Le Monastère des Augustines
8 av. Cabot, Baie-Comeau, Québec, G4Z 1L8, Canada
Why We Like It
What a backstory! In 1639, three Augustinian nuns from France came to Quebec and changed healthcare forever. Here, they built the first hospital on the continent north of Mexico. Behind the old stone wall (still standing), there are 17th century gardens and a meticulously restored campus—including a museum, boutique, wellness experts, a restaurant and hotel. We love the unique environment, the history and the authentic Augustinian healing tinctures, herbs and oils for sale in the boutique.
Fodor's Expert Review
A fully-restored 17th century cloister, this property is a living museum with all the comfort of a four-star hotel. The focus is on holistic health and serenity, making it a quiet refuge from urban noise and clamber.
Tip You can feel good about staying here because your money is used to preserve the site and support the Augustinian social mission, which is to offer full-time caregivers a few days of respite.
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Room
There are two distinct types of rooms. One type is called “authentic”, meaning restored but a bit spartan. Still, they have antique wardrobes, exposed ceiling beams, shuttered windows, wood floors and fluffy white bedding. The second type of room, called “contemporary,” has the same rustic-chic decor, but with an edge. Witness the Hudson Bay blankets and chunky wood accents. You can get a king, queen or single bed.
Bathroom
Rest assured, the 32 contemporary rooms have luxury en suite bathrooms, tiled in white. The cutting-edge plumbing and faucets would amaze and impressed the pristine Augustinian sisters.
You Should Know The 33 authentic rooms only have sinks, single beds (in private rooms or double rooms) and six shared bathrooms. However, the bathrooms do lock, so you don’t share the space once you’re inside.
Lobby
Contemplative and bright, the lobby is exactly what you’d expect—part chapel, part museum, part boutique. Full of polished wood and restored church pews, Le Monastère is well married to a glass-and-steel retrofit that infuses the grounds with contemporary design.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
If possible, come via public transit—preferably a train or plane, followed by a taxi. Parking on site is for overnight guests, but it’s limited. It’s easy to walk Quebec City, but be prepared for plenty of hills, occasional cobblestones and meandering streets. Wear your running shoes. The buses are frequent, but because the city isn’t on an easy grid, make sure you know the bus route before you hop on.
Restaurants
For an upscale bistro, walk over to Chez Boulay (15-minute walk), with its focus on Nordic cuisine. Get the signature meat, seafood or cheese platter, served with delicious sauces and sides.
Bars
There’s a large selection of beer on tap at Pub St-Alexandre (15-minute walk), a British-style bar with live music almost every night. The city’s old fortifications are preserved in the basement. The drinks menu is five pages, including an incredible number of imported Belgian bottles.
Photos
Quick Facts
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