Self-Drive: Quebec Summer Experience 9D/8N

Airport Transfer to Montreal
Welcome to Montreal! We'll be waiting to pick you up and bring you to your accommodation in Montreal city. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure. Montreal will charm you with its American-European atmosphere, culture, entertainment and breathtaking views. Discover its old harbour, its old districts and its history and stroll through the Plateau district - there are so many things to discover in this great city full of surprises!

Walking tour of downtown Montreal
Today, embark on an exciting 2-hour shared tour! Your local guide will bring you to the lively and cosmopolitan streets of downtown Montreal and to visit the main monuments. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel was built in 1958 in honour of Queen Elizabeth and has a modern and luxurious design. Inside, you will discover on the wall of the Agora a painting Cité Mémoire, continuously projected in a panoramic way evoking the great periods of Montreal's history. In Square Dorchester and Canada Place, you will discover the contrast between the modern architecture of several buildings and the neo-baroque style of Marie-Reine du Monde Cathedral, the fourth largest church in Quebec. At Sainte Catherine Street, you will stroll along Montreal's most important shopping street. This essential artery of the city extends over more than 11km. You will discover RESO, the world's largest indoor pedestrian network, which stretches over some 30 kilometres. Cool in summer and warm in winter, this underground pedestrian network connects subway stations and buildings (cinemas, shops, museums, restaurants, universities) without having to go outdoors. After that, you'll enjoy some free time in Montreal to wander more at your leisure (we will give you lots of recommendations in your roadbook).

Head on to Quebec City
Today, you'll pick up your rental car and head on a 3-hour drive between Montreal and Quebec City. You will take the tourist road of the Chemin du Roy, known for its breathtaking panoramic views. Throughout your trip, you will follow the St. Lawrence River and cross the city of Trois-Rivières as well as beautiful Quebec villages. Suggestions for stops and activities will be included in your roadbook.

Quebec Walking Tour and Cruise
Today, you'll embark on a 2.5-hour walking tour. It's by foot that you can best appreciate the jewels of the city's historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will take you to the Lower and Upper Town, to discover the monuments, alleys and facades for which it's renowned. Stroll through the charming walled city, set in the Château Frontenac with its view of the St. Lawrence River, the Plains of Abraham-Citadelle, the Ursulines convent, City Hall or the Seminary. Stops in the Lower Town will introduce you to the Old Port and "Place Royale", known as the birthplace of Quebec City. You will finally arrive on rue du Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America. The rest of the day will be yours to explore at your leisure. In the evening, embark on an unforgettable adventure on the St. Lawrence River aboard the Louis Jolliet ship! This 4-hour cruise will sail from Old Quebec to beautiful Orleans Island and the Montmorency Falls. You'll be offered a tasting of microbrewery beers. Quebec City and its Frontenac Castle by night will offer you their most beautiful show of lights whilst circus artists will perform on the ship for you. It's the perfect way to experience vibrant Quebec!

Journey to Orleans Island
Located ten kilometres from Quebec City and linked by a bridge, Orleans Island will welcome you to a beautiful day. This island is full of magnificent treasures. You will discover its six sumptuous villages along its sublime tourist road. Suggestions for stops will be included in your roadbook.

Journey to Tadoussac
Today, you'll drive the route between Quebec City and Tadoussac, starting from the north coast of Quebec. The road runs along the St. Lawrence River and crosses the Regional Municipality of Charlevoix. In your roadbook, we will suggest different routes and stops that you can enjoy at your leisure in order to make the most of the charms of this region.
-Stops of the terroir, with agrotourism stops from Petite-rivière-Sainte-François to La Malbaie. Craftsmen and producers open their doors to let you taste the ciders, beers, chocolates, cheeses and other delicatessen products that make Charlevoix cuisine famous.
-"On the road" stops along the River Road, one of the most beautiful scenic roads in North America, or take some backcountry roads to enjoy the scenery as much as the beauty of the national parks.
-Cultural stops with visits to the emblematic villages of Charlevoix, some of them steeped in history such as Baie Saint-Paul or La Malbaie.
-Nature stops, with a visit to the hinterland and its national parks. A change of scenery, while visiting the Porpoises, the inhabitants of Isle-aux-Coudres, known for their great hospitality. This 23 km island is ideal for cycling.
After a brief crossing of the Saguenay Fjord by ferry, you will disembark at Tadoussac on the north coast of Quebec. Suggestions for routes, stops and activities will be included in your roadbook.

Discovery day in the Saguenay Fjord
This former glacial valley, 100 kilometres inland, contains many treasures. Depending on your preferences, we'll recommend various nature and/or culture outings. It's worth exploring the picturesque villages around the fjord. The succession of coves, bays and villages are charming and make it perfect for wildlife and migratory bird-watching. The fjord also shelters many peregrine falcon breeding pairs in its cliffs. You can also hike in the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park (Sainte-Marguerite sector). More than 300 square kilometres of shoreline are now protected by this park and various trails have been created to enjoy panoramic views of the fjord, or to observe the migration of belugas from a beautiful viewpoint. Suggestions for hikes, stops and activities will be included in your roadbook.

Les Bergeronnes and Saint-Laurent River
From the Bergeronnes marina, embark on an unforgettable zodiac cruise in the heart of the St. Lawrence Estuary, the most beautiful whale watching site in the world! You will discover huge specimens such as humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales and seals in a wonderful and magical setting where time seems to have stopped. You will enjoy this natural break where the sea, animals and humans meet in complete serenity at the water's edge. After that, you'll take a walk along the majestic Baie de Tadoussac, up to the Pointe de L'Islet. A trail has been perfectly laid out to enjoy the Bay and its exceptional panorama. With a bit of luck, you might come across some beluga whales!

Drive to Montreal Airport
Today, you'll take the road between Tadoussac and Montreal airport, crossing the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and the Chaudières-Appalaches and Centre-du-Québec regions. Depending on your return flight schedule, suggestions for stops and visits will be included in your roadbook. At the airport, you'll return the car and get ready to take your flight home. Safe travels ahead!