Explore Montreal, Quebec & the St Lawrence River Self-Drive

Day 1 : Montreal > Quebec City

Collect your rental car and drive the slower route to Quebec City, passing the farms of rural Quebec and one of the first European settlements.

Day 2 : Quebec City

Personalise your day by choosing one of the following excursions:

Rendezvous with History Quebec City Tour
This is your chance to visit history first hand. The Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, Ramparts, world famous Château Frontenac, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, Citadelle and a glimpse of modern Quebec City are the perfect introduction to the city.

A Fabulous Country Tour
Travel back in time to rural Quebec along the Chemin du Roy to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Here you will be given time to see the world-famous Shrine and Montmorency Falls before visiting the Island of Orléans. Discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535, the picturesque village of Sainte-Pétronille has a 19th century rural atmosphere waiting to be rediscovered.

Foodie Walking Tour of Quebec City
Throughout the years, the food of Quebec has been influenced by Amerindian, British and French cuisines. Treat yourself to a behind the-scenes experience of Quebec City, discovering its gastronomy and culinary history by taking part in five exclusive tasting presentations.

Day 3 : Quebec City > Riviere du Loup

Following the scenic path of the St. Lawrence River, today you are bound for the Riviere-du-Loup, the gateway to the Gaspe Peninsula. Kamouraska with its quaint architecture offers a pretty place to stop for lunch. Within the beautiful villages of Kamouraska and Notre-Dame-du-Portage, spot the Kamouraska roof, a distinctive design borrowed from the shipyards.

Day 4 : Riviere du Loup > Matane

Continue towards Matane via the Parc Bic, a magical spot for sea excursions, hiking, cycling and harbour seal spotting. Further along the town of Rimouski is home to the Musee de la Mer, a maritime museum presenting the history of the Empress of Ireland and its sinking. Climb the 128 steps to the top of Canada’s second tallest lighthouse.

Day 5 : Matane > Gaspesie National Park

Drive to the Gaspesie National Park, home of the only caribou herd south of the St Lawrence, a large moose population, arctic alpine flora and 150 kinds of birds.

Day 6 & 7 : Gaspesie National Park

Enjoy two full days at leisure.

Day 8 : Gaspesie National Park > Perce

Discover Forillon National Park and observe abundant wildlife including black bears, porcupines, beavers, seals and whales, along with magnificent views of the sea and mountains.

Day 9 : Perce

Once the largest fishing port in the Gaspe Peninsula, Perce is now the gem of the entire Gaspe 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. Today you will enjoy an included cruise to Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock.

Day 10 : Perce > Causapscal

Today proceed along Baie des Chaleurs through numerous picturesque fishing villages to Matapedia. At Bonaventure you can opt to visit the Gospel Chapel, the arts and craft shops and the Acadian Museum. If time permits, stop at the Parc de Miguasha, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for fossils from the Devonian Period.

Day 11 : Causapscal > Tadoussac

Drive to Trois-Pistoles where you will board a ferry (not included) to Les Escoumins. Upon arrival in Les Escoumins proceed along the north shore of the St Lawrence River to Tadoussac, gateway to the Kingdom of the Saguenay and an immensely popular area for whale watching.

Day 12 : Tadoussac

Enjoy a whale watching cruise and see species such as the humpback, fin and even the blue whale.

Day 13 : Tadoussac > La Malbaie

Catch the 10 minute free ferry ride across to Baie Ste Catherine and proceed to La Malbaie, where you will spend the night.

Day 14 : La Malbaie > Montreal

Drive through the Charlevoix region and visit Baie St Paul and Montmorency Falls, then return your rental car in Montreal, where arrangements end.