Best 7-day road trip in Quebec

Dreaming of an eastern Canada road trip? Then why not take a 7-day road trip adventure across Quebec to explore the hidden treasures of this magnificent province! Breathtaking landscapes, quaint towns and total immersion in Quebec culture await you.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience on the roads of Quebec!
 

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Summary of 7-day Quebec road trip

Day 1 : Montreal

Your Quebec tour begins in Montreal. This cosmopolitan city, the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, is famous for its vibrant arts scene, lively festivals and excellent cuisine. If you're feeling the effects of jet lag, there's nothing like exploring the city on foot to get back on track!

Must-sees include Old Montreal, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Head to the Old Port to enjoy its many restaurants, boutiques and art galleries and take a ride on the impressive Montreal Ferris Wheel. And don't forget Rue Saint-Paul and Place Jacques-Cartier.

Visiting Montreal also means discovering its skyscraper-filled downtown core. For a spot of shopping, stroll along Sainte-Catherine, then explore the underground city. This "city within a city" is a 33-kilometre underground network of pedestrian walkways beneath the downtown core, a handy place to take shelter when the weather's not cooperating. Don't miss the superb Marie-Reine-du-Monde Cathedral and the excellent Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Then continue your walk through the Plateau Mont-Royal. This lively, friendly neighborhood is the ideal place to wander with its independent shops and bookstores. A pleasant stroll awaits you in Mount Royal Park, the green lungs of Montreal. And since you're so close, continue on to the grandiose Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal oratory. You'll also have a superb view of the city.

If you've worked up an appetite and are wondering where to eat in Montreal, take a well-deserved break at La Banquise. This restaurant specializes in the famous poutine and is a local institution. And don't miss Jean-Talon Market, a foodies' paradise with its colourful displays of fresh local produce and specialties.

For your evening in Montreal, head back downtown to take in the lively bar scene and bustling nightlife. By the end of your discovery-filled day, you'll have a good idea of the diversity and cultural richness of Montreal's neighbourhoods !

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Day 2 : Mauricie (181 km)

After picking up your Canada rental car, it's time to start your week-long Quebec road trip. Today's program takes you to Mauricie, a region that's ideal for green tourism, where you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, biking, swimming and even canoeing. The magnificent La Mauricie National Park offers breathtaking vistas of mountains, forests and multiple waterways.

For incredible views, take an excursion to Waber Falls, paddle on Lac Édouard and follow the legendary Promenade Route, stopping for photos at:

• Le Passage lookout
• Île-aux-Pins lookout
• Lac Édouard beach

If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend a seaplane tour of La Mauricie. The immensity of the region's wilderness is even more impressive from the air. A beautiful way to treat yourself!

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Days 3-4 : Saguenay Fjord (424 km)

Today, set a course for Saguenay Fjord. A unique landscape of towering cliffs and wild shorelines awaits you in this glacial valley through which the Saguenay River flows.

Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park is the ideal place to enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, sailing on the Saguenay Fjord and sea kayaking on the fjord. It comprises two main sections:

• Baie-Éternité (south shore of the fjord)
• Baie-Sainte-Marguerite (north shore of the fjord)

If you're a keen hiker, I particularly recommend these:

The De la Statue Trail

Distance (round-trip): 7.6 km
Time (round-trip): 3-4 hrs.
Level: Intermediate to difficult
Elevation gain: 472 m

After some effort and a good sweat to get to the top, you'll be amply rewarded by the view from the summit over Baie Éternité and the Saguenay Fjord.

The Méandres-à-Falaises Trail

Distance: 1.6 km (loop)
Time: 45 to 60 mins.
Elevation gain: 30 metres
Level: easy

Perfect for families and novice hikers, the Méandres-à-Falaises trail is an easy walking route. The trailhead is located at the Discovery and Services Centre.

For the more adventurous, there's a via ferrata. Part climbing, part hiking, this challenging activity offers splendid panoramic views of the Saguenay Fjord.

Don't hesitate to visit Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. Surrounded by mountains and capes, this picturesque little town is on the list of Quebec's most beautiful villages.

Before setting off on your next adventure, be sure to stop in Tadoussac. This charming little town hss one of the 50 most beautiful bays in the world, and is the oldest village in Canada. Tadoussac is also famous for its marine mammal watching, so don't hesitate to take a whale-watching boat tour. The best time to see them is between mid-May and mid-October.

Day 5 : Charlevoix (179 km)

This fifth day of your Quebec road trip is all about nature. Again, you say! Yes, but this time, you'll find landscapes where the mountains meet the sea, with steep cliffs, majestic parks, pretty villages and impressive manor houses.

By the way, did you know that Charlevoix owes its surprising geography to the impact of a 15-billion-ton meteorite 350 million years ago?

If you're looking for things to do in Charlevoix, the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie Park is the place to be. The unique course of the river, the surrounding valleys and steep rock faces make this park a very photogenic place.

If you're in shape, you can't miss the Acropole des Draveurs trail, one of the best hikes in Charlevoix.

The Acropole des Draveurs Trail

Distance (round-trip): 10.4 km
Time (round-trip): 5 hrs.
Level: Difficult
Elevation gain: 800 m

This hike is quite steep, but your efforts won't be in vain. And if you start early, you may even come across caribou at the summit.

Continue your exploration of Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park with a Hautes-Gorges boat cruise. Your captain will be delighted to share a wealth of fascinating anecdotes about the local flora and fauna. If possible, take the excursion at dusk to increase your chances of seeing wildlife. 

The Charlevoix coast is also well known for its scenic beauty, so be sure to make plenty of stops as you follow Route 138 along the St. Lawrence River. The section between Tadoussac and Quebec City is well worth the detour. Nicknamed the "Route du Fleuve", it's definitely one of the most scenic drives in all of Quebec.

Before leaving Charlevoix, pay a visit to Baie-Saint-Paul. This tiny town will charm you with its art galleries and craft shops. Just across from Baie-Saint-Paul is Île-aux-Coudres. This little 11 km by 5 km island has a unique charm that I recommend you discover by bike.

Before continuing your Quebec road trip tour, why not discover this superb region from the air? Take a helicopter tour of Charlevoix and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the rolling countryside. Ask your Canada travel agency about availabilities!

Day 6 : Quebec City (93 km)

Now that you've had your fill of nature, it's time to head back to the city. Quebec City, the cradle of French North America, is located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

Don't delay in exploring Rue du Petit-Champlain. Browse the many boutiques and art galleries, not to mention the numerous cafés and restaurants in the area. If you wish, you can also take a private walking tour of Old Quebec for an original look at the city.

Continue on to Place Royale and Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. A few steps away is the fabulous Musée de la civilisation, a key stop for learning more about the First Nations and Quebec history. Photographers in search of the perfect angle shouldn't hesitate to take the Quebec City-Lévis ferry for some unique shots.

Leave the Lower Town behind and head for the Upper Town. Here you'll discover the superb Château Frontenac. From Terrasse Dufferin, one of Old Quebec's iconic photo spots, you'll never tire of gazing at this jewel of Canadian architecture. The Quebec Citadel and the Promenade des Gouverneurs are also high points of your visit to Quebec City.

Don't leave the city without going to the top of Observatoire de la Capitale to admire the exceptional view. If you have time, I'd also recommend a visit to the spectacular 83-metre-high Montmorency Falls, just a short drive from Quebec City.

Day 7 : Montreal (248 km)

Now you're back in Montreal to round off your dream trip to Quebec. Cheer up, it's not time for nostalgia just yet... To make the most of your last few hours, here are some ideas you should like. But keep an eye on your watch, so you don't miss your flight home!

If you're already missing nature, take a stroll through the Botanical Garden and discover 22,000 species of plants from all over the world.

If you get the chance, the hipster Mile-End district, the industrial-heritage Lachine Canal neighborhoods and Verdun on the banks of the St. Lawrence are also great places to visit.

To finish off your stay in style and treat your taste buds, head to Schwartz’s Deli for a delicious smoked meat sandwich. If you're looking for more upscale restaurants, here are some you're sure to like:

• Bouillon Bilk
• Toqué !
• Auberge Saint-Gabriel

It's already time to head home... After your fabulous 7-day Quebec road trip, I'm sure you'll want to come back.

Be sure to share your favourites in the comments section below!