Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour
Take an amazing road trip into the historic cities and tranquil wilderness of southern Quebec
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour Overview
This 12-day self-drive tour 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.
Trip highlights
Enjoy the unique French culture as you explore historic Montreal and Quebec City.
Spend the day enjoying nature in Mont-Tremblant National Park, and then return to the village to soak in the lively atmosphere.
Witness the dramatic beauty of the wilderness as you hike the Saguenay Fjord.
Look for wildlife, including the famous Canadian moose and beaver, and take a zodiac tour to watch for whales.
Day By Day Itinerary
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- Meals are not included in this tour.
- Accommodations for 11 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Montreal are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- This is a self-drive tour, and it includes your standard vehicle rental with pick-up and drop-off at the Montreal airport.
- 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
Reviews
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. All the explorations of the beautiful Quebec National parks are self-guided, so you are free to choose the length and difficulty of your hike, swim, or paddle.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada.
No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Meals are not included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover the activities you choose to do. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). You can also reach Montreal by train from other Canadian cities.
You will be provided with a route guide and program in English. You are likely to encounter fewer people who speak English as you travel east from Montreal, so you may want to have your French phrase-book handy.
This tour ends in Montreal, where you can drop off your car rental and fly out of Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Quebec for this tour is during the warmer months. This tour is available from May to October.
Why book Discover Quebec Self-Drive Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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