Canada, Travel blog

Quebec Roadtrip – 6 places not to miss on your Eastern Canada road trip itinerary

Quebec Roadtrip

A few weeks ago I spent 3 weeks in Canada. For the first part of my journey I decided to do a Quebec roadtrip. So here are my suggestions if you want to go on a Easter Canada road trip.

Montreal to Quebec City – 2 cities not to miss during your Eastern Canada road trip

When I arrived in Canada I landed in Montreal from where I took my car directly from the airport. I had rented my car online for the best prices. 

48 hours in Montreal

I stayed 2 days in Montreal before starting my Quebec roadtrip. A friend living in Montreal told me it is easy to go around Montreal with public transportation but I found it very comfortable to go by car. Indeed, the city is quite big but I always found a parking spot and parking fee is not that expensive.

Beside old Montreal, I recommend checking out following neighborhoods : the hipster district that is Mile End, Little Italy and le Plateau Mont Royal (with of course a little hike up to Mont Royal for a view over the city!). 48 hours in Montreal should be enough to see most of it but of course if you want to enjoy the many nice restaurants and bars you will want to stay longer.

Where to sleep : Hotel Saint Paul* or Hotel William Gray*

*Affiliate links

48 hours in Quebec City and Ile d’Orleans

Quebec Roadtrip – Stop 1 Quebec City

After Montreal I went straight to Quebec City as I found there was not that many things to do along the way. To visit Quebec City, 1 day is enough to see the main sights. The city is not too big and you can do a lot by foot : Old Quebec city

Another great option is to take the hop and off bus that will take you all over the city and even to the Montmorency falls.

If you can afford, don’t miss to sleep at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac*

*Affiliate link

Quebec Roadtrip - Eastern Canada road trip itinerary quebec city 3

Day 2 – Ile d’Orleans and Montmorency falls

Ile d’Orleans is the island next to Quebec city. It really looks like the countryside and is the perfect escape if you want to have a little break from the city. You can stop to pick up some apples, go horse riding, and from there you have a great view over the city of Quebec from the lake. On your way there, don’t miss the Montmorency falls, a 83 meters high waterfall.

Quebec Roadtrip - Eastern Canada road trip itinerary Ilde d orleans house Quebec Roadtrip - Eastern Canada road trip itinerary ile d orleans


Road trip in Charlevoix – What to see in Charlevoix Quebec

Before going to Canada I asked a few of my friends what was not to miss in Quebec. Many told me to not miss the region of Charlevoix.

It is indeed a very cute region with a few things that are not to miss.

  • If you like hiking you will want to do the 5hours hike in the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park from where you have a fabulous view over the whole park. Especially nice in fall because of the autumn leaf colors.
  • Baie Saint Paul is the village that is not to miss if you want to go on a stroll and do some shopping
  • Charlevoix is famous for it’s flavour trail. The concept is that from  Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to La Malbaie, you can go to the producers to taste beer, cheese, organic meat, etc. You can find more informations about it here.

Quebec Roadtrip - Eastern Canada road trip itinerary Charlevoix Quebec Roadtrip - Eastern Canada road trip itinerary La malbaie Quebec Roadtrip - Eastern Canada road trip itinerary Lama charlevoix

Go whale watching in Saguenay St Lawrence Marine park

Did you know that Quebec is one of the best place in the world to observe whales? The SaguenayStLawrence Marine Park is one of the best whale-watching sites in the world and the best time to see whales is from May to October. There are many options to sea whales. You can go on a sea excursion via boat, zodiac, kayak, sailing, or go on a hike to observe whales from the shore.

Tadoussac is the most famous place to observe whales but you can also take a cruise from other places around the SaguenayStLawrence Marine Park.

Get Your Guide

Quebec Roadtrip - Eastern Canada road trip itinerary Tadoussac 1 Quebec Roadtrip - Eastern Canada road trip itinerary Tadoussac 2

Fjord road : lookouts and black bear observation

From Tadoussac head up north and take the Fjord road, you will drive through the Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. Stop for a hike if you want to have a view over the fjord or sleep at the Pourvoirie du Cap au Leste hotel. From there you have an impressive view over the Fjord! 

If you don’t like to hike but still want to have a view over the fjord, head over to Anse Saint-Jean that you can access by car 😉

More than for just a lookout, the Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay is also interesting for people who want to observe black bears. 

Hike in the Jacques Cartier national Park – A highlight of your Quebec Roadtrip

Parc de la Jacques Cartier is probably THE most famous national Park in Quebec as it is situated only 4O minutes from Quebec city and therefore very easy to access.

The most popular thing to do in the parc is a hike.  I tried a few hikes during my day there but the most spectacular one is the Les Loups trail. It takes you to 2 impressive viewpoint and the walking time is around 3 hours for the 10km.

Here is the full route. 908km in total. Enjoy! You can rent your car HERE. 

For another idea for a Eastern Canada road trip, check my article about my Toronto to Montreal drive.

Quebec Roadtrip