You’ve decided you want to discover or rediscover the province of Québec. Your travel plans are taking shape in your mind. You’ve chosen to visit the regions of Eastern Québec (which is an excellent choice, by the way!). You’re starting to think about the marine mammals you’ll see, the landscapes you’ll admire, the meals you’ll enjoy, the beaches you’ll explore and, of course, where you’ll stay. Here is some useful information about the various categories of accommodation establishments available in Québec. Happy planning!

Classification of tourist accommodation establishments

In October 2021, the Québec government passed a bill to simplify the Tourist Accommodation Act. The star rating system was replaced by a new system: tourist accommodation establishments must now register with the government online and provide information about their offerings on an annual basis.

So how do you find accommodations that suit you, you may ask? You can start by looking for places to stay on official destination websites such as our Québec by the Sea site or those of regional tourism associations. Authentic reviews by actual travellers posted on review platforms are also good indicators of the type and quality of the services provided (though you should read these reviews with a grain of salt). Keep in mind that all establishments must display their registration number (which you can check on this website, in French only), which guarantees your safety and that the services being offered comply with provincial requirements.

Accommodation categories in Québec

Here are the various categories of accommodations that can be registered with the Québec Tourism Industry Corporation (CITQ) and that you can choose from during your vacation in our regions.

Principal residence establishments

These establishments offer accommodations in the operator’s main residence, by means of a single reservation, to one person or a single group of related people, without including any meals served on site.

Youth tourist accommodation establishments

These establishments offer accommodations where at least 30% of the units consist of beds in one or more dormitories (rooms containing two or more beds rented on an individual basis) or where the accommodations are primarily provided through activities intended mainly for disadvantaged or disabled people.

General tourist accommodation establishments

Excluding the two previous categories, these establishments provide accommodations in one or more types of accommodation units. This category is divided into several subcategories:

Hotel establishments

These establishments offer accommodations in rooms, suites or furnished apartments as well as various services and amenities on site. You’ll find hotels, motels and inns in all the maritime regions of Québec. Whether located by the sea, in the forest or in the city, they’ll offer you memorable moments along with a place to rest. They’re also generally located near tourist attractions.

Tourist homes

Are you travelling with friends or family and want to enjoy some quality time together at the end of the day? Or would you prefer more privacy during your vacation? If that’s the case, you’ll want to opt for a furnished cottage or apartment! These units generally include everything you need to cook and sleep comfortably. What’s more, cottages and apartments are often located in enchanting settings, in harmony with nature.

Resorts

Looking to fill your days with activities and new experiences while enjoying a hassle-free vacation? Resorts offer a variety of accommodation options as well as meals, entertainment, a broad range of activities and more, all in one location. In our regions, depending on the resort you choose, you can enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, biking, wildlife observation, spa treatments and more.

B&Bs

Would you like to get to know some of the locals during your trip to Québec? One good way to do so is to stay in a bed and breakfast. B&B owners rent out rooms in their private residence to tourists and serve breakfast on the premises (included in the room rate). These establishments can offer up to five rooms and accommodate a maximum of 15 people. In the evening or at breakfast (which often features local ingredients), you can chat with your host or hosts about their life in Québec and ask them all your questions! Like you, B&B owners enjoy meeting people from all over the world.

Youth hostels

As is the case elsewhere in the world, Québec’s youth hostels offer accommodations to travellers of all ages in dormitories and private rooms at affordable rates. Youth hostels are equipped with shared and/or private bathrooms, a communal kitchen and other common areas. In our regions, many of these establishments are located near nature, much to the delight of outdoor enthusiasts!

Educational institutions

During the summer months, some educational institutions rent out vacant rooms to tourists in student residences at cegeps (colleges) and universities at affordable rates. These units are usually single rooms or small apartments with shared and/or private bathrooms. They sometime include access to laundry facilities.

And there’s more…

Campgrounds

Do you enjoy discovering a destination by exploring natural sites? Camping will give you the opportunity to stay at the heart of Québec’s vast natural environments! Campground operators in the province are required to register with Camping Québec whether they offer tent and/or RV sites or glamping units. You’ll find lots of camping and glamping options throughout our regions. Many of them offer hookups (electricity, water and sewage) as well as access to drinking water, washroom facilities and showers. Wilderness camping enthusiasts will also be delighted, as some campsites are located away from populated areas, sometimes even on islands! You can also camp in most of our national parks. No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll find a wide variety of activities available nearby.

Lighthouses

In the past, the main task of lightkeepers in Québec was to guide sailors navigating the St. Lawrence, one of the most dangerous waterways in the world. They made sure their lighthouses were shining brightly, monitored the weather and visibility, sounded the foghorn when necessary and performed maintenance on buildings and equipment. However, did you know that you can now get a taste of what life as a lightkeeper was like by spending a night or two in a lighthouse or lightkeeper’s house? This unique experience will allow you to learn more about the lightkeepers’ often solitary lives. Expect a complete change of pace and scenery!

Unusual accommodations

Are you adventurous and want to be surprised on your travels? You’ll find many different types of unusual accommodations in our regions, including domes with a view of the stars, eco-cabins in the forest, tiny house-style chalets, giant birdhouses, cabins clinging to a rockface, yurts, teepees, a shaputuan and more. All these accommodation options will add a touch of magic and originality to your trip!

As you can see, Québec by the Sea offers a multitude of accommodation options, which means you can plan a trip to our regions that suits your needs and personality. In any case, wherever you wind up, you’re bound to be pleased with your choice, since you’ll always be staying in welcoming places located in settings that are as beautiful as they are invigorating. We look forward to welcoming you to our regions!