In North America, motels are a symbol of freedom and the open road, especially in the context of road trip vacations. Discover the characteristics of this type of accommodations and which motels we recommend in the maritime regions of Québec.

Convenient and accessible

By definition, a motel is a roadside lodging establishment consisting of rooms arranged in a low building with parking directly outside. Motel units have an independent room entrance and sometimes include a kitchenette, making them great places to stop for a night during a business trip or family vacation.

In Québec by the Sea, many motels are given names with a maritime theme. They are conveniently located near main roads but also often near the sea, which is ever-present in many parts of our regions. It’s so pleasant to be able to step out of your motel room and breathe in the fresh sea air or contemplate the sunrise or sunset from your patio!

A motel room also gives you much more freedom of movement. You’ve spotted a seal or whale on the horizon? You can quickly zip out of your room to go observe it from the beach!

Other advantages of motel rooms include their affordability and the fact that pets are often allowed. If you’re travelling with a furry companion, be sure to inquire about this before booking your room.

Bas-Saint-Laurent

In Notre-Dame-du-Portage, the motel units offered by Auberge sur Mer, a century-old lodging establishment, all have private balconies offering a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence Estuary. The surrounding area is ideal for walking, biking or simply relaxing. Be sure to also treat yourself to a tasty meal at April, the seasonal restaurant on site.

Located on the cape of Anse-au-Persil in Rivière-du-Loup, Auberge de l’Anse offers rustic rooms with splendid views of the sea and marine mammals. Near a beach, a marina and many attractions, this establishment is an ideal home base if you want to explore the surrounding area.

In Rimouski, Motel de l’Anse is ideally located near the downtown core and Parc national du Bic. This motel has plenty to offer for guests of all ages including a game room, a reading room, a playground, a mini farm, walking trails and a bike path. Each unit is air-conditioned, and some even have a kitchenette. You’ll also have access to the amenities of the adjacent campground, including a firepit and barbecue.

Still in Rimouski, in the Pointe-au-Père sector, Motel Bienvenue is within walking distance of the St. Lawrence Estuary as well as the lighthouse, submarine and museum that make up the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site. You’ll love walking or biking in this unique and impressive setting! Many of the rooms have been renovated, and some include a kitchen.

If you head inland to Dégelis, in the Témiscouata area, you’ll find Hôtel 1212, which also offers affordable motel units. As a bonus, this lodging establishment houses the Madawaska microbrewery and brewpub, with a menu that features local ingredients. Cyclists will love exploring the 134-km (83-mi.) Petit-Témis trail, while outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata.

Gaspésie

Located at the gateway to the region, Sainte-Flavie is a pretty village along the St. Lawrence. Open year-round, Le Gaspésiana offers comfortable motel-style rooms with a separate entrance and patio doors offering a view of the sea! Be sure to also treat your taste buds to a meal at the hotel’s restaurant, Au Goût du Large (open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). The establishment is close to several shops and art galleries as well as the Mont-Joli Airport and many attractions.

Along the water in Matane, you’ll find Riôtel Matane, which includes a motel pavilion. From your unit, you’ll be able to listen to the sounds of the waves and seabirds if you leave your patio door open! The Cargo restaurant on site welcomes you for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The hotel is conveniently located near the marina, downtown Matane and the Matane–Baie-Comeau/Godbout ferry terminal.

Are you looking for complete tranquility? Book a room at Motel Camping des Ancêtres in L’Anse-à-Valleau, a small community near Forillon National Park. A family-run business since 1930, the establishment offers motel units with a private balcony and a view of either the sea or a lake and mountain. Each unit has two double beds, and some have a kitchenette. In addition to the national park, you’ll find the Pointe-à-la-Renommée Historic Site nearby as well as the town of Gaspé and its many attractions!

In Percé, Hôtel-Motel Fleur de Lys offers vacationers a dream view of Percé Rock, Bonaventure Island and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can admire the seascape from your window or from the balcony. Located in the heart of the village near all attractions, this motel offers affordable rooms, a restaurant serving three meals a day and a ticket office for sea cruises to Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé.

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, then Hôtel-Motel Le Mirage is for you! This establishment offers comfortable rooms, all with a magnificent view of Percé Rock, as well as a coffee shop serving breakfast. You can also enjoy the heated swimming pool as well as the tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. This family-run establishment, which has been welcoming vacationers for 75 years, is close to all the village’s tourist and cultural attractions.

If you’re in Percé in the summer, Riôtel Percé has two motel-style pavilions for you to choose from: the Rocher Percé pavilion, which offers classic and superior rooms, and the Île Bonaventure pavilion, which offers regular rooms, including one with a kitchenette, a family room and a family studio that can accommodate up to 6 people. All units offer spectacular views of Percé Rock, Bonaventure Island and the lobster boats bobbing on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the evenings, enjoy unwinding around the fire!

Overlooking Chaleur Bay in Carleton-sur-Mer, Riôtel Carleton-sur-Mer offers hotel rooms and a conference centre as well as motel units. Close to the beach and a heated pool, the motel rooms are ideal for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts! Tennis and pickleball courts are also available. Located in the main building, the Pub St-Joseph restaurant offers meals in a lively sports bar atmosphere.

Îles de la Madeleine

Located in Gros-Cap on Cap aux Meules Island, Motel l’Archipel is just a stone’s throw from the sea—and that’s not just an expression, it’s a fact! Their colourful units all include a kitchenette. This establishment is near the beach in Gros-Cap, where you can admire a view of Entry Island as well as magnificent sunrises.

Côte-Nord

Are you planning to visit the north shore of the St. Lawrence? You’ll find plenty of motels along the way! As you explore the region, you can also observe marine mammals, visit hydroelectric dams, discover the Mingan Archipelago, go for strolls on long beaches and drive all the way to Kegaska, at the end of Route 138!

A North American invention, motels have a comforting vintage feel. Some are very modern, while others have been renovated while retaining retro elements, such as old signage. Anyone going on a road trip should plan to spend at least a few nights in a motel! Are you ready to hit the road?