The ultimate road trip through Quebec

Buckle-up you are in for a great road trip through Quebec! Oh, did I say that this is one of the most scenic drives in Canada?

You will drive off the most scenic roads in Canada passing by mountains, sea and buzzing cities. This trip will make you fall in love with nature and locals alike and you will see that the province is full of hidden gems.

Stops? The perfect mix of city life and nature: Montreal, Quebec City, Charlevoix, Tadoussac. Then you have the option to go to Côte-Nord & Gaspésie. You will do more than 2,000 km. I will give you several options so you can tailor your vacations to the activities that you want and the time that you have.

Let's be serious, who doesn’t love road trips? There is no secret that I love a good road trip, they are easy and comfortable travels. There is something about the scenic views and access to areas that you would not have access to otherwise. A road trip gives you liberty and comfort. After all, you are not carrying your bags from the airport or bus station to another and you don’t have to abide by a certain schedule. In North America, it is the easiest way of transportation since we don’t have a super fancy hyper-developed train system like in Europe and Japan (#notjealous).

So how do you plan a 2,066km road trip? Where do you start? Which stop do you do? Worry not, we have got your back!

Building YOUR Quebec road trip itinerary

This guide will bring you to 6 different regions highlighting the best of what the province has to offer. These are all road trip ideas for you to choose from.

How many days? Between 5 to 20 days. Don’t worry, you will not be on the road every day! It also depends on the option that you will take below. This itinerary is like playing Lego, you can add and remove as many things as you want. a 5-day Quebec trip will be the bare minimum, you can choose to do only Quebec City and Montreal. If you choose longer, you can do Montréal and the Gaspésie. If you are the more adventurous type, then the Côte-Nord region will for you.

Montreal - 2-4 days
Quebec City - 1-2 days
Charlevoix - 2-3 days
Tadoussac - 2-3 days
Gaspésie region - at least 5 days
Côte-Nord region - at least 5 days

Want a slightly different Quebec road trip itinerary? You can choose the stops that you want depending on the time and activities. The only constraints here are the distances, you will need to plan this carefully. So, open Google Maps and lay out your stops and play with them. You can adapt your trip to how many hours you want to drive - you will be doing quite a lot.

Would you rather change accommodation less often? I would suggest combining Charlevoix with Quebec or/and Tadoussac into 1 by choosing accommodation in the middle.

Do you only have 10 days or a week? We can absolutely work with that! My recommendation will be to leave the Gaspesie & Côte-Nord region for another trip as it can be done independently. The core part of the trip is between Montreal and Tadoussac. Or you can choose only the lower Saint-Lawrence area to add to your trip. As I said, I give you all the info and you can choose which part of the trip you want to do.

When to go?

From May to October. However, keep in mind that everyone will be going there in the summer. Avoid the crowds and the high prices by not going during the Quebec construction holidays (which begins on the second-last Sunday of July and lasts for two weeks). Since you all work hard, why not combine your vacation with some statutory holidays like Labour Day? Find out more about how to maximize your vacations, with my series, plan from the office.

What to pack?

Bring your active/hiking gear since you will be doing a lot of hiking. I strongly recommend a light sweater and a scarf, even in summer, it gets windy in Gaspésie and up in the mountains. Also, don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle, sunscreen and insect repellent. Really, don’t forget these 3!

Better start choosing your driving companions and your playlist for this epic road trip now!

First stop: Montreal

Montreal is a big and lively metropolis that mixes the charms of Europe and the modernity of North America. Montreal is an artsy, hip and foodie city all at once. If you like to shop, hang in a park, go to a cool speakeasy or go to a museum, the city has an activity for you!

Why start here? It's the biggest aerial hub of the region with easy connections domestically and internationally. You can also arrive by bus or train easily from other parts of Canada and the US.

Pro tip: Driving in Montreal is a nightmare so don’t rent your car upon arrival, take the time to enjoy the city by foot, bike and public transit.

How long? 2-4 days

Delicious food? Haven’t you heard of poutine, bagels, smoked meat? There are 10 dishes that you must try in Montreal, and you cannot leave without tasting them! Montreal has the highest number of restaurants per Capita in Canada and the second in North America after New York, so I’m sure you will find a nice bar and restaurant of your liking. I recommend Eater and Tastet to find a restaurant depending on your tastes.

For complete tips on how to visit Montreal as a local go here. I’ve been living in this great city for the past 15 years. In that guide, I’m giving you all the info that you need!

What to do in Montreal?

Travelling to Montreal without visiting Old Montreal would be your biggest mistake. By far the most popular attraction of the city, Old Montreal is beautiful. The oldest area of the city will make you feel like you are in Europe, with its cobblestone streets and old French architecture dating back to the 17th century.
Since you will be doing your Quebec road trip in the summer, you need to go to a terrace -an outdoor patio as we call them- and enjoy the sun with a drink in your hand.
Go to one of the 100+ festivals the city hosts. There is something for every taste from classical music to the hottest DJs in the world. In the summertime, there are 30+ festivals to enjoy! The city hosts world-renowned festivals like International Jazz Festivals, Osheaga and Just for Laughs.
Go to Mount Royal, the little mountain overlooking the city. It has various lookout points to admire the city’s skyline.
Lachine Canal is my favourite sport in the city, a park and a national historic site located in the southwest of Montreal. It is a 14km waterway and a park. It is close to the Atwater farmers market; so, grab something to eat and do a picnic by the water. Then you can have a nice walk by the canal, or you can bike and even kayak. From here, wander around Saint-Henri, an up-and-coming neighbourhood with tons of things to eat.
The city has countless graffiti and murals scattered around. Here is my guide to know where to find them!

Looking for more activities? Here is my complete guide to top things to do in Montreal in the Summer.

Second stop: Quebec City

Drive from Montreal to Quebec City (255 km – 3 h)

Québec City is by far one of the most picturesque cities in Canada. It has a mixed colonial history between French and English and is characterized by being the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. The city is one of the oldest cities in North America as it celebrated its 400 years birthday in 2008. The old part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How long? 1-2 days

Where to eat?

If you have the budget, go for a fancy supper at Champlain restaurant. This is one of Canada’s top restaurants and it is located in the Chateau Frontenac. I highly suggest it, the menu is sophisticated and creative with an impressive wine list.

The Saint-Roch neighbourhood has become a foodie hotspot in the past few years. Here you will find plenty of hip bars and restaurants.

What to do in Quebec CITY?

Wander around and get lost on the hilly cobblestone streets of old Quebec. Here you can admire the architecture of the new France. Trust me, the old town looks like a postcard.
Go to the main architectural landmark, Chateau Frontenac and take some time at the Dufferin Terrace and enjoy the views of the Saint Lawrence River.
To get the best view of Quebec City, go to Observatoire de la Capitale which gives you a 360 bird’s eye view of the city.
If you wish to stay longer you can do a day trip to Île d'Orléans

Third stop: Charlevoix region

Drive from Quebec to La Malbaie (141 km – 2h)

On your way to Charlevoix, just outside of Quebec City you will find the Montmorency Falls. Did you know that these falls are 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls? However, they are less imposing since they are not that wide. The good part is that they are also less crowded!

In the Charlevoix region, get ready to be seduced by the St. Lawrence River which is so wide that it feels like the sea and the rolling hills and mountains giving dramatic and breathtaking landscapes. The region is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This appellation, like the popular and praised UNESCO World Heritage Site, is given by UNESCO to preserve certain natural sites.

How long? 2-3 days

Delicious food? The region is a foodie stop for agritourism and regional farm-to-table cuisine, putting forward artisanal cheeses and organic lamb, among other products.

Things to do in Charlevoix?

Go hiking! This is one of the hiking hotspots in Quebec and it's no wonder why the views from the mountains are GORGEOUS. The most famous trails are Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes, Acropole-des-Draveurs and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. Check out the trails and other essential info about these 2 national parks, Parc National des Grands-Jardins and Parc National des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie.
The idyllic setting has played an important role in the arts and culture of the region putting these small towns in the center of numerous poems and world-renowned paintings. There are 4 main towns and villages: Baie Saint Paul and La Malbaie are around 1 hour apart and in between, are located Île-aux-Coudres & Les Éboulements. Don’t forget to stroll down the river and walk on the photogenic bridge Pointe-au-Pic on Chemin du Havre at La Malbaie.
La Malbaie is the home of the famous and historic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. This hotel looks and feels like a castle. Even if you are not staying in the castle-like mansion it is worth a visit, the views and its activities are splendid. You can go for lunch, dinner, and have a drink, there are 7 restaurants to try. Le Saint-Laurent restaurant is a quadruple diamond awarded (the Canadian version of the 3 Michelin star) restaurant. Or simply enjoy a cocktail on their outdoor patio and be mesmerized by the river that feels like the sea. You can also go golfing or enjoy a treatment at their spa. The casino and several hiking spots are also on the premises. Love stargazing? The manoir also has an Astronomy Observatory. Like I said before, you don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy it.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out my complete article about the area to have all the info that you need.

Fourth stop: Tadoussac

Drive from La Malbaie to Tadoussac (74km – 1h23)

If you have limited time, I would suggest stopping your trip here. Also, at this stop, you will have 3 options, keep going to Côte-Nord or going to Gaspesie, or do both.

I will give you 2 good reasons to visit Tadoussac: Whales and astonishing landscapes. Saint-Lawrence Estuary is one of the best places in the world to see whales! It has 13 species of whales for you to admire. While you might have your eyes fixed on the vast waters trying to see whales, you will see the sheer natural beauty of the region. Tadoussac is a colourful village that sits at the junction between the Saguenay Fjord and the vast St-Lawrence river and the views are breathtaking. The village was voted as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club.

How long? Between 2 or 3 days.

Delicious food? There are 3 great stops in this picturesque town. Tadoussac Brewery, because no BRB guide is complete without a great craft beer. In 2019 they won several gold and silver medals, as the best beer in Canada. Cafe Boheme is a great spot to go to brunch, lunch or even dinner. Chez Mathilde is the crown jewel of the restaurants in the region.

Things to do in Tadoussac?

Whales are the talk of the town and with a good reason, the encounters with these behemoths are ones that will last a lifetime. There are different ways to see the marine giants. Seeing whales can be a luck of the draw, you might see none or you might see several dozens. We were beyond lucky and we saw close to 60 whales! Here you will be following the Whale route.

The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre should be your first stop to understand more about the whales. You can also read my full article about whale watching here.
Take a whale-watching boat tour. I would suggest taking AML cruises as they are the biggest company and taking care of the whales too.
Kayaking in the marine park! this is a Magical experience! Telling you that it is a must-do is an understatement. We did a half-a-day excursion with Mer et Monde and it is highly recommended.
Head to the national parks to go whale watching from shore. Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay (Saguenay Fjord National Park) and Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre are two predilection viewpoints.

To read more about our whale encounters don’t forget to check out my Tadoussac guide.

Alternative road trips: From here you can go up the Saguenay River to Lac-Saint-Jean, another high tourist area in the province or you can choose to go to a more remote area, the Cote Nord (keep reading).

Fifth stop: Gaspésie

From Tadoussac Drive to Les Ecoumins and then take a ferry to Trois-Pistoles (70km - 2h)

From here, you will be doing lots of driving but it's worth it! The roads are windingly photogenic, you will not want to snooze in the car during the trip. It takes you through the start of the Appalachian mountains, the Saint Lawrence River and the Gulf. And of course, countless lighthouses and the iconic Percé Rock.

You will be doing a complete loop of the Gaspé peninsula. This amazing tour takes you through the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent & Gaspésie.

Logistics? From Tadoussac drive 30min to Les Escoumins. From there, take the ferry to the wharf. You will need to make your reservation well in advance and you need to keep in mind that the ferry only comes twice a day. It is highly recommended that you arrive at least 1 hour before the departure if not your reservation will go to someone else. So you better plan this well! Here is all the info for the ferry. From Trois-Pistoles, I would recommend driving directly to Rimouski. Or you can combine this part of the trip with the Côte-Nord region (read more below).

There is one route to follow- Route 132. It will do a loop, taking you from Lower St-Lawrence to Gaspé along the stunning seaside.

How long? At least 5 days

Delicious food? Amazing fresh seafood! After all, there is no such thing as too many lobster rolls! Plus, there are 16 microbreweries to visit and local gin is on the rise.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out my complete article about the region to have all the info that you need.

Must-dos in Gaspesie and Bas-Saint-Laurent?

Here are my 3 favourite highlights of the region. However, there are plenty of things to do along the way. For a complete region of what to do in the Gaspé peninsula go here. In that guide, you have all the additional stops to do.

Ile Verte

Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs (known as Île Verte) is a heavenly island in the Bas-Saint-Laurent (Lower St. Lawrence) region. Words lack to describe this island. Maybe an Idyllic landscape, or charming, nature sanctuary will fit. The island has one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen! On this untouched rugged island, you can see whales, seals and other wild animals. Oh, and did I say that you can sleep in a lighthouse? The island lighthouse is Québec’s oldest lighthouse. Lightkeeper's and assistant lightkeeper’s houses have been turned into a B&B. The island is nature heaven and it has very little human development, there are no grocery stores or gas stations and it only has 3 restaurants that are only open during the high season. The best thing to do here is to explore the island either by foot, car or bike. Stay on the beach and see animals pass by in the river. You can also do a picnic on the beach with smoked fish from the Colette fish shop. Seriously, best picnic spot and food ever!

Bonaventure Island

This is THE excursion that you are looking for! Hop on a boat and see thousands of birds! The tour will bring you closer to the pierced rock and it will then tour the island. The National Park of Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is home to 200,000 seabirds, including 110,000 northern gannets. It is the world’s most accessible colony of these birds.

In the park, rangers can explore the island with you and talk to you about the island’s curious yearly visitors. I would highly suggest doing the guided visit with them! We learnt so much through our guided visit, they will explain to you the animal behaviour, why they nest here and the type of vegetation the island has. I feel like if we would not have done the visit with the guide, we would not have enjoyed it as much.

The whole island is a national park, so no one lives there anymore. There are some houses and they have been restored for historical purposes.

Forillon National Park

This park is one of the most beautiful parks we have ever visited. It marks the end of the long Appalachian mountain chain and it is at the easternmost point of the Gaspé Peninsula. I highly suggest staying overnight as one day is not enough to visit the park. The park has many ready-to-camp-tent that are perfect for glamping.

In the park, we did 3 trails of different lengths and levels of difficulty, La Chute, Mont-Saint-Alban and Les Graves.

The Gaspésie National Park is around 2:30 hours drive from Forillion and it is another must-do in the region.

Sixth stop: Côte-Nord

Tadoussac is the starting point for the huge territory of Côte-Nord (North Shore). The Côte-Nord is a raw and remote territory, like an uncut diamond. You will border the immensity of the Saint-Lawrence river, where it widens to become the ocean and on the other side, you will go through millennial forests, pristine rivers, unique fauna and flora. The crown jewel of the region is the Mingan archipelago, a national park that only a few travellers know.

Logistics? From Tadoussac, all you need to do is continue along the Whale Route, route 138, you can follow it until the end of the road at Kegaska or stop at the Mingan Archipelago. You will be following the same route to go back to Montreal or you can mix this part of the trip with the Gaspesie region by taking the ferry. Take the ferry from Matane to Baie-Comeau or Godbout or conversely.

How long? At least 5 days

Delicious food? Amazing fresh seafood! And yes, you can continue eating lobster rolls, I won’t judge you, I did the same.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out my complete article about the whale route to have all the info that you need.

Must-dos in Côte-Nord?

PARC NATURE DE POINTE-AUX-OUTARDES

Located on a sandy point that juts out into the sea, the park is set between two rivers, the Manicouagan and the Outardes. The park protects unique biodiversity, it has nine distinct ecosystems, ranging from the boreal forest to sand flats and beaches as well as a peat bog, sand dunes, alder forest and the second-largest salt marsh in Québec. You have all of these ecosystems to visit in just one place!

The entrance to the park offers breathtaking views of the river and has a beach. The park has a network of trails that form loops varying in length from 1 to 5 km. The park is also a prime spot for bird-watching as you can observe around 255 species of birds during migratory periods.

On the road

Chute Manitou this waterfall is located right at Route 138. You will need to park at the Tourist office before embarking on your hike. Be on the lookout for the signs to guide you to the parking. Once you are parked, you will do a short walk along the highway and then you will dive into the boreal forest for around 45 minutes and 200 stairs before encountering the magnificent waterfall. This, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the province. The fact that is secluded in the forest adds to the beauty.

Cap Ferré is a hidden gem- literally - it is a beach that only locals know and it was one of my favourite spots on the whole trip. You need to come here with time in your hands and have a picnic. Sit by the beach and admire the whales, we saw around 5 whales. Here, you can take a short hike to the Red Stream.

Mingan Archipelago National Park

This is the reason why we decided to embark on this trip. The park is the crown jewel of the area and protects endangered fauna and flora. The park reserve has around 1,000 islands and islets. The park is known for its Puffins and monolith. The park also offers two light stations because who can resist a photo op with a lighthouse?

We did 2 excursions, the first one took us to Quarry Island and the other one to the Île aux Perroquets and Nude Island. The Archipelago was by far my favourite part of the trip in Cote Nord.

After doing the loop you will be back in Montreal. If you still have vacation days left and prefer nature to cities you can go to Mont-Tremblant or to Eastern Townships (Les Cantons-de-l'Est) which are only 1 or 2 hours away from Montreal. The latter option borders the United States, it can be a nice end trip if you are taking the road back to the U.S.

Tips for planning your Quebec road trip

There are no tolls on highways in Quebec. There is only one exception, the A-30 expressway but you will not be taking it so you don’t have to worry about it.

You will be doing a LOT of driving, This is more than 2,000 km so be prepared to drive long distances. I would highly suggest extending your trip so you can drive fewer hours during the day which lets you have more time to enjoy the activities.

All road signalization is in French; however, we have standardized signals through North America so it will be easy for you to get by.

If you have an excursion booked and you need to drive, I will suggest factoring in the construction and adding extra time. You will have traffic and sometimes you will need to wait for around 15min for the heavy machinery to clear.

Brake for moose and other wildlife. Keep an eye out for wildlife, constantly you will see tons of signs regarding wildlife passing. However, if you see a moose, hit the brakes! Moose are gigantic animals and if you crash into them you will most likely have a deadly accident.

Gas, some places that are a little remote and gas stations might be distant from one another so keep an eye on this. However, for most of your trip, it will be fine. I was pleasantly surprised that there were a lot of electric car charging stations so you can do the tour with an electric car!

If there is a restaurant that catches your eye do a reservation, especially in high season! There are not countless places so I would highly recommend having a plan.

The province is full of microbreweries if you are a fan of craft beer, I would recommend buying a Passport en fût. This beer passport allows you to taste 12 beers with the purchase of the app. The app is associated with more than 85 microbreweries across the province of Quebec. The app has a little description of every bar and all the menus are also available so you can choose between so many options. This is a great deal since a pint is usually around $8, you get a chance to drink more cold ones for your money!

Bring a cooler with you, there are countless artisanal shops this way you can bring back home some smoked salmon or other local products or eat them on the way. After all, a road trip calls for great snacks.

It goes without saying but be mindful of the environment and wild animals, don’t go pet them and do not leave your trash at the national parks. Pick up after yourself!

Extra tips on when to come:

Be aware that in summer, a two-week "construction holiday" in Quebec means that most Quebeckers take their summer holidays during this time. At the same time, roads are being repaired and the result is a lot of traffic. These vacations are the last week of July and the first week of August.

Montreal hosts the F1 GP each year on the second weekend of June. Keep in mind that the accommodations in Montreal during this period are EXTREMELY expensive. Hotels and other rental places prices skyrocket during this period as this is the peak of visitors in the city. If you are not coming to see the F1, I would suggest coming for another week. It will be cheaper and the city will be less crowded.

Practical information

Language

French is the official language. English is spoken by most of the service staff, however, don’t expect that everyone will be fluent in English. Don’t worry if your French is a little rusty, however, people do appreciate if you go the extra mile to speak a little French. You don’t speak any French? No worries, you can at least learn a few words like Merci (thank you) and Bonjour (Hello).

CURRENCY

The currency is the Canadian Dollar, the sign is $. The dollar can be easily found abroad at any currency exchange office. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere.

TIPPING

It is customary to tip around 15% of the final price. If you are horrible at math like me, you can sum the 2 taxes and it will give you a ballpark amount of what you have to tip. Not mandatory but tipping house cleaners at the hotel is a nice gesture.