BringFido's Guide to Quebec

Posted by Billy Francis

The largest province in Canada produces more maple syrup than anywhere else in the world, but that’s not the only sweet thing you and your pooch can get a taste for in Quebec. Visit Canada’s oldest city and take a funicular journey with your furry friend, adventure underground together inside a magnificent mine and let your “chien” sleep it off in a historic chateau on a pet-friendly tour of “La Belle Province.”

Things to Do

You're the most beautiful view in sight. Photo by @labernesebrothers

The official motto of Quebec is "Je me souviens,” which translates to “I remember.” When Fido sees all the cool things he can do here, he’ll understand why this incredible province is unforgettable.

The Oldest City in Canada

Wander the cobbled streets of Old Quebec City with your dog and marvel at the fortifications that make it the most well-preserved historic city in North America. Then, take a journey on the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, which offers unrivaled views of Old Quebec City as gravity pulls you up the slope. Next, head to Battlefields Park, where the British defeated the French at the Plains of Abraham, and take a self-guided tour of the park’s heritage interpretation signs. Finish your tour less than 15 minutes away at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, a stunning 272-foot waterfall surrounded by a variety of pet-friendly trails.

Go Underground with your Hound

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on a tour below the earth’s surface at Capelton Mine, where you’ll hear about the harsh but lucrative copper mining industry that existed here from 1865 until the last mine closed in 1939. Afterwards, take a peek at the small museum and walk around the pretty grounds surrounding the mine. Pups who are feeling claustrophobic after a trip underground can head to nearby Sherbrooke and play off-leash at Parc Canin Victoria.

“Lights, camera, action!” Photo by Facebook.com/IllumiLaval

Lights in Laval

Located north of Montreal, Laval is a lovely place to visit on a day trip with your pup. Take to the trails at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, and enjoy an island hike together. When the sun sets, find a different kind of beauty at illumi Laval. For one night each month, this popular attraction opens its doors to leashed canines, inviting them to explore the walking pathways lined with incredible light displays. Or, stay in the comfort of your car and enjoy the driving tour with your dog any time.

“Bonne Nuit” Montréal

Montreal earned the nickname “Sin City” during the Prohibition era when Americans flocked over the border in search of a good time. Nowadays, people and pups still flock to this incredible city for fun. Begin your visit on the pet-friendly trail at Mount Royal Park, where you can enjoy views across the city’s skyline. Then, take a walk down memory lane at Old Port of Montreal, which was used as a trading post as early as 1611. Keep marching with your mutt to nearby Marché Des Éclusiers for lunch in the Old Port. Montreal comes alive at night, so be sure to join revelers for a movie under the stars at Film Noir au Canal on the banks of the Lachine Canal.

Say “Bonjour” to Beauty

At just over 30 miles, the New France Route is ideal for travelers short on time. This meandering road starts east of Quebec City and follows the same path as one of North America’s oldest thoroughfares. Be sure to stop in Beaupre with your adventurous Akita on the way to explore the winding trails at Canyon Saint-Anne. Visitors can cross three suspension bridges, wander through woodlands surrounding an ancient canyon and admire Sainte-Anne falls from a variety of angles. Leashed dogs are welcome on any of the landscaped trails within the park.

The Birthplace of Canada

Walk in your Labrador’s ancestral footprints on a self-guided tour through the Birthplace of Canada (Berceau du Canada) at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. This living museum on the bay is a reconstruction of downtown Gaspé in the early 1900s. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the outdoor areas and small dogs can be carried inside buildings to meet interpreters in period costumes.

Places to Stay

“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Photo by Airbnb

Fido can vogue in downtown Montreal, spend the night in a luxury chalet and enjoy a chateau stay at these Quebec hotels and vacation rentals.

Love Shack

“Luxurious” and “shack” are rarely seen in the same sentence, but this luxurious shack in the forest in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord proves you can have the best of both worlds. With the shack located on the river, you and your pooch are invited to lounge in a catamaran net all afternoon and enjoy the sound of water flowing beneath you. Hike through the forest, make a splash in the water basin and soak the night away in the rustic hot tub under the trees. Bring the whole pack and book The Baumier, too. This tiny home next door can be accessed through an adjoining door and has enough room for six more people to stay.

Canada’s Sin City

Le Square Phillips Hotel And Suites in downtown Montreal is a big hit among all the Quebecois good boys. This popular hotel is within walking distance of Mount Royal Park and a variety of restaurants with patios that you can check out with your dog. Book a pet-friendly suite to give your dog even more privacy from other hotel guests. Dogs stay for free in spacious rooms and can be left for a while if you need to pop out to restock treats. Remote workers can get out of the house and finish any pressing projects at the nearby Aire commune.

“Lac life.” Photo by @cozyboholakehouse

Cozy Up in a Cottage

For a secluded stay in Cayamant, look no further than the Cozy Boho Lake House. This rural getaway gives guests the opportunity to relax by the campfire looking out across the water or, go for an adventure in the complimentary kayak. In the evening, snuggle up inside the cozy cottage next to the wood burner and snap a picture of your pooch with the Polaroid to add to the “Guest of Honor” wall. Dogs are free to roam outside the completely fenced property, though it’s suggested to keep an eye on any escape artists who are expert diggers.

Royal Treatment in a Chateau

Hop off the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec at the top and check in to the stunning Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel. Overlooking the St. Lawrence River and fortified city from high above, this UNESCO World Heritage Site guarantees five-star luxury for guests on two legs and four. Fido will receive a royal welcome with a bed already made up, bowls and blankets to use during his stay and goodies to take home, too.

A Window to the World

Book a stay at this luxurious chalet in La Malbaie and wake up to staggering views through floor-to-ceiling windows every morning. An edgy architectural triumph, the minimalist interior provides a blank canvas of relaxation, the tile floors make for easy clean up and there’s room for 14 people to sleep snugly in different hidden corners throughout. Outside, there’s a heated pool for use during summer, a hot tub surrounded by trees and a gorgeous dining area with an incredible view.

“This is my Blue Steel look.” Photo by @snowbabysayswoof

Vogue, Fido!

Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown welcomes canines to stay in stylish surroundings along the Golden Square Mile. Take an evening mooch around the city’s best pet-friendly restaurants and nighttime activities, before returning to your oversized guest room to curl up for the night. This four-star hotel provides four-legged guests with treats, bowls and a bed at check-in.

A Oceanfront Oasis

Be reborn near The Birthplace of Canada at the adorable stunning oceanfront cottage in Perce, situated at the edge of Forillon National Park. Here, you can bask in panoramic ocean views, marvel at the colorful wildflower display in the meadow outside and watch the waves crash in the distance through huge windows inside. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore epic trails at the national park like Summit Mount Alban and Cap Gaspé.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

“My idea of a good time.” Photo by Facebook.com/lefestibiere

Pups can pick from their own menu, join you on a trail for furry foodies and dine inside in Quebec.

Revel with your Retriever

“Pawtrons” can share a unique beer drinking experience at a table in the shallow wading pool at La Cour arrière du Festibière in Quebec City. If you would rather keep your feet dry, sit at one of the picnic tables under the shade of an umbrella and look out across the St. Lawrence River instead. Sunny days call for cocktails in the sun, beers from a local brewery and gourmet street food from the food truck at this cool hangout.

“Pawradise” For Foodies

Sugar shacks, or cabane à sucre, are traditionally small Canadian cabins in the woods that offer sweet treats made using maple syrup collected from surrounding trees. These days, you can get the sugar shack experience with your sweet pooch at L'Authentique - Cabane à sucre, a sugar shack that plays host to local musicians and serves up traditional food.

“Have you seen the Chien menu?” Photo by Facebook.com/CafeLaNouvelleFrance

Tails to the Terrace

Chilled-out Chows can join you next to the fire table at Cafe-Terrasse La Nouvelle-France. This charming seasonal sidewalk cafe lights up the street outside, creating a buzzing atmosphere for diners and passersby to enjoy. Specializing in French-Canadian fare, sink your teeth into some baby back ribs, steak frites or salmon. Meanwhile, your pooch can enjoy items made just for him from the cafe’s dog menu.

Breakfast is Served (Inside)

Bring your furry brunch buddy along to Barley - Bar a Cereales in Montreal. The hearty menu includes favorites that are sure to be the right way to start any day, including chunky cereal bowls, loaded toast, pancakes and more. If it’s raining outside, well-behaved dogs can join their owners inside this cute downtown cafe.

Follow the “Flavour Trail”

The Flavour Trail, or La Route des Saveurs, has put the Charlevoix region of Quebec on the map among foodies around the world. The trail takes food connoisseurs on a culinary journey from Petit-Rivière-Saint-François to La Malbaie. On the way, stop off for gravlax and local fondant on the terrace at L'Orange Bistro in Baie-Saint-Paul.

“Cheers!” Photo by @aryabarkofwinterfur

Pub Crawl in Montreal

Beer aficionados will love Montreal’s thriving brew scene. Kick off your dog-friendly pub crawl at Brasseur de Montréal, an upbeat microbrewery with a large patio that pulls pints of housemade drafts and dishes up pub grub. Then, head inside at Microbrasserie 4 Origines to sample the Ironworks blonde or Houbombe IPA and play a board game. Finish your tasting tour with a Legendre Dunkel lager at Silo-Brasserie.

Pizza and Beers

La Knowlton Co. is the place for pups to be in Knowlton. Bring your dog along to the pretty outdoor patio at this bright and airy taproom to keep you company while you sample a special bitter, saison or IPA, accompanied by wings, a pizza or vegan chili. Afterwards, visit Au Diable Vert in nearby Sutton. This gorgeous mountain resort invites dogs and their owners to roam around more than eight miles of pet-friendly trails and large grassy fields together.

What’s your favorite dog-friendly thing to do in Quebec? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/IllumiLaval.