Planning a stay along the St. Lawrence River in Rimouski? This guide cuts through the options to compare Hôtel Rimouski—a full-service 4-star property with direct convention center access—against Motel Au Bord de l’Eau, a small waterfront motel with six rooms and a private beach. Whether you’re visiting for business, a family getaway, or simply chasing river views, you’ll find concrete pricing, verified amenities, and honest trade-off analysis to help you decide which property fits your itinerary and budget.
Last checked: 2026-05-24
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Property Name: Hôtel Rimouski · Address: 225, boul. René-Lepage Est, Rimouski, Quebec, G5L 1P2, Canada · Phone: 418 725-5000 · Nearby water: St. Lawrence River · Featured amenity: Convention center, on-site restaurant · Alternative nearby accommodation: Motel Au Bord de l’Eau
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-24.
Sources reviewed: Official property website (Expedia Canada listing), Booking.com listing, KAYAK metasearch data, TripAdvisor reviews, Petit Futé guide, Bonjour Québec official tourism site, Hotels.com guest reviews.
This article is based on publicly available listing data and verified review excerpts. No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interviews were held, and no independent price verification beyond public booking platforms was performed. Pricing data reflects spot samples and recent booking ranges; current rates may vary.
330 km from Québec City (≈3.5 hours by car) · St. Lawrence River waterfront location · From CA$105 per night (budget motel) to CA$170+ (4-star hotel) · 4.3–4.5 km from town center for Motel Au Bord de l’Eau
At a Glance: Hôtel Rimouski vs. Motel Au Bord de l’Eau
- Hôtel Rimouski: 4-star full-service hotel with indoor pool, spa, bar, restaurant, and 24-hour fitness center (Expedia Canada)
- Both properties sit along the St. Lawrence River shoreline; Hôtel Rimouski offers river-view rooms while Motel Au Bord de l’Eau provides direct private beach access (KAYAK)
- Hôtel Rimouski: from CA$170.49 per night (before taxes) for two adults on a sample October 2025 booking (Expedia Canada)
- Motel Au Bord de l’Eau: CA$105–CA$110 per night on recent KAYAK bookings, with 6 units and free parking (KAYAK)
| Key Facts at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Property Name | Hôtel Rimouski |
| Address | 225, boul. René-Lepage Est, Rimouski, Quebec, G5L 1P2, Canada |
| Phone | 418 725-5000 |
| Nearby water | St. Lawrence River |
| Featured amenity | Convention center, on-site restaurant |
| Alternative nearby accommodation | Motel Au Bord de l’Eau |
Where to stay in Rimouski, Quebec?
Rimouski offers two distinctly different approaches to a waterfront stay. Hôtel Rimouski operates as a 4-star convention hotel with 24-hour facilities and direct access to the Rimouski convention center, while Motel Au Bord de l’Eau concentrates six modest units on a private beach about 4.3–4.5 km from the town center. The gap between these options is roughly CA$60–65 per night at sample rates, making the decision less about quality and more about what you need from your stay.
TripAdvisor reviewers frequently describe Hôtel Rimouski as well-located on the edge of the St. Lawrence River with impressive river views and clean, carpet-free rooms. The Petit Futé guide notes that its suites are spacious and well appointed with elegant furniture. Meanwhile, TripAdvisor reviews of Motel Au Bord de l’Eau highlight its “magnificent view of the water” and the friendly atmosphere created by its small scale.
Tip
If you need a late check-in or are arriving after 10:00 PM, Hôtel Rimouski’s 24-hour front desk offers more flexibility than Motel Au Bord de l’Eau, which operates standard check-in from 16:00.
What is Rimouski known for?
Rimouski sits along the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River in eastern Quebec, approximately 330 km northeast of Québec City—about 3.5 hours by car. The city serves as a gateway to the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, known for maritime history, whale watching excursions in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and cultural sites such as the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site. Both Hôtel Rimouski and Motel Au Bord de l’Eau place guests directly on the waterfront, offering access to the river that defines the region’s identity.
Maison Lamontagne, a historic site near both properties, frequently appears in location descriptions for Motel Au Bord de l’Eau, identified by KAYAK as the closest landmark. The Salle Desjardins-Telus theatre in Rimouski is about 15 minutes away by car from the motel, according to QuebecHotels.info.
Can you see whales in Rimouski?
Yes. The Bas-Saint-Laurent region, which includes Rimouski, is a recognized destination for whale watching in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Booking.com lists walking tours, bike tours, and access to cultural performances among activities available near Motel Au Bord de l’Eau, complementing the broader marine wildlife experiences the region offers.
What is the best time of year to visit Rimouski?
Summer months draw the most visitors to Rimouski, when weather is mild and outdoor activities including whale watching reach peak availability. Shoulder seasons in spring and fall typically offer lower rates at both Hôtel Rimouski and Motel Au Bord de l’Eau, making October an attractive window for budget-conscious travelers—the sample rate of CA$170.49 at Hôtel Rimouski reflects off-peak pricing. Winter brings fewer tourists, though the region’s winter landscape holds appeal for specific traveler types.
What to do in Rimouski today?
Visitors staying at either waterfront property can access the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site, roughly a 10-minute drive from Motel Au Bord de l’Eau. Historic sites, riverfront walks, and regional nature preserves define the activity menu for short-stay visitors. For those attending events, Hôtel Rimouski’s direct convention center connection streamlines access to business gatherings without requiring additional transportation.
Note
Motel Au Bord de l’Eau is about 4.3–4.5 km from Rimouski’s town center, so guests relying on walkability to restaurants or shops may find a vehicle essential. Hôtel Rimouski’s more central position offers easier access on foot.
| Property Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Name | Star Rating | Price From (per night) | On Waterfront | Key Amenity |
| Hôtel Rimouski | 4-star | CA$170.49 (before taxes) | Yes (river-view rooms) | Indoor pool, spa, convention center access, bar, restaurant |
| Motel Au Bord de l’Eau | Budget motel | CA$105–CA$110 | Yes (private beach) | Free WiFi, free parking, private beach access |
| Motel Lyse | Budget | Lower (inland) | No | Free parking, WiFi, pet-friendly (CAD 10 fee) |
| Hôtel Rimouski: Detailed Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Star rating | 4-star (as listed on Hotels.com, Expedia) |
| Indoor pool hours | 08:00 to 21:30 daily |
| Convention center access | Direct connection |
| On-site facilities | Restaurant, bar, 24-hour fitness center, whirlpool, sauna, on-site laundry |
| Room features | Clean, spacious rooms; river-view options; carpet-free rooms noted in reviews |
| Breakfast | Reviews indicate uncertainty about breakfast inclusion at booking—verify directly |
Pros and Cons
Hôtel Rimouski
- Direct convention center access for business travelers
- Indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna included
- River-view rooms available
- Full-service restaurant and bar on-site
- 24-hour fitness center and front desk
Hôtel Rimouski
- Higher price point (from CA$170.49 sample rate)
- Breakfast inclusion unclear at booking
- Larger property may lack intimate atmosphere
Motel Au Bord de l’Eau
- Direct private beach access
- Lower price point (CA$105–CA$110 per night)
- Small scale means personalized attention
- Free parking and WiFi included
Motel Au Bord de l’Eau
- Only 6 units—limited availability
- 4.3–4.5 km from town center
- Standard check-in from 16:00 only
- No on-site restaurant or pool
- Basic room amenities (24-inch flat-screen TV, coffee/tea maker)
Best For
Choosing between Hôtel Rimouski and Motel Au Bord de l’Eau depends largely on what you value most in a waterfront stay. Below is how each property serves different traveler profiles.
Couples
Hôtel Rimouski’s river-view rooms and spa facilities create a romantic setting; Motel Au Bord de l’Eau’s private beach suits couples seeking quiet waterfront intimacy.
Families
The indoor pool and full-service facilities at Hôtel Rimouski cater to families needing entertainment and convenience; Motel Au Bord de l’Eau offers beach access but limited on-site amenities for children.
Business travelers
Hôtel Rimouski’s direct convention center access and 24-hour facilities make it the practical choice for event attendees; Motel Au Bord de l’Eau lacks business-oriented services.
Budget travelers
Motel Au Bord de l’Eau’s CA$105–CA$110 nightly rate undercuts Hôtel Rimouski by roughly CA$60–65, offering direct waterfront access at a significantly lower price point.
Pricing Snapshot
Hôtel Rimouski starts at approximately CA$170.49 per night before taxes and fees for two adults, according to a sample Expedia booking for October 2025. Motel Au Bord de l’Eau recent bookings on KAYAK ranged from CA$105 to CA$110 per night. Non-waterfront alternatives such as Comfort Inn Rimouski may include complimentary hot breakfast with highway-adjacent rates, offsetting the lack of river views with added value.
Location and Getting There
Hôtel Rimouski sits at 225, boul. René-Lepage Est, Rimouski, Quebec, G5L 1P2, directly along the St. Lawrence River shoreline. Motel Au Bord de l’Eau is located at 680 boulevard du Rivage, Rimouski, Quebec, G5L 1G9, as confirmed by the official tourism site Bonjour Québec.
From Québec City, Rimouski is approximately 330 km away—roughly 3.5 hours by car via provincial highways. Both properties offer free parking, though Hôtel Rimouski’s more central location provides easier pedestrian access to downtown amenities. Travelers arriving by air can fly into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) and drive northeast along Route 20.
Other Nearby Options
Travelers willing to trade waterfront access for lower rates can consider Motel Lyse (approximately CA$10 per night for pets permitted) or Comfort Inn Rimouski, which offers free hot breakfast, on-site fitness, and free WiFi near the main highway. Agoda’s Rimouski city page highlights boutique-style properties praised for charm and personalized service, suggesting that ambiance may compete with pure location in perceived value for some travelers.
Our Recommendation
For business travelers attending events at the Rimouski convention center, Hôtel Rimouski’s direct connection and full-service amenities justify the higher rate. For couples or budget-conscious visitors prioritizing direct water access and a quiet atmosphere, Motel Au Bord de l’Eau delivers waterfront value at a fraction of the cost. Both properties offer legitimate St. Lawrence River access—the choice ultimately depends on whether you need convention center convenience or private beach intimacy.
Sample Stay: 48 Hours in Rimouski
- Day 1, Morning: Arrive and check in. If staying at Hôtel Rimouski, explore the river-view rooms and pool facilities; if at Motel Au Bord de l’Eau, settle into the private beach access.
- Day 1, Afternoon: Visit the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site (10-minute drive from Motel Au Bord de l’Eau area).
- Day 2, Morning: Whale watching excursion in the Gulf of St. Lawrence or a riverside walk along the St. Lawrence River shoreline.
- Day 2, Afternoon: Return to your accommodation, enjoy the pool and spa at Hôtel Rimouski or the quiet beach at Motel Au Bord de l’Eau before departing.
What is the best time of year to visit Rimouski?
Summer months draw the most visitors, with whale watching and outdoor activities at peak availability. Shoulder seasons in spring and fall offer lower hotel rates, while winter sees fewer tourists but unique regional scenery.
Can you see whales in Rimouski?
Yes. The Bas-Saint-Laurent region, including Rimouski, is a recognized whale watching destination in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
How far is Rimouski from Québec City?
Approximately 330 km—about 3.5 hours by car via provincial highways.
What is Rimouski known for?
Rimouski is known for its maritime history along the St. Lawrence River, proximity to the Gulf of St. Lawrence for whale watching, and cultural sites including the Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site.
Is Rimouski worth visiting?
For travelers seeking waterfront scenery, regional culture, and access to whale watching excursions, Rimouski offers a compelling destination—particularly for short stays focused on outdoor and maritime experiences.
What water is Rimouski on?
Rimouski sits along the St. Lawrence River, which widens into the Gulf of St. Lawrence downstream.
Sources Cited
- Expedia Canada – Hôtel Rimouski description
- KAYAK – Motel Au Bord de l’Eau
- Booking.com – Motel Au Bord de l’Eau
- Bonjour Québec – Motel Au Bord de l’Eau
- TripAdvisor – Hôtel Rimouski review
- Petit Futé – Hôtel Rimouski reviews
- Hotels.com – Hôtel Rimouski
- Expedia – Motel Lyse
Looking for more Quebec accommodation options? Compare Mont Tremblant hotel deals or explore oceanfront hotel options for alternative waterfront stays.
tripadvisor.fr, motel-au-bord-de-g5l-1h1.quebechotels.info, goibibo.com, tripadvisor.com