There's a moment on every good road trip when the highway narrows, the exits
get farther apart, and you feel so far removed from your everyday life. On our
Quebec road trip, that moment came somewhere past Montreal, when the fields
started rolling into hills and the signs switched entirely to French.
Our recent summer vacations have taken us to
Japan
and Thailand and the Philippines, but this year, we decided to explore closer
to home. We started this trip from
our cottage in Picton, which happens to sit almost exactly halfway between Toronto and Montreal.
That makes it a genuinely great starting point if you're planning a Quebec
road trip from Ontario, and it meant our first day of driving was short and
easy rather than the long, tired slog it can be for people starting further
west.
This is the itinerary we used, more or less, with a few suggestions added for
anyone who has more time than we did, because there's so much of this province
we didn't get to. I'm share our trip with the hotels, restaurants, and stops
that were actually worth it, plus notes on where I'd add extra days if you
have them.
Why Quebec Is One of the Best Road Trips in North America
I've done a lot of road trips over my life, and this one stands out. It has
the scenic drives of the Pacific Northwest, the maritime feel of the East
Coast, and a rich culture of people who've held onto their language and
traditions, all connected by one main highway and a handful of gorgeous scenic
routes.
A few reasons it earns the "ultimate" label:
- It's genuinely varied. You'll experience cosmopolitan cities, small villages, mountains, and coastline, all within a few hours of each other
- It feels like a trip to Europe without needing a passport or an international flight
- The food is excellent almost everywhere you stop, not just in the big cities
- National parks and outdoor activities are easy to fold into even a city-focused itinerary
- There's enough here for one great road trip or, honestly, five different ones
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Planning Your Quebec Road Trip
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is the warmer months, from late June through early
September, when outdoor activities, patios, and hiking trails are all in full
swing. We went at the end of July into August and had great weather except for
one majorly rainy day while we were driving back west from La Malbaie. Those
steep and windy roads can be a bit challenging even in the best weather so be
sure you're comfortable with that as a driver before you embark on this
adventure!
If you're a fall person, this same route transforms into one of the best
places in North America to see the foliage, particularly around Charlevoix and
Le Massif, so don't rule out a version of this trip in the autumn months
either.
TRAVEL TIP: Worried that you don't speak French? You don't have to. Most
people are fully bilingual and restaurants and shops will greet you with a
"Bonjour! Hello!" or ask if you want a French or English menu. If you're in a
more rural area or are spoken to in French, starting with "Bonjour.
Parlez-vous anglais?" always helps.
How Much Time You Need
We did the core loop, Montreal to Charlevoix and back to Québec City and
Montreal, in about nine days, and it felt right without feeling rushed. Here's
what I think is doable:
- 4–5 days: Montreal and Quebec City only
- 9 days: the full core loop we did, including La Malbaie and Charlevoix
- 2+ weeks: add the Saguenay Fjord and/or a full tour around the Gaspé Peninsula
Getting There
The main highway for most of this route is Highway 20, which hugs the south
shore of the St. Lawrence River. Quebec City has an international airport if
you'd rather fly in and rent a car locally rather than driving the whole
way.
There is also the adorable two-car Train De Charlevoix which connects Quebec City to Baie Saint Paul and La Malbaie with many picturesque stops along the way. Its a great option if you want to leave your car and take a day trip from Quebec City.
There is also the adorable two-car Train De Charlevoix which connects Quebec City to Baie Saint Paul and La Malbaie with many picturesque stops along the way. Its a great option if you want to leave your car and take a day trip from Quebec City.
First Stop: Montreal
Montreal was our first real stop, about 3.5 hours from Picton via Highway 401
and the A-20. It's a great place to ease into the trip because it still feels
familiar in a lot of ways while giving you your first real hit of Quebec's
distinct culture.
Where We Stayed
We chose to stay at
Le Nouvel Hotel on
Rene-Levesque as it was within walking distance to the Bell Centre where we
were seeing Ariana Grande in concert during our trip.
Were I to visit Montreal again, next time I'd choose a hotel closer to
Old Montreal as
you'll be closer to the sites and can explore the area in early morning or
late in the evening.
What We Did
- Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, including Place d'Armes and the exterior of Notre-Dame Basilica
- Walk through Place des Montréalaises, the newly opened public space behind City Hall. It has a lovely flower meadow and is an easy way to enter Old Montreal from downtown
- Catch sunset at the Old Port, and ride La Grande Roue de Montréal for a different angle on the skyline
- Head up to the lookout on Mount Royal for the best views of Montreal
- Walk through McGill's picturesque downtown campus
- If thrifting is your thing, the Village des Valeurs location in a converted historic railway station near the Jean-Talon metro stop is a great spot for curated vintage finds
Montreal is also a great place to catch live music at Centre Bell if the
timing works out - we discovered Olivia Dean was playing there at the tail end
of our trip and I'm still sore we just missed out on last minute tickets!
Where We Ate
- Jardin Nelson — the best terrace in Old Montreal for people watching or sit inside to enjoy live music while you dine
- Bagels Etc. — our backup when the famous Schwartz's deli was too busy; the croque chevre was worth the stop!
- Basta grocery — takeout iced coffee and soft chocolate chip cookies that I'm still thinking about
Next Stop: Charlevoix and La Malbaie
From Montreal, it's about three hours and forty minutes to Baie-Saint-Paul.
Highway 138 will take you through Quebec City but no need to stop, you can
check it out later in the trip. It's a genuinely great scenic drive within the
road trip: winding, hilly, and full of views over farmland and the widening
St. Lawrence River.
Where We Stayed
Our favourite stay on this entire Quebec road trip was at the Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix where we spent two nights in a dormitory-style room in the old
Gare building. The individual beds, individual closets, and ample wall hooks
meant we all had room to stretch out and store our things.
The hotel has been awarded a Michelin Key and its easy to see why - the
grounds are definitely worth exploring. The hotel has its own farm and gardens
with around forty varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that go straight
into the kitchens of the onsite restaurants.
We loved walking around the farm, seeing the chickens, sheep, bunnies, llamas,
and Highland cattle up close.
The Full Day for Outdoor Activities
If you only do one outdoor activity on this trip, make it
Le Massif's Le Bouton trail, a beginner-friendly hike about twenty minutes from the hotel. Park at the
base chalet, cross the footbridge, and access the trailhead to the right of
the gondola. It's free, it's not overly strenuous, and the views over the St.
Lawrence might be the most spectacular of the entire trip.
On the drive back down, stop at Quai Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to catch
the tide, then spend the afternoon wandering Baie-Saint-Paul itself. It is a
charming town full of art galleries, restaurants, and small shops you'll want
to explore.
Where We Ate
- Les Labours - the Table d'hôte fixed menu was a wonderful way to experience the farm to table fare. Most memorable was the pouding chômeur (a traditional Quebecois "poor man's pudding") which I'll be dreaming of for a long time to come!
- Bistro de l'Estran - a nice spot to have a meal while enjoying views of the Bay
- Le Bercail - also on the grounds of Hotel Le Germain, this restaurant offers good food and a more relaxed vibe
If You Have More Time: The Saguenay Fjord and the Whale Route
We didn't make it here ourselves, but if your trip has room for it, this would be my first addition. La Malbaie, just 30 minutes from Baie Saint Paul, is a natural extension and also marks the unofficial starting point of the Route des Baleines, Quebec's whale route.Continue north from La Malbaie along the Route des Baleines toward Tadoussac and the Saguenay Fjord National Park, where the fjord meets the St. Lawrence River.
This is one of the best places on the entire east coast for whale watching, with minke whales, belugas, and occasionally blue whales visible right from shore in the right season. The boreal forest along this stretch of the north shore is dense and quiet, a completely different feel from the rolling hills of Charlevoix. It makes a wonderful two- or three-day extension for nature lovers wanting a different angle on the province.
Quebec City: Endless Old World Charm
From Baie-Saint-Paul, it's about an hour and a half back down Highway 138 to
Quebec City. We stayed three nights at
Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec, right by the Plains of Abraham, and a short walk to the old town.
Quebec City is one of the best places in North America to feel like you've
left the continent entirely. The old walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and is renowned for its 400-year-old stone architecture, cobblestone
streets, and the iconic
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Quartier Petit-Champlain
Give yourself a full day here. It's North America's oldest commercial district
and you will enjoy getting lost in its narrow winding streets and historic
buildings. You can easily spend hours exploring the boutiques, cafés,
and ice cream shops along the cobblestone streets, including the famous
umbrella-covered alley and the street murals. And if you tire by the end of
the day, take the funicular up from the lower town, about seven dollars well
spent!
Don't leave Vieux Quebec without popping into the Fairmont Le Château
Frontenac even if you're not staying there. The architecture of this grand old
railway hotel is worth seeing on its own, and the shops inside are lovely for
local products, a step above the usual souvenir shops.
A Full Day in the Old Town
- Walk the Plains of Abraham and around the Citadelle walls
- Brunch at Restaurant La Buche, a funky, eclectic spot designed like a wintry sugar shack, all plaid and snowshoes
- Rest for a bit on Dufferin Terrace and enjoy the street performers in summer
- Shop Rue Saint-Jean for maple products, Quebec-made art and crafts, and a stop at Simons, my favourite department store, for clothing and home goods with French flair
Where We Ate
- Au Petit Coin Breton - traditional Quebecois crepes and a French onion soup that hit exactly right
- Restaurant La Buche - funky decor and traditional Quebecois cuisine
- Chika Ramen Izakaya - the BEST ramen I've had in a long time!
- St-Hubert - quick and kid-friendly chicken spot if you need something fast one night
We ended one evening walking past the Parliament buildings lit up at night. It
was a wonderfully quiet way to close out our time in this unforgettable city.
Montmorency Falls
One activity we didn't quite have time for but might be worth adding to your
trip is a visit to Montmorency Falls. About a thirty-minute drive from the
old town, its a popular day trip from Quebec City. The falls are actually
taller than Niagara Falls, which is surprising. One of the best ways to see
them is from the suspension bridge that crosses right over the top, followed
by the cable car and the staircases down the cliffside for a completely
different perspective from below.
The Scenic Route Home: Chemin du Roy
For the drive back toward Montreal, skip the highway and take the Chemin du
Roy, the oldest road in Canada, which runs along the north shore of the St.
Lawrence through Trois-Rivières. This route is sometimes also called the Route
des Navigateurs, and it's a genuinely great way to end a road trip, passing
through historic picturesque villages, farm stands, and small towns you'd
never see from the main highway.
- Stop for strawberries and local honey at Ferme Langlois et Fils in Neuville
- Stop in Cap-Santé and stroll by the pretty homes along Vieux Chemin
- Have lunch in Trois-Rivières and walk the riverfront
One More Day in Montreal
We built in a bonus day back in Montreal before heading home, staying at the
new
Moxy Montreal Downtown. A
Marriott property, the Moxy offers the best amenities: a genuinely fun
recreation floor with a mirrored hallway perfect for selfies. An indoor pool
and sauna if you need to unwind after walking up and down Montreal streets. A
main floor lounge and restaurant - grab your free welcome drink, have a meal,
or relax and play card games.
Other activities to enjoy:
- Coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Tommy Café
- Shopping along Sainte-Catherine
- Dinner at Weinstein and Gavino's in Old Montreal, a longtime favourite for pasta and portions big enough to share
- An afternoon exploring the Montreal Biodome or the Planetarium. Check out the Olympic Park Sports Centre while you're there
Montreal Biodome
I've been to Montreal dozens of times, but surprisingly, a visit to the
Biodome had never been on my list - until now.
A popular tourist attraction, the former Olympic velodrome is now home to
several distinct ecosystems. You'll walk through hyper-realistic replicas of
five distinct environments found across the Americas, from a tropical
rainforest to forest landscape and maritime basin, and see the animals in
their natural habitat.
Save the sub-polar room for last - we thought the ice wall entrance and the
penguins were the highlight!
The Drive Home
We took it slow the last morning before driving back to Picton. For a lunch
stop, Panchancho in Kingston is our go-to; we always try to sit on the patio
if the weather allows. By early afternoon we were home.
Our Full Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Picton → Montreal
- Day 2: Montreal
- Day 3: Montreal → Baie-Saint-Paul
- Day 4: Charlevoix (Le Massif hike)
- Day 5: Baie-Saint-Paul → Quebec City
- Day 6: Quebec City
- Day 7: Quebec City
- Day 8: Quebec City → Chemin du Roy small towns → Montreal
- Day 9: Montreal
- Day 10: Montreal → Picton
Practical Tips for Planning the Perfect Road Trip
A few last things that made a real difference for us:
- Give yourself more than one full day in Quebec City; it's easy to underestimate how much there is to see within the old town alone
- Book dinner reservations ahead in Montreal and Quebec City in the summer months, particularly anywhere well reviewed, since patio season fills up fast
- Don't over-plan every single day; some of our favourite moments, such as low tide at Petite-Rivière-Saint-François or seeing the Parliament buildings at night, weren't on the original itinerary at all
If you're the type who likes to save travel itineraries for later, this is a
good one to bookmark. Build your own version around whichever regions call to
you most, whether that's four days or two full weeks.
Quebec Road Trip FAQ
How much time do I need for a Quebec road trip?
Plan for at least nine days to comfortably cover Montreal, Charlevoix, and
Quebec City without rushing. If you want to add the Gaspé Peninsula or the
Saguenay Fjord, closer to two weeks is a good idea.
What's the best time of year to go?
The summer months, from late June through early September, are the best time
for outdoor activities and warm-weather sightseeing. The winter months are a
great option too if cross-country skiing is more your speed though the steep
and winding roads towards La Malbaie can be treacherous.
Do I need a car for this trip?
Yes. While Montreal and Quebec City are both very walkable on their own, the
drives between regions, and the small towns and scenic routes along the way,
are a big part of what makes this a great road trip in the first place.
Is Quebec City worth more than one day?
Yes, easily. Between the old walled city, Montmorency Falls, and Quartier
Petit-Champlain, we found three full days was the right amount of time to see
it properly without feeling rushed.
Should I start in Montreal or Quebec City?
Either works, since both have international airports and are well connected by
the main highway. We like starting in Montreal because it eases you into the
trip, saving the older, more distinctly European feel of Quebec City for later
in the itinerary.
Is this a good family road trip?
Yes. The mix of cities, easy hikes, and kid-friendly stops like the Montreal
Biodome makes this a genuinely great family road trip, and the driving
distances between stops are short enough that no single day feels like a slog.
What should I pack for a Quebec road trip?
Layers, even in summer. Mornings on the water and up at Le Massif can be cool
even when the afternoons are warm. A good pair of walking shoes or runners (these
are my favourite) matters more than anything else, since so much of this trip,
in Old Montreal and inside the walls of Quebec City, happens on foot up and
down hilly streets. Bring a swimsuit for hotel pools, and
a light jacket
just in case, since weather along the St. Lawrence can shift quickly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have four days or two full weeks, this stretch of Quebec, from
Montreal down through Charlevoix, Quebec City, and out toward the Saguenay,
might just be the perfect road trip for anyone within driving distance in
Canada or the northeastern United States.
If you end up building your own version of this trip, I'd love to hear which
stops made your list and which small towns you stumbled onto that weren't in
any guidebook. Those are always the ones worth passing along.
