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Discover the beauty of Quebec by road trip

Montmorency Falls - Quebec by Road Trip

Discover the beauty of Quebec by road trip

There’s a good reason why Quebec has been nicknamed “la belle province” (the beautiful province). The beauty of this part of Canada is undeniable. Its landscapes are breathtaking and the people you’ll meet are just as wonderful.

 

Ready to discover it for yourself? Follow this four-day itinerary through some of the most charming and picturesque regions of Quebec.

 

Day 1: Quebec City to Baie Saint-Paul

From downtown Quebec City, start with a short 15-minute drive along the St. Lawrence River to reach Montmorency FallsExternal Link Title. This 270-foot waterfall can be viewed from the highway below, but for the most impressive vistas, drive up to Avenue Royale and a walk across the bridge suspendedExternal Link Title above the roaring water. If you're thrill-seeker, try zip-lining across the fallsExternal Link Title to get back to your starting point.

 

Before returning to the highway, travel eastward on the historical Route de la Nouvelle-FranceExternal Link Title and sample local flavors from Ferme Le Comte de RoussyExternal Link Title in L'Ange-Gardien (great views and delicious pies) and Praline & Chocolat in Ch?teau-Richer (delightful pastries and chocolates).

Once you're back on road 138 by the St. Lawrence River, it will take you about 90 minutes to reach the quaint seaside town of Baie Saint-Paul. If that's too fast for your liking, plan a stop at the stunning Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupr? ShrineExternal Link Title.

Once in Baie Saint-PaulExternal Link Title, head to French Bistro Le Mouton NoirExternal Link Title. It's one for the best patios in town. For a beautiful nature walk, visit Bois? du QuaiExternal Link Title (accessible via Sainte-Anne Street) and explore the shores of the St Lawrence seaway. At the Bois?'s western tip, you'll find a beautiful observation tower. It's the perfect place to watch sunset over the marshlands.

 

In the evening, make your way to the fantastic Le Germain Hotel & SpaExternal Link Title, a charming country boutique hotel with a warm urban feel.

 

Day 2: Baie Saint-Paul to La Malbaie

Before leaving Baie Saint-Paul, fill up on delightful sandwiches, pastries and coffee from bakery ? chacun son painExternal Link Title. If you get a baguette at the bakery, make sure to accompany it with one of the wonderful cheeses from Laiterie CharlevoixExternal Link Title.

 

Drive to La Malbaie via the scenic coastal Route du FleuveExternal Link Title (road 362). Prepare to be wowed by views as this road is nested between the Laurentian Mountains and the St. Lawrence River.  

In Les ?boulements, make a reservation at Auberge de nos A?euxExternal Link Title for a meal you won't forget. From May to October, this welcoming inn serves local products in a superb dining room that overlooks the vast St. Lawrence River and the tranquil Isle-aux-CoudresExternal Link Title island. If visiting in winter, pay a visit to Chenil du SportifExternal Link Title for a fun dog sledding excursion (plan at least half a day).

 

Next, in Saint-Ir?n?e, visit Domaine ForgetExternal Link Title, a beautiful site dedicated to art. It's home to an amazing sculpture garden and a fantastic concert hall. This site is especially popular in summertime during the Domaine's international music festivalExternal Link Title. For a relaxing time in the sun, head to Saint-Ir?n?e beach, one of the best spots in the area to stick your toes in the sand and swim in the St. Lawrence River.

Once you reach your end destination for the day, La Malbaie, plan on spending the night at Fairmont Le Manoir RichelieuExternal Link Title. The hotel's location alone is worth the detour. There, enjoy a variety restaurantsExternal Link Title, activities and luxurious rooms. If you're looking for something a little smaller, there are plenty of quaint inns and bed & breakfasts in the area. For one of the best smoked meat sandwiches outside of Montreal, eat at Joe Smoked MeatExternal Link Title on Sainte-?tienne Street.

 

Day 3: La Malbaie to Tadoussac

Visiting this part of Quebec without seeing whales is quasi unthinkable. On day three, join a whale-watching excursionExternal Link Title (late April to November) on the waters of the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine ParkExternal Link Title. If you prefer physical activity over a leisurely cruise, opt for a guided kayak tourExternal Link Title - you might still get to see whales! In wintertime, explore the land via snowmobileExternal Link Title or on skisExternal Link Title.

 

On your way to Tadoussac, stop at Fromagerie Saint-Fid?leExternal Link Title to sample great local cheeses (try La Belle BruneExternal Link Title, a Swiss cheese made with local beer). This cheese factory has been around for over 100 years and has been a source of local pride for just as long.

 

To get to Tadoussac, hop on the free ferry that departs from Baie Sainte-CatherineExternal Link Title. Crossing time is only 10 minutes and the ferry runs frequently (year-round, day and night), and it offers magnificent views of the Saguenay Fjord.

At night, treat yourself to a stay at one of Tadoussac's unique accommodations. We recommend Canop?e-Lit's cabins and bubble-like sheltersExternal Link Title perched in the forest, the modern Pavilion StudioExternal Link Title from Auberge & Restaurant La Galo?neExternal Link Title, and glamping with Mer et Monde ?cotoursExternal Link Title.

 

Day 4: Tadoussac

Founded in 1600, TadoussacExternal Link Title is easily one of the most charming bays in the country. This lovely town of 800 people is a renowned whale-watching destinationExternal Link Title.  On land, don't miss a visit to the Marine Mammal Interpretation CenterExternal Link Title.

 

Tadoussac is also a great place to take in the history of the province. It was a major port during the New France days and a place where local Innus Essipit First Nation interacted with European explorers and settlers. Cultural must-sees include the beautiful Petite Chapelle de TadoussacExternal Link Title, a national historic site of Canada and the oldest wooden church in North America, and the Chauvin trading postExternal Link Title, Canada's first fur trading post.

 

Returning to Quebec City

From Tadoussac, return to Quebec City via the Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean regionExternal Link Title, known for its welcoming people, wildlifeExternal Link Title, splendid fjord, and the sea-like Saint-Jean lakeExternal Link Title prized for its nautical offerings.

If you prefer to catch the ferry back to Baie Sainte-Catherine, make sure you visit the stunning valley of Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivi?re-MalbaieExternal Link Title National Park, 40 minutes north of La Malbaie.

Ready to start planning your own road trip in Quebec?