre River, Auberge à l'Ancrage is run by a charming couple who offer delicious, multicourse breakfasts and eagerly share information about activities and attractions in the area.

About half the guest rooms at this hilltop inn overlook the St. Lawrence River, and the country-style accommodations are spread among three buildings, including a farmhouse more than two centuries old. A former barn holds more luxurious rooms, some with terraces; a stone house has rooms with fireplaces and balconies.

This English-style country manor (rebuilt in 1996–97 following a fire) is steps away from the St. Lawrence River, and the small but elegant rooms, decorated with antiques, all have river views. Classic French cuisine (prix-fixe only in the evening, reservations essential) includes chicken and duck ballotine with Jerusalem artichokes, wild mushrooms, and Swiss chard. The rooms, as well as a romantic dining room, overlook the river, and an enclosed terrace is open year-round.

Located in a quiet neighborhood within easy walking distance to the heart of La Malbaie, the Chez Truchon Auberge is a distinctively elegant inn that was originally constructed in 1902. Arguably more famous for its distinguished bistro than the thoroughly charming rooms above it, the auberge has enjoyed many renovations over the past 120 years, managing to retain its old-world charm while providing guests with the most modern of amenities. While not all rooms offer a view of the St. Lawrence River, and some of the cheaper rooms essentially have no views at all, this auberge is clean, comfortable, friendly, and tastefully decorated. A class act. There’s a shared year-round terrace on the second floor that makes for a perfect spot to catch some early morning rays or take in the warm air of a breezy summer evening. Its lovely grounds, well-manicured gardens, and overall vibe make Chez Truchon Auberge an ideal spot for a romantic getaway.

Linked to the Casino de Charlevoix by tunnel, this castle-like building and its sweeping grounds come with stunning views and some great sports and leisure facilities. The restaurants offer a wide range of food, from family fare to haute cuisine. At the after-dinner lounge you can relax and sip a single-malt or vintage port. The full-service spa has 22 treatment rooms, and the links-style golf course overlooks the St. Lawrence. The sports facilities—including two heated pools and a Jacuzzi outside, and a pool, hot tub, and steam bath indoors—are great for all ages.

New ownership invested in a substantial renovation of the Cap-aux-Pierres, and the rooms now have a modern and stylish décor and many have river views. This is one of several properties established by the entrepreneurial Dufour family in the 1930s to support their 17 children, and the traditional Canadian main building has a long veranda with river views. The restaurant serves a mix of Québec standards and French dishes with a focus on local products.

A stunning natural environment and the 1942 Victorian-style building make this an equally great choice for an active or romantic stay. Long corridors lead to country-style rooms, half of which overlook the bay. The building has retained its gracefulness over the years, and the spacious lobby has a stone fireplace and sofas for relaxing. Hand-painted murals and wood paneling from the 1852 hotel that originally stood on this site encircle the oldest dining room. All-inclusive options are available July and August Saturday through Tuesday.

This stylish and modern hotel, owned by one of the best boutique hotel groups in Canada, consists of five distinct pavilions housing three eateries and rooms in various styles, including lofts and dormitories, all with contemporary finishes and elegant design. Take the Massif train and you can get off at the on-site train station—packages are available that include both the train fare and overnight stay. A high emphasis is placed on style: the architecture reflects the property's history as a farm, while the interior design, different in every pavilion, marries clean lines and splashes of color with oversize prints that draw from the region's pastoral heritage. The hotel's three eateries spotlight local cuisine fresh from the farm.