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

Day 1 : Montreal > Quebec City

Collect your rental car and drive the slower route along the St Lawrence River north to Quebec City, passing the farms of rural Quebec and Trois-Rivieres, one of the first European settlements dating back to 1634. It was from here that French explorers embarked on their North American discovery.

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. Drive past beautiful Cacouna village before reaching 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, soaking in the splencours of the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle mountains, and keeping an eye out for interesting wildlife. The Park contains the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains in Quebec; 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 the next two days at your leisure.

Day 8 : Gaspesie National Park > Perce

Enroute to Gaspe, explore the Forillon National Park and discover magnificent views of the sea and mountains. Observe abundant wildlife including black bears, porcupines, beavers, black-legged kittiwakes, cormorants, guillemots, seals and whales.

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. 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.

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

Follow Highway 132 to the town of Rimouski, known for its museums and cultural activities, great outdoors and sports. If time permits walk about the city and visit the many art galleries and workshops that feature local artists. Next drive south along the St. Lawrence River to the town of Rivière-du-Loup, where you will board a ferry for the 70 minute crossing to Saint-Siméon (not included). Upon disembarking the ferry continue through the Charlevoix region to Baie Ste Catherine, where you will catch a 10 minute free ferry to Tadoussac.

Day 12 : Tadoussac

Today enjoy a three-hour whale watching cruise and see species such as the humpback, fin and even the blue whale – the world’s largest mammal.

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

Depart La Malbaie and drive south through the Charlevoix Region to Quebec City. Enjoy the incredible scenery, the beauty of which has inspired generations of artists. Along the way, you may stop to visit picturesque Baie St. Paul and take a stroll along its many narrow streets lined with charming boutiques, art galleries and great restaurants. You may also wish to stop at Sainte Anne de Beaupre’s shrine and Montmorency Falls before reaching your final destination, Montreal, where arrangements end.