This secret beach town in Quebec has dreamy hidden gem shores and breathtaking sunsets

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? If travelling to a charming small town for a weekend getaway sounds like the perfect way to unwind, this beach town in Quebec should be on your radar.

Just a road trip from Montreal, you can visit a charming seaside town with beautiful shores and sunsets that will take your breath away.

Tucked along the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region lies Rivière-Ouelle, a charming small town you may never have heard of, but that should be on your travel bucket list.

With just over 1,000 residents, the town feels like one of Quebec's best-kept secrets.

Offering fresh sea air, peaceful beaches, a stunning location on the water and a front-row seat to some of the province's most mesmerizing sunsets, the town makes for a dreamy escape from the city.

The town is located in the municipality of Kamouraska, an area known as the gateway to the Bas-Saint-Laurent that's famous for its unique coastal vistas, hiking trails and picturesque villages.

It's a bit of a trek from Montreal, at about 3 hours and 30 minutes away. From Quebec City, the town is an hour and 30 minutes, and could be a detour from a trip to the capital.

Riviere-Ouelle offers all the makings of a cute getaway, including beaches, a campsite, heritage buildings and breathtaking landscapes.

Beautiful old houses can be found here, as well as a church dating back to 1877 that contains religious objects from the 18th and 19th centuries.

You can explore the surrounding area by paddling along the river or simply by strolling on the beach.

The town has four beaches to explore on warmer days. You can also go kayaking, canoeing, or boating on the river.

If you're into cycling, the Rivière-Ouelle cycling network offers 41 kilometres of paved roads made up of loops and back-and-forths that allow you to explore the town's fields, beaches and landscape by bike.

One of the most breathtaking parts of Rivière-Ouelle is its sunsets. As the sun goes down over the water, the sky turns into a canvas of gold, orange and pink, with the river glistening like glass in the fading light.

To extend your stay, the Baleine Endiablée is a popular inn where you'll find pleasant accommodations and a microbrewery offering a selection of unique craft beers.

Or, if you'd rather be more immersed in nature, Camping Rivière-Ouelle, a campsite located by the water, allows campers to soak up the calm of the St. Lawrence River, breathe the fresh sea air and marvel at the sunsets that make the region famous.

Whether you’re passing through Bas-Saint-Laurent on a road trip or looking for a tranquil destination full of natural beauty, Rivière-Ouelle is definitely a spot worth detouring for.

Tourisme Kamouraska website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.