3 Best Sights in Quebec, Canada

Just minutes from Old Québec, Baie de Beauport offers a vibrant escape on the St. Lawrence River, also easily accessible by car via the Corridor du Littoral waterfront bike path. Its expansive sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, enjoying stunning city views, and a variety of water sports, including kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle. On land, visitors can enjoy volleyball and an outdoor climbing wall. Food is readily available on site, including a lively beach bar. The summer buzz peaks with La Cigale festival in early August. This multi-day, California-vibe beach festival hosts not only the best of Québec musicians but also a slew of indie international acts like Half Moon Run and Foster the People, making it especially appealing to English speakers.

Stand anywhere in the town of Percé and its main attraction, the Rocher-Percé, will supply an amazing view. The gigantic sheer rock formation sits offshore on the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is part of L'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park, in the care of Sépaq. Its reddish limestone and shale host dozens of fossil species, some of which date back more than 300 million years. Marvel at the massive wonder from shore or take a boat tour to get up close and pass through the huge natural archway that pierces the giant rock—hence the name. Private tours needn't be booked in advance and leave the Percé wharf on the hour and half hour from the end of May to mid-October. Admission is C$9. Car parking is an additional C$9.

The dress code at the neighboring casino might ban camisoles and strapless tops, but here anything seems to go on warm summer days, when the beach is a sea of oiled bodies. You get the distinct impression that swimming is not uppermost on the minds of many of the scantily clad hordes. If you do want to go in, however, the water is filtered and closely monitored for contamination, and there are lifeguards on duty. A shop rents swimming and boating paraphernalia, and there's a restaurant and picnic areas.