With just four rooms this little B&B feels like home. Two rooms overlook the Gouffre River, a branch of the St Lawrence, which winds six kilometres through Baie St Paul, a famous artists' town 95 kilometres north-east of Quebec City. Ancrage means "anchor" and each room has a subtle nautical theme. The L'Acalmie takes its name from a 1950s schooner now moored at the town's quay. The room's decor is rustic with timber-panelled walls, checked bedspread and a bathroom with a claw-foot bath. TV, free Wi-Fi, port and chocolates are provided, while host Jean-Marc Bernier's breakfasts differ daily (sometimes smoked salmon, sometimes omelette), but always include fresh croissants and fruit salad with his wife, Sylvie's, secret ingredient.
From $95; see aubergeancrage.com.
Location is the drawcard of Auberge La Muse. Not only is the 12-room inn on the town's main street of Rue St Jean Baptiste, with its many galleries and boutiques, but it also contains a renowned restaurant – Chez Bouquet Eco-Bistro. Here guests can dine on superb dishes made with the finest products of the Charlevoix region, and then stroll to their rooms a few metres away. Each room takes the name of a "muse"; in this case iconic Quebec women who made an impact on the province. Housed in a buttercup century-old timber home, the rooms range in styles from "simplicity" to "luxury" and all have private bathrooms, TVs, free Wi-Fi and inviting beds with plump pillows and cosy quilts. From $95 a night for two; see lamuse.com.
The eight guest rooms at Auberge de Chatelaine occupy an 1893-built mansion that once was the scene of society parties in the days when American presidents holidayed in the lovely town of La Malbaie, 130 km from Quebec City. The guest lounge, dining room and several rooms have wonderful views of the St Lawrence River. Named after French castles, the Chantilly room is tres romantic and bathed in pink hues from its striped chairs and drapes to its pink claw-foot bath, while Fontainebleau is the largest and naturally decorated in blue hues. Arnaud and Odile are genial hosts who speak perfect English despite the French-only website. They will happily provide information and sightseeing tips, and serve a delicious buffet breakfast complete with home-made jams and pastries. From $105 a night for two; see aubergelachatelaine.com.
Occupying two gabled houses on the edge of the Petit-Saguenay River, this is the perfect spot for lovers of fly-fishing and other outdoor pursuits. The town, 221 kilometres northeast of Quebec City, is one of the prettiest in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region, which takes its name from the only navigable fiord in North America. Some rooms have electric fireplaces and others have balconies, while all exude a warm country ambience with antique furniture, floral wallpaper friezes and patchwork or floral quilts. Owner Regine Morin will prepare a three-course evening meal for $32 per person. From $90 a night for two; see pignons.ca.
One of the larger auberges in the province, 3 Canards (Three Ducks) sits high on the hill offering one of the most sensational views of the St Lawrence River. Guests should make a point of having a drink on the terrace before sitting down to one of Mario Chabot's famous multi-course dinners (try the trio of snow crab spring rolls for a taste sensation). The 49 rooms range from "classic" with river view through to deluxe rooms and suites with spa baths and fireplaces. Surrounded by a huge garden with snowmobile trails, this a great retreat in summer or winter. From $130 a night for two; see auberge3canards.com.
There are views galore from this charming two-storey timber guesthouse, including that of the village's famous "covered bridge", much like the ones immortalised in a certain bestseller and movie. All 15 rooms, from "economic" to "superior" and family-style, have private bathroom, TV, fridge, coffee-maker, microwave, free Wi-Fi and access to a shared terrace. With more than 30 years at the helm, owners Enid and Mario know how to prepare a great breakfast, served in two dining rooms, one glass-enclosed to take in the bucolic views. From $85 a night for two; see auberge-des-cevennes.qc.ca.
