Best Quebec tour for families

Dreaming of spending quality time in nature with the family? La Belle Province has everything you need for a memorable vacation. 

Here's the best family road trip in Quebec.
 

Map

Summary

Day 1 : Montreal 

Welcome to the land of lakes and rivers! 

Your adventure begins in Montreal, one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world. 

Venture to the top of Mount Royal for a great view of the downtown area. 

It's one of the city's top photo spots. 

The downtown area teems with life at the foot of the mountain.

A little further south, you'll find Old Montreal  with its rich history. 

This neighbourhood with its European atmosphere is worth exploring, with its charming narrow streets lined with craft shops and restaurants and its Old Port offering dozens of activities to entertain the whole family. 

I recommend the aerial adventure courses aboard a "pirate ship" or a visit to the Science Centre . 

Then return to your hotel for a good night's sleep, because tomorrow, your Quebec road trip begins in earnest!

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Gaspesie family vacation

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• family
• 21 days

Day 2 : Mauricie  (153 km / 01h56)

Your first destination will be in stark contrast to the bustle of the big city. 

The Mauricie region is a vast plateau of rolling hills, interspersed with valleys and dotted with a multitude of lakes. 

The sheer size and beauty of its untamed wilderness will leave you breathless. 

Take the time to visit Mauricie National Park . I suggest doing some canoeing or hiking. 

The best-known activity here is the excursion to Waber Falls , where you can enjoy a family picnic in front of this impressive force of nature.

It's well worth the effort! 

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Days 3-4 : Haute-Mauricie  (204 km / 02h33)

Prepare for a major change of scenery as you head to the Haute-Mauricie for a stay at an outfitter. 

This haven of nature can only be reached by shuttle and once there, you'll have a panoply of outdoors activities to choose from. 

I recommend exploring the area on foot through the flora and fauna interpretation activities . 

And you'll love the many quiet lakes. 

Take the time to enjoy the ultimate moment of relaxation aboard a canoe. 

This location is also known for the quality of its fishing. 

While it's possible to find a quiet spot in nature just for you, join the group meal offered by the outfitter. 

It's a great way to meet unforgettable people!

Day 5 : Lac Saint-Jean  (166 km / 02h24)

Continue your journey through our natural wilderness to reach a jewel of Quebec: Lac Saint-Jean. 

The locals (or "Bleuets" (Blueberries), as they are affectionately called) are known for their warm hospitality. 

Take advantage of your time here to chat with them and taste some delicious blueberry pie. 

Be sure to stop at the Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo , where the animals roam free and you're in a "cage"!

Be warned, the kids will be talking about this train ride for the rest of the trip.

Days 6-7 : Saguenay Fjord (208 km / 02h34)

Today, set a course for the majestic Saguenay Fjord. 

These stunning landscapes deserve to be better known... They will leave you breathless as you contemplate the seemingly infinite waters. 

The banks of the Fjord are home to some of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. 

Don't miss Anse-St-Jean and Ste-Rose-du-Nord !

To let the kids run around a bit, pay a visit to the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park where several hikes are possible, depending on your level.

The Via Ferrata  on the imposing cliffs of Baie Éternité is another don't-miss activity. 

There's no lack of things to do at the Fjord. In addition to those listed above, you can do a treetop aerial adventure course or go kayaking on the Fjord .

Days 8-9 : Tadoussac  (134 km / 02h03)

It's time to leave the Fjord and return to the St. Lawrence River. 

Tadoussac is a small, picturesque village that is well worth exploring on foot. 

Discover its charming shops and restaurants, and don't forget the beach!

Ferme 5 étoiles is the perfect place to stay with kids. 

They can meet the animals and take part in the activities on site. 

Of course, you can't leave Tadoussac without taking a whale-watching cruise .

I strongly recommend opting for a zodiac tour, to enjoy front-row seats and a smaller group to take in all the information provided by your naturalist guide. 

Days 10-11 : Gaspesie National Park (362 km / 06h07)

Get up early after a good night's sleep, because today will be your longest day on the road.

Much of your 6-hour drive will be spent on a ferry, as you set out to conquer Gaspésie. 

You'll immediately understand why the Gaspé Peninsula is listed as one of the "50 places of a Lifetime" by National Geographic. 

Gaspesie National Park is a vast sea of mountains with multiple climates and an interesting topography. 

It's home to a wide diversity of wildlife that is unique to Quebec. 

Hiking is definitely the most popular activity in the park, and there's something for everyone.

With older children in good physical shape, why not tackle the famous Mont Jacques-Cartier trail , where you'll find stark tundra with a Far North feel. 

You'll also have a good chance of encountering magnificent caribou!

For families with small children or the less athletically-inclined, the Lac aux Américains trail is a better option.

This short hike takes about thirty minutes and boasts picture-perfect scenery!

Day 12 : Forillon National Park (201 km / 02h24)

Today you'll take the most beautiful section of Route 132.

This panoramic road is one of the most scenic drives in Quebec.

For a good view of the cliffs that jut abruptly into the Atlantic Ocean, I recommend a picnic at Cap Bon-Ami .

Forillon Park is great for hiking and other outdoors activities.

Don't miss the Grande-Grave trail , which bears witness to the lives of the fishermen and their families at the time of colonization.

Sea kayaking in the park is another unforgettable activity.

Days 13-14 : Percé  (64 km / 00h53)

You're on your way to Gaspésie's flagship attraction: the famous Rocher Percé ! 

For your two days here, start by exploring the village of Percé, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. 

Then enjoy a car-free day with a trip to Bonaventure Island . 

A boat will take you out to this island famous for its northern gannet colony. 

However, that's not the only thing the island has to offer. 

It also has a rich historical heritage, an amazing geological past and countless wildflowers. 

Remember to pack a lunch so you can spend most of your day there!

Day 15 : Baie des Chaleurs  (132 km / 01h40)

Your Gaspésie adventure doesn't stop here.

Today you head to the southern part of the region. 

In Bonaventure you will find a sandy beach and the warmest waters in Quebec, much to the delight of the little ones!

In addition to the beach, the Bonaventure River is a must. 

Its clear turquoise waters make it one of the most beautiful rivers in Quebec. 

Canoeing down this river  so pristine that you can see the riverbed is an almost surreal experience!

Days 16-17 : Bic National Park (278 km / 03h16)

Today you traverse the sublime Matapedia Valley to reach Bic National Park.

This park is a true gem and it's definitely one of Quebec's best kept secrets!

Its capes, bays, coves, islands and mountains are what make it a favourite among Quebec nature lovers. 

Here too, hiking is a popular activity. Feel free to ask the park rangers for advice on trails to suit your family's abilities. 

The kids will be thrilled to do some seal watching.

The best spots to see seals are Cap-Caribou  and Pointe-aux-Épinettes .  

To enjoy the banks of the St. Lawrence, I recommend a picnic at Cap-à-l'Orignal .

Day 18 : Bas-Saint-Laurent  (147 km / 01h38)

Here's your final outdoor destination before returning to the city. 

And you won't be disappointed! 

The Bas-Saint-Laurent boasts several lovely small coastal villages. 

You can explore them by taking the Route des Navigateurs . 

The road follows the river, passing through a series of charming little villages with their numerous Victorian-style houses.

It hearkens back to the golden days of the seaside resorts of the early 20^th century.

The Bas-Saint-Laurent region is said to have the most beautiful sunsets in the world after Hawaii!

Days 19-20 : Quebec City (200 km / 02h04)

This is your last stop!

The beautiful and historic Quebec City is waiting for you to discover the most beautiful hidden corners of its old neighbourhoods.

Many of its historical treasures are recognized and protected by UNESCO.

Don't miss Place Royale  and the Petit Champlain district , as well as Terrasse Dufferin and the Château Frontenac .

I recommend the city tour with a guide playing a period character . 

It's both amusing and educational, a great way to explore the city with the family! 

If you want one last day in nature, head to Jacques-Cartier National Park  to do some hiking or Île d'Orléans  to discover an array of local products. 

You can drive or bike around the island and taste the best ice cream in the region!

If you prefer a more cultural pursuit, pay a visit to the Huron Traditional Site . 

The most authentic recreation of an Indigenous village in Quebec will be an exceptional experience for the whole family. 

Day 21 : Montreal (250 km / 02h38)

You're already on your way back to Montreal. 

If time permits, why not end your trip with a traditional poutine at La Banquise restaurant ?

It's time to head to the airport, your heads filled with family memories of our great outdoors. 

I'm willing to bet that this trip will be a topic of family conversation for a long time to come!

That concludes our 3-week tour of Quebec.

Do you have a family favourite to add to this itinerary? Feel free to share it in the comments section below!