When relaxation requires leaving the real world behind, a trip to beautiful Kamouraska may be just the ticket to total de-stressing. With just one main road, a few quaint shops and restaurants, and a stunning view of the St.Lawrence River, you’ll finally be able to focus on finding some inner peace.

stay
There are a number of Bed & Breakfasts dotting the main road, but why bother with eggs and toast when you can wake up to the scent of melting chocolate? We stayed at the new Bed & Chocolate at La Fée Gourmade (from $120) and luxuriated in our suite’s fluffy bed, steamed ourselves into submission in the lovely hammam shower (complete with organic chocolate-scented soaps from nearby Le Quai des Bulles), and gorged ourselves silly on the chocolaterie’s delicious treats. Indulge in the one of the B&C’s sweet package deals to include a tasting workshop and box of 16 chocolates starting at $150. La Fée Gourmande, 167 Morel Ave., Kamouraska, 418-492-3030, www.lafeegourmande.ca

eat
If you can’t stomach truffles first thing in the morning, you can easily jaunt over to the Auberge des Iles to sip coffee in the solarium, or start the day in true Québecois style at the Casse-Croute Co-sette. Definitely pick up a loaf of deliciously dense German bread at the Boulangerie Niemand and stock upon freshly smoked salmon at the Poissonerie Lauzier. Finally, relax with a bottle of wine and a seafood plate at the Café du Clocher (run by the most eligible bachelor in town, Jean-Pierre).
Auberge des Iles, 198 Morel Ave., Kamouraska, 418 492-7561, www.aubergedesiles.ca
Restaurant La Co-Sette, 53 Morel Ave., Kamouraska, 418-492-2675.
Boulangerie Niemand, 82 Morel Ave., Kamouraska,  418-492-1236.
Poissonnerie Lauzier, 57 Morel Ave.,Kamouraska,  418 492-7988.
Café Du Clocher, 90 Morel Ave., Kamouraska, 418-492-7365.

spa
Not content to end our chocolate bender, we enjoyed a rejuvenating chocolate and coffee scrub ($70) at La Grand Voile Centre du Santé et Auberge. But don’t worry if you’ve maxed out on sweets, there are plenty of cleansing and refreshing massages and treatments to be had at this gorgeous mansion.
La Grand Voile, 168 Morel Ave, Kamouraska, 418-492-2539, www.lagrandvoile.ca

see
Keep an eye out for penguins, seals and a miracle pod of Beluga whales as you speed across the waves during this 1.5 hour Zodiak tour ($35) of the Kamouraska islands. Just be sure to wear your wellies and a windbreaker, as this wild ride can get chilly and wet!
Embark at the Kamouraska pier, 418-863-3132, www.zodiacaventure.com

See more from our trip to Kamouraska on today's Editors' Diary. —JN

Last year our honey took us to an out-of-town B&B to refuel our romantic fire. But we may as well have been anywhere, since we barely bothered to leave the bedroom. This year, we’re taking advantage of some of the romantic weekend specials right outside our front door.

Head to the St. Paul Hotel for a romantic evening including a 4-course meal at Vauvert, champagne and rose petals in your room, continental breakfast and late checkout (wink wink). Rates start at $279 (mention the code PVL). St. Paul Hotel, 355 McGill, Montreal, 1-866-380-2202, www.hotelstpaul.com

Don’t even bother to leave your bed with a beautiful breakfast basket from Mon Panier Gourmet ($66.50) delivered right to your door. The pastries, yogurt and fruit will give you lots of energy for… staying in bed. Order 48 hours in advance from Mon Panier Gourmet, 514-544-6195, www.monpaniergourmet.ca

If V-Day feels more like D-Day to you, grab your single girlfriends and boycott the boys with the Opus Hotel’s Single, Flirty and Fabulous package. Enjoy cocktails and cuisine at Koko from NYC Michelin star-rated chef Jay Federer’s new cookbook, Sex on the Table, followed by a gossipy sleepover in one of the hotel’s lush rooms (dinner only, $95 pp; room package from $379.) Opus Hotel, 10 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, 514-843-6000, www.opushotel.com