This Gorgeous Canadian Destination Is Full Of Artsy Charm And Outdoor Adventure

With its laid-back vibe, great restaurants, and lively cultural scene, Quebec City is regarded as one of the best urban destinations in all of Canada and the perfect place for a winter holiday vacation. Yet a visit to the urban hub barely scratches the surface when it comes to the vast eastern province of Quebec, which sprawls northward from the border with the United States to the remote Inuit communities on the shores of Hudson Bay. You don't have to travel quite so far from La Vieille Capitale to get a little peace, relaxation, and a taste of Quebec's great outdoors, however. A little less than a two-hour drive from the unique European charm of old Quebec City, you will find Kamouraska, a beautiful spot full of artsy charms.

The village's evocative name, coming from the original Algonquin inhabitants before the French settled in the area in the 17th Century, means "where there are reeds at the waterfront." While the 600 people who live in the small community nowadays have all the modern creature comforts, there is still a sense of air and space that harks back to simpler times when the locals made their living from fishing the gray waters of the St. Lawrence River. Kamouraska is almost unbearably picturesque, its quiet wooded streets dotted with colorful timber-clad houses notable for their bowed roofs reminiscent of a boat's hull, another reminder of the community's seafaring past. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

Kamouraska won't take you long to walk from one end to the other, but you can spend hours browsing the village's stores, boutique shops, and art galleries. Sightseeing-wise, the most notable landmark is the Church of St. Louis (Église Saint-Louis) with its lovely tall spire and stained glass windows, built in the early 20th century to replace a previous place of worship destroyed by fire. Located nearby in a former convent is the Kamarouska Regional Museum (Musee Regional de Kamouraska), where you can get an insight into over 350 years of the region's fascinating history. Also situated in a splendid old building, an imposing 19th-century courthouse, is the Kamouraska Art Center (Centre d'art de Kamouraska). With a focus on contemporary artists, the bright and airy space hosts regular events and exhibitions. 

A little outside the village, don't miss an opportunity to catch a show at Cirque de la Pointe-Sèche. The 300-seat outdoor theater focuses on a cliff face that serves as the stage for an unforgettable evening of circus acts, high-wire acrobatics, and dance performances. The site also offers five spectacular glamping cottages perched among the rocks and trees. For outdoor adventures, the entire area surrounding Kamouraska is threaded with trails ideal for hiking and cycling. Head a little further along the waterfront to SEBKA (Société d'écologie de la batture du Kamouraska) for a variety of activities, including rock climbing, sea kayaking, and treetop trekking.

Kamouraska is a pretty small place, and opening times tend to be seasonal. Due to these factors, you shouldn't expect an overabundance of places to eat, especially if you are visiting outside the warmer summer months. The good news is that restaurants in the area place an emphasis on quality ingredients and a welcoming dining experience. Côté Est is a relaxing cafe and restaurant with a lovely terrace overlooking the river that serves up simple and stylish plates created from locally sourced produce. Pop-up events focus on different cuisines, and the team also offers culinary activities such as foraging in wild mushroom season and gourmet cookout expeditions. If you're feeling in the mood for something a little unusual, check out the popular seal burger with foie gras.

Elsewhere in the village, those with a sweet tooth should definitely check out La Fée Gourmande. This cute confectionery sells a delectable assortment of homemade chocolate, ice cream, sorbet, and cakes. Until midday, you can also take an early lunch of gourmet waffles and crepes. A little further afield on the edge of neighboring Saint-André-de-Kamouraska are two other places worth checking out: Pépita, a friendly local joint serving delicious pizzas, and Tête d'Allumette microbrasserie. The latter is a wonderful spot to sit outside in the sun and sample the range of imaginative ales, bitters, and stouts, all brewed over a wood fire. The on-site shop also gives you a chance to stock up on your favorites before heading home.