Take an amazing road trip into the historic cities and tranquil wilderness of southern Quebec
This 12-day self-drive exploration of southern Quebec takes you from downtown Montreal’s busy streets to the impressive wilderness of Saguenay Fjord. The Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour allows you to go at your own pace and choose your own adventure as you travel down the Saint-Lawrence River.
The opening and closing acts of this tour are Montreal and Quebec City. Explore the historic centres of both cities and indulge in their vibrant restaurant scenes. You may also want to try poutine early, as you’ll probably want to eat more than one of the famous Quebec specialty. In between the cities, you’ll be reveling in nature and will have time to hike, paddle, and swim in the National Parks along your route. The chance to see beluga whales during your whale-watching tour is sure to be a highlight of your time in Saguenay. The Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour is a fantastic self-guided journey for any nature lover and history or poutine enthusiast.
Highlights of the Discover Quebec Self-Drive
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Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Say Bonjour to Montreal
When you arrive in Montreal, you can collect your rental car and drive to your downtown hotel.
You have the option to book a two or three-hour private guided tour of Old Montreal in the afternoon. Wander the blend of chic and bohemian neighbourhoods, looking for the perfect spot for dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montreal
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Journey to Mont-Tremblant
Today, you’ll drive to the Laurentians and arrive in Mont-Tremblant. This lively ski village is surrounded by forests and lakes for you to explore during the summer.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mont-Tremblant
Distance: 131km
Meals: None
Day 3 Visit Mont-Tremblant National Park
Today, you’re free to explore beautiful Mont-Tremblant National Park. Go for a hike through the Canadian woods to majestic lookouts, go paddling down the Devil’s River, or go for a swim at one of the park’s many beaches.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mont-Tremblant
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 4 Road to Mauricie
Jump back in the car for the drive to Saint Alexis-des-Monts. The Mauricie region is another popular spot for nature lovers and is known for its old-growth forests and serene lakes.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saint-Alexis des Monts
Distance: 171km
Meals: None
Day 5 Explore Mauricie National Park
Spend the day enjoying Mauricie National Park. Enjoy a hike through the quiet forests or a peaceful paddle. Keep your eyes open, and you might be lucky enough to spot a moose or a beaver.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Saint-Alexis des Monts
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 6 Scenic Drive Through Charlevoix
On your way to Baie Saint-Paul, you’ll follow the Saint-Lawrence River through Charlevoix. Massif and Petite-Rivière-Saint-François are great places to stop to enjoy a riverside lunch. Tonight, you’ll stay in Baie Saint-Paul or La Malbaie. You can choose to book an optional half-day sea kayak tour from Cape Town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Baie Saint-Paul
Distance: 291km
Meals: None
Day 7 Travel to Saguenay
Today, you’ll drive into the scenic landscape of the Laurentians. Take a break to explore or have lunch in Chicoutimi. Settle into your hotel in Ste-Rose-du-Nord and then stretch your legs as you explore the Saguenay Fjord, an epic place of high cliffs and deep gorges. You can choose to book an optional excursion to the tree-top course in Saint Fulgence.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ste-Rose-du-Nord
Distance: 220km
Meals: None
Day 8 Hiking and Cruising the Fjord
Visit the Cap Jaseux Park to view the dramatic cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord. Spend the day on relaxing hikes in this peaceful area. Then, you’ll take a scenic cruise on the Saguenay Fjord (included in your tour).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ste-Rose-du-Nord
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 9 Whale-Watching on the Saint-Lawrence River
Your drive today will head back to the river, where you may want to stop at Sainte-Marguerite Bay to see if you can spot some beluga whales. If not, you’ll have another chance on your whale-watching trip on the Saint-Lawrence River. The zodiac brings you back to Tadoussac, the village where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tadoussac
Distance: 140km
Meals: None
Day 10 Follow the River to Quebec City
On your drive to Quebec City, you may want to stop for an optional tour at the Marine World Interpretation Centre in Grandes Bergeronnes. Other great stops include Port au Persil, La Malbaie, and Pointe-aux-Pics. You’ll end your drive in Quebec City, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quebec City
Distance: 250km
Meals: None
Day 11 Explore Quebec City
This incredible walled city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it won’t take you long to discover why. Learn about the city’s history as you explore the Château Frontenac, the Battlefields Park of the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel, and the Petit Champlain district. You’ll also have a difficult choice choosing which of the city’s incredible restaurants to dine in.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quebec City
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 12 Return to Montreal
Today, you’ll begin your journey back to Montreal, where your tour concludes after you’ve dropped off your rental vehicle.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 250km
Meals: None
Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates
This partially-guided tour in Quebec is run as a custom tour and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
The best time to travel to Quebec for this tour is during the warmer months. This tour is available from May to October.
Private Partially-Guided Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour
Have your own private tour with just your group! Prices below are per person:
- Groups of 2+: $1,975 USD
Accommodation on the Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour
This tour is based on hotel accommodations. Hotels on this trip offer standard 3-star accommodations with comfortable rooms and modern conveniences. Each hotel is specially selected near an area that you’ll want to explore along your route.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Montreal
Stay in a standard 3-star hotel in a great location. Walk around downtown, Old Montreal, Mile End, and Plateau Mont-Royal to peek into city life in different areas.
Hotel in Mont-Tremblant
This world-class ski resort town turns into an outdoor paradise in the summer. Mont-Tremblant is a charming town where you can relax or have an extreme adventure.
Hotel in Saint-Alexis-des-Monts
Surrounded by the Laurentian Mountains, this quaint parish will be your tranquil home. Make sure to stroll the old town and visit the lake.
Hotel in Baie Saint-Paul
Wander the shores of the Saint-Lawrence River, then walk through town to discover the many art galleries, shops, and restaurants serving local fare.
Hotel in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord
Spend time in a beautiful town on the Saguenay River, surrounded by verdant forests. Visit the lighthouse and natural museum to round out your stay.
Hotel in Tadoussac
Tadoussac sits on the confluence of two major rivers in Quebec, the Saint-Lawrence and the Saguenay. Visit the Maritime Centre and take a whale-watching tour.
Hotel in Quebec City
The only fortified city in Canada! The historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll the streets to admire the cobblestone roads and European architecture.
What’s Included in the Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour?
Meals
Meals are not included in this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 11 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Montreal are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
This is a self-drive tour, and it includes your standard vehicle rental with pick-up and drop-off at the Montreal airport.
Also Included
- Standard vehicle rental
- Canadian taxes
- 24/7 access to helpline
- Cruise on the Saguenay Fjord on Day 6
- Whale-watching zodiac tour on Day 8
Not included
- Flights to and from Montreal
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Entrance fees to National Parks
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Route guide and map
- Fuel
- Vehicle insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour in Montreal
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- 2 or 3-hour private guided tour of Old Montreal
- Half-day guided sea kayak tour from Cape Town
- Hook tree-top course in Saint Fulgence
Frequently Asked Questions about Discover Quebec Self-Drive
In the two decades since Toundra Voyages Inc. was founded in 1998, the company has become North America’s go-to travel agency in customized independent and group tourism.
Tounda takes a flexible, responsive approach to developing adventure travel tours. By listening to the wants and wishes of travellers, they’ve been able to create memorable, affordable tours complemented by impeccable service.
Toundra’s mission is to create and organize tailor-made travel. They select, adapt, and personalize travel experiences in North America for each and every guest, ensuring your adventure is one you’ll never forget.
Meeting your expectations is just the beginning of what Toundra aims to accomplish. Exceeding them by providing exceptional experiences in beautiful North America is their standard, and their track record of knockout customer service and customized tour planning speaks for itself.
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