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Best Quebec Road Trip (An Epic 2 Week Itinerary)

A Quebec road trip can be one of the most exciting ways to spend a summer weekend in Canada. 

Growing up in Canada, I never really felt like we had the hardcore road trip culture you hear about in the US, but we still love taking road trips across provinces. 

When I lived in Ottawa, I could literally walk to Quebec. So I took a lot of weekend trips and day trips to the nearby cities and towns, and many of them made it on this itinerary!

So, whether you only use a small section of this itinerary, or complete the whole thing, here is everything you need to know to take advantage of the gorgeous summer weather in Canada!

An empty road in the countryside at sunset.

Tips for Planning a Road Trip in Quebec, Canada

Every road trip needs a bit of a plan.

Iโ€™m very type A, so when I travel plan, I go all out and create lists and lists of things to do. 

But I just want to give you the essential information for planning your road trip to Quebec before jumping into the itinerary. 

  1. How Long Are You Going For? Deciding the length of the road trip will be important for determining where youโ€™re going if youโ€™re just doing a scenic drive, or if itโ€™ll be a multi-week-long adventure.
  2. Where Should You Start? This mostly depends on where youโ€™re from. For instance, if youโ€™re flying to Quebec, then Montreal is a great place to start, but if youโ€™re from Ontario or the Maritimes, you can simply start from your home and drive out to the nearest city in Quebec.
  3. How Many Places Do You Want To Visit? You should spend at least one day in each place I list, but youโ€™ll probably want two full days in larger cities like Montreal or Quebec City. 
  4. When To Visit Quebec? You get to determine this. All of these Quebec road trip ideas are perfect for spring, summer, and fall travel. However, in winter, youโ€™ll want to stick to the cities, as the Quebec roads get a ton of snow.
  5. Where to Stay? Iโ€™ve included tips on places to stay in each of the stop ideas so youโ€™ll be able to find somewhere to stay. But you can also camp since there are campgrounds all over Quebec! If thatโ€™s your plan, youโ€™ll need to consider the type of vehicle you have and the equipment to bring.
  6. Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

The Perfect Quebec Road Trip Itinerary (2 Weeks)

To help you plan an epic trip through Quebec for hikers, foodies, and cultural travelers, Iโ€™ve created a 10-city itinerary. This road trip itinerary will take you through the major cities in Quebec, up the St. Lawrence River, through the Laurentians, and to the far east edge of Quebec in Gaspรฉ.

Note: This itinerary is a one-way journey. So if you start in Ottawa or Montreal, youโ€™ll have a long drive back when you finish the road trip. If that sounds miserable, consider omitting Gaspรฉ & Percรฉ, or skip a couple of stops and visit them on the return trip!

IMG 6885

Day 1-2 โ€“ Ottawa & Gatineau

Despite being in different provinces, Ottawa and Gatineau are just across the river from one another. So, while Ottawa is not in Quebec, it’s a great city to start your road trip and the perfect base for exploring Gatineau Park.

Also, if youโ€™ve flown into Montreal, itโ€™s only 2 hours East and worth the extra effort.  

Ottawa is Canadaโ€™s capital city, and I was so drawn into Ottawa when I discovered all of the things to do in winter that I ended up moving here so I could slow travel my way through the city.

Be sure to stop by the famous Chateau Laurier for high tea and some stunning princess-inspired Instagram photos. Visit the nearby Byward market for all sorts of delicious foods, including the famous Barack Obama cookie.

In Ottawa, you can also visit Canadaโ€™s parliament on a free tour or discover the ghosts of the city on a walking tour downtown.

Gatineau, on the other hand, is a more adventurous city. The most popular thing to do here is visit Gatineau National Park. Here, you can explore hiking trails that lead to the historic ruins of an old Prime Ministerโ€™s home and stunning waterfalls that cut through the forest.

There are a variety of day hikes to take depending on your time and skill level.

It would be hard to see both Ottawa and Gatineau Park in a single day, so I recommend spending the first 2 days of your road trip here. 

Not sure which neighborhood is right for you? Check out this guide on where to stay in Ottawa.

What to do in Ottawa and Gatineau Park

  • Hiking or Snowshoeing in Gatineau Park
  • Skating the Rideau Canal
  • Ottawa River Walk
  • Chateau Laurier
  • Lansdowne Christmas Lights
  • Parliament Hill
  • Ghost Tour
  • Byward Market

I recommend This tour of Montreal

Nina sitting on a bed in a wood cabin wearing a velvet dress. Sitting on a quilt bed looking up at a window.

Day 3 โ€“ Mont Tremblant

On the morning of Day 3, drive from Gatineau Park to Mont Tremblant (2 hours) for another day in nature.

Mont Tremblant is most famous for its ski resort. Itโ€™s one of the best places to ski in Eastern Canada and has an adorable ski village. 

But there is so much more to Mont Tremblant, including a bunch of epic things to do in summer. Pack your hiking gear to take on the stunning trails throughout the area.

You can even hike the ski hills by taking the gondola up the mountain and walking back down. This offers amazing views of the forested area against Lac Tremblant without the elevation gain. 

If youโ€™re not into hiking but still want the views, you can take the gondola up and down to avoid the hard work. Youโ€™ll still get to see stunning views and get to enjoy more time in the gondolas, which are incredibly fun.

I also love to laze around on the shores of Lac Tremblant. The beach here is very beautiful for a lake beach, with a lot of space and soft, golden sand. 

Then, after soaking up some rays, you can cool off with a boat ride around the lake. Water skiing and kayaking are very popular!

What to do in Mont Tremblant

  • Skiing (Winter)
  • Hiking in Mont Tremblant National Park
  • Take the Gondola for Views
  • Scandinave Spa
  • Via Ferrata
  • Wander the Village
  • Dog Sledding (Winter)

I recommend this summer tour in Mont Tremblant or this tour in the winter

Where to stay in Mont Tremblant

Image of Anne cross country skiing down a trail in Val-David, Quebec

Day 4 – Val-David

By Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Most people spend through the 2-hour drive from Mont Tremblant to Montreal, but itโ€™s such a scenic drive. The route is full of large pine forests, open fields, and small towns like Val-David that are worth visiting. 

Val-David is an all-season destination about 80 km north of Montrรฉal thatโ€™s an excellent road trip stop while traveling through the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec. This picture-perfect French-Canadian town is tiny but packs a punch of scenery, arts, and adventure. 

Similar to Mont Tremblant, itโ€™s actually very popular in the winter. Visitors love snowshoeing to ice caves in the Val-David Regional Park. There is also an extensive groomed network of cross country ski trails surrounding the village. Le Pโ€™tit Trail du Nord is a linear park that runs right through downtown for fabulous cross-country skiing, too.

But most people will take a Canadian road trip in the summer, so cross-country skiing and snowshoeing wonโ€™t make it on the itinerary. 

In the warmer months, you can still enjoy the outdoors in Val-David. 

There are many hiking trails through the Canadian Sheild boreal forests, bike trails on Le Pโ€™tit Trail du Nord along the sparkling Riverie du Nord, and world-class rock climbing at the Val-David Regional Park Dufresne sector. 

Also, there arenโ€™t many tourists here, so get ready to practice your French while perusing the artisan shops and quaint cafes around town will have you practicing your French. 

Thereโ€™s even a small microbrewery with excellent food to go after the sun sets.

What to do in Val-David

  • Snowshoeing (winter)
  • Le Pโ€™tit Trail du Nord for Cross-Country Skiing (winter)
  • Local Shopping
  • Cycling Le Pโ€™tit Trail du Nord
  • Hiking the Forests
  • Microbreweries

Where to stay in Val-David

View of Montreal downtown houses with autumn leaves. Destination to visit on a Quebec road trip

Day 5-6 โ€“ Montreal

If you only have a week to road trip through Quebec, Iโ€™d probably tell you to start your trip here in Montreal. Itโ€™s the starting point for so many scenic drives in Quebec and the easiest place to get to via plane or train from any major city in Canada.

Montreal is a beautiful meld of North American and European sensibilities. Walk through Old Montreal to marvel at the classic architecture as you trod the original cobblestone streets of Canada. 

Stop at local galleries in the area for unique Quebec and Indigenous artwork that makes the perfect souvenir.

If you visit Montreal in the spring and summer, youโ€™ll get to enjoy the fresh blooms of flowers throughout the city or take a self-guided street art tour of Saint-Laurent. Iโ€™d also encourage you to walk the winding trails up Mount Royal to reach the best lookout over the city. 

Architecture fans will need to visit Habitat 67, a uniquely designed apartment structure built for the 1967 Worldโ€™s Fair. 

If youโ€™re looking for a solid lunch recommendation, I love stopping by Schwartzโ€™s Deli for a classic Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich. 

This is also the point in the trip where Iโ€™d need some TLC. If thatโ€™s you, too, head to Bota Bota. Itโ€™s an amazing floating spa complete with outdoor hot pools and full body massages.

What to do in Montreal

  • Mont Royal Lookout
  • Schwartz Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich
  • Old Montreal
  • Jean-Talon Market
  • Montreal Biodome
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Go Clubbing
  • Street Art in Saint-Laurent
  • Habitat 67
  • Bota Bota Spa
  • Lachine Canal
  • Chinatown

Where to Stay in Montreal

Montreal is a large city, so it’s hard to know where to stay. If you’re feeling unsure, check out my complete guide for the best places to stay in Montreal, and here are the best hotels with balconies in the city!

Mountain landscape view with lush greenery and a brown walking bridge in the foreground. View of the Eastern Townships in Quebec.

Day 7 โ€“ Eastern Townships

By Melinda of Mel on the Go

The Eastern Townships are a group of towns and villages in cottage country and are enchanting places to spend a day in Quebec. No matter which town you place to stay in, youโ€™re looking at roughly a 2-hour road trip from Montreal. 

This region is just north of Vermont and is overflowing with natural beauty in the form of lakes, rivers, and mountains. 

But I wouldnโ€™t recommend hiking or biking here if you only have a day. 

The best things to do in the Eastern Townships include sampling delicious food, craft beer, and local cider.

For example, Abbey Saint-Benoรฎt-du-Lac is a historic monastery with a hotel, orchard, and cidery. Come here to taste their delicious homemade cheese and cider with stunning views.

Also, La Mie Bretonne in Cowansville has unbelievable baguettes with goat cheese, and Suttonโ€™s Chocolaterie Belge Muriel is the best spot for homemade artisan chocolates. 

Truthfully, it seems like there are farm-to-table eateries, boulangeries, and craft breweries, you will find delicious food around every corner. 

You also might enjoy stopping by Artria, the open-air museum with more than sixty sculptures by international artists scattered throughout the park-filled town of Granby, QC.

The natural beauty of the Eastern Townships will draw you in, and the delicious food of the region will keep you there. Here are some top things to do once you arrive.

What To Do in the Eastern Townships

  • Skiing or Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Artria Open Air Museum
  • Abbey Saint-Benoit-du-Lac
  • Spas

Where to Stay in Eastern Townships

Quebec City street with orange and yellow dangling lights

Day 8-9 โ€“ Quebec City

By Nathan, Emilie, Noah & Samuel of Love Life Abroad

Itโ€™s about 3 hours from the Eastern Townships to Quebec City, and Iโ€™d leave the evening before so I could wake up and start exploring Quebec City!

Whether youโ€™re braving it through one of the harsh winters or enjoying Quebec’s hot summer days, Quebec City has something for everyone year-round, and itโ€™s an essential stop on any Quebec road trip. 

If you plan on visiting only the city center, a 2-day visit would be recommended, but if you want to explore outside the center city and take advantage of the nature surrounding Quebec, you might want to stay 3-4 days.

Strolling through Old Quebec is so much fun. It feels like youโ€™ve somehow stumbled upon a little European village with cobblestone streets, espresso cafes, and lots of European cuisine. 

Be sure to go to the lower part of Old Quebec to Place Royale, made more famous by appearing in the 2002 hit, Catch Me If You Can. Then, if time allows, walk to the historic Plains of Abraham, where the French occupation ended, and the city became part of the British colony. 

If youโ€™re looking for a small day trip, just a stoneโ€™s throw from the city is lโ€™Ile dโ€™Orleans, a quaint little island that offers fresh fruit picking, tasteful art galleries, and wine tastings throughout spring, summer, and fall. 

From history lovers to foodies (and everything in between), Quebec City is one of the highlights of the province. 

If you donโ€™t speak French, donโ€™t worry. Most shop owners in the city can speak English. That said, itโ€™s always nice to break into the conversation with a polite โ€œBonjourโ€ as the city strives to guard its native language. And if you DO speak a bit of French, Quebec City is one of the best places in North America to practice.

What to do in Quebec City

  • Chateau Frontenac
  • Old Quebec
  • Dufferin Terrace Walk
  • Petit-Champlain Stores
  • I’lle d’Orleans for Wine

I recommend this tour of Quebec City

Where to stay in Quebec City

Sunrise views over the lake in Charlevoix with mountains in the background. Quebec road trip stop

Day 10 โ€“ Charlevoix

By Meghan of Afternoon Tea Reads

Once youโ€™ve had your fill in the cities, drive north to Charlevoix. Itโ€™s about 1.5 hours north of Quebec City or a 4-hour road trip from Montreal to La Malbaie (the best place to stay in the region)

Charlevoix offers outstanding views, outdoor activities, and local experiences. The main points of interest are Baie-Saint-Paul, Isle-aux-Coudres, and La Malbaie, all along the St. Lawrence River. 

Baie-Saint-Paul is a small town thatโ€™s perfect to pick up a bite to eat on the road and stretch your legs for a bit. Donโ€™t spend too long here, though. You want to save some time to explore lโ€™Isle-aux-Coudres. 

lโ€™Isle-aux-Coudres is an island that youโ€™ll need to take a ferry to get there and back from. The island itself is quite small, only 23 km long! You can bring your car to the island, or spend the biking around the island โ€“ Itโ€™s only 23km (14.2 miles) long!

Finally, in and around La Malbaie youโ€™ll find loads of unique things to do, like visit the Geopark and botanic gardens. But La Malbaie is all about supporting local businesses and eating local food, so try to visit their local mushroom farm and woodworking factory!

When visiting Charlevoix, keep in mind that it may be a lot colder than you may have expected due to it being on the shores of the St. Lawrence River.

Nina Note:

I ended up going to Charlevoix on a separate trip and loved it!

I definitely recommend driving through from Quebec City or taking the train from Quebec City in the

What to do in Charlevoix

  • Baie-Saint-Paul
  • I’Isle-aux-Coudres to visit a Cidery and Cycle
  • Geopark and Botanic Gardens
  • Local Mushroom Farm
  • Woodworking Factory
  • Hiking in Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Riviere-Malbaie National Park

Where to stay in Charlevoix

La Malbaie is where youโ€™ll want to stay and spend most of your time. You can stay at the top of the hill in La Malbaie at The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu or book a local bed and breakfast in the area. 

A photo of a tail of a humpback whale diving in the middle of the ocean. These types of whales can be seen in the best whale watching tours in Tofino

Day 11 โ€“ Tadoussac

Tadoussac is another stunning place along the St. Lawrence River, about an hour north of La Malbaie. This will also include a short ferry across the Saguenay River, which runs 24 hours a day and is completely free! 

Drive to Tadoussac the night before so you can get out early the next morning for a whale watching tour, which is the one must-do activity in Tadoussac. These tours offer the chance to see minke, beluga, and sometimes humpback whales, especially from May to October. 

After the tour, visit the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) to learn about the local marine life.

In the afternoon, visit the lookout over the picturesque Les Dunes. If time allows, hike part of the Sentier de la Pointe-de-l’Islet Trail, which provides excellent vantage points for spotting marine life from the shore.

Beyond the sea, Tadoussac is a charming village with a rich history, home to one of the oldest wooden chapels in North America, the Tadoussac Chapel, dating back to the early 18th century.

Things To Do in Tadoussac

  • Take a whale-watching tour in Tadoussac
  • Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM)
  • Lunch at a waterfront cafรฉ
  • Les Dunes
  • Hike the Sentier de la Pointe-de-l’Islet Trail

Where to stay in Tadoussac

Tadoussac has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler, from cozy bed and breakfasts offering a personal touch to more luxurious hotels with stunning river views.

a scenic river with various shades of green pine trees in Gaspรฉsie National Park

Day 12-14 โ€“ Gaspรฉ (Gaspรฉsie) & Percรฉ 

Okay, this next section is only relevant if youโ€™re looking to get really off the beaten path in Quebec. Itโ€™s about 8 hours north of Tadaoussac, so youโ€™ll have to spend a full day on the road to get there and another to get back to Quebec City/Montreal. 

But if you are up for it, then Gaspรฉ and Percรฉ are two neighboring cities with a very different landscape and rich history. 

Forillon National Park is one of the top places to visit in Gaspรฉ, especially during Autumn in Canada. It has tons of hiking trails and breathtaking views of cliffs and the sea. You should also visit the lighthouse at Cap-des-Rosiers, and consider taking a day trip to Percรฉ.

Percรฉ is renowned for the iconic Percรฉ Rock and Bonaventure Island. A boat tour to the island provides an opportunity to see the largest northern gannet colony.

Things To Do in Gaspรฉ & Percรฉ

  • Hike in Forillon National Park
  • Visit Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse
  • Diving excursions in Forillon National Park
  • Boat tour to Bonaventure Island
  • Walk the trails near Percรฉ Rock.
  • Explore the village of Percรฉ

Where to stay in Gaspรฉ

Accommodations range from campgrounds to comfortable hotels, catering to all preferences.

Grey beach houses alongside the shore of Magdalen Island with sailboats in the water. Quebec road trip idea for a destination.

Bonus โ€“ Magdalen Islands

By Anne of Packing Light Travel

From Quebec, unless you fly or take the seasonal cruise service from Montreal, visiting the Magdalen Islands requires crossing at least two provinces. Situated in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the windswept archipelago is closer to Prince Edward Island (PEI) than the Quebec mainland. 

The best way to reach the islands is to take the five-hour ferry trip from Souris, PEI, to Cap-aux-Meules, the administration center and largest settlement on the islands. 

The daily service operates on a year-round basis.

Itโ€™s a very different road trip experience that allows for scenic views of Quebec.

The Magdalen Islands is great for cyclists. They have a 100-kilometre Route 199, stretching the length of the archipelago, has wide shoulders for the protection of riders. There are several cycle shops offering bike rentals and a range of cycling gear. 

The food, history, and music of the Magdalen Islands can be enjoyed from two wheels or four. 

Also, at Havre-Aubert, donโ€™t miss La Grave, the site of the first Acadian settlement, and the expertly curated Musรฉe de la Mer. Learn about the early indigenous inhabitants, the arrival of Acadians and survivors of hundreds of shipwrecks, walrus hunting, and the development of the islandโ€™s fishing industry.

Visitors can also enjoy the islands from the water. Rent a kayak or take a zodiac tour along the coastline and explore several water-carved caves and grottos.

At รŽle du Havre aux Maisons, purchase locally produced cheese and smoked seafood. Enjoy a range of culinary delights from the impressive menu of Les Pas Perdus in Cap-aux-Meules.

What to do in Magdalen Islands

  • Cycling Route 199
  • La Grave Settlement
  • Kayak through Caves and Grottos
  • Buy smoked seafood and local cheese.

Where to stay in the Magdalen Islands

Quebec City street view of the Fairmont Hotel

13 Local Tips For Your Road Trip in Quebec

Just in case driving somewhere new makes you a little anxious, I totally get you. I am from Ontario, but I was quite nervous about driving when I first took a road trip through Quebec. So, here are some of my top tips for handling the roads in Quebec.

1. Tolls

Canada has far fewer tolls than the USA. In Quebec, the only toll highway that youโ€™ll encounter is the A-30 expressway, which you do not need to take for any of the scenic road trip ideas Iโ€™ve suggested.

2. Slow Down

Itโ€™s dangerous to speed, especially in Quebec. Quebecois drivers are very aggressive. They will tailgate you for kilometers without any malice. They often change lanes unexpectedly, too. 

Be careful of the other drivers and drive the speed limit. This will give you more time to judge what theyโ€™re doing and avoid any accidents.

3. Illegal Right Turns

It is illegal to turn right on a red light in Quebec. Although it is legal in other Canadian provinces, you will get a ticket if you do this in Quebec.

Wait until the light turns green before making any turns at an intersection. 

4. Find Cheap Gas

I love the free GasBuddy app for finding cheap gas near you on road trips. This app compares local gas prices and works with Google Maps to direct you to the cheapest one on your route.

In Quebec, this can also help you figure out where the nearest gas station is.

On a road trip outside of major cities, it can be harder to find gas stations. I advise that you ensure you always have at least half a tank of gas in your car.

5. Road Signs

Road signs in Quebec are all in French. English is the secondary language in the province. While some signs have small English writing, most will only have French.

You should be able to understand the signs, as they are generally the same as you find throughout North America. Speed signs look the same, and stop signs are still red octagons.

Use GPS to help you get around, especially when you hit roundabouts and are unsure of your exit (thatโ€™s my biggest challenge when I drive in Quebec). 

โ€œSortieโ€ means exit. โ€œArretโ€ means stop. โ€œOuestโ€ means West. โ€œCentre-villeโ€ refers to Downtown areas.

6. French

French is the official language of Quebec. This means menus, road signs, and street names are all in French. Most Quebecois individuals speak or understand some level of English.

In Montreal, almost everyone is bilingual, so youโ€™ll find it very easy to make yourself understood. However, the further you go outside the capital city, the fewer people speak English. Itโ€™s good to brush up on some basic French words before you visit for a longer road trip through Quebec.

Some helpful French to know: โ€œBonjourโ€ means hello. โ€œMerciโ€ means thank you. โ€œSi vous plaitโ€ means please. โ€œAu revoirโ€ means goodbye. 

Need help learning a new language? I recommend iTalki! I’ve tried ALL the apps, but iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.

7. Currency

In Canada, we only accept the Canadian dollar. We do not accept American money, regardless of how much Americans try to convince us to take it.

Youโ€™ll need to exchange your money at a currency exchange office or at your bank before you arrive in Canada.

8. Carry Cash

The best spots to visit while taking a scenic driver in Quebec arenโ€™t always the most central. That means that you could run into some eateries or shops that donโ€™t accept credit cards.

Itโ€™s a good idea to have some Canadian cash on you during your drive so you donโ€™t miss out on awesome gems, like fresh blueberries on the side of the road in early summer (theyโ€™re spectacular!).

9. Tipping

Tipping is standard practice in Canada. The average amount for a tip is 20% for good service and 15% for ok service.

You should tip any drivers, delivery people, hotel staff, or servers that you encounter during your scenic road trip. Canada actually has a different minimum wage for these individuals because itโ€™s expected that theyโ€™ll earn tips to boost their salary. So if you donโ€™t tip them, theyโ€™re making less than the standard minimum wage for our country.

Quebecโ€™s tax rate on most bills is 15%. This can help you determine how much to tip. 

10. Be Wary of Wildlife

Brake for moose and deer. There are lots of signs warning when youโ€™re in an area that has a high risk of animal crossings.

Stop both for the animals and for you. If you hit a deer or a moose, theyโ€™re more likely to walk away unscathed than you are.

11. Be Mindful of the Environment 

Do not litter in Canada, especially if youโ€™re near a national park. It’s equally as important to keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not feed animals. This is extremely dangerous. 

12. Provincial Parks Pass

If youโ€™re planning to go hiking or camping, you should consider getting an annual Sepaq pass. This allows you access to the Quebec provincial parks without needing to pay the daily access fees. 

13. Construction Holiday

In Quebec, the last week of July and the first week of August is the annual โ€œconstruction holiday,โ€ where many Quebeckers take their annual leave and road construction is done. This causes a ton of traffic, especially in the city center.

Similarly, July 1st is moving day in Quebec. Do not try to drive around Montreal on this day. Itโ€™s packed!

What to Pack for a Road Trip in Canada

  • Warm Layers – Quebec can get quite chilly, even in the summer. Ensure you have a jacket or layer of sweaters for the cooler evenings. Check out my guide on how to pack for winter in Canada for an idea of what clothes to bring in the winter. 
  • Comfy Car Clothes – Be sure to have some comfy clothes for the drives. You wonโ€™t want to be in a too-tight dress where you canโ€™t breathe.
  • Good Walking Shoes – A lot of this road trip involves walking to explore cities. Bring comfy shoes and even hiking shoes so you donโ€™t miss out because of sore feet.
  • Bathing Suit – In summer, bring a bathing suit to enjoy the local lakes. 
  • Insect Repellant – Hikers will definitely want to bring insect repellent for the bugs in the forest.
  • Sun Protection – Always use SPF protection in Canada. Even in winter, you can get a sunburn.
  • Cooler – Youโ€™ll want to bring a cooler for all of the amazing snacks you can pick up at local markets and artisanal shops along your route.
  • Reusable Water Bottle – Long drives can be dehydrating. Get a large water bottle to ensure you have drinking water throughout the trip. A refillable water bottle means you can fill it from taps for free and help save the planet.

Wrap Up

Now you’re prepared for the ultimate scenic Quebec road trip. As I mentioned above, you can adjust this schedule to meet your needs, skip certain cities you aren’t interested in, and spend more time in the places you are excited about.

To be frank, you could spend double the time in each town/city and still feel like there are things you missed seeing. Quebec has so many cool places to explore!

The one place I wouldn’t skip is Gatineau Park or Tadoussac (specifically for the whale-watching tours). Both are very underrated destinations with absolutely stunning scenery!

Also, you should spend at least 2 days in Quebec City. This is the capital and beating heart of Quebec. The city feels like you just got off a six-hour flight to Europe and is most people’s favorite stop on their road trip through Quebec!

Have a brilliant time exploring Quebec via this road trip itinerary or one-off scenic drives.


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More Fun Things to Do in Quebec:

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES! โ€” Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes โ€” In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes โ€” Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe โ€” Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩 Whatโ€™s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ Whatโ€™s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not โ€” US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.