The best 10-day East Coast of Canada road trip

Mauricie, Saguenay and Charlevoix are some of the most beautiful regions in Quebec.

You can easily include them in your next trip to Quebec, even on a 10-day tour.

Here's my detailed itinerary. I hope it will inspire you for your next visit to La Belle Province!
 

10-day Eastern Canada road trip map

10-day Eastern Canada road trip summary

Day 1 : Montreal 

Your tour of the land of forests, lakes and rivers begins with a visit to the exciting city of Montreal.

From the airport, you can take a taxi ($$) or the shuttle bus ($) to your accommodation. Allow around 45 minutes for the transfer, depending on traffic.

Then set off to discover Montreal and its vibrant city centre , teeming with life at the foot of Mount Royal.

In fact, why not walk up to the Kondiaronk lookout  to stretch your legs after all that time on the plane?

You'll have one of the best views of the city!

In the evening, head for Montreal's charming Old Port district . This historic riverside neighbourhood is bustling with art galleries, cafés, restaurants and museums.

After a day of travel and this first foray into the city, you'll probably be tired: you'll want to make an early night of it to rest up before setting off on your big adventure.

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• Road Trip
• 8 days

Days 2-3 : Mauricie  ( 153 km / 01h55 )

Pick up your rental car and head for the Mauricie region.

Everything you dreamed of - wide open spaces, unspoilt nature, lakes galore - can be found here.

More specifically, go to La Mauricie National Park . Between valleys, mountains and forests, your 10-day tour starts with one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Quebec.

This is the Promenade route, which stretches for almost 63 km through the park.

Along the way, you'll have the chance to make a number of stops to take in magnificent viewpoints such as the Le Passage lookout , which offers unique views of Lake Wapizagonke.

The following morning, set off on an excursion to Waber Falls , which combines 9.2 km of canoeing with a 6.9-km hike. 

If you're not quite over your jet lag, relax on the beautiful beach at Lac Édouard, get out a good book or take a siesta - you're on holiday, after all!

Authentik favourite :

If you'd like to treat yourself to something out of the ordinary, take a seaplane tour  and discover the immensity of the region's wilderness from the air.

Calculate the cost of your car rental for this road trip

Day 4 : Charlevoix  ( 252 km / 02h49 )

Today you're leaving one magnificent region for another that's just as spectacular.

Charlevoix, which has been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, owes its topography to the impact of a 15 billion tonne meteorite 350 million years ago.

Whether in Grands-Jardins National Park or Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, discover some of the most beautiful scenery in Quebec with a hike... or in a canoe!

For a gourmet break, be sure to stop off in the picturesque and oh-so-charming town of Baie-Saint-Paul, which offers a wide choice of traditional restaurants.

Take a pleasant stroll along its main street, lined with boutiques and art galleries.

Authentik favourite :

Experienced hikers should not miss the Acropole-des-Draveurs Trail in Hautes-Gorges Park. From the top of its 3 distinct summits, the view is absolutely breathtaking! Allow 5 hours to complete the trail.

Days 5-6 : Saguenay Fjord  ( 172 km / 02h10 )

Off to a new destination!

What better way to make the most of the region's breathtaking scenery than with a visit to Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park?

On the agenda: hiking, via ferrata or a zodiac tour. Whichever way you choose to explore, you'll be in for a real treat.

The next day, don't miss a visit to one of Quebec's most beautiful villages: L’Anse-Saint-Jean .

The only village directly on the south shore of the fjord, it stands out for its incomparable charm and the warm welcome of its residents.

With shops full of local crafts and cozy restaurants serving delicious meals (don't miss the Bistrot de l'Anse!), it's sure to be love at first sight

Authentik favourite :

Sea kayaking on the fjord  is a unique and original way to discover the immensity of the fjord and its dizzying cliffs.

Day 7 : Tadoussac  ( 130 km / 02h02 )

Your 10-day tour of Quebec continues with the village of Tadoussac.

You've been dreaming about it for so long, and now you're here!

As well as being a popular spot for whale watching, Tadoussac is a lovely village that's easy to explore on foot.

A whale watching excursion in Tadoussac is sure to be a highlight of your Quebec trip. Whatever the time of day, whether you're on a boat or in a zodiac, you'll discover this marine giant in the company of a naturalist guide.

It's a well-known fact that sea air gives you an appetite  A wide choice of menus awaits you. Café Bohème ($$) and Chez Mathilde ($$$) are my favourite places to eat.

Authentik favourite :

Sea kayaking in Les Bergeronnes . Although there's no guarantee that you'll see whales, paddling on the river knowing that they're there is a thrilling experience!

Days 8-9 : Quebec City  ( 228 km / 03h12 )

This morning, set off early to arrive in Quebec City in the late morning.

Several kilometres of walking await you, but that's the price you have to pay for a tour of the Old Capital's must-see attractions.

Start with the Plains of Abraham ,  then walk along the Promenade des Gouverneurs to Dufferin Terrace, where the magnificent Château Frontenac  rises proudly above you.

Spend the second part of your day on Rue du Petit Champlain and Place Royale , known as the "cradle of French America".

In the evening, I suggest you take the Québec-Lévis ferry  to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. At sunset, it's a magnificent sight.

For a detailed itinerary of your stay in Quebec City, check out our article "Visit Quebec City in 2 days".

Spend your second day exploring the treasures outside the city.

Start with the Montmorency Falls park , which stands proudly facing the river. Did you know that this impressive waterfall is 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls?

Continue on to picturesque Île d'Orléans  where a rich cultural and historical heritage awaits you along the Chemin Royal.

At the end of the day, head for Grande Allée or Rue Saint-Jean, two areas that are as enjoyable as they are lively, to bring your superb 10-day Quebec road trip to a fitting close.
 

Authentik favourite :

Imagine learning about and cooking the region's culinary specialties during a cooking workshop with a local. The location alone, and the opportunity to meet Madame Germaine, make this authentic experience worthwhile!

Day 10 : Montreal ( 260 km / 02h42 )

This morning, treat yourself to a last typical Quebec breakfast in Old Quebec before heading back to Montreal.

Depending on the time of your flight, you might have time for one last foray into the city before heading to the airport.

I can imagine you discussing your next trip before the plane even takes off .

So what do you think of this 10-day Canadian east coast road trip? 

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below!