Discover the Beauty of Québec by Road Trip
A 4-Day Itinerary: Québec City to Tadoussac via Charlevoix & the Saguenay Fjord
Quick Summary
There's a good reason why Québec has been nicknamed 'la belle province' (the beautiful province). Its landscapes are breathtaking and the people you'll meet are just as wonderful. This four-day itinerary takes you through some of Québec's most charming and picturesque regions—from the 83-metre Montmorency Falls to the quaint seaside towns of Charlevoix, the scenic Route du Fleuve, a free ferry across the magnificent Saguenay Fjord, and finally to whale-watching paradise Tadoussac.
Day 1: Québec City to Baie Saint-Paul
Highlights: Montmorency Falls (83m), Route de la Nouvelle-France, Baie Saint-Paul artists' town
Start with a 15-minute drive along the St. Lawrence River to Montmorency Falls—an 83-metre waterfall viewable from the highway or by walking across the suspended bridge above the roaring water. Thrill-seekers can zip-line across the falls. Travel the historic Route de la Nouvelle-France, sampling local flavours at Ferme Le Comte de Roussy (great views and pies) and Praline & Chocolat (pastries). Stop at the stunning Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine before reaching quaint seaside Baie Saint-Paul. Dine at French Bistro Le Mouton Noir, walk the Boisé du Quai nature trail to an observation tower for sunset views, and stay at Le Germain Hotel & Spa.
Day 2: Baie Saint-Paul to La Malbaie
Highlights: Route du Fleuve (scenic coastal road), Les Éboulements, Domaine Forget, Saint-Irénée beach
Fill up on pastries and coffee from bakery À chacun son pain, pair with Laiterie Charlevoix cheese. Drive the scenic Route du Fleuve (road 362) between the Laurentian Mountains and St. Lawrence River. In Les Éboulements, lunch at Auberge de nos Aïeux overlooking the river and Isle-aux-Coudres. In winter, try dog sledding at Chenil du Sportif. Visit Domaine Forget sculpture garden and concert hall (popular for summer's international music festival). Swim at Saint-Irénée beach. Spend the night at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu or sample what locals call the best smoked meat sandwich outside Montreal at Joe Smoked Meat.
Day 3: La Malbaie to Tadoussac
Highlights: Whale-watching, Fromagerie Saint-Fidèle, free ferry across Saguenay Fjord
Join a whale-watching excursion (late April–November) on the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park waters, or opt for a guided kayak tour. In winter, explore by snowmobile or ski at Mont Grand-Fonds. Stop at Fromagerie Saint-Fidèle (100+ years old) to sample La Belle Brune, a Swiss cheese made with local beer. Take the free ferry from Baie Sainte-Catherine to Tadoussac—crossing takes only 10 minutes, runs year-round day and night, with magnificent views of the Saguenay Fjord. Stay at Canopée-Lit's forest cabins and bubble-like shelters, Pavilion Studio, or glamping with Mer et Monde Écotours.
Day 4: Tadoussac
Highlights: Whale-watching town (founded 1600), Marine Mammal Interpretation Center, Petite Chapelle (oldest wooden church in North America)
Founded in 1600, Tadoussac is one of Canada's most charming bays—a town of 800 people and renowned whale-watching destination. Visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Center. Explore New France history at the beautiful Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac—the oldest wooden church in North America and a national historic site—and the Chauvin trading post, Canada's first fur trading post. This was a major port where local Innus Essipit First Nation interacted with European explorers and settlers.
Returning to Québec City
Return via the Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean region, known for welcoming people, wildlife, the splendid fjord, and sea-like Lac Saint-Jean prized for nautical offerings. Or take the ferry back to Baie Sainte-Catherine and visit stunning Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, 40 minutes north of La Malbaie.
Ready to start planning your own road trip in Québec?
Ready to start planning your own road trip in Québec?