The Best Boutique Hotels in Quebec, Canada

Almost four centuries ago, a group of Augustinian nuns founded the first hospital on the continent north of Mexico. Their dedication to holistic living continues at this non-profit monastery, where classes on health, culture and nutrition are offered, along with two types of guest rooms. Authentic rooms with shared baths lie in the cloister and feature comfortable antique bedframes. Contemporary rooms are larger, with simple furniture, a private bath and workspaces. There are no televisions; instead, you can enjoy a historical ambience that is quiet, peaceful and serene.

Fling open the wood casement windows and discover a view of the rushing St Lawrence River at this boutique hotel. The many returning guests give it high marks for its friendly and attentive staff, central location in the Old Port and delicious breakfast offerings. Rooms and suites feature hardwood floors, post and beam ceilings, and exposed brick or stone walls. The decor is contemporary with a nod to the building’s history. Catch a classic horse-drawn carriage just outside the lobby, or head to the rooftop terrace to see the city from a different perspective.

One of the most beautiful pairings of historical and mid-century modern design can be found at the Hôtel Gault. Maple panels are juxtaposed with exposed brick and wooden casement windows in many of the expansive suites, while all guest rooms have heated bathroom floors and Molton Brown toiletries. In Old Montreal, the hotel is near fine restaurants, galleries and museums. Be inspired by more excellent design concepts at the nearby Montreal Museum of Architecture and History.

Be as connected as you wish at the Ripplecove Hotel and Spa. This Eastern Township getaway was built in 1945 near Ayer’s Cliff, a village on the shores of Lake Massawippi. The main chalet has 25 rooms, including a suite, all decorated in an English-cottage style, complete with decorative headboards, floral wallpaper and marble bathrooms. The stand-alone three-bedroom log cabin decor is classic Canadian, with honey-colored beams and a massive wood-burning river-rock fireplace. Enjoy fishing, kayaking or boating on the lake; afterward, fine dining awaits you on the covered front porch. Later in the day, watch the sunset in front of a firepit with a glass of wine from the extensive cellar.

On the shores of Lake Massawippi, in one of the most beautifully peaceful regions of Quebec, is Manoir Hovey, combining old-world charm with modern luxury. Accommodation options at this five-star Relais & Châteaux property include rooms, suites and cottages, with perks such as fireplaces, private balconies and marble-clad bathrooms. There’s an onsite restaurant serving reimagined traditional French-Canadian dishes made with local ingredients. Think a maple tart topped with sea buckthorn and pecan nuts, and Prince Edward Island beef finished with a foie-gras sauce.

Find your fit at Le Petit Hôtel. It has 28 rooms, ranging from small to extra-large, all of which combine ancient exposed brick walls, neutral soft furnishings and ultra-modern bright orange leather lounge chairs made in Quebec. Enjoy a continental breakfast, take a curvaceous Papillionaire bike out for a spin or have the front desk barista whip you up a macchiato, all free of charge. Don’t miss the silent movies that are projected on the brick walls in the alley. It’s also close to all the great restaurants and bars in the old city.

The essence of luxury can be found two hours from Montreal on the shores of Lake Tremblant. This grand castle has 30 rooms varying in size but not in amenities. Every accommodation has lake views, a private balcony or terrace, a spa soaker tub and a fireplace. Some have expansive bay windows or coffered ceilings. However, don’t get too cozy, as Mont-Tremblant is the place to be outdoors, with cross-country ski trails, dog sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides during the winter and water sports of all kinds in summer. Fall brings an avalanche of colorful leaves as the sugar maples turn red and orange. The hotel restaurant is outstanding, offering dishes such as caramel-pistachio French toast for breakfast and Canadian AAA prime rib for two for dinner.