Canada is best explored by hitting the open road! Quebec is the perfect province to explore by car. Full of stunning natural beauty, charming small towns, and a wealth of history, Quebec has it all! For those planning a Canada road trip or want to exclusively explore the province, I’ve rounded up the best Quebec road trips for you! Each road trip itinerary includes all the details you’ll need to plan your trip. You’ll learn everything from the best places to stop along the route to how much time you’ll need.
So, pack your bags, load up the car, hit the gas and bon voyage!
The Best Quebec Road Trips
Scenic road trips in Quebec are bountiful! With a massive province that includes incredible parks, dynamic cities, and no shortage of hidden gems, there’s a route to suit your interests! So, whether you’re planning to travel through Quebec or looking for great day trips, below are some of the best road trip ideas!
Montreal to Quebec City
One of the most popular Quebec road trips is between Montreal and Quebec City! The best route is along 138, which is known as the King’s Highway or Chemin du Roy. Construction of the original Chemin du Roy began in 1731 and its now a tourist route marked by blue signs with a crown.
This Quebec road trip takes you along the northern edge of the Saint Lawrence River. It passes through cute towns, historic cities, and plenty of hidden gems.
After spending at least 2 days in Montreal, head towards Berthierville. This adorable town is home to a fantastic park for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Known as the SCIRBI islands, this is a fabulous stop to stretch your legs. It’s home to over 200 bird species, lookout towers, and more.
Next, stop at Trois-Rivières, located halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. It’s the perfect place to stop, explore and stay the night. This pretty city is full of historic sites, museums, and a beautiful waterfront. Top sights include the Ursuline monastery, Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap, and Maison Rocheleau.
Driving along Chemin du Roy, another must stop is the Grondines windmill! Built in 1674, its one of the oldest windmills in Quebec. It makes a scenic stop for a picnic or to explore its history. The windmill is part of an interesting archaeological site called the ‘the deserted village of Grondines.’
A hidden gem along the route is Vieux Chemin in Cap-Santé! This stretch of road was named one of the most beautiful streets in Canada by Globe and Mail. Lined by picturesque historic homes, it’s a must detour!
Finally, pull up to your last stop, Quebec City! With a ton of things to do in Quebec City, be sure to make time to explore old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Montreal to Quebec City Road Trip Details
Starting point: Montreal or Quebec City
Distance: 280 km
Time: 2 to 3 days
Recommended by me!
Gaspé Peninsula Road Trip
For a real beyond the beaten path road trip in Quebec, head to the Gaspé Peninsula. Those who make the journey are rewarded with breathtaking coastal scenery, the freshest seafood, salty breezes and calming vibes. There’s a chance to see whales too!
Spectacular coastal views appear immediately upon leaving Rimouski, setting the scene for the journey to come. Make a stop for the tastiest crevettes (cold water prawns) in Matane before making the short inland detour to Gaspésie National Park from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.
The lush mountainous terrain of this protected area is quite a contrast from the coast. The 80km return trip is definitely worth the time if you like to hike as some of the Gaspésie’s best trails are found here.
Back on the coast, the next section of this scenic drive stays very close to the water. So close, in fact, that it feels like the waves are almost crashing onto the road in places! The journey is punctuated with small fishing villages and imposing lighthouses.
Forillon National Park occupies the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, with the Cap Gaspé lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic at the very end.
History awaits in the small city of Gaspé, with the site of Jacques Cartier’s 1534 landing marked by the water. Less than an hour away is Percé, best known for the huge rock formation of the same name that sits just ashore. If you have time, consider a day trip to Bonaventure Island, known for its incredible wildlife.
The last stop on this Quebec road trip is Carleton-sur-Mer, a peaceful beach resort. Drive to the top of Mont Saint-Joseph for incredible views across the Baie-des-Chaleurs.
Depending on your next destination, return to Rimouski via Highway 132 or continue along the coast.
Recommended by Gemma from Off Track Travel
Gaspé Peninsula Road Trip Details
Starting point: Rimouski
Distance: 996 km loop
Time: 5 to 8 days
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Ideal for outdoor enthusiast, a road trip through Abitibi-Témiscamingue will include everything from sprawling parks to thousands of lakes to paddle. This northern Quebec region is full of hidden gems to explore beyond the outdoors too. It’s home to numerous places to learn about the region’s history, charming small towns to wander, covered bridges, and some unique accommodations.
You can follow the loop I did that starts in Temiscaming and travels through Ville Marie, Rouyn-Noranda, Preissac, and La Sarre. It’s a great road trip from Ontario as the region lines the border and is about 4 hours from Toronto to reach. I highly recommend planning a 7-day trip to pack everything in. However, you can cut out a few places and easily make it a great 4-day road trip.
One of the best places to visit in Abitibi-Témiscamingue is Opémican National Park. This park features waterfalls, epic hiking trails, paddling opportunities and cool ready to camp sites. Leave the tent at home and enjoy a night or two in this camping meets glamping solar powered site.
Another unique place to stay that’s a must for outdoor lovers is the floating cottages in Preissac. I loved my tranquil stay in one! Sitting on one of the thousands of lakes in the region, you can go swimming, paddling or try their skooter paddleboards.
If you’re looking to explore the many small towns in the region, I recommend Ville Marie and Rouyn-Noranda! Both have historic sites, great restaurants, and outdoor adventures. The possibilities are endless in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, which is why it’s one of the best road trips in Quebec!
Abitibi-Témiscamingue Road Trip Details
Starting point: Temiscaming or La Sarre
Distance: 388 km
Time: 4 to 7 days
Recommended by me!
Eastern Townships
One of my favourite Quebec road trips is the drive from Montréal to Mont-Mégantic National Park through the Eastern Townships. This is an ideal trip for a long weekend as it offers plenty of nature, good food and unique accommodations!
Make day 1 about exploring Sutton and the outdoor activities the area offers. There’s Vélo Volant or the ‘flying bicycle’ which allows you to pedal your way through the forest canopy. You can also kayak on the Missisquoi River.
Sutton also has some great food options like Á L’Abordage Microbrasserie for craft beer and poutine. Or La Rumeur Affamée for a gourmet do-it-yourself picnic.
Spend day 2 slowly driving from Sutton to Mont-Mégantic National Park, making several stops along the way. You can visit Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, a working Benedictine abbey with an apple-picking area within the grounds. For a bit of time outdoors, you can stop in Magog and walk the Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises, which is a marshland trail that offers some great birdwatching.
Once you arrive in Mont-Mégantic National Park, you can settle into your accommodations for the night, which include futuristic chalets named after the planets in our solar system!
Lastly, spend day 3 exploring Mont-Mégantic National Park. The park is divided into two sectors where you can enjoy plenty of hiking. The Franceville sector has beautiful trails that run through the forest and along rivers. While the Observatoire Sector has higher peaks like Mont Mégantic (1,105 m) and Mont Saint-Joseph (1,065 m). This park is also home to one of the first international dark sky reserves, so it’s also great for stargazing.
And that’s one way to spend a long weekend in Quebec’s Eastern Townships!
Recommended by Audrey from That Backpacker
Eastern Townships Road Trip Details
Starting point: Montreal
Distance: 342 km one way
Time: 3 days
Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup
The Route des Navigateurs from Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup is one of the best road trips in the province of Quebec. It’s a 208-kilometre drive following the St. Lawrence River. This drive can be done in one day, but ideally, plan for two to three days to enjoy it fully.
Of course, you could always use Highway 20 to arrive faster on the East Coast, but taking the scenic route 132 is much more enjoyable, and the views are worth it. There are many quaint little towns to discover.
The first stop should be in Bertier-sur-Mer to enjoy the river and the sandy beach. You can also grab a coffee and snack at Café du Havre. It’s also from Bertier-sur-Mer, where you can take a ferry to the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago and the famous Grosse-Ile.
Between 1832 and 1937, Grosse-Ile was a human quarantine station to counter epidemics when thousands of immigrants arrived in Canada.
Then, stop in the cute town of Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. It’s famous for its sculptures and crafts boutiques. Walk around the town and have lunch in one of the local restaurants.
St-Roch-des-Aulnaies is another excellent stop along the Route des Navigateurs. It’s known for its historic Seigneurie des Aulnaies and flour mill. You don’t want to miss the guided tour.
Make a stop in Kamouraska. Kamouraska is supposed to offer the best sunsets in the region, so plan your road trip accordingly.
Finally arrive in Rivière-du-Loup. It’s one of the places in Quebec you can go on a whale-watching cruise. You might see minke whale and fin whale. You can also see the beluga heard from the shore.
Recommended by Emilie from Love Life Abroad
Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup Details
Starting point: Quebec City
Distance: 208 km
Time: 1 to 3 Days
Montreal to Mont Tremblant
If you’re planning a trip to Montréal soon, spending a couple of days away from the hustle and bustle of the city is a must. The best way to do this is to take a road trip north of Montréal to the town of Mont Tremblant.
Known as one of the best road trips in Québec due to its accessibility and scenic drive, there’s plenty to do and see along the route. Depending on the time you have and your interests, there are a few charming towns that you should definitely make time to explore.
If you plan to take the shortest most direct route Saint Jérôme is the first town you’ll encounter. Enjoy the trails at Parc regional de la Rivière-du-Nord, or step inside the Cathedral de Saint-Jérôme. It’s more than 120 years old.
The second town you’ll come upon is Saint Sauveur. Here, visit the beautiful Le Jardin de Francois and the outdoor ice skating rink at John-H. Molson Parc.
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is the last town before reaching Mont Tremblant. Enjoy a show at Theatre Le Patriote, or take in the views at Tessier Beach.
If you have more time to spare, take a slight detour West to Montebello. Here, you can visit the safari park, Parc Omega, or explore the Fairmont Chateau Montebello. It’s the world’s largest log cabin hotel and is 90 years old.
Recommended by Alexandra from East Coast Contessa
Montreal to Mont Tremblant Road Trip Details
Starting point: Downtown Montréal
Distance: 133 km
Time: half day to full day
Tadoussac to Kegaska
Tadoussac is known as one of the top destinations in the world for whale watching. With the opportunity to see 13 different species in the area alone, it makes sense that this is the starting point for one of the most epic road trips in Quebec, The Whale Route.
For Quebec’s Whale Route, also known as the Routes des Baleines, follow Route 138. The route twists and turns along the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River past epic views and quaint fishing villages.
Foodies will rejoice as fresh seafood is abundant. Sink your teeth into tasty lobster rolls and fresh scallops all with gorgeous seaside vistas. You’ll be hungry after tackling some of the stunning hikes to waterfalls in Rivière-au-Tonnerre, learning about the incredible Innu culture in Mingan and zipping around on a zodiac in Essipit.
This is just a small fraction of the adventures to be found along a Quebec road trip from Tadoussac to Kegaska!
Recommended by Lindsay from I’ve Been Bit!
Tadoussac to Kegaska Road Trip Details
Starting point: Tadoussac
Distance: 843 km
Time: 7 days or more
Gatineau to Mont-Tremblant
A Quebec road trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting Gatineau, Montebello and Mont-Tremblant. This road trip offers as many opportunities for outdoorsy families as it does romantic duos.
Even though it’s only a few minutes from the nation’s capital in an entirely different province, Gatineau has a distinct vibe. It shouldn’t be dismissed as merely the other side of the river.
Hikers will love a trek to the Pink Lake Lookout in summer. Take in the view of this meromictic lake’s vibrant turquoise hue. During winter’s snowiest periods, Camp Fortune has some great skiing and Nordik Spa-Nature is a unique way to après-ski in style. However, its Scandinavian-style thermal circuit, social infinity pool and sauna rituals are equally fabulous year-round.
Plan a night en route to Mont-Tremblant, to stay at the world’s largest log cabin, the spectacular Fairmont Montebello. From bike rides around the lush property in summer to winter hikes on the snow-dusted trails, this is where stress comes to die.
Looking for a little more adventure in the area? Kenauk Nature Resort is the answer. With clay shooting, a climbing tower, cross-country skiing, dogsledding, fly fishing and more, this huge property is devoted to environmental conservation and is the epitome of off-grid.
Less than two hours from Gatineau, Mont-Tremblant feels like a world away. With one of Canada’s best resorts and its famous pedestrian village, there is a wealth of things to do in Mt Tremblant!
No matter what time of year you visit, Mont-Tremblant is activity central. In winter, ski more than 100 trails, go snowshoeing and feed the chickadees at Domaine Saint-Bernard, or ice skate on Lac Mercier. In the warmer weather, there’s cycling, boat and helicopter tours. In addition, Tonga Lumina lights up the night in a captivatingly immersive experience.
Recommended by Andrea from Mommy Gearest
Gatineau to Mont-Tremblant Road Trip Details
Starting point: Gatineau
Distance: 147 km
Time: 2 – 5 days
Quebec City to Tadoussac
The journey from Quebec City to Tadoussac is one of the best Quebec road trips. This route is full of gorgeous scenery, history, wildlife and art. It also includes the St. Lawrence Route, one of the most beautiful drives in North America.
As you leave Quebec City along Route 138, you will see Montmorency Falls on your left. This 83m high waterfall can be explored from platforms, bridges, cable car or zip line!
Making your way along, you will want to stop at the famous Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica. In addition, explore the waterfalls and suspension bridges at Canyon Sainte-Anne. Plus, check out the art museums and galleries in Baie-Saint-Paul.
From Baie-Saint-Paul, take Route 362 through the Charlevoix region along the gorgeous St. Lawrence Route to La Malbaie.
The beautiful village of Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, the halfway point along this route, is a perfect spot to spend the night. Here you can pick up some baked goods from Boulangerie Laurentide and visit the Musée maritime de Charlevoix.
As you continue your drive, be sure to stop at the sandy Saint-Irénée beach for excellent views of the St. Lawrence River.
From Baie-Sainte-Catherine, take the ferry across to Tadoussac. Here you can book a boat tour to see whales in the St. Lawrence River and explore the Saguenay fjord.
With its combination of mountain scenery and views of the St. Lawrence River, this road trip is one that you won’t want to miss!
Recommended by Charlene from Adventures with the Hills
Quebec City to Tadoussac Road Trip Details
Starting point: Quebec City
Distance: 200 km
Time: 2 days
Quebec Road Trips Bucket List
- Montreal to Quebec City
- Gaspé Peninsula Road Trip
- Eastern Townships Road Trip
- Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup
- Montreal to Mont Tremblant
- Tadoussac to Kegaska
- Gatineau to Mont-Tremblant
- Quebec City to Tadoussac
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Frequently Asked Questions about Planning a Quebec Road Trip
The best month to visit Quebec is September. While its ideal to visit the province all year long, the best time to travel to Quebec is between June and September for the best weather.
The most beautiful part of Quebec is the Gaspé Peninsula for its natural beauty. However, Quebec City is one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
I recommend at least 7 days to see Quebec. The province is large and there’s plenty to do and see.
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