Overview
Let Quebec charm you with its diversity and romanticism on this programme which combines the exciting pace of urban touring with the natural beauty of provincial parks set amidst tranquil waterways.
From cosmopolitan Montreal and heritage-rich Quebec City to the scenic coastal routes of the Gaspé peninsula, you’ll find yourself immersed in this unique and beautiful province where cultures meet and enchantment abounds in its attractions, attitude and all-season appeal.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Montreal
Arrive at Montreal Trudeau International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this unique and vibrant French-Canadian city.
Overnight in Montreal.
Day 2 | Montreal to Quebec City (approx. 160 miles)
Get to know this French-speaking city on a cruise. Accompanied by a guide, discover the many facets of Montreal from the comfort of a cruise boat on
the St. Lawrence River. You will explore 25 km of history and attractions along the St. Lawrence River: Old Port, Ste-Helen’s Island, the unspoiled
landscape of the Boucherville Islands and much more!
Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 3 | Quebec City
Enjoy a full day exploring North America’s only walled city. Not to be missed are the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, the Upper and Lower towns, the
Notre Dame Basilica, and the National Assembly and Parliament Buildings.
In the evening, stroll through the city’s pedestrian-friendly streets and savour the European feel that gives Quebec City such special distinction.
Overnight in Quebec City.
Day 4 | Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup (approx. 130 miles)
Today’s drive takes you along the St. Lawrence River to Rivière-du-Loup, a major administrative and service centre set on a terrace above the coastal plain with an appealing and distinctively Québécois atmosphere. The prosperity of the early 19th-century and the early 20th-century is reflected in its splendid homes and public buildings, including city hall and St. Patrick’s Church and Presbytery. From the Park of the Luminous Cross, you will enjoy a wide-reaching view of the town’s centre, the St. Lawrence and the five islands called Les Pèlerins, home to thousands of seabirds and shorebirds.
Overnight in Rivière-du-Loup.
Day 5 | Rivière-du-Loup to Baie des Chaleurs (approx. 185 miles)
Uncover the scenery and maritime lore of the Gaspé Peninsula as your route today takes you to Baie des Chaleurs which lies at the inlet of the Gulf
of St. Lawrence between northern New Brunswick and eastern Quebec.
Discovered and named by Jacques Cartier in 1534, Baie des Chaleurs is a famous fishing ground for cod, herring, mackerel, and salmon, with many
Acadian fishing villages on its shores.
Overnight in Baie des Chaleurs.
Day 6 | Baie des Chaleurs to Percé (approx. 162 miles)
As you travel along the coast you’ll pass Port-Daniel, a community of Scottish, Acadian and Irish descent. Take the Capitaine Fournier road which
provides a good view of a railway tunnel that crosses Cap de l’Enfer - Cape of Hell. The tunnel measures 190 m in length and is the only one of its kind
in Quebec.
From the ‘Côte de Surprise’ (Surprise Coast) highway by the small fishing port of L’Anse-à-Beaufils you’ll have a magnificent full on view of Percé Bay and Percé Rock.
Overnight in Percé.
Day 7 | Percé
Once the largest fishing port in the Gaspé Peninsula, Percé is now the gem of the entire Gaspé region as a resort and tourist town and renowned for the extraordinary beauty of its surroundings. Its prominent geological feature is a great rock pierced with a hole, from which the community derived its name.
The town has a terrific selection of restaurants and cafes, some of the best in the region. There is a summer theatre and a boardwalk that stretches along the south beach. At the wharf you can watch the fishermen cleaning their daily catch.
Overnight in Percé.
Day 8 | Percé to Parc De La Gaspésie (approx. 144 miles)
As you pass the eastern most tip of the peninsula, take some time to visit Forillon National Park, Apart from its towering vertical cliffs, the area’s most
prominent landmark is the lighthouse at Pointe-au-Pere National Historic Site, which rises 30 m above the St. Lawrence. See the many wild rose bushes which lend the nearby community of Cap-des-Rosiers its name and make a photo stop at Gros Morne with its magnificent cliffs and lovely bay
area.
Continue on to the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula where a wondrous mountainous spectacle awaits you in the Parc de la Gaspésie.
Overnight in Parc de la Gaspésie.
Day 9 | Parc de la Gaspésie
With peaks of over 1,000 m, the park is the only place in Quebec where caribou, moose and white-tailed deer co-exist. Enjoy 140 km of hiking trails with far-reaching views or take a guided nature tour (not included).
In addition to hiking, the park also offers mountain biking, canoeing, fishing and picnicking. An Interpretation Centre houses a permanent exhibit and souvenir shop. Audio-visual displays and special activities also provide opportunities to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna and its geological history.
Overnight in Parc de la Gaspésie.
Day 10 | Parc de la Gaspésie to Matane (approx. 78 miles)
Today you will leave the Gaspé Region and drive to Matane, a choice destination for those interested in marine wildlife, particularly whales.
Some of the small towns along the way feature local art galleries displaying some of the finest artwork from eastern Quebec, an area known for its
magnificent works of wood carving.
Overnight in Matane.
Day 11 | Matane to Saguenay (approx. 233 miles)
Today, take the ferry: Matane to Baie Comeau/Godbout. Keep an eye out for whales and other wildlife as you cross the mighty St. Lawrence River.
After crossing, a scenic drive will lead you to Saguenay. An excellent view of the waters below the Saguenay Fjord can be found at the town of L’Ansede-Roche. A stop at L’Anse-Saint-Jean, sometimes called Quebec’s ‘Little Switzerland’ because of the steep mountains flanking the town, offers
a look at well-preserved traditional local fieldstone and log architecture. A covered bridge that was built in 1929 and spectacular views of the Saguenay River can also be found.
Overnight in Saguenay.
Day 12 | Saguenay to Lac St. Jean (approx. 78 miles)
Explore Saguenay Provincial Park which preserves strips of land along the north and south shores of the Saguenay Fjord. The 105 km long fjord is 250 m deep, resulting in dark amber to black coloured water. Cold salt water from the St. Lawrence pushes under warmer fresh water from the Saguenay, resulting in amazingly diverse marine life.
Visit the park’s interpretative centre and learn about the formation of the fjord and its physical, hydrographic and oceanographic characteristics.
Overnight in Lac St. Jean.
Day 13 | Lac St. Jean to Saint-Alexis-des-Monts (approx. 170 miles)
You will have more time to enjoy this impressive area of the Sagueney Region. The region around the lake is known for its mining and lumbering and nature and recreation enthusiasts will enjoy boating, hiking, climbing, fishing for landlocked salmon, and horseback riding around this uniquely
circular lake!
End the day with a drive through Quebec’s wild nature and dense terrain as you make your way to Saint-Alexis-des-Monts.
Overnight in Saint-Alexis-des-Monts.
Day 14 | Saint-Alexis-des-Monts
If staying at Pourvoirie Du Lac Blanc, the following activities are available: hiking, boating, fishing, canoes, kayaks, beach. If staying at Lac à l'Eau Claire, you will have access to a wide variety of activities during your stay: forest walks and mountain biking on well-marked trails, access to the beach, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and sailing on the tranquil lake. Also available, at a surcharge, are river canoeing, seaplane flights, ATV-tours, fishing, waterskiing, diving and golf.
Overnight in Saint-Alexis-des-Monts.
Day 15 | Saint-Alexis-des-Monts to Montreal / End of tour (approx 86 miles)
Return to Montreal Trudeau International Airport to check in for your return flight.
Why we love it
Wildlife
Activities
Stunning Scenery
Culture
Gallery
All images courtesy of © Bonjour Quebec
