Visit Quebec by car: The 4 best road trip itineraries

You’re planning to do a road trip in Quebec and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

Visiting Quebec by car is the best way to optimize your itinerary and discover all the must-see attractions of the country.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide with the 4 best road trips itineraries in Quebec depending on the duration of your stay (7, 10 days, 2 and 3 weeks).

For each duration, I will give you a summary of the itinerary as well as the link to read the detailed itinerary article.

And at the end of this guide, I will also give you my list of the best accommodations in Quebec depending on your budget as well as my best tips to enjoy the perfect road trip.

Which airport should you pick to kickstart your Quebec road trip?

Quebec boasts two international airports: Montreal and Quebec City.

Either one is a fine starting point for a road trip in the region.

However, I would recommend landing in Montreal for your Quebec circuit. I find it’s more convenient to explore Quebec by car starting from there and looping back at the end of your vacation.

What’s more, Montreal’s airport has better connectivity, and tickets are typically cheaper.

That’s why all the road trips I suggest here start from Montreal.

If you’re planning to start your Quebec road trip from Quebec City and need some help planning your trip, feel free to ask in the comments. I’d be glad to advise!

Renting a car for a road trip in Quebec

The car being the essential element of any road trip, I’ll start with this.

The simplest option is to rent one right at the airport. You’ll have a broader choice of rental companies (both international and national), and prices are generally lower than in the city.

For your car rental in Quebec, I recommend using the site Booking.com Cars. Whether it’s a trip to Greece, a road trip in Scotland, or even touring Thailand, I’ve been using this site exclusively for several years to book my cars. Their service is top-notch, and their customer support is super efficient!

Here are the five reasons why I always use Booking Cars:

1. Comparing the rates of rental companies at the Montreal or Quebec City airports is a breeze!
2. You can read reviews from previous customers and see the ratings they gave to different rental agencies.
3. Their comprehensive insurance protection ensures you’ll be reimbursed for any charges in case of an accident or theft during your Canada trip.
4. Modifying or cancelling your reservation is free. So, you can book your car in advance and enjoy a more advantageous rate.
5. They offer a best price guarantee: found the same car cheaper somewhere else? They’ll refund you the difference!

Click on the button below to compare car rental prices:

Quebec road trip: One week itinerary

For this first driving circuit, I’ve put together a sample week-long road trip starting from Montreal.

On the itinerary for this 7-day Quebec road trip: Montreal, Quebec City, and the La Mauricie National Park.

All the detailed information can be found in this article: The best one-week itinerary in Quebec.

Here’s a quick rundown!

1) Montreal (3 days)

Day one, two, and three – Exploring Montreal:

• Old Montreal district
• The Old Port
• Mount Royal Park
• Mount Royal district
• Montreal Olympic Stadium
• The Montreal Biodome
• The Botanical Garden
• Saint Catherine Street
• The Atwater Market
• Jean-Drapeau Park

I’ve laid out a 3-day Montreal visit itinerary in this article: Visiting Montreal. You’ll also find my top picks for accommodations.

2) Quebec City (2 Days)

On day four of your week-long Quebec road trip, I recommend visiting Quebec City, the province’s capital.

From Montreal, it’s about a 3-hour drive to Quebec City.

As the drive will take up a good part of your morning, you can start exploring the city in the afternoon:

• Stroll along Dufferin Terrace, where you’ll find the city’s emblem: the Château Frontenac.
• Visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec
• Take a walk around the Petit-Champlain district
• Check out Place Royale and the Fresque des Québecois
• Take a cruise on the Saint Lawrence River to watch the sunset

Spend a night in Quebec City.

On day five, continue your one-week Quebec road trip by finishing up your city tour.

Start by visiting the Citadel of Quebec before taking a stroll on the Plains of Abraham. You’ll have the pleasure of enjoying superb scenic views of the river.

Then head over to the Parliament Building, and round off the morning at the Observatoire de la Capitale, which offers a 360° panorama of the region.

In the afternoon, I recommend you get back in your car and head to Montmorency Falls. It’s easily accessible, just 15 minutes from Quebec City. You’ll have the bragging rights of seeing a waterfall even taller than Niagara Falls!

For all the details on things to do in Quebec City, check out my article: Visiting Quebec City!

3) La Mauricie National Park (2 days)

The next stop on our 7-day Quebec road trip is the La Mauricie National Park or Parc national de la Mauricie as the locals call it. After five days of city sightseeing, it’s time to enjoy the splendors of Quebec’s natural scenery!

On the agenda for days six and seven in the park:

• In the summer: hike to Waber Falls, bike, fish, and canoe.
• In the winter: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling – the whole array of Quebec winter activities!

At the end of your holiday, return to Montreal to catch your return flight (a 2h30 drive).

Quebec road trip: 10 days

Up next: How about a 10-Day Road Trip across Quebec.?

This one also starts from Montreal, but if you prefer, you can easily adapt it for a Quebec City start, by following the same loop from there.

On the agenda for this 10-day Quebec road trip:

• Montreal
• La Mauricie National Park
• Fjord-du-Saguenay
• Charlevoix
• Quebec

You’ll find all the stages of this circuit in my article: The Ultimate 10-day Itinerary in Quebec!

But I’ll still give you a quick overview right below.

1) Montreal (2 days)

So, we kick off this 10-day Quebec road trip in Montreal. I recommend staying 2 days there to give yourself enough time to explore most of the points of interest, and also to recover from jet lag.

Day one: Here’s an idea for your first day in Montreal:

• Visit Old Montreal: the Basilica, Bonsecours Market, Jacques-Cartier Square
• Walk along the Old Port
• Lunch at Pointe-à-Callières Museum restaurant
• Discover Mount Royal Park and climb up to the lookout
• Take a stroll in the Mount Royal neighborhood with its distinctive houses
• Dinner at one of Montreal’s most famous restaurants: la Banquise! There, you’ll try poutine, one of Quebec’s iconic dishes.

For the second day, continue your tour with a visit to the Olympic Stadium. You can take the panoramic elevator up the tower to enjoy the view.

Upon leaving the stadium, head to the Biodome right next door. There, you can wander through the different ecosystems of the American continent and meet the animals that live there.

In the vicinity, also make sure to visit the botanical garden with its various themed gardens: Japanese, Chinese, rose gardens…

Wrap up the day by hopping on the subway to downtown Montreal for a shopping spree. The main shopping spot is Saint Catherine Street. You’ll find all international brands, souvenir shops, and restaurants there.

For more tips on exploring Montreal, check out our article: Top 33 things to do in Montreal!

2) La Mauricie National Park (2 days)

On the third and fourth days of this 10-day Quebec road trip, I suggest spending time in the La Mauricie National Park.

Whether in summer or winter, you’ll find a myriad of activities: hiking, canoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and so much more!

Don’t forget to check out the park’s official website for a detailed list of things to do during your stay in Quebec.

3) Fjord-du-Saguenay (2 days)

Next up, head to the Saguenay fjord to spend days five and six.

It’s about 4h15 drive from the national park. I suggest taking Route 155 to get there, as it offers stunning views.

Around the fjord, plan to visit two of Quebec’s most beautiful villages: l’Anse St-Jean and Sainte-Rose-du-Nord.

During these two days, you can also do some hiking and take a cruise on the fjord for a chance to spot whales and belugas.

All these activities can be found on Fjord-du-Saguenay’s official website.

4) Charlevoix (1 day)

On the seventh day of your 10-day road trip in Quebec, you could rest from all the work that you have done, but instead, set your sights on Charlevoix.

It’s a great idea to spend the night here, it nicely breaks the journey in half before you hit Quebec City. Besides, it’s teeming with loads of super fun activities.

In one day, you’ll have to make some choices:

• Hiking: I recommend the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park
• A cruise on the local river
• A stroll through Baie St-Paul, famous for its art galleries
• Black bear watching
• A car tour around Isle-aux-Coudres

5) Quebec City (2 Days)

On the eighth day, I suggest moving on to Quebec City, where you’ll spend the next two days.

Two days are enough to get a good overview of the city and its surroundings.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, on the first day you can:

• Take a walk along the Dufferin Terrace
• Snap a photo of the most photographed hotel in the world: the Château Frontenac
• Check out the Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec, classified as a “National Historic Site of Canada”
• Take a walk through the Petit-Champlain district, passing by Place Royale

At the end of the day, head to the St. Lawrence river for a cruise. It’s the best way to enjoy a splendid view of the entire city! Spend a night in Quebec City.

On your ninth day of this Quebec road trip, continue exploring the city:

• Visit the Quebec Citadel
• Stroll through the Plains of Abraham
• Discover the Parliament building
• Head up to the Observatoire de la Capitale

And in the afternoon, I recommend you visit Montmorency Falls.

You can find all the Quebec must-sees in my article: The complete guide to visiting Quebec!

6) Back to Montreal (1 day)

And there you have it, it’s the end of your 10-day Quebec road trip, time to return to your starting point: Montreal!

Quebec road trip: Two weeks

If you have 15 days of vacation for your road trip, you’ll be able to get a fairly complete tour of the province.

For this 2-week road trip in Quebec, I’ve chosen to have you start in Montreal, but it’s entirely possible to adapt it starting from Quebec City. All you need to do is follow the stages in reverse order.

You’ll find all the details to prepare this Quebec road trip in this article: 2-week itinerary in Quebec.

But to give you an idea, here’s a brief rundown of the various stages!

1) Montreal (2 days)

On this two-week Quebec road trip, we’ll kick off by exploring Montreal for two days.

You’ll have plenty of time to see the main points of interest and neighborhoods that I talk about in my Top places to visit in Montreal.

First and second days – Do not miss:

• Old Montreal
• The Old Port
• The Mount Royal Park and its lookout
• Mount Royal district
• The Montreal Biodome
• The Botanical Garden
• Saint Catherine Street

2) Mont-Tremblant (1 day)

For the next part of your 15-day Quebec road trip, I suggest you discover Mont-Tremblant for a day.

Among the possible activities on this third day, you can go hiking or canoeing on the lake. In winter, it’s time to strap on your skis and hit the slopes of this famous Quebec resort or embark on a snowmobile excursion!

And if you’re lucky enough to be there in Autumn, you’ll certainly have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos of the amazingly colorful trees!

3) La Mauricie National Park (2 days)

Next, devote the fourth and fifth days of your Quebec trip to exploring La Mauricie National Park.

In summer, brace yourself for an abundance of thrilling hikes and numerous lakes that eagerly await your canoeing adventures. And to combine these 2 activities, the best option is to go for an excursion to Waber Falls. To get there, it’s an 8 km round trip by canoe + 8 km of walking!

In winter, you can opt for an exhilarating dog sledding experience or snowmobile ride.

The official website of the park lists all the activities you can do there.

4) Lac Saint-Jean (1 day)

On the sixth day of this two-week Quebec road trip, head towards Lac Saint-Jean.

Since a good part of the morning will be needed for the journey, in the afternoon I offer you three options for your visit:

• The Wild Zoo of St-Félicien: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill zoo: the animals roam freely while you’re the one “caged” inside a small mesh train. It’s home to the typical menagerie of Quebec and Canadian wildlife: bears, moose, caribou… If you’re doing this Quebec circuit with your family, your kids will love the itinerary!
• The Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh, dedicated to the indigenous nations of Quebec. It’s a really well done and very interesting museum.
• The historic village of Val-Jalbert, an authentically reconstituted village from the 1920s that will transport you back in time with its post office, school, and charming stores. Actors in period costume round out the experience for a total immersion.

5) Fjord-du-Saguenay (2 days)

For the next two days (seventh and eighth days), settle around the Saguenay fjord in the aptly named town of “Fjord-du-Saguenay”.

You’ll find gorgeous villages (like L’Anse St-Jean and Sainte-Rose du Nord) and can hike the Statue Trail. Once at the top, the view of the fjord is really amazing!

I also recommend you take a cruise on the fjord or go kayaking, to admire this natural wonder from a different angle. You might even get the chance to observe belugas in their natural habitat.

6) Tadoussac (1 day)

It would be a shame to visit Quebec by car in 15 days without making it to Tadoussac. This is where you’ll have the best chance to spot whales!

Thus, on this ninth day, let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure: a cruise to spot majestic whales in their natural habitat! Get ready to witness these incredible creatures up close and personal.

The best option, by far, is to book this sea excursion in advance:

• For a 3-hour big boat trip, book your tickets right here!
• For a 2.5-hour Zodiac tour to get as close as possible, click here!

This is an absolute must-do for this two-week Quebec road trip!

7) Charlevoix (2 days)

For these tenth and eleventh days of your 15-day Quebec road trip, head to the Charlevoix region.

And if I may offer a piece of advice, first head south on Route 138 up to La Malbaie, then take Route 362 to Baie St-Paul. That way, you can drive on one of the most beautiful and scenic roads in Canada.

In Charlevoix, things to see and do include:

• A cruise on the Malbaie River
• A hike in the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park
• A tour of Isle-aux-Coudres for its rural and authentic vibe
• Black bear watching (with a guide)

8) Quebec City (2 Days)

Here we are already on the twelfth day of your two-week Quebec road trip.

Today, we’ll explore the captivating Quebec City. The first stop is the iconic Dufferin Terrace, a peaceful and picturesque promenade. Don’t forget to capture the breathtaking beauty of the magnificent Château Frontenac in your photos, a true landmark of Quebec City. The walk also offers many stunning views of the river below.

After a visit to the Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec, head down to the Petit-Champlain district. The cobblestone streets lined with all sorts of boutiques are truly a delight to explore. In the district, you also shouldn’t miss Place Royale and the Fresque des Québécois mural.

Just before sunset, head to the docks to take a little cruise. You’ll get to enjoy the view of the entire city.

Thirteenth day: Continue your on-foot exploration of Quebec City in the morning:

• The Citadel
• The Plains of Abraham
• The Parliament Building
• The Observatoire de la Capitale

And in the afternoon, drive up to the Montmorency Falls, famous among other things for being taller than Niagara Falls!

For all the information on how to visit Quebec City, it’s right here: Best things to do in Quebec City: The ultimate guide!

9) Back to Montreal (1 day)

On the fourteenth day, head towards Montreal to finish exploring the city before your departure the next day.

You could, for example, check out Jean Drapeau Park. You’ll get a unique view of Montreal from the other side of the river.

The Chinatown district is also quite fun to explore especially if you’re looking for some last-minute souvenirs: it’s where they’re the cheapest. I also recommend trying out one of the fantastic restaurants in the area.

Fifteenth day: Say goodbye to Quebec and head to the airport for your return flight.

Quebec road trip: Three weeks

For a three-week road trip in Quebec, you’ll have the extra luxury of exploring one of Quebec’s most beautiful regions, the Gaspé Peninsula or “Gaspésie” in French.

To best plan this three-week Quebec road trip, it’s super easy, as I’ve detailed everything for each day in my article: The ultimate three-week itinerary in Quebec.

Just click the link and you’ll find all the answers to your questions: what places to see, things to do, travel times, and the best hotels to stay in during your trip.

Below, I’m also giving you a quick summary of the planned stops during these three weeks.

1) Montreal (2 days)

To kick off this 21-day Quebec road trip, I recommend you start in Montreal.

Days 1 and 2: To make the most of your 2-day visit to Montreal, I’ve got you covered with a carefully crafted itinerary. Discover the top attractions and hidden gems of this vibrant city by checking out my article: The complete guide to Montreal!

In addition to the must-see spots and activities to do, you’ll find my selection of places to eat and a list of the best hotels.

2) Mont-Tremblant (1 day)

Day 3: Spend the day in Mont-Tremblant. Depending on the season, you can go hiking and do water activities, or enjoy the ski slopes at this very popular Quebec resort.

When Autumn rolls in, the whole area comes alive with a stunning burst of warm colors, making it an absolute paradise for photography lovers.

3) La Mauricie National Park (2 days)

Days 4 and 5: Continue your three-week Quebec road trip by taking advantage of the numerous activities in La Mauricie National Park.

The Waber Falls hike requires an 8 km canoe ride return trip + 8 km of walking. It’s the most popular, but there are plenty of other shorter and easier ones.

And if you’re visiting the park in winter, it’s the perfect place to go for a dog sled ride or snowmobiling.

4) Lac Saint-Jean (1 day)

Day 6: Leave the national park to reach Lac Saint-Jean.

Depending on your desires for the afternoon, I recommend you choose between one of the following 3 visits:

• The Wild Zoo of St-Félicien, the ideal outing for the family. This is not a traditional zoo since the animals are free, and you will observe them from a little caged train.
• The Native Museum of Mashteuiatsh if you’re interested in the culture of Quebec’s indigenous nations.
• The historic village of Val-Jalbert for a trip back in time and a walk in an authentic 1920s village that has been restored.

5) Fjord-du-Saguenay (2 days)

Days 7 and 8: Continue your three-week Quebec road trip with a discovery of the Saguenay fjord.

I especially recommend not missing the villages of L’Anse St-Jean and Sainte-Rose du Nord, for the splendid panoramas they offer.

The more courageous can also hike the Statue trail. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with sublime viewpoints.

And for a quieter outing, I recommend a cruise on the fjord.

6) Tadoussac (1 day)

Day 9: Day at sea dedicated to whale watching.

Tadoussac is the ideal place for this. This is where the cruises depart every day. But I’d better warn you, this activity is very popular and you really should consider booking your spots on the boat in advance:

• Book a 3-hour cruise on a large boat
• Book a 2.5-hour Zodiac tour

7) The Gaspé Peninsula (8 days)

The second part of this road trip of 20-21 days in Quebec will be dedicated to exploring the Gaspé Peninsula or “Gaspésie” as the locals call it.

In 8 days, you’ll have time to see the must-sees of this part of Quebec and to truly appreciate the natural landscapes.

Bonus: if you follow my itinerary, you’ll get to take the famous Route 132 that goes all around Gaspésie. It’s undeniably one of the most beautiful scenic routes in all of Canada.

Days 10, 11, 12: Gaspésie National Park

Activities on the agenda: lots of hiking, with moments of relaxation and opportunities for fishing or canoeing. In winter, it’s cross-country skiing or ice climbing if you’re not afraid of heights.

Day 13: Take a stroll through Forillon National Park, famous for its stunning cliffs sculpted by erosion.

Day 14: Cruise and walk on Bonaventure Island, which is home to the largest colony of northern gannets in North America.

Day 15: Discovery of Chaleur Bay and the area’s small seaside resorts, like the one at Carleton-sur-Mer.

Days 16 and 17: Bic National Park

In addition to classic hikes, the park also offers 15 km of well-developed bike paths. Hop on your bike and go on an adventure. The park is also known to be home to seals who have made it a habit to lounge on the rocks by the water.

8) Quebec City (3 Days)

We’re now wrapping up this three-week Quebec road trip, in Quebec City itself.

Days 18, 19, and 20: What are the main places to see in 3 days?

• The Dufferin Terrace promenade
• The Château Frontenac
• The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec
• The Petit-Champlain district
• The Place Royale
• The Citadel
• The Plains of Abraham
• The Observatoire de la Capitale

In the vicinity of Quebec City, I also recommend visiting (your choice):

• Montmorency Falls
• Village Vacances Valcartier – Book your day by clicking here!
• The Island of Orleans

If you’re planning a trip to Quebec City, you won’t want to miss my article: Best things to do in Quebec City.

9) Back to Montreal (1 day)

Day 21 : The final day of your epic three-week Quebec adventure has arrived, and it’s time to head back to Montreal.

Where to stay in Quebec during your road trip?

After all this practical info and recommended routes, you now know where to go and what to see during your Quebec road trip.

But there’s one essential point left to tackle: Where to stay at each stop?

Well, guess what? I’ve thought of everything and handpicked the best places to stay in Quebec! Sorted by city and stage, and importantly, for all budgets, you’ll find them in the articles I’ve mentioned earlier that outline the best routes based on your vacation duration.

To book, you can also simply click here:

• Where to stay in Montreal
• The best hotels in Quebec City
• List of accommodations in Mont-Tremblant
• Hotels in La Mauricie National Park
• Where to stay in Lac Saint-Jean
• Accommodations near the Saguenay fjord
• Places to sleep in Tadoussac
• Hotels in Gaspésie National Park
• The best accommodations in Percé
• Where to stay in Chaleur Bay
• Where to stay in Bic National Park:

When should you embark on a Quebec road trip?

When it comes to a road trip in Quebec, there’s truly no wrong time to go.

It all depends on the activities you want to do.

Winter is the best time to visit Quebec by car if you love skiing or snowshoeing in the great outdoors. You can also partake in numerous typical Quebec travel activities in the national parks, like sledding or snowmobiling.

And if you’re doing this Quebec road trip with your family, sledding, ice skating, and snow rafting will undoubtedly thrill your kids! Don’t worry about driving, the cars are well equipped, automatic, and Quebec roads are kept clear.

Spring is ideal if you’re coming to Quebec for hiking and enjoying nature. The weather is delightful and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. You can leisurely stroll through cities and visit must-sees in Montreal and Quebec.

When it comes to exploring Quebec’s national parks, there are a bunch of activities you can choose from. Whether you prefer walking, canoeing, or biking, each option offers a unique perspective and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Quebec’s natural wonders.

No need to remind you that during the fall season, you’ll be treated to breathtakingly vibrant landscapes. It’s the time when trees show off their most vivid colors. A real treat for photography enthusiasts!

Summer is also a good time in terms of temperature and sunshine, but like many destinations, it’s also high tourist season. This means busier roads and pretty high temperatures. Having spent a few summers in Montreal, I can assure you it can get really hot and humid!

Remember to book your accommodations even further in advance, especially in national parks and Gaspésie where options are more limited than in larger cities. A quick tip for your Quebec road trip: in late July and early August, many businesses in the country close for the “construction holidays” when Canadians take their vacations. Plan your activities accordingly during this time and always book early!

So, what are your plans for sightseeing and activities during your Quebec road trip?

You’re traveling in Canada? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Canada: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!

• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!

• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec!

• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days

• Calgary: Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal: 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa: 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City: Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto: The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver: Top 25 places to visit and activities

• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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