Godin makes Art & Lutherie, Simon & Patrick, and Seagull(listed in order of worst to best). The latter two brands are the two to go with if you go that route
Check out Yamaha, Ibanez, S&P, Seagull, Takamine, Ovation, Epiphone, etc. Almost all the major brands have some decent acoustics in the $300-500 range.
Go down to a guitar shop and play a bunch of acoustics. I'd normally say buy one that feels "right" in your hands, but since a beginner most likely doesn't know what they want, just play a bunch of guitars and buy something you like. If you stick out the initial beginner phase, you'll eventually figure out your preferences and end up "upgrading" anyways.
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