Five Unforgettable Moments in Québec with Collette

In Québec, magic isn’t only found in the postcard views. Magic lives in the moments that unfold when you slow down, get closer, and share the table — or the workbench — with the people who call this place home.

On Charms of Québec, Collette’s small-group Explorations tour, a maximum of 24 travelers explore the province like locals. Days stretch with time to linger, taste, and ask questions. Expert local guides open doors to places that most travelers don’t get to go. And what you bring home isn’t just a souvenir — it’s the memory of someone new you met, the scent of fresh berries, the sound of a hammer shaping copper, or the cool weight of handmade paper at Papeterie Saint-Gilles.

Here are five unforgettable moments that bring this small group journey to life:

An Indigenous Breakfast in Kahnawake

The day doesn’t kick off a hotel buffet — it starts with something far more meaningful. In Kahnawake, a Mohawk community along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, breakfast isn’t just food on a plate. It’s a warm welcome, a connection to the land, and a deep-rooted tradition.

Here, every bite tells a story. Maybe it’s fresh berries picked at just the right moment, or bannock fry bread made from recipes passed down through generations. These aren’t just ingredients — they’re pieces of history, older than Québec itself.

And this isn’t some staged experience for tourists. It’s a genuine invitation to slow down and share in something sacred. As you sip your drink and pass the bread, you hear about the meaning behind each dish, how these foods have nourished communities for centuries, and how they still do. By the time you leave, it’s not just the flavors that stay with you — it’s the feeling of being welcomed into someone’s real life story.

Sleeping in Luxury at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

Perched high above the St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu looks like it was pulled straight from a painting. This grand, castle-like hotel has been welcoming guests since 1899, and you can feel the history within its walls.

Step inside, and everything slows down. The ornate woodwork, the sweeping staircases whispering of a time when travel was less about rushing and more about living in the moment. The lobby doesn’t feel like a hotel lobby at all — it’s more like the living room of a very grand home. And while the charm is old-world, the comfort is totally modern.

It’s tempting to just stay put. You could spend hours at the spa, stroll through the manicured grounds, or curl up in a cozy armchair by the fire. But what makes staying here so special is how it connects you to the region’s story. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Charlevoix at your own pace, with day trips that take you into the heart of the surrounding landscapes and villages.

Zodiac Whale-Watching with a Naturalist Guide

The wind hits with a sharp chill as you zip into a weatherproof suit that’s designed to keep you warm and dry out on the water. Out here, in the protected stretch of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, marine life is everywhere, and your guide from Croisières AML knows just where to look.

“Port side!” You turn just in time to catch a minke whale breaking the surface before slipping back under. A few minutes later, a pod of belugas glides into view, their pale bodies rolling through the waves like ghosts. The guide knows them by name — each one recognized by its markings and quirks.

This isn’t one of those packed tour boats, it’s a small group that feels personal. You’re close enough to hear the breath of a whale, to feel the salt spray on your cheeks, to notice the fine details of the seabirds flying alongside. It’s a quiet reminder that the river is very much alive, and that some of its most incredible residents are simply passing through — just like you.

Stories Pressed into Paper at Papeterie Saint-Gilles Économusée

In the quiet village of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, the scent of pulp and the gentle sound of water welcome you into Papeterie Saint-Gilles. This isn’t your typical paper mill. Just a peaceful workshop where paper is made the old-fashioned way, one sheet at a time, using techniques that date back to the 1600s.

You’ll see an artisan dip a wooden mold into a vat of cotton pulp, lift it with steady hands, and give it a subtle shake. That’s when the magic happens — fibers settle, water drains, and a fresh sheet of paper is born. Some sheets are simple, others are speckled with petals from Charlevoix’s wildflowers, and many carry the workshop’s signature watermark, a quiet nod to those who appreciate the art of fine paper.

But this place isn’t just about watching — it’s about connecting. The Économusée model means the artisans aren’t just making paper; they’re sharing their craft. You’re invited to ask questions, touch the textures, and learn how cotton becomes something lasting and beautiful.

And when you step into the boutique afterward, those notebooks and cards feel different in your hands. You’ve seen the care that goes into each one. You’re not just picking up stationery, you’re taking home a piece of Charlevoix’s story.

Taste Your Way Around Île d’Orléans

Just across the bridge from Québec City, Île d’Orléans greets you with open fields, vineyards, and centuries of history. On an all-encompassing culinary tour, you’ll taste the island’s story one stop at a time.

The first stop? A cozy little tea house where the air smells like herbs and wild leaves gathered right from the island. Over a warm cup of tea and some light bites, your host shares stories about the building and the community around it.

Next, head to a family-run fromagerie. Their cheeses are rich, creamy, and full of character — just like the people who make them. The same farm churns out velvety goat milk ice cream and if you’re lucky, you might even get to meet one of the goats behind the magic.

The final stop is a vineyard, where glasses of wine catch the golden afternoon light. The vintner talks about what it’s like to grow grapes in Québec’s unique climate, the challenges, the rewards, and the passion that keeps it all going.

Every stop feels like a conversation. The producers don’t just serve food and drink — they share their stories, their craft, and their pride in the island’s traditions. By the time you leave, your taste buds have gone on a journey of their own, and you’ve connected with the people who make Île d’Orléans so special.

A Journey That’s More Than a Tour

There’s a thread that ties all five of these experiences together: connection. Not the surface-level kind, but the kind that happens when someone invites you into their world and shares a piece of their story. You feel it during breakfast as First Nations hosts speak from the heart. You see it in the quiet confidence of the Fairmont concierge who knows the region like the back of their hand. It’s in the naturalist’s grin when you spot your first whale, in the artisan’s steady hands lifting a sheet of handmade paper, and in the farmer’s laugh as you taste the flavors created from the region.

This kind of travel isn’t about ticking boxes or rushing from one landmark to the next. It’s about slowing down and letting a place unfold naturally, moment by moment, with experts leading the way. And on Charms of Québec, those moments are full of depth, warmth, and stories you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left.