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the Old Port in Montreal, Canada

Boats dock at Montreal's Old Port near the the city's popular Clock Tower.

A Quebec Road Trip: The Scenic Loop Between Montreal and Quebec City

The trip between Montreal and Quebec City can be a quick drive along a highway or a relaxed ramble through historic towns, lush wineries, and quaint shopping districts. You decide.

Montreal and Quebec City are unforgettable destinations, but they definitely aren't all the province has to offer. So take some time to hit the road between the two cities, and explore the slower pace of Quebec's countryside. Along the way you can wander woods, enjoy farm-to-table fare, see old sites of New France, and savor the uniquely Québécois culture.

Cosmopolitan Montreal is a beguiling blend of old and new, where North America's largest concentration of historic buildings rubs shoulders with a towering modern metropolis. And the whole is infused with a diverse cultural mélange that's reflected in its food and art and expressed through the francophone city's unique joie de vivre. (Dive into the international restaurant scene of Montreal or discover the charm of its many urban parks .)

Heading east from the island of Montreal, the A-10 begins to reveal the fertile farmlands of the Richelieu River Valley , which stretches south to the United States border and Lake Champlain. The river spreads out into an attractive basin in Chambly , a commuter town with historic roots. The banks of Chambly Canal National Historic Site are an excellent choice for a stroll. The waterway was completed in 1843 and still lifts boaters through a system of nine locks—though today it's for fun rather than trade. The old stone citadel at Fort Chambly National Historic Site , built in 1711, hosts interpretive programs and provides a glimpse of what life was like for the soldiers of New France.

the Richelieu River Valley in Quebec, Canada

A river runs through Richelieu River Valley just south of Montreal.

From Chambly the road runs east into an area perfect for foodie exploration. This is Quebec's wine, maple, and apple country—especially delicious for both the eye and palate during fall foliage season. The well-marked Cider Route offers a tour with taste-tempting diversions, including plenty of visits to local producers of regional drink and foods including cheese and honey. Naturally, the Cider Route visits a dozen cideries offering many varieties, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, sparkling and ice. Michel Jodoin is in Rougemont , about 20 minutes down the Cider Route (Rte. 112) from Chambly. It's among the oldest and most famed producers, but Rougemont is home to at least four others.

The Eastern Townships

From Rougemont, the A-10 leads east into Quebec's beloved Eastern Townships (Les Cantons-de-l'Est), a rolling region of farms, forests, and sparkling lakes that's an all-season escape for many citizens of Montreal. The bustling town of Magog , at the north end of Lake Memphrémagog, is about an hour from Rougemont and a great base from which to begin your adventures in the area—or simply enjoy the many outdoor activities that the lake and nearby Parc National du Mont-Orford have to offer.

But before arriving in Magog consider leaving the A-10 in Eastman for a 15-minute detour down Rte. 245 to Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac (St. Benedict Abbey). It’s perched on a spectacular lakeshore site, but the real attraction here is a chance to hear the monks' Gregorian chants, attend a service (plan well in advance), and visit the shop for blocks of the award-winning cheese made on-site. From the abbey, enjoy a 20-minute drive up the lake's west side to reach Magog.

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is about 40 minutes east of Lake Memphrémagog via Rte. 141. The park is famous for its suspension footbridge—one of the world's longest—that spans the 164-foot deep gorge and definitely isn't an experience for the faint of heart. But the dramatic views here are well worth a few knocking knees, and they might inspire you to further stretch your legs by exploring the park on foot, mountain bike, or horseback.

From the gorge it's about a 70-minute drive east to Parc National du Mont-Mégantic —but that short journey opens a window to an entirely different world. The park is located in the heart of the world's first International Dark Sky Reserve. That means stargazing doesn't get much better than you'll find here, and the AstroLab astronomy center is a fun way to make sense of all the celestial scenery. From its perch near the park's entrance station, AstroLab buzzes day and night with a wide range of exhibits and activities that explore the cosmos.

Chaudière-Appalaches

From Mont-Mégantic, several roads head north toward Quebec City, some three hours’ distance. Those interested in a look below the Earth's surface after all that sky-watching can stop at Thetford Mines Mineralogy and Mining Museum , which documents the local mining industry, explores regional geology, and showcases minerals from around the world.

Parc National du Mont-Mégantic in Quebec, Canada

Snow covers Mont-Mégantic National Park in Quebec, Canada.

Closer to the Quebec City, this trip runs through Beauce, a lovely region of valleys and forests. These maple-rich woods yield almost 20 percent of all the world's syrup production. If you're lucky (or smart) enough to be here in early spring, the region's many sugar shacks come alive with festivities, fun, and foods of every flavor—especially maple.

Before crossing the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City, pause in Lévis on the south shore to linger at the Terrasse de Lévis (Terrace of Lévis). Inaugurated in 1939 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, this riverside park offers stunning views of the old city across the water and of the powerful river itself, which is especially impressive when it's choked with moving ice.

Quebec City

It's clear from first sight that Quebec City offers a touch of Europe that's distinct on this side of the Atlantic. Dominated by the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac , it's the only existing walled city north of Mexico, and the city's extraordinary people and attractions—as well as its architecture—will tempt you to linger. (See how to spend three excellent days in Quebec City .)

buildings in the Historic District of Old Quebec in Quebec City, Canada

Shops line a block in the Historic District of Old Quebec in Quebec City, Canada.

Montmorency Falls , via Rte. 440 just a few miles northeast of downtown Quebec City, is a cataract of serious size—at 272 feet it's actually higher than Niagara Falls, though its water volume is far lower. If time allows, consider continuing north of Quebec City for an extended trip along the shores of the St. Lawrence. As the great river widens on its journey to the Atlantic, visitors soon find themselves in one of the world's best whale-watching areas. Visit the enchanting, historic communities of Charlevoix , and venture farther along the St. Lawrence by driving the Whale Route .

Chemin du Roy

The route back toward Montreal is, in some ways, also a trip back in time. The Chemin du Roy (King's Road) is one of the oldest highways in North America and opened to traffic in 1737. Much has changed since then, but some things have not, including some of the picturesque homes that line the route and the wonderful views of the St. Lawrence River at lookouts along the shore.

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Be sure to pause during your drive along the King's Road and discover photogenic villages like Cap-Sant é (Cape Health), with its ancient church. Farther down the river, Trois-Rivières (Three Rivers), dating back to 1634, is among the oldest towns north of Mexico. The historic quarter here can be explored with guided tours , by foot or bus, that showcase notable homes and deliver visitors to the town's many galleries and museums.

North of Trois-Rivières, the region of Lanaudière offers a nature escape not far from Montreal itself. Hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, and all manner of winter sports are on offer here—as are nature-based retreats for relaxation after all that activity. Leave Rte. 138 in Berthierville and drive some 45 minutes on Rte. 345/348 to Rawdon and La Source Bains Nordiques . This indoor/outdoor spa complex, designed in harmony with its natural surroundings, pampers with pools, tubs, and treatments that can restore weary travelers for the next leg of their journey.

the ski resort in Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada

Streetlights shine from the ski resort in Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada.

Laurentian Mountains

Finally, head for heart of the Laurentian Mountains. The most famous destination here is Mont-Tremblant , some 75 minutes from Rawdon, with its sprawling ski slopes, sparkling lake, and European-style walking village. (Plan the perfect day in the Laurentians .) But the Laurentians are ripe for much wider exploration. One special way to do so is via the P’tit Train du Nord bike path , which follows the abandoned railway that once helped to develop the charming mountain retreats of the Laurentians by whisking Montrealers north. Mont-Tremblant lies near the route's midpoint, so you can explore the many sights in each direction at a slower pace, pausing to climb mountains, wander charming villages, or enjoy Québécois cuisine at a trailside inn.

When your mountain idyll comes to an end, as all things must, Montreal lies less than two hours’ drive down the A-15 from Mont-Tremblant.

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Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

7 of the Best Quebec Road Trips

June 15, 2021 By Matthew G. Bailey 14 Comments

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QuebecRoadtrips

As Canada’s largest province, there’s no shortage of cool things to do in Quebec . From the cosmopolitan city of Montreal to the whale-watching splendors of Tadoussac, Quebec has it all. This is what makes Quebec road trips such a great experience. Whether you’re looking to explore the cities, the wilderness, the small French towns, or everything in-between, there are lots of great road trips in Quebec.

The Gaspé Road Trip

The Gaspe region is one of the top Quebec Road Trips

When it comes to Quebec road trips, the Gaspé region is at the top of our bucket list. Known for its seaside vacations and stunning mountains, this amazing road trip will take you all the way from the major cities to the Easternmost tip of the province. Following Route 132 from the quaint villages of Bas-Saint-Laurent and many others that line the Gaspé coastline, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for savouring local cuisine and wine, observing wildlife, exploring the rich history, and getting outdoors in one of the many national and provincial parks where you can enjoy hiking, deep-sea fishing, boating, and more. Whatever it is you choose to do, don’t miss the legendary Percé Rock at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula . Taking a photo here will prove that you’ve explored this incredible region of Quebec, which was named one of National Geographic Traveller’s 50 Places of a Lifetime in Canada.

Where to Start?

You can start this road trip from either Montreal or Quebec City. If you start from Montreal, you’ll simply follow Route 132 up towards Quebec City, continuing all along the St. Lawrence River and up the coastline. From Montreal, you’re looking at approximately 920 kilometres one-way and from Quebec City, you’re looking at 700 kilometres one-way.

New France Road Trip

Quebec City is a great place to start or end a road trip in Quebec.

Known locally as the Route de la Nouvelle-France, this is one of the shorter Quebec road trips but combines some stunning destinations such as Quebec City and some smaller communities leading up to Côte-de-Beaupré. Once a supply road connecting the capital of New France ( Quebec City ), you’ll get to visit numerous small communities lined with old homes, churches, and farms, as well as a variety of local museums.

The road trip is only 50 kilometres and winds its way along the magnificent avenue Royale (Route 360) and consists of the communities of Boischatel, L’Ange-Gardien, Château-Richer, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Beaupré and Saint-Joachim. You’ll find many attractions that reveal the culture, heritage, and history of the area.

This road trip starts in Quebec City and is just over 50 kilometres in length, making it an incredible day trip from Quebec City.

The Magnificent Fjord Road Trip

The Fjords of Quebec make for some incredibly scenic Quebec road trips.

There are very few inland fjords in the world but one of them is the Saguenay fjord in Quebec. Not only is this Quebec road trip a great adventure for witnessing some spectacular scenery but it’s also home to some of Quebec’s most beautiful villages. Surrounded by 300-metre tall cliffs, this 105-kilometre journey takes you into one of the longest fjords in the world.

In addition to the historic small towns you’re bound to fall in love with, there are also some incredible whale-watching opportunities in Baie-Sainte-Catherine as well as a plethora of options for biking, hiking, or camping. Another cool feature is that you can pick up audio guides and learn more about the towns and attractions along your drive.

This road trip starts in Baie-Sainte-Catherine and has a distance of 235 kilometres. You’ll want at least a day, if not two or three or ten, and you won’t want to miss the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Musée de la Nature, the Musée du Fjord, and the Saguenay Fjord National Park.

The Whale Lover Road Trip

Tadoussac Whale Watching

Speaking of whales, one of the best Quebec road trips is the Whale Tour, which consists of Route 138 between Tadoussac to Kegaska in the region of Côte-Nord. Having been whale watching in Tadoussac, I can tell you first-hand that you have a great chance of seeing humpback whales, seals, porpoises, and even beluga whales from time to time. The area, which consists of the St. Lawrence Seaway, is actually home to 13 species of whales, which is what gives this road trip its name.

You’ll truly have a whale of a time (pun intended) as you stop at all the little blue signs that have a little white whale mark, showing you the places where you might be able to spot whales right from the shoreline. But aside from the whales, you’ll also find beautiful views, colourful towns, lighthouses, shipwrecks, wildlife, and delicious seafood cuisine. But whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to jump on a boat or in a Zodiac for some incredible Tadoussac whale watching .

This Quebec road trip starts in the charming town of Tadoussac. The entire road trip is about 850 kilometres, so you’ll definitely want at least a few days to fully enjoy it. Why not a week? After all, you don’t want to miss the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre, Daniel Johnson Dam and Manic-5 Generating Station, Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse, Vauréal Canyon and falls, and one or two trips out to see the whales.

The King’s Road Trip

Quebec Road Trips for those who love the big cities.

Quebec’s two biggest cities are Montreal and Quebec City and this Quebec road trip connect them! The King’s Road dates back to 1737 when officials decreed that a ‘royal road’ be built to connect the two biggest settlements in what was then New France. Although the road trip is only 280 kilometres, it was once the longest road north of the Rio Grande. Hard to believe when you think of Canada as a whole and the Trans-Canada Highway, which is the longest road in the world. But hey – history!

Although you’ll no longer pass stagecoaches and ox-drawn carts, you will be able to stop at a variety of historical landmarks along the way. You’ll want to visit old towns such as Repentigny and Trois-Rivières, where you can visit beautiful churches and eat local Quebecois cuisine. Then, of course, there’s the cities of Montreal and Quebec City, which can easily take up many days of exploration. Plus, if you’re into cycling, the King’s Road is a Green Route, which means it’s safe for bikers!

You can start this road trip in Montreal or Quebec City. As mentioned, it’s only 280 kilometres and can easily be done in a day, not including time spent in the big cities of course. While there, don’t miss Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade church, the Quebec Folk Culture Museum, the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, and Lake Saint-Pierre.

The Wine Lovers Road Trip

Quebec road trips for people who love wine.

Although this road trip consists of copious amounts of delicious wine, do not drink and drive. The Winery Road Trip is one of the top Quebec road trips and consists of 21 vineyards that you can easily enjoy by car, by bike, or by tour. Located in the Brome-Missisquoi region , you’ll find two of the oldest wineries in Quebec as well as some new ones as well. In addition to the liquid grapes, you’ll also find amazing restaurants, artisans, and outdoor adventure too.

For this road trip, you’ll want to start in Farnham, which is just outside Montreal. The road trip is approximately 138 kilometres, but if you’re on a bike and drinking wine, you may get lost half a dozen times. Aside from the many vineyards, don’t miss Mont Sutton, Brome Lake, and the wonderful Centre de Santé Euro-Spa.

The Island Road Trip

The Magdalen Islands are one of the most unique Quebec Road Trips

When it comes to island life in Canada, most people probably think of places like Vancouver Island and Prince Edward Island . But another one of Canada’s beautiful postcard-perfect islands is the Magdalen Islands of Quebec. In French, they are called Îles de la Madeleine and in English, they are called the Magdalen Islands. Located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this green archipelago is surrounded by white-sand beaches and stunning red cliffs. In addition to its scenic beauty, it’s also quite famous for its people as they’re known to be warm and hospitable and often chefs, artists, and artisans.

This is another area of Quebec that was voted by National Geographic Traveler as one of Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime. Popular activities include wind sports, sea excursions, art galleries, hiking, and indulging in some delicious seafood. There are seven inhabited islands and each has its own features and attractions. However, the entire Route 199 that crossed the entire island is only 85 kilometres long, so you don’t need to worry about any long drives. Instead, it’s recommended to base yourself in one place and explore the other islands as day trips. But, this all depends on how much time you have.

The total distance of the Magdalen Islands is approximately 88 kilometres but if you’re driving from Quebec, you’ll need to cross through New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island before boarding the ferry to the islands from Souris. From Quebec City to Souris, PEI is about 1,000 kilometres, so you’ll want an entire day without stopping just to make it to the ferry. Instead, take some time to explore PEI and New Brunswick along the way. Make it a fun Canadian road trip !

Road Trips in Quebec

As you can see, there’s no shortage of incredible Quebec road trips. Whether it’s cruising between the two major cities or going far up the coast to spot whales and lighthouses, there’s a road trip in Quebec for everyone. But certainly, there are more than eight of them. If you know of some that we haven’t mentioned, please let us know in the comments…or let us know which of these 8 you love the most or hope to do in the future!

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About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

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June 17, 2021 at 3:47 pm

That’s some beautiful scenery

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June 29, 2021 at 12:00 am

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June 17, 2021 at 6:40 pm

I would like to know more about Canada’s National Parks.

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June 21, 2021 at 10:13 am

Gaspe Pennisula is on my bucket list.

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June 23, 2021 at 12:25 pm

Clustering trips by province or region makes attainable trip planning easier. Budgets and time are critical factors. Local interests make a trip more.likely to happen.

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June 24, 2021 at 8:30 am

Seriously reminded me of how much beauty is in Canada outside my home town

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June 24, 2021 at 4:26 pm

Impressive!!!

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June 24, 2021 at 7:23 pm

Thank you for the vacation ideas!

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June 29, 2021 at 3:36 pm

Such a nice area, thanks for sharing this article.

June 29, 2021 at 3:39 pm

Such a nice area, my family would enjoy taking a trip to the Gaspé region.

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August 19, 2021 at 3:33 pm

Bookmarking this for sure!

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August 24, 2021 at 7:21 am

I just discovered this site. So handy!

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September 15, 2022 at 2:45 am

You didn’t include western Quebec. We have beautiful scenery and quaint towns. The Laurentien mountains in the fall are spectacular as is the Gatineau Park in the Outaouis region just across from Ottawa. Also Mont Tremblant area for hiking and winter skiing.

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September 15, 2022 at 10:13 am

Okay, we will have to update. Been trying to get over there and do some videos but it’s tough working with the tourism boards there.

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How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

road trip quebec city to montreal

Montreal is Quebec's most populous city, the financial center, and a thriving multicultural hub of activity. Quebec City, situated 158 miles (255 kilometers) up the Saint Lawrence River, is a unique and historic city as well as the provincial capital. Canada does not have high-speed trains, so whether you drive, use a bus, or take the train, it will take you about three hours to travel between Montreal and Quebec City.

If you are traveling during the busy holiday season, taking the train may be faster than driving or taking the bus because at least you won't get stuck in traffic. If you're in a rush, it's a 45-minute flight between the cities, but you should also factor in how much time it will take you to get to and from the airport. If saving money is your priority, the bus is the best choice.

Ultimately, deciding which way to get from Montreal to Quebec City comes down to two factors: price and travel style.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Montreal to Quebec City?

For the cheapest transport, taking a bus is the best option, but only if you book tickets early. Orléans Express  is the only bus company that operates regular service between Montreal and Quebec City, with one or two stops in between. If you buy your tickets early enough, the promotional price is just $25. However, these tickets quickly sell out and you may have to pay the full fare, which is about $56.

Buses leave about once an hour from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and feature reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, an onboard bathroom, and electrical outlets. Accounting for traffic, you should expect the ride to take between three to four hours. For the best prices, Orléans Express recommends booking your ticket at least eight days in advance.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Montreal to Quebec City?

Flying is the fastest way to get to Quebec City. The flight is only 45 minutes, so it's ideal for travelers who are on a tight schedule. However, once you factor in all of the additional time to get to and from the airport and navigate security, the time difference between flying and driving may not be that significant.

Air Canada , PAL Airlines , and regional airline Pascan , all operate direct flights between Montreal and Quebec City. One-way flights typically start around $90 but prices can skyrockets if you don't book well in advance, or book with a smaller air carrier. You're more likely to find lower fares if you book at least a month or two in advance.

Most flights leave from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport , which is about a 30-minute drive or a 40-minute train ride from the Montreal Bus Terminal. However, Pascan flights are non-commercial 15-passenger planes that leave from the much smaller Saint-Hubert Longueuil Airport, so make sure you pay attention to which airport you're leaving from when buying your tickets. Tickets purchased through Pascan also tend to be more expensive than those bought with Air Canada or PAL

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

There are two main options for driving between Montreal and Quebec City, both of which take about three hours.

The slightly quicker route is along Highway 20 on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River; however, this route is dull and lacking charm. One advantage of taking this route is the authentic poutine at Fromagerie Lemaire just outside of Drummondville. Being a cheese-making operation, the cheese curds are homemade and the french fries, of course, are fresh cut.

The north shore route along Highway 40 is slightly more scenic , as it runs closer to the river shore and has more small towns with pretty double-spired churches. Trois-Rivieres, about halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, makes a pleasant stop on the north shore.

Be aware that driving in Quebec in winter can be challenging, especially for inexperienced drivers. Snow tires are mandatory in Quebec for a reason, so educate yourself on proper winter driving and make sure you're familiar with the rules of the road of driving in Canada .

How Long Is the Train Ride?

VIA Rail is Canada's national passenger railway and provides daily service between downtown Montreal and Quebec City. Depending on how many stops there are on your itinerary, the journey should only take between three and four hours. And while the train ride is not particularly scenic, it is comfortable, reliable, and convenient.

VIA Rail offers five different ticket classes : Escape, Economy, Economy Plus, Business, and Business Plus. Escape fares are the cheapest because they are non-refundable, while Business and Business Plus fares are refundable and include complimentary meals, lounge access, and priority boarding. No matter which fare you choose, you will be able to access and use the train's complimentary Wi-Fi.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Quebec City?

Since winter is brutally cold, the best time to visit Quebec City is in the summer. The weather is warm but rarely uncomfortably hot, and the locals take full advantage of the sunshine by hosting back-to-back festivals all season long. Of course, summer is also the tourist high season, and transportation methods all go up in price (along with hotels). Aim for visiting in May or early June to balance out good weather with fewer crowds.

If you can withstand the freezing temperatures, winter in Quebec City offers its own special charm. The nearby mountains are open for skiing and the February Winter Carnival is one of the biggest annual events in the city.

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

The Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is 9 miles (15 kilometers) from downtown Quebec City, which is about a 25-minute drive. Unlike Montreal, there's no train service from the airport so your only public transportation option is to take the bus, which will most likely require at least one transfer and will take you over an hour. Compared to other city airports, Quebec City's Airport is not too far out of the way and it's probably worth it to take a cab or ride-share to your hotel.

What Is There to Do in Quebec City?

With cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and castles, Quebec City is probably North America's most European city. The historic district has even been declared UNESCO World Heritage site and is the third oldest city on the continent.

The city's main tourist attractions are La Citadelle de Québec, the Parliament building, and Montmorency Falls, just outside of downtown. For the best view of the city skyline, head to Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace. There are also a number of museums worth visiting such as the Museum of Civilization , the Érico Chocolate Museum , and more.

A guided tour may be a good idea if you want to make the most of your trip and learn as much as you can. The Quebec City and Montmorency Falls daytrip from Montreal is a full-day sightseeing tour with a local licensed guide, highlighting Quebec City's top attractions.

Another option that allows more time in Quebec City is a two-day guided tour of Quebec City and Tadoussac, leaving from Montreal. Get a guided tour of historic Quebec City plus time to spend on your own. ​ After the scenic drive to Tadoussac, hop on board a whale watching vessel, and keep an eye out for the belugas, minkes, and humpbacks that dwell in the St. Lawrence waters.

Quebec City is 158 miles up the Saint Lawrence River, northeast of Montreal.

There are two main options for driving between Montreal and Quebec City, both of which take about three hours. The slightly quicker way is along Highway 20 on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, while the north shore route along Highway 40 is slightly more scenic .

Depending on how many stops there are on your itinerary, the journey from Montreal to Quebec City should only take between three and four hours.

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Quebec Road Trip Itinerary (with Scenic Stops)

Quebec Road Trip Itinerary (with Scenic Stops)

Ready to road trip through Quebec? Good call! Quebec is a beautiful province for a road trip. You will find everything from vibrant cities with delicious food to landscapes that will take your breath away. I have done a couple of Quebec road trips myself! It is fun, but also a big endeavor to plan a Quebec road trip. I have taken some of the work out of it for you with this guide. Discover road trip destinations, scenic stops to break up long drives, and tips for navigating Quebec.

I have included Google Map links to every location and a big map of the entire trip at the end!

Mont Royal Montreal

What to Expect on a Quebec Road Trip

Language. The furthest East you progress through Quebec, the less English you hear. Many people in Montreal speak French and some in Quebec City, but then it is unusual to meet people who speak English. Be prepared to use Google translate on your phone if needed. If you are traveling from abroad, this means you may need a data plan.

Roadside stops . Quebec has done an incredible job of making it easy to drive across the country. There are periodic roadside stops where you can park, have a picnic lunch, and use a clean and well-maintained washroom. These are indicated by signs with symbols and are clearly marked from the main roads so you will have no problem finding them. 

Driving. If you are not from Quebec, you may find the driving style in Quebec (particularly East of Quebec City) a little different. I am from Ontario and I find driving in Quebec very different, for two main reasons. First, in Quebec, many drivers will drive in the left lane on two-lane highways (rather than using it as a passing lane). More rural areas of Quebec are single-lane with periodic passing lanes. There can be intense moments leading up to the passing lanes as drivers prepare to overtake one another or speed up in an attempt to not get passed. 

Duration. I recommend at least a week for a Quebec road trip! There is so much to see and do and a week will allow you several days that do not involve any driving so you can stretch your legs and just enjoy your trip. 

Rest stop in Quebec

Quebec Road Trip Destinations and Scenic Stops

I started my Quebec road trip from Ottawa, Ontario – which is right on the Ontario and Quebec border. I have ordered the stop moving from West to East across Quebec but I recommend shuffling them up slightly so that you have places to explore on your way out and on your way back. I have included cities and towns to visit and others that make great scenic stops to break up the drive.

Chutes de Plaisance

Chutes de Plaisance is an incredible waterfall located partway between Ottawa, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec. Whichever way you are headed, this is a great scenic stop on a Quebec road trip. The waterfall huge and very impressive and the visiting area includes beautiful picnic tables and three observation points where you watch the falls. This would also make a great day trip from Ottawa or Montreal. We spent about 2 hours here. 

Quebec Road Trip Recommendation for Chutes de Plaisance

Make this a scenic stop. Spend the night in Montreal or Trois Rivères. 

View on Google Maps. 

Chutes de Plaisance

Montreal is one of my favourite cities in the world. It is beautiful, vibrant, the food is amazing, and there is always something happening. My partner has done internships in Montreal so I know the city very well. Montreal is very multi-cultural and most people speak English. It can be busy and congested so stay in an area that is close to what you want to see. If you are moving around the city it will likely be easier to take the metro than to drive. The metro is easy to navigate (except Barrie station, which is big and confusing at first). 

I recommend a minimum of two nights in Montreal so that you have a couple of days to explore. If you only have one day, explore Old Montreal using this guide . Got two days? Make your way to the Plateau-Mont-Royal area to discover beautiful places and take yourself on this self-guided Montreal food tour (kid-approved, according to my readers). If you want to spend a few days in Montreal, refer to my 3 Days in Montreal Itinerary . 

Quebec Road Trip Recommendation for Montreal

Stay. You need at least a couple of days to really enjoy Montreal. 

View on Google Maps

Old Montreal

Trois Rivères

The charming town of Trois Rivères is one of the oldest towns in Quebec and it makes a great stayover or scenic stop. I have already spent a lot of time in Montreal so decided to stay here instead. We had a great time exploring the area near the harbour. There is a main street with lots of delicious food options. Near town hall there is a beautiful fountain that is lit up at night and by the waterfront, a staircase tells the history of the town.

Quebec Road Trip Recommendation for Trois Rivères

Stay or scenic stop. If you have not been to Montreal, prioritize going there, but if you have then Trois Rivères is a nice alternative. 

Trois Rivères

Quebec City

Quebec City is an exceptional place and very unique as Canadian cities go. It has a fortified colonial core, containing an area referred to as Old Quebec that sits above the Old Port. This is the site of Château Frontenac Hotel, the most photographed hotel in the world. Outside of the downtown, you will find a waterfall taller than Niagra Falls – yes, you read that right. There is a waterfall taller than Niagra falls and there are suburbs and grocery stores built around it. Check out my guide to Quebec City for my recommendations of where to go and what to see during your visit!

On our most recent Quebec road trip, we actually stopped in Quebec City twice. On the way, we enjoyed a scenic stop at Montmorency Falls. On the way back, we spent 2 days in Quebec City.

Quebec Roadtrip Recommendation for Quebec City

Stay for at least two nights. I recommended visiting Montreal or Quebec City on your way out and then visiting the other on the way back!

View on Google Maps.

Quebec City Road Trip

Baie-Saint-Paul

The charming, waterfront town of Baie-Saint-Paul is an excellent scenic stop as you drive further East past Quebec City. There are several scenic view points on either side of the town, a beautiful waterfront that you can walk down to, and lots of local restaurants and small shops to explore. If you enjoy small towns, this is a great stop. Depending on the season, there is also a scenic train ride available on the Charlevoix Train.

Quebec Roadtrip Recommendation for Baie-Saint-Paul

Scenic stop. Stretch your legs, enjoy the view, and explore the town for a couple of hours if you want to! There are a couple of different routes you can take after Baie-Saint-Paul. I recommend route 362. It goes along the water and is an absolutely beautiful drive to the next town, Malbaie. 

Baie-Saint-Paul

L’Anse-Saint-Jean

L’Anse-Saint-Jean is a breathtaking town located in the Saguenay Fjords. If you love sweeping landscapes and big adventures, this town is for you. It is very small but there is a lot to do and there are also several easily accessible scenic lookouts. My partner and I spent 3 full days here on our Quebec road trip!

I recommend at least two days, possibly three if you want to add in a day to relax and hit the spa, like we did. L’Anse-Saint-Jean offers kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking, or you can take a day trip by boat to Tadoussac for whale watching. The town contains only small, local restaurants and all of them are amazing! Check out my full guide of things to do in L’Anse-Saint-Jean.

Quebec Roadtrip Recommendation for L’Anse-Saint-Jean

Stayover. I recommend you chose to stay in either L’Anse-Saint-Jean or Tadoussac. You can do a day trip by boat from one to the other. Both places offer kayaking and some hiking and both are beautiful towns. L’Anse-Saint-Jean offers a little bit more adventure and fjords, Tadoussac offers more chances to see whales.

$1000 Bill Vantage Point in L'Anse-Saint-Jean

Tadoussac is a beautiful town situated where the Saguenay Fjords meet the Saint Lawrence River. It is most well-known for whale watching. You can go on a boat or Zodiak tour to see whales (I recommend this one) and you might be able to spot some from the shore on a couple of the walking trails. I stayed in Tadoussac severals years ago and it is beautiful. Like L’Anse-Saint-Jean, I suggest at least a couple of days before making your way back through Quebec. One day to be out on the water and one day to explore the town or go hiking should do it. Many of the boat tours will take you slightly into the fjords as well, so you will have a chance to see them a little bit.

Quebec Roadtrip Recommendation for Tadoussac

Stayover. From Tadoussac or L’Anse-Saint-Jean, it is time to turn your Quebec road trip back around!

Quebec Road Trip Map

Here is a map of the entire Quebec road trip (ending in Tadoussac). The total driving time (from Ottawa) is 7 hours one way for Tadoussac or 7.5 hours one way for L’Anse-Saint-Jean. From the map, you can see that the stops are placed about 1-2 hours apart. Pick and choose your combination based on your starting point! Going from Ottawa, I recommend the way out include: Chutes de Plaisance as a scenic stop, Montreal stay over, Quebec City scenic stop at Montmorency Falls, and arrive in L’Anse-Saint-Jean or Tadoussac. On the way back, stop at Baie Saint Paul as a scenic stop, stay in Quebec City, and make your last scenic stop in Trois Rivères coming back.

Montreal to Quebec City Road Trip | Explore Two of Canada's Magnificent Cities

The drive from Montreal to Quebec City is only 270 kilometers or so – just over three hours. But this road trip includes hundreds of years of history, the beautiful scenery of the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, and innumerable opportunities to enjoy the unique culture and cuisine of one of the most fascinating regions in North America.

The province of Quebec is the heart of Canada’s francophone heritage. But while Montreal, Quebec City and the communities in between have language and culture in common, they are very different destinations. So a road trip along the north shore gives visitors dozens of opportunities for unique experiences. This is a trip to be savoured. If you are someone who is compelled to get there asap – let somebody else drive! Stop often, to visit craft boutiques and pastry shops. Stay in authentic Quebeçois hotels or inns, and drink in the unique culture.

Stop One on Your Montreal to Quebec City Road Trip: Festivals, Food and Celine Dion

Montreal is a cosmopolitan community, the second largest city in Canada. It’s jam-packed with thoroughly modern attractions, but has also preserved plenty of examples of the city’s history, which in terms of European settlement stretches back more than 400 years.

The city is home to a plethora of festivals. Music events abound, from Igloofest to “Heavy Montreal”, but one of the best known festivals here is Just for Laughs (aka, “Juste Pour Rire”), which runs for 20 days in mid-July. As in any vibrant, big city, there are many more fine attractions and events than a reviewer can hope to recommend. A list of highlights must include the Notre-Dame Basilica (often rated the number one site in the city.) The present Notre Dame was completed in 1843, and was at the time the largest church in North America. This is where the funerals of luminaries have been held, from hockey star Rocket Richard to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau; it’s also the place where Celine Dion got married.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Montréal

People-watching at montreal’s old port, and exquiste schwartz’s montreal smoked meat.

But the first thing on your to-do list in Montreal, and in Quebec City as well, is to sit. Sit in outdoor cafes, have some wine, and watch people. Or drop into a deli, pick up Montreal bagels or have a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, and, yes, watch people. The most famous deli in the city for delectable sandwiches is Schwartz ’s, on Saint-Laurent Boulevard.

The very best places for people-watching are the cafés on the streets in and around the Old Port – and there are also shops, boutiques, and historical sites galore.

The key to kicking your road trip up to the exceptional level is to deep-dive into the culture of Quebec, sampling the tastes, encountering the people. Everywhere you will go, there are historic sites, modern attractions, so enjoy them, but spend as much of of your time as possible immersing yourself in la vie Québec .

Staying in Montreal: Tradition and Transformation at The Queen Elizabeth

There are so many good hotels in Montreal that visitors are spoiled for choice. They range through all the major brands – there are highly rated Loews,  Holiday Inns, Best Westerns, Marriotts, Hiltons and more. There are also fine boutique and historic hotels like the Hotel Nelligan, and Hotel Place D’Armes.

Fairmont’s The Queen Elizabeth was completely transformed in 2017, and is now a destination in its own right. It’s an ideal place to come home to, after a day of exploring the delights of Montreal. The Moment Spa offers, well, everything you might imagine, and lots you wouldn’t, like the Elixir Ice Cider Body Wrap, or the Labrador Tea Foaming Exfoliation.

Dine at the Queen Elizabeth’s Rosélys and try the roasted octopus for a starter, then if you can convince your companion to cooperate on the sharing menu, the roasted and confit duck du village with sweet potato gratin and Québec cranberries. You won’t regret it.

Later, check out the new Nacarat nightspot in the hotel; and for a less energetic but culturally pleasing experience, drop by the Artisans urban market.

Despite the hotel’s recent and extensive renovation, The Queen Elizabeth continues to celebrate its history, which includes John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 “Bed-in for Peace”, and you can actually stay in their suite. Singing is apparently optional, but who could resist? That’s all we are saying.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

On the road with champlain and leonard cohen.

Let’s assume you can tear yourself away from Montreal (never an easy task, but worth the effort), and head east on Highway 40. Your goal is to get to Quebec City, but there are dozens of little towns and villages along the way, each with a tempting pâtisserie or boulangerie, local pubs and restaurants, and artisan shops, which stock authentic woodcarvings made by local craftspersons.

And as you make your way through rural Quebec, remember that you are driving along the mighty St. Lawrence River, the maritime link from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Lawrence was the route taken by all of the explorers who came from Europe to Canada, including Samuel de Champlain and Jacques Cartier. It’s also the river mentioned in the iconic Leonard Cohen song, “Suzanne”. And in the spring, its banks are covered with migrating snow geese.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Québec-City

Trois rivieres: an ancient city that foodies love.

Trois Rivieres is the only major city on the Highway 40 route from Montreal to Quebec City. It was founded by Champlain in 1634, as the second-oldest permanent settlement in New France.

The city’s name comes from its geography – it sits at the confluence of three rivers. This is the spot where the St. Lawrence becomes a tidal river, from here to the sea.

The city’s living heritage can be found in its Old Town streetscapes, and at its historic sites – like Our Lady of the Cape Shrine, and the Old Prison of Trois-Rivieres. There’s a Museum Pass that grants entry to 14 museums and galleries.

The city has become a foodie capital, with restaurants like the 5-star “Poivre Noir”, Le Buck – Pub Gastronomique, and Le Castel, with one of the finest wine cellars in the province.

Hotels & Vacation Rentals - Trois-Rivières

Staying and dining in trois-rivieres.

Trois-Rivieres has a wide selection of hotels and inns, but travellers are wise to check ratings on the accommodation before booking. Two unique options are Les Studios du Huard – six studio apartments in an historic building that once housed the US Consulate (the St. Lawrence is steps away, although city centre is five kilometers distant); and Auberge de Lac Saint Pierr e , a gorgeous modern inn in nearby Pointe-du-Lac, right on the St. Lawrence.

Auberge de Lac Saint Pierre is 15 minutes from the heart of Trois-Rivieres but offers so much that it might be difficult to tear yourself away! This is a multi-faceted treat, offering excellent accommodation and divine cuisine. The auberge includes 30 beautifully decorated rooms, including the unique mezzanine rooms with spiral staircases.

In the restaurant, Chef Alain Pénot offers the finest in local cuisine, matched with a superb wine list. You will struggle to choose between smoked sturgeon from Lac St. Pierre and Wapiti Carpaccio from Ste-Perpétue – and you haven’t even made it past the starters!

Hotel Auberge du Lac Saint Pierre

Quebec city: canada’s unique unesco world heritage site.

Visitors fall in love with Quebec City with the full-blown passion of an all-in love affair. This city has everything, deep history, buoyant culture, fabulous cuisine, fascinating attractions and the unique honour of being the only remaining walled city in Canada or the United States, which resulted in the designation of The Historic District of Old Quebec as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Party with Bonhomme and the Pioneers of Old Quebec

There is no bad time of the year to visit Quebec, but there are some spectacular times. Carnaval de Québec (in mid-February) is an enthusiastic celebration of all things winter (including the Ice Hotel, and the iconic mascot Bonhomme). The New France Festival in mid-August celebrates the heritage of the city with parades, continuous concerts, gastronomic delights, costumes everywhere, and no excuse at all for not having a ton of fun.

Must-Sees: Battlegrounds and a Basilica

You could spend a month in Quebec City and you would never run out of things to do. But there are some “musts” for those visiting for only a few days. Chief among them is Old Quebec, the historic heart of the city that is subdivided by the cliffs that were once scaled by English soldiers at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Today, visitors have two options – the “breakneck stairs” (which really present no significant safety hazard) or the funicular. The Lower Town has great shops, some historic sites (including the lovely, 300-year-old Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, which overlooks Place Royale, the very spot where Québec City was founded in 1608).

The Upper Town highlights include many historic buildings (a guided tour is highly recommended; there are walking tours, double decker bus tours, and even horse-drawn caleche tours.) Must-sees include the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica, and the newly-excavated ruin of the homes of the earliest governors of Quebec, located under the boardwalk beside the Chateau Frontenac.

You will also want to visit the Plains of Abraham, the site of the famous battle that saw the death of both commanding officers – the English general Wolfe, and the French commander Montcalm.

In Quebec City, you’re sleeping on historic ground

Choosing the right accommodations in Quebec City is not a challenge – except for the number of viable options! If you’re with a group of friends, there are plenty of places that offer multi-room suites, apartment-style accommodations, or bed and breakfast for groups. Families will find lots of hotels that cater to family groups.

But for lovers of history – or, in fact, lovers in general – one stands out: the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac , one of the few hotels in the world that actually has become the visual symbol of a city. The Frontenac story is so steeped in history that this is one of very few hotels that actually offers an historic walking tour of the Chateau ($15 per adult guest.)

The Chateau sits on the heights of the cliff above the Lower Town; the views are amazing, and the hotel itself, which celebrates its 126th year in 2019, wonderfully captures the sense of history, while offering thoroughly up to date services and amenities. The guest rooms are all well-appointed and uber-comfortable, but if you can book one of the turret rooms, you’ll make your stay extra-special.

After dinner, finish the night either at the elegant wine bar at the Chateau Frontenac, or for something more lively at Les Voutes de Napoleon, a bar with live music, crowded rooms, and super high energy.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Sleep in a historical auberge where your foodie cravings will be more than satisfied.

Another attractive option is to stay at one of the excellent boutique hotels that are in Old Quebec. For example, the Auberge Saint-Antoine is located in the heart of Quebec’s Old Port. It boasts the luxury that comes with being a Relais & Châteaux hotel, and is actually described as a “museum-hotel”, offering hands-on history: relics from both French and English colonial eras have been incorporated into the design of the Saint-Antoine.

At 94 rooms, it may be a bit of a stretch to call the Auberge a “boutique” accommodation, but you will definitely experience a “boutique” ambience because of the unique design, the riverside location, the 24-hour concierge service and the exquisite, locally-focused cuisine in not one but two fine restaurants – Chez Muffy and the more casual Artéfact. If you have to choose one, opt for Chez Muffy, where Executive Chef Julien Ouellet designs his seasonal menus focusing on ingredients from the hotel’s own farm, located on the nearby l’île d’Orléans.

Auberge Saint-Antoine

Sarah Baxter | 27 September 2018

Best canadian road trip: montréal to québec city.

Hit the highways of the French-Canadian province for wilderness, whales, cosmopolitan cities and the best poutine in town

Canada’s ‘little France’ isn’t so little. Québec – the biggest province in Canada – spans over 1.5 million sq km, stretching from the banks of the St Lawrence River up towards the Arctic Circle. It also offers up a raft of original Québécois experiences within easy reach of two of the country’s most vibrant, historic and entertaining cities. Which means there’s a lot of potential for an easy yet epic roadtrip...

Start: Montréal

Montréal makes a great gateway. With its European heritage, North America feel and its welcoming and diverse population, the world’s second largest French-speaking city is the perfect blend to create a thriving metropolis that’s a touch of Paris, a dash of New York, un poco Italian but, ultimately, a brilliant mix of them all. It’s a city that loves a shindig too, hosting a calendar of eclectic world-renowned festivals that focus on everything from comedy to jazz, cirque to poutine , and Formula 1 to snowy electronic raves.

Notre-Dame Basilica (Dreamstime)

Notre-Dame Basilica (Dreamstime)

Montreal skyline from Mount Royal Park (Dreamstime)

Montreal skyline from Mount Royal Park (Dreamstime)

Start with a walk around the old alleys of Vieux-Montréal, home to cafés, art galleries, and the 19th-century Notre-Dame Basilica. Then head to savour the town with typically maple products and beer tasting at one of the many local brewery’s, sampling satay chicken, legendary beef brisket (a classic smoked meat), fresh-baked bagels, buttery croissants and authentic pizza and cannoli in the Italian district. Burn it off with a walk in Mount Royal Park – the city’s namesake 232m-high peak provides exercise and the best panorama.

Pick up a car and leave Montréal’s urban sophistication for the great Canadian outdoors. It’s only a short drive from the city into the forest-cloaked Laurentian Mountains, which offer outdoor adventures year-round.

Montréal to Tremblant

Skiing at Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort (Dreamstime)

Skiing at Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort (Dreamstime)

Into the mountains

Head for the alpine-cute village of Mont-Tremblant. In winter, it’s the region’s best ski spot, home to perfect downhill pistes plus a vast network of cross-country trails, skating lakes, snowmobile tracks and dog-mushing possibilities. When temperatures warm up there’s great biking, hiking, horseriding and paddling to be found, as well as an extensive zip trek network to explore whilst admiring the fiery foliage in fall.

Tremblant to Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Live it up in lakeland.

Mont Tremblant National Park is only the beginning of the Québécois wilderness. Plunge a little deeper by driving further northeast to Lake Sacacomie, where you can stay in a timber lodge overlooking the water and pretend to be pioneer for a few days. Head out onto the lake by kayak, canoe or a traditional rabaska, the boats used by the region’s original traders. Look out for wildlife along the shores (bears and beavers lurk here) and try catching your own fish supper. Or join a guided Trapper Trek to learn how hunters once survived in these wild woods.

Lake Sacacombie (Shutterstock)

Lake Sacacombie (Shutterstock)

Next, drive east across the Canadian Shield to find more magnificent waters. Huge Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is fringed by sandy beaches, fertile countryside, waterfalls, hiking trails and intriguing history. To make the most of the latter, stay at Val-Jalbert, a 1901 milling village turned ghost town that’s now a living museum. It’s also a good base for making forays into nearby parks to look for wolves, moose and bears.

Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean to Tadoussac

Following the fjord.

From Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, do as the river does: flow towards the St Lawrence via the dramatic Saguenay Fjord. Measuring 105km, it’s one of the world’s longest inlets, flanked by 300m-high cliffs, rocky outcrops, tiny bays and small towns considered to be some of the prettiest in Québec. Stop off to browse artisanal shops, eat homemade blueberry pie in clapperboard cafés or the set off on kayak trips along the river.

Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean (TrailFinders)

Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean (TrailFinders)

Finish in the old fishing village of Tadoussac, which sits where the fjord finally merges into the St Lawrence River and where three currents collide, stirring up an underwater buffet for all manner of whale species. Head out on a Zodiac trip to look for the resident bright-white belugas, seals and dolphins and for the mighty blue, humpback, fin and minke that congregate here from June to September.

Tadoussac to Québec City

Roadtripping along the river.

Tear yourself away from the whales and turn south at Tadoussac to traverse charming Charlevoix, a region of gentle, forest-blanketed hills, fecund valleys, streams and waterfalls, with quaint villages tucked in between. There’s plenty of potential for hikes and bike rides. Or follow the Charlevoix’s Flavour Trail, which links some of the region’s best restaurants and producers – pick up fresh-made cheese, chocolate, honey, charcuterie and other specialities straight from the farm door.

St Lawrence River © Loiselle Marc (TrailFinders)

St Lawrence River © Loiselle Marc (TrailFinders)

Stay the night in La Malbaie, which offers access to excellent ski fields in winter and trails in summer, and dreamy river views year-round. Don’t miss the artsy hub of Baie-Saint-Paul, original home of the Cirque du Soleil, whose old streets are lined with museums, galleries, bars and bistros.

Finish: Québec City

Province capital Québec City is a fine finale. Perched atop a cliff on the banks of the St Lawrence, with a higgle-piggle old town that’s surrounded by robust 17th century walls, it’s arguably the most handsome hub in all of North America.

Québec City (Shutterstock)

Québec City (Shutterstock)

It’s best explored on a guided walk: soak up the city’s turbulent history as you’re led along the top of the ramparts and down through the alleys of Vieux-Québec, perhaps pausing at a Parisian-style street café en route. Also visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame, browse the boutiques and galleries opposite, take the ferry over to Lévis simply to enjoy the view looking back; and, depending on the season, stroll or cross-country ski around the Plains of Abraham, the huge and historic city park.

Don’t leave Québec City without indulging in the local food. You could opt for fancy French haute cuisine, try bison bourguignon or traditional tourtière (game pie), feel the sugar rush of a maple syrup-soaked pouding chômeur or simply tuck into a plateful of poutine – the classic Québécois version of chips, cheese and gravy.

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road trip quebec city to montreal

road trip quebec city to montreal

30 Best Stops Between Quebec City and Montreal

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How long is the drive from Quebec City to Montreal?

The direct drive from Quebec City to Montreal is 157 mi (253 km) , and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 45 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Quebec City to Montreal, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Jacques-Cartier Beach Park and Outdoor and Adventure Inukshuk, or the ever-popular Quebec City Mural.

road trip quebec city to montreal

Best stops along Quebec City to Montreal drive

Quebec city mural.

road trip quebec city to montreal

Jacques-Cartier Beach Park

road trip quebec city to montreal

Outdoor and Adventure Inukshuk

Valcartier vacation village, hôtel de glace.

road trip quebec city to montreal

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

road trip quebec city to montreal

Valcartier Bora Parc

Vallée bras-du-nord, accueil shannahan, chemin du roy, parachute victoriaville, mont arthabaska park, moulin michel de gentilly, parc marie-victorin, notre-dame sanctuary of the cape, vieille prison de trois-rivières.

road trip quebec city to montreal

Don’t forget to pack anything

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road trip quebec city to montreal

Moulin A Laine D'Ulverton

Village québécois d'antan, j. armand bombardier ingenuity museum, abenaki museum, ski bromont, le musée du chocolat de la confiserie bromont, zoo de granby, regard-sur-le-fleuve park, chouette à voir, gault nature reserve of mcgill university.

road trip quebec city to montreal

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road trip quebec city to montreal

Brasserie artisanale Albion

Strøm spa nordique / mont-saint-hilaire, théâtre hector-charland, fromagerie au gré des champs, fort chambly national historic site, top searches in montreal, other popular road trips from quebec city, explore nearby places.

  • Saint-Lambert
  • Cote Saint-Luc
  • Saint-Hubert
  • Sainte-Catherine
  • Sainte Catherine de la Jacques Cartier
  • Boucherville
  • Saint-Constant
  • Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
  • Sainte-Julie
  • Dollard-des-Ormeaux
  • Pointe Claire
  • Saint-Basile-le-Grand
  • Chateauguay
  • Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu

All related maps of Montreal

  • Map of Montreal
  • Map of Saint-Lambert
  • Map of Westmount
  • Map of Longueuil
  • Map of Cote Saint-Luc
  • Map of Brossard
  • Map of La Prairie
  • Map of Saint-Hubert
  • Map of Sainte-Catherine
  • Map of Lachine
  • Map of Candiac
  • Map of Sainte Catherine de la Jacques Cartier
  • Map of Boucherville
  • Map of Kahnawake
  • Map of Delson
  • Map of Laval
  • Map of Saint-Constant
  • Map of Dorval
  • Map of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
  • Map of Sainte-Julie
  • Map of Dollard-des-Ormeaux
  • Map of Pointe Claire
  • Map of Saint-Basile-le-Grand
  • Map of Varennes
  • Map of Terrebonne
  • Map of Chambly
  • Map of Chateauguay
  • Map of Rosemere
  • Map of Kirkland
  • Map of Saint-Mathias-sur-Richelieu
  • Map of Boisbriand

Montreal throughout the year

  • Montreal in January
  • Montreal in February
  • Montreal in March
  • Montreal in April
  • Montreal in May
  • Montreal in June
  • Montreal in July
  • Montreal in August
  • Montreal in September
  • Montreal in October
  • Montreal in November
  • Montreal in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Montreal?

Get inspired for your trip to Montreal with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

  • 1-Day Montreal Itinerary
  • 2-Day Montreal Itinerary
  • 3-Day Montreal Itinerary
  • 4-Day Montreal Itinerary
  • 5-Day Montreal Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from quebec city to montreal.

Yes! You can drive from Quebec City to Montreal.

How far is Montreal from Quebec City by car?

The drive from Quebec City to Montreal is 157 miles (253 km).

How long does it take to drive from Quebec City to Montreal?

Driving from Quebec City to Montreal should take you 2 hrs 45 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Quebec City to Montreal?

Gas from Quebec City to Montreal would cost around $14 to $32 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Quebec City to Montreal?

You could check out Jacques-Cartier Beach Park and Outdoor and Adventure Inukshuk, or the always popular Quebec City Mural!

What's the weather like in Quebec City?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Quebec City in January
  • Weather in Quebec City in February
  • Weather in Quebec City in March
  • Weather in Quebec City in April
  • Weather in Quebec City in May
  • Weather in Quebec City in June
  • Weather in Quebec City in July
  • Weather in Quebec City in August
  • Weather in Quebec City in September
  • Weather in Quebec City in October
  • Weather in Quebec City in November
  • Weather in Quebec City in December

What are some other road trips from Quebec City?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Quebec City.

  • Quebec City to New York City drive
  • Quebec City to Montreal drive
  • Quebec City to Washington DC drive
  • Quebec City to Boston drive
  • Quebec City to Toronto drive
  • Quebec City to Orlando drive
  • Quebec City to Chicago drive
  • Quebec City to Niagara Falls drive
  • Quebec City to Philadelphia drive
  • Quebec City to Ottawa drive
  • Quebec City to New Orleans drive
  • Quebec City to Baltimore drive
  • Quebec City to Nashville drive
  • Quebec City to Atlanta drive
  • Quebec City to Gatlinburg drive
  • Quebec City to Cleveland drive
  • Quebec City to Savannah drive
  • Quebec City to Pittsburgh drive
  • Quebec City to Newport drive
  • Quebec City to St. Augustine drive
  • Quebec City to Charleston drive
  • Quebec City to Williamsburg drive
  • Quebec City to Branson drive
  • Quebec City to Saint Louis drive
  • Quebec City to Memphis drive
  • Quebec City to Miami Beach drive
  • Quebec City to Portland drive
  • Quebec City to Acadia National Park drive
  • Quebec City to Myrtle Beach drive
  • Quebec City to Halifax drive

road trip quebec city to montreal

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Quebec City to Montreal drive

Quebec city to montreal road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Quebec City to Montreal. If you're planning a road trip to Montreal, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Quebec City drive for about 35 minutes

10:35 am   Donnacona stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:35 am drive for about 1.5 hours

1:11 pm   Victoriaville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:11 pm drive for about 53 minutes

3:04 pm   Drummondville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 4:04 pm drive for about 42 minutes

4:46 pm   Saint Hyacinthe stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:46 pm drive for about 46 minutes

6:33 pm   Le Plateau stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:33 pm drive for about 5 minutes

7:38 pm  arrive in Montreal eat at La Banquise Resto stay at Hilton Montreal Bonaventure

driving ≈ 4.5 hours

Quebec City to Montreal questions

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Where should I stop along the way?

Donnacona Victoriaville Drummondville Saint Hyacinthe Le Plateau   (18 mentions)

Where's the best place to stay in Montreal?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Montreal .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out Hilton Montreal Bonaventure , which was mentioned 2 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Montreal? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Montreal?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest La Banquise Resto , which was mentioned 12 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Montreal? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Montreal?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Montreal. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

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Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Montreal.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Montreal to Quebec City drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Quebec City? Try searching for places within 3 hours of Quebec City .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Quebec City to Montreal . Or get a full Quebec City to Montreal flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Quebec City well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Quebec City!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Quebec City to Montreal

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions

We did it our way

Top 15 most scenic road trips and fun drives in Quebec

Marshes on the Côte Nord road trip

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Road trips are one of our favorite activities. We love packing up our car and heading on adventures, either when we go camping or out to explore some cabins . Luckily, we live in a beautiful province that has so much to offer in terms of epic road trips. With some beautiful mountain ranges and the majestic St-Lawrence river, the scenery here will take your breath away! We had to create our list of the best and most scenic drives in Quebec.

When we think of road trips, we don’t always mean hopping on the main highway and getting to the destination as quickly as possible. As the saying goes, it’s often more about the journey than the destination. This is why we encourage you to take the back roads. Get off the beaten path. Stop in the cute towns you see along the way – some will surprise and delight you beyond your wildest road trip dreams.

Of course, you can explore some of these scenic drives on a day trip from Montreal , but ideally, you’re making the time to go on a weekend getaway , or even better, on a more extended holiday around Quebec. Either way, we’ve got you covered!

Quebec Road trip

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Table of Contents

15 scenic road trips in Quebec you have to drive

Because we’re based in Montreal, we’ll be using it as the starting point for all the road trips we’ll be going through. You can use our guide as a rough draft for your own epic drive. And as always, don’t be afraid to make this guide your own. Seek out places that are calling to you and compel you to stop for a moment and enjoy the journey.

Also, you’ll notice that we’ve grouped the road trips by region. This will help you plan out your journey a little better as well. This way, you can decide on the general direction you’ll be heading in, what Quebec road trips are most in reach and how to best plan your route.

And finally, as eco-friendly travelers , we know that road trips aren’t necessarily the most eco-friendly thing you can do. This is why we encourage you to explore responsibly. Make sure you don’t leave any traces behind. Be kind and respectful with the people you meet and the places you go. We’ve included some eco-friendly tips at the end to help you with this journey.

road trip quebec city to montreal

2 scenic drives in the Eastern Townships

We’ve said it a ton of times, but the Eastern townships of Quebec are one of our favorite regions to explore. It’s close to Montreal, between one to three hours away, depending on where you’re going. Not only is the drive there beautiful, but you also have the Route des Cantons which makes it even more enjoyable.

The Eastern Townships, or Les Cantons de l’Est or Estrie, are one of Quebec’s most popular regions. It’s no surprise why. This group of little and big towns are nestled in the valleys of the mountain range. This makes for some pretty epic drives.

Sunrise in the Eastern Townships

1. Driving to the Eastern Townships, a beautiful road trip in Quebec

From Montreal, a drive to the heart of the Easter Townships, like Magog or Orford, will take you about 1.5 hours. Usually, Google will take you down highway 10 as it’s the fastest way to get to your destination.

Let’s be honest, the drive on Autoroute 10 is nothing to write home about. Most of it is done through the plains surrounding the island of Montreal. Sure, you’ll see Mont-Saint-Hilaire pop up on your road trip to the Eastern Townships, but the first half of the drive is pretty lackluster. Once you get to the second leg of the drive, you’ll start feeling like you’re in the mountains, and certain views there are quite epic… But that’s not what this blog is about.

Lake Mémphremagog in the Eastern Townships

Instead, we invite you to take the alternate route. Take route 112 through Chambly, Granby and Eastman. This Quebec road trip itinerary will take you through some of the province’s historic towns and cute villages.

For example, Chambly is home to a historic fort, and the boardwalk there is absolutely gorgeous! Rougemont is where you want to go apple-picking in the fall. Granby has a ton of parks to explore. You can also stop by the Yamaska national park if you want to go on a quick hike. And Eastman, a town in the Eastern Townships, is where you can relax, at one of their many renowned spas.

2. Explore the Eastern Townships on the Chemin des Cantons

We mentioned that the Eastern Townships are made up of delightful little (and big) towns. The best way to explore them is to head out on the Chemin the Cantons . You can either choose to drive down this epic route, or you can even bike it.

The Chemin des Cantons road trip will take you through about 30 different towns. Obviously, you don’t need to stop at each one, but there are quite a few lovely stops along the way like North Hately, Stanstead, Magog, Orford and so many others.

Chemin des Cantons in the Eastern Townships

What’s even more fun about the Chemin des Cantons is that they also have specialized themed routes you can follow to explore the eight different regions of the Eastern Townships. For example, you have the Color Route , which is perfect for exploring fall colors. The Historic Homes route and The English Tea Route are perfect for history buffs. And the Round Barn and Covered Bridges Route is great for those looking for quirky landmarks.

For our foodies and wine connoisseurs, the Wine Route and the Microbrewery Route are also great ones to explore. Just make sure you have a designated driver! Because you don’t want to miss out on these other epic Quebec road trips.

sunset at mount pinacle a great hike in the Eastern townships

Some of our favorite stops along the route include Coaticook, with its majestic gorge and hanging bridge. There are also some amazing hikes to explore there. Same for Sutton, which is a great town, and where you can find a natural environment park with a small waterfall, beautiful views and natural pools to soak in.

North Hately, which we mentioned before, has some beautiful places to explore and bike paths along the lake. Magog is pretty epic with its little beaches and Orford has a ski hill and so many other things to do.

Looking to explore more of the Eastern Townships? Check out our many articles about them: – The best things to do in the Eastern Townships – The best hikes in the Eastern Townships – The best national parks around Montreal (many in the Eastern Townships) – Where to stay in the Eastern Townships

Of course, there are many other epic drives to take in the Eastern Townships. As we explore this area more, we’ll be updating this article, so make sure to check us out again.

3 fun Quebec drives to explore the Outaouais region, the province’s hidden gem

We had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful region of Outaouais at the beginning of the summer. This region is quite close to Montreal, perfect for day trips or weekend getaways . It’s even closer to Ottawa, which is great for our Ontario neighbors too!

3. The Pontiac’s Route 148, the Vanlifer’s dream road trip

The great thing about the Outaouais, beyond the fact that it’s stunning and vastly underrated, is that they now have an official vanlife route traced out. Many businesses now allow vanlifers to sleep on their properties and even offer deals and certain amenities.

Until we get started on our own vanlife journey (because, of course, that’s a dream we have), you can find all the information you need about this route here .

Chutes Plaisance in Outaouais. Waterfalls in Quebec. Sights in Outaouais

Route 138 has so many amazing places to stop and explore. From local businesses to scenic viewpoints, there’s something for everyone here. The Pontiac is a regional county municipality, that is located in the western Outaouais region along the Ottawa River. You can already expect epic views here. This region is rich in heritage and cultural diversity. It’s a bilingual area in Quebec, considering how close it is to Ontario.

4. The route 105 up to the 31-Mile Lake Regional Park

One of the great things about driving through Outaouais is that you can go through such different scenery. And the next destination does not disappoint – it’s the 31-Mile Lake.

This massive lake has so much to offer, from waterfalls, to a natural stone bridge and whirlpool and a bunch of hiking trails. But the route there is what makes it one of the most scenic road trips in Quebec.

View of Outaouais lakes

The initial part of the trek will take you through iconic towns like Montebello and Wakefield. You owe it to yourself to stop here and enjoy the quaint buildings that look like they haven’t changed for decades. Montebello is home to the landmark Chateau Montebello , the Manoir Papineau and so much more.

As for Wakefield, the main road is sprinkled with historic storefronts, but the one that takes the cake is the Wakefield Mill . It’s a great place to stop and have a meal and walk around the grounds. The Wakefield Mill is an  enchanting hotel , luxurious spa and a fine dining experience all rolled into one. Plus, it’s on the edge of Gatineau Park , which is well worth exploring as well!

Wakefield Mill. Places to visit in outaouais

The route around the 31-Mile Lake is also gorgeous. Nestled in the mountains, with plenty of lakes and rivers to explore. There are also a few lovely parks and adventure activities to do in the area. We highly recommend taking some time to stop, stretch your legs and get the adrenaline pumping.

Another great thing about this road trip is that you can easily include Ottawa in your itinerary. You can check out the different government landmarks, the Rideau Canal and so much more. If you have time to spare, it’s definitely worth the detour! And better yet, if you can spend the night here , you can enjoy even more of Canada’s capital city.

5. Drive around the heart of Outaouais and check the highlights

Outaouais is full of amazing places to check out. That’s why we recommend driving around the heart of it. We covered two main areas above, but here are some of the other great places to visit in Outaouais to add to your Quebec road trip itinerary.

Nordik Spa-Nature, an outdoor spa in outaouais. Best attractions in Outaouais

A must-see in Outaouais is the Nordik Spa-Nature Chelsea . This is the largest spa in North America and it’s located on the outskirts of Gatineau Park . The focus of the spa is relaxation and wellness. They do this through different thermotherapy and relaxation techniques where they offer multisensory experience in a picturesque natural setting. For example, you can attend an Aufguss ritual, which is a bewitching choreographed experience in a hot sauna. Another cool feature is the Kalla experience – one of the only two places in America where you can float in a saltwater pool. They also feature 10 outdoor baths, 9 saunas, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, a restaurant, a lounge and a Biërgarden with patios.

EcoOdyssée. Attractions in Outaouais

If you’re not too much into relaxation, you can visit Eco-Odyssée Park in Wakefield. This is the ultimate place for nature conservation, observation and appreciation. It is the best place to learn about the Canadian Beaver, as the whole place was created in an effort to conserve this iconic Canadian animal. Here, you can pedal on the vast water labyrinth which is made up of 64 intersections that spread out over more than 6.4 km. You can watch Eco-Nocturna, a multimedia show projected on a huge mountain rockface that takes place on Fridays & Saturdays. They also have a maze you can walk around in.

Chutes Plaisance in Outaouais. Waterfalls in Quebec. Sights in Outaouais

You can also check out some of the many waterfalls in the area. Some have nice short hikes that allow you to visit them quite easily. There are the Denholm falls, the Plaisance waterfalls, the Coulogne Falls and many others. Actually, Gatineau Park is home to many waterfalls, so you can combine them during your visit there. If you love waterfalls, make sure you check out our article about the best waterfalls in Quebec here .

If you’re looking to explore the Outaouais region, we have a full blog you can read here . Find out all the best things to do there, from more outdoorsy activities like camping, hikes and waterfalls to spa relaxation.

2 epic Quebec road trips in the Laurentians

The region known as the Laurentians is located to the northwest of Montreal. The Laurentians are one of the most popular regions to visit in Quebec, so it’s no surprise that we had to include them in our article. Truth is, the Laurentians are a great destination to visit on a day trip from Montreal , a weekend getaway , or even as a place to stay for longer. There’s so much to do here!

Laurentians road trip

6. A scenic drive to the Laurentians

The drive to the Laurentians is quite a scenic one… even if you are just sticking to the main highway. Although we suggest getting off the main road and going on provincial routes, the drive from Montreal to the Laurentians is lovely year-round. Although we do have a small preference for driving there in the fall, when the leaves have changed colors!

Truth be told, the drive from Montreal to Sain-Jerome is pretty boring, but once you’re about 30-40 minutes out of the city, you start seeing the Laurentian mountains popping up. The route takes you through the mountains on sinuating roads that are a pleasure to drive on. Just be weary in the winter as there is a lot of black ice and conditions can get tricky.

Mont Tremblant national parc sentier centenaire one of the best hikes near Montreal

Some great towns to stop in are Saint-Sauveur , which is not only a ski destination in the winter but also a great place to explore in the summer with its aquatic park, cute town and shops to explore. In the winter, you can also skate in the forest, at John-H Molson Park. Esterel is also a lovely town to discover, especially if you want some R&R – the Esterel resort is one of a kind and will provide the rest you’re looking for. Smaller stops along the way are Saint-Adèle, Morin-Heights and Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard – each offering something unique.

A must when visiting the Laurentians is Mont-Tremblant. This resort town has become a landmark in the area. Here, you can ski in the winter, or walk around the cute town in the summer and fall. The free gondola ride gives you a great view of the area. You can also pay to go up the hill in the panoramic gondola. The Mont-Tremblant village is full of fun shops and restaurants to try out. There are also a ton of activities like the mountain luge, trampoline, rock climbing and more. You can easily spend a full day here and have a blast!

Hike in Mont-Tremblant national park

For those who would rather be a little more active, you can check out the P’tit Train du Nord . It’s a 234 km bike trail and multi-use path that starts in Saint-Jerome and goes all the way up to Mont-Blanc. The path was made for biking, but you can also walk or rollerblade on certain parts as well.

You can also choose to visit some of the national parks that are located in the Laurentians, like the Mont-Tremblant or Oka . Mont-Tremblant has a ton of epic hikes to go on , waterfalls and beaches to hang out on in the summer. Oka is also home to an epic beach that’s very popular for Montrealers in the summer, as well as many hiking trails, and historic buildings.

If you’re looking for some epic hikes to go on in the Laurentians, make sure you check out our full article here. We cover everything from the hikes in the national parks to other epic trails to discover, plus all the info you need to plan your route.

7. Explore the Laurentians with these 2 discovery routes

The Laurentians are also home to 2 historic routes – The Chemin du Terroir and the Chemin des belles histoires. They are both long routes that feature different aspects of the area.

The Chemin du Terroir was inaugurated in 2010 and takes you through more than 226 kilometers of country backroads and byways. Since the Laurentians are home to a ton of agricultural enterprises, this route highlights the best producers in the region. It showcases small businesses that are part of the heritage, culture and history of the place, all while going through the small country roads. Best of all, you can stop for tastings in many of the businesses here, from orchards to wineries, microbreweries, cheese producers and many others.

Laurentians road trip

The second route is the Chemin des Belles Histoires . This route is actually part of the official tourist routes of Quebec and showcases the history of the area. Through this route, you’ll discover how different industries were developed in the area, like forestry, agricultural and touristic sectors. This route spans over 284 km, from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier. It follows the P’tit Train du Nord trail to highlight the route used by early settlers. You can discover different museums, walking paths, and old train stations while learning about the history of each place and town.

3 epic drives in and around Quebec City

The capital of Quebec, Quebec City, is a quick 2.5-3 hour drive from Montreal. It’s another great weekend getaway from the city. There is a ton to do here, but also, so much to see on the way here and around the city as well.

Here are a few road trips to enjoy in and around Quebec City.

8. The road trip from Montreal to Quebec City, the King’s Road

The drive from Montreal to Quebec City is one of the most iconic ones to do in Quebec. The friendly rivalry between the two cities is still alive and well, despite Quebec City no longer having a hockey team. We still all poke some fun at who the real ‘Grande Ville’ is. The route is so important that movies have even been written about it!

The road is called the King’s Road (Le Chemin du Roy) and it dates back to 1737 when officials decreed a royal route to be built between Montreal and Quebec City, the two biggest settlements in the new French colony. Quebec and Montreal are still the two largest cities in the province. Back then, this road was the longest road north of the Rio Grande!

Quebec City Road trip

There are 2 main highways that will take you to Quebec City. The 40 east, which follows the St-Lawrence River on the north shore is one of the most popular ways to get there. The drive is fairly straightforward – not many notable things are along the way. However, you can always hop on route 138, which is the historic and rural Chemin du Roy. It’s a lot more scenic but less fast than taking the 40. On your journey, you’ll see plenty of churches with double spires which date back to the 18th & 19th centuries. You’ll also spot buildings with bright red roofs. They were painted this way to help guide the men at sea safely to shore.

Another is by taking the 20 east which goes on the southern shore below the island. The exciting thing about this route is that you’ll pass by the Chutes de la Chaudière – these impressive waterfalls on the side of the highway. There is an exit for them, so if you have the time, we highly recommend stopping to go for a walk here. If the tide is low, you can walk surprisingly close to them. If not, there are hiking trails and a suspended bridge that will give you a good look at them.

Chutes de la Chaudiere in Levis, Quebec, on a weekend getaway from Montreal

Quebec City is a great place to discover. Walking around the old city, you’ll be transported to a different place and time. Plus, the impressive Chateau Frontenac , one of the most photographed hotels in the world, is a gem in itself! You can also walk around the lower part of the city that has a charm of its own. The cobblestone streets, the historic architecture, everything about this city will pull you under its charm.

We know this article is about road trips, but if you have the chance, absolutely walk around as much as possible here. It’s such a great walkable city, in the summer like the in the winter!

Montmorency waterfalls, a great park to visit in Quebec

And in terms of fun places to visit nearby (yes, with a car), you have the Jacques Cartier National park which is about 30 minutes from the city. A must-see includes the Montmorency Falls (taller than the Niagara Falls) which are just outside the city and visible from the street as well. But we recommend stopping and taking a good look at these falls. The whole park around it has everything to keep you busy for an afternoon. Our favorite things about these falls are that in the winter, you can walk on the frozen river and get super close to them… Warning – you will be soaking wet after!

And while you’re at the Montmorency waterfalls , you can head on down to the next amazing road trip destination below!

9. Cruise around Île d’Orléans, a beautiful Quebec drive

Île d’Orléans is a beautiful little island located across Quebec City, in the middle of the St-Lawrence River. It’s the perfect place to visit while you’re in Quebec City, or you can make it a destination on its own, especially if you’re into local food and produce. Fun fact: The best Quebec strawberries are grown on Île d’Orléans. With its ancestral homes dating back to the 17th century, the island is full of French heritage.

There are a few ways to explore Île d’Orléans! The most-eco friendly thing you can do is to bike around the island. It’s also great to stop and take the view in. And of course, you can always drive around it as well.

Along the route, you’ll see a ton of places where you can stop and pick produce (strawberries, raspberries, you name it, they grow it). We found this great little business called Tigidou jams , where they make a ton of delicious treats like jams, spreads, sorbets and more from the fresh produce of the island.

Fresh strawberries from Ile D'Orleans

You’ll also notice an abundance of wineries. We highly recommend stopping to try a few local drinks (responsibly, of course). We really enjoyed our tasting at the Isle de Bacchus vineyards. You can easily drive around and find other wineries too, depending on what you’re looking for. There are a few vineyards that produce organic or natural wines.

Other fun stops on Île d’Orléans include the Observation Tower, which gives you great views of the island and the shores across the St Lawrence River. On clear days, you can see pretty far with a stunning 360 view. Another must is Cassis Monna et Filles . It’s an economuseum where you can discover the island’s famous blackcurrant liqueur, try their ice cream or other blackcurrant delicacies.

There is plenty to do on Île d’Orléans. You can choose to stay on the island as there are a few little hotels and inns around . You can also stay in Quebec City and head there on a day trip. Or, you can choose to reconnect with nature by staying at the lovely Nöge Hébergement .

10. Drive the historic routes around Quebec City

Quebec City is a historic city itself, which is why it’s no surprise that there are many historic routes around it. Each one highlights something different and unique. They take you to different parts of the city and region, and vary in length.

The first one is called the New France Route ( Route de la Nouvelle France ), which is what Quebec was called back when it was colonized. On this route, you will discover many relics from early settlers when this route was a supply road that connected Quebec City to the coast of the St. Lawrence at Côte-de-Beaupré. Expect to see many old homes and churches on this 55-km route. You can also see museums and old farms on this route. Noteworthy stops include Domaine de Maizerets , Maison Girardin , Auberge Baker , and Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area .

Quebec City Road trip

Another route to drive around is actually one that connects Montreal to Quebec, the King’s Road ( Le Chemin du Roy ). Of course, you took this route to get to Quebec City, but there are quite a few stops along the way like the Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade church and the Quebec Folk Culture Museum . Another way to explore this route is by biking the Green Route (la Route verte).

The Route des Navigateurs ( The Navigators’ Route ) is another great road trip around Quebec City. This 470-km drive will take you through historic towns and martime ports that are located along the southern half of the St-Lawrence River. Basically, this route follows Highway 132 and goes through different regions in Quebec like Centre-du-Quebec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Bas-Saint-Laurent. This is the perfect route for anyone who loves to check out lighthouses, or to stop along the river for cute picnics.

There are no shortage of routes and epic road trips around Quebec City. Depending on how long you have, what you’re into and what the weather is, there is something for everyone!

3 epic drives in Quebec, north of the Saint-Lawrence River

As you’ve already seen, there is no shortage of epic road trip ideas all over Quebec. In the next part, we’ll focus on the ones that are located on the north shore of the Saint-Lawrence river. Although some parts of this shore are quite known, there are still so many hidden gems to discover. And as always, use whatever we have here as a base to build the best Quebec road trip for you.

11. Road trip in Quebec’s beautiful region of Charlevoix

Just past Quebec City, you’ll hit La Malbaie, the entrance to one of Quebec’s most beautiful regions (and one of our personal favorites), Charlevoix! This epic Quebec road trip will take you from La Malbaie to Baie-Sainte-Catherine, which is the last town before getting on a ferry to hit Tadoussac, the entry to the Côte-Nord .

Charlevoix is full of amazing stops on the road and beautiful places to discover. The main reason we love it so much is that it’s home to some of Quebec’s best national parks – Grands Jardins and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-rivière-Malbaie . It’s also home to the ZEC des Martres , which has a bunch of amazing hikes as well. For nature lovers, Charlevoix is a dream come true. Even if you’re not big on hiking, seeing the beautiful mountainous landscape here makes for breathtaking views!

The mountains in Charlevoix

Another reason we love Charlevoix is because of the beaches all around. Our favorite still remains Plage Sainte-Irénée – it’s also a local favorite! You can easily spend a full day here and enjoy lounging around the water. Bring chairs and a towel. The water can be quite cold, but it’s a welcome relief from the sweltering summer heat. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants around where you can get your fill. If you’re around later in the afternoon, you may also see the famous Charlevoix train that toots while it drives past the beach. Expect cheering and applause from the crowds on the beach!

Finally, for those who can’t make it to the Côte-Nord or Tadoussac, Charlevoix is one of the best places in Quebec to go whale-watching. There are plenty of places you can stop and look out for these majestic mammals. You can even kayak or paddleboard amongst them. However, we highly recommend you keep a safe distance and not approach them aggressively. We also don’t recommend hopping on whale-watching boat tours. These boats rarely respect the accepted distance to keep and create a ton of noise pollution for the sealife.

Charlevoix Scenic drive in Quebec

Some musts in Charlevoix include Baie-des-Rochers, Saint-Siméon with the Port-au-Saumon Ecological Center where you can hit the trails, explore the forest and marine ecosystems to learn more about them, Port-au-Persil and Baie-Sainte-Catherine, the last stop before getting to the ferry to the Côte-Nord.

Charlevoix is a great region to explore and a fun road trip to go on. Getting to the area will take you about 4 hours from Montreal (and about 1 from Quebec City). Exploring the region will take you even longer. Sure, you can spend a long weekend here, but the best is to spend at least a week to be able to enjoy all the hikes and amazing things to do. .

12. Explore the route around Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Saguenay is a beautiful region. It’s mainly located around the Saint-Jean Lake ( Lac Saint-Jean ). It’s home to some epic waterfalls, lovely beaches, blueberries galore and tons of hikes as well. We have a whole article about the Saguenay region you can check out here to help you plan your trip. Here are the highlights for you.

Sunset at the wharf, one of the best things to do in the Saguenay Lac St-Jean region

As we mentioned, Lac-Saint-Jean is at the heart of the Saguenay region. And no visit to the area is complete without checking out this big mass of water. And the best way to explore it is by walking or biking the Véloroute des Bleuets bicycle circuit, or the Blueberry Route. It’s a 256-kilometer pathway or bike path that circles Lac-Saint-Jean and crosses 15 municipalities. It stretches from the estuary all the way up and around the lake. It’s a great place to scavenge for blueberries as well (as the name says)!

In the Saguenay region, you have a few national parks and reserves you can visit. Our favorite one here is the Fjord-Du-Saguenay national park . It’s split into different sectors, each one offering great views. A great hike in the Baie-Éternité sector is the Sentier de la Statue which will take you about 3-4 hours. It has amazing panoramic views of the Fjord from pretty high up in the mountains. In the L’Anse-Saint-Jean sector, the Sentier des Chutes will take you to an impressive waterfall. While the Sentier de l’Anse-de-Tabatière in the same sector will get you a stunning view of the fjord, but with little effort.

The Fjord is a great place to kayak, or you can even drive around on the Fjord Route that goes from the coast all the way to the lake. It’s a must for Quebec road trip lovers, especially considering all the small shops, restaurants and artisans you can check out in the area.

Ouiatchouan falls. A must see in Saguenay lac-st-jean from the hiking trail

Other musts in the area include the Val Jalbert Historic Ghost Town , the Ouiatchouan waterfall , and the beaches along the Saint-Jean Lake. Saguenay is home to a few big towns that you can check out like Chicoutimi, Jonquière and Saguenay.

You can easily spend a long weekend , or a whole week doing this road trip. Although the drive to the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean area is too far (about 4-5 hours from Montreal), there’s so much to do there, that you do want to take the time and properly explore it all.

If you’re heading to the Saguenay, we recommend checking out our full blog article with many more details about this amazing region in Quebec. There, you can read about all the best things to do here.

13. Drive along the Côte-Nord’s Route 138

Route 138 is the longest route in Quebec… is this true? Maybe not, but in our eyes, it is! It’s actually an iconic route you can drive that you can even get to the end of, and that makes it really fun to explore. Plus, some of Quebec’s most iconic stops and landmarks are on this route. The Côte-Nord extends from Tadoussac all the way to Kegaska (by road) or well beyond that, if you take a boat or a flight.

From whale-watching to puffins, from monoliths to waterfalls and epic beaches, this road trip will surely take your breath away. If you’re heading this way, make sure you check out our full blog article here .

The monoliths on Quarry Island in the Mingan Archipelago

The Côte-Nord is full of amazing gems to discover. We’ll start with our absolute favorite – the monoliths of the Mingan Archipelago. It’s quite a road trip to get here, but it’s well worth the journey. These monoliths are located in Parks Canada reserves to protect them and the fragile environment they’re in. There are day trips to the different islands of the Archipelago, but if you have the time, we recommend camping at one of them. But make sure you check out what islands your tour will visit as not all have them!

Tadoussac is a great town to check out if you can’t make it further into the Côte-Nord. It’s home to amazing beaches, microbreweries, a whale interpretation center and plenty of places to watch for whales from the shore. And if you want to get more whale-watching in, you can head a little further down the road to Cap-de-Bon-Désir . But the great news is that since the Côte-Nord’s Route 138 goes all the way along the shore of the Saint-Lawrence river, you can see and hear whales all the way to Kegaska.

As for the beaches, the most iconic one is located quite a ways down the 138, in Forestville. This is where they filmed The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair starring Patrick Dempsey. It’s now made this beach quite famous! But again, there are plenty of beaches all down the coast – Port-Cartier, Tadoussac, Sept-Îles, Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, and so many others. Be ready for a bit of a shock, because the waters are cold, but refreshing on hot summer days.

Chute Manitou, a waterfall in Quebec's Côte Nord

Waterfalls are also abundant on this route. Our favorites included the epic Chutes Manitou, as well as the Grand Sault waterfall. There are many more along the way. There are also plenty of other natural wonders to explore, from national parks to islands, bays and so much more. For nature lovers, the Côte-Nord has so much to offer, especially in terms of untapped beauty.

There is also a great opportunity to learn more about Innu culture during your road trip to the Côte-Nord. You can visit the  Maison de la culture innue  in Ekuanitshit to learn about the history of these people who were hunters, fishers and artisans. There’s also the  Maison de transmission de la culture innue Shaputuan  in Sept-Îles, and Wabush au pays des Innus at the Parc Nature Pointe-aux-Outardes. We highly recommend stopping by there.

The end of route 138 in Kegaska on Quebec's Côte Nord

The Côte-Nord’s Route 138 is one of the best Quebec road trips we’ve been on. We can’t say enough amazing things about it! We really hope you can drive this route because it’s full of beautiful surprises!

Driving down this iconic Quebec route, you can take a few days going to Tadoussac and back. But if you really want to make the best of this road trip and head to the end of the road, we recommend taking at least 10 days or 2 weeks. There’s really plenty to explore, and depending on your rhythm, you may want to stay a little while longer!

Looking for more inspiration for your Côte-Nord trip, make sure you check out our full article here . We get into all the details of the best things to do, where to stay, and all the top attractions there.

2 amazing drives in Quebec, on the south shore of the Saint-Lawrence

These are the final two road trips we recommend in Quebec. They are somewhat iconic Quebec drives as it seems they are a right of passage for those living in Quebec. They are long, multi-day trips where the journey is spectacular and the destinations are well worth spending more than a few days in. So here we go!

14. A road trip through Gaspésie, a scenic Quebec drive

The region of Gaspésie is absolutely lovely, in the summer and in the winter. It’s well worth the 10+ hour drive to get there. Heading to Gaspésie is one of those epic road trips that you can do over and over again while continuously discovering new places and hidden spots.

Obviously, you’re going to need to break the drive up. We highly recommend stopping overnight (or for 2-3 nights, if you can swing it) in the Rimouski area. This is the half-way point between Montreal and Gaspésie. Camping fans should try and book their nights at the Bic national park . It’s by far one of our favorite parks in Quebec. Book way ahead of time if you can, because it gets booked up very quickly. The sunset and sunrises there are just breathtaking. And the hike that takes you around the peninsula at low tide is a must.

From there, you keep heading east to the tip of the Quebec peninsula. And eventually, you arrive in Gaspésie. The landscape is stunning. Coastal drives surrounded by impressive mountains. Cute homes, delicious casse-croutes (french for diner or little food shack), and wildlife. Driving around here is just a trip!

The view from Land's End in Forillon Park in Gaspesie. One of the best parks from Park Canada in Quebec

While you’re in Gaspésie, you have a few landmarks to check off your bucketlist. First is the hike to Land’s End in Parks Canada’s Forillon national park . This is an epic hike to do. There’s also the Gaspésie national park that’s an absolute must when it comes to hikes. You can hike up the second tallest peak in Quebec, Mont-Jacques-Cartier. Another must is Mont Saint-Albert, a tough 7-8 hour hike. The best thing about these hikes is that you’re likely to see moose or caribou on the trails.

The town of Gaspé is also a must, as it has so many cute places to check out. Plus, it’s a great place to go whale-watching. The town of Percé and its Rocher Percé are other must-sees in the region. While you’re around Percé, you should check out the clear waters of the rivière aux emeraudes and the waterfall there. You should also head to the island called Île Bonaventure , which is also a national park. There, you’ll see huge flocks of Northern Gannets who call the island home. You’ll likely see plenty of seals in the waters as well.

The view of Percé and the Rocher Percé in Percé, Gaspésie. These are part of the best national parks in Quebec

Gaspésie is really a magical region to discover. It has so much to offer to nature lovers. There is no shortage of fun adventures to experience on this epic Quebec road trip. For a full experience, we recommend spending at least 10 to 14 days doing this road trip.

15. The most epic Quebec road trip to Îles-de-la-Madeleine (the Magdalen Islands)

The final Quebec road trip on our list is the most epic one! It’s the one that will require the most effort, crossing over many provinces and taking a ferry to the remote Magdalen islands. But the journey and the destination are quite worth it. We have a full guide to visiting the Magdalen Islands that you can check out.

The archipelago of the Magdalen Islands is located in the heart of the St-Lawrence Gulf, about 105 km from Prince Edward Island and 95 km from Nova Scotia. They’re made of rolling green hills, dunes, and beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. They often say that the Îles de la Madeleine are like the Ireland of Quebec. To get there, you have to drive to the far east of Quebec, cut through New Brunswick, take the bridge to Prince Edward Island and from there, catch a ferry to the Islands.

Magdalen Islands at sunset from the air

The drive there is quite a trek. We recommend staying the night in New Brunswick ( Moncton has a variety of accommodations ) and heading out as early as you can to catch the ferry from Souris, in Prince Edward Island. The ferry leaves once a day to go to and from the Magdalen Islands, and the journey on the boat is about 5 hours long.

Once you arrive here, there is so much to do. Weather permitting, the beaches on the Îles de la Madeleine are some of the best ones in Quebec. For fans of wind sports like kite surfing, this is what dreams are made of! In fact, all the outdoor activities on the Magdalen Islands are a treat! Hiking up the dunes or buttes , biking around on e-bikes (it gets really windy, so the battery power is so helpful), hiking the trails – there is so much to do here.

There are also some great boating excursions you can do while on the islands. Our favorites were going to visit Entry Island, which is inhabited by about 50 people and where you can hike the tallest peak of the Archipelago. And we loved going around with Le Pluvier , a boat ride that takes you along the coast and into the cliffs.

Sunrise on the Magdalen Islands

But the best thing to do on the islands is to drive around the islands. Another epic Quebec Road trip! There are about a dozen islands that make up the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago, with six that are connected by long sand dunes that you can explore while you’re here. They cover about 88 km. The six main islands are l’Île de la Grande Entrée (only acessible by boat), la Grosse Île, l’Île de la Pointe aux Loups, l’Île du Havre aux Maisons, l’Île au Cap aux Meules and l’Île du Havre Aubert. Each island has something a little different and unique to offer.

During our stay on the islands, we would drive around all day, from sunrise to sunset, and check out what each island had to offer. From historic spots to cute shops, art galleries, cafés, and artisan boutiques, there is something for everyone here. The roads are smooth and well-maintained, so you can really take the time to enjoy this road trip.

La grave sector in the Magdalen Islands

We recommend spending about 5 days on the Magdalen islands if you’re crunched for time. This means the full road trip will take 7 days total, including the stops between here and Montreal. But if you have the time to spend a good 10 days here, you will not get bored. In the summer months, peak season, the Islands are quite busy with tourists and that’s when all the shops are open. However, in the low shoulder season, shops and galleries tend to have off hours. You’ll need to plan accordingly.

If you want to know all the best things to do on the Magdalen Islands, including the best activities, where to stay, where to eat and everything else you need to know, make sure you check out our full Îles de la Madeleine guide here .

5 quick tips to have a more eco-friendly road trip

As eco-friendly travelers , we wanted to share some of our little tips to help make your road trip a little more eco-friendly. Here are some quick ideas to make sure you’re helping keep the planet beautiful for others to enjoy as well.

  • Check your car is running smoothly before you leave . Since driving around isn’t the most eco-friendly thing you can do, here are some ways to make sure your impact is minimized while you’re driving around. Make sure your car is well-maintained. Check the tire pressure to ensure they are optimal. Check your oil as well. A properly running car is more fuel-efficient.
  • Before you leave home, unplug what you can . Leaving things plugged in will use up useless energy. Make sure you unplug floor lamps, small appliances and anything else that will go unused during your road trip. Not only is this more eco-friendly, but it’s also a money-saving trick.
  • Bring reusables with you to minimize your trash. We mean bring all the reusables you can. We have our reusable water bottle and water filtering bottle that we always bring, so we don’t need to buy plastic water bottles. A reusable coffee mug is a must for coffee-drinking road trippers. And a reusable grocery bag for when you need to stock up on food along the way. Bring those good habits you have at home with you on the road.
  • Pack your own snacks and meals, as well as your packaging and cutlery. Since Carine is a vegan , finding plant-based food on the road is sometimes a challenge. That’s why we always make our own snacks and meals at home before hitting the road. We will also make sure to bring our cutlery (camping utensils, plates and containers) with us so we don’t pick up unnecessary trash along the way.
  • Compost on the road. Since we try to minimize the amount of trash we have on the road by making our own meals or bringing our own containers, the main source of trash we end up collecting is food scraps. Depending on the length of our road trip, we will bring our compost bin with us. We collect our food scraps during our road trip and discard of the compost when we get back home, or if we find places along the way.

Scenic Drives in Quebec

The 15 best Quebec road trips

There you have it! The 15 best scenic Quebec drives you can take in the province. Of course, there are a ton more epic road trips to take here, but these are the ones that have been tried and tested. So if you’re looking to escape from Montreal, these are some of the beautiful places you can head out to on your next adventure.

  • The Eastern townships
  • Chemin des Cantons and other small Eastern Township drives
  • The Pontiac’s Route 148
  • Outaouais’ Route 105
  • Landmarks in Outaouais
  • Laurentians
  • Historic routes in the Laurentians
  • Quebec City
  • Île d’Orléans
  • Routes around Quebec City
  • Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean
  • Côte Nord’s route 138
  • Îles de la Madeleine

Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever been on any of these road trips. Which ones are your favorites? If not, which one are you most looking forward to going on for your next adventure? And more importantly, are there any road trips that we missed out on? Which ones should we be adding to our list?

Thank you so much for reading the article all the way through!

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We’re Carine and Derek, two Canadians in love with each other, the environment and this world. We left our old routines behind to discover all the wonders our planet has to offer. We want to inspire everyone to chase their dreams and leave a positive impact on Earth.

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Bright autumn leaves in a forest on the edge of a lake in the Mont-Tremblant National Park, Quebec.

25 Best Road Trips From Montreal, Quebec

If you live in Montreal or just visiting Quebec's largest city, there are some truly outstanding road trip options in virtually every direction whether you want to explore nature, discover historic towns or hop across the border to the USA.

From National Parks either side of the border to some of the most interesting cities in North America and even vineyards and castles, we've got the ultimate list of road trips from Montreal for you to choose your next adventure.

Starting with the shortest, I've listed these in order of how long it will take you to get there. If you're looking for a road trip that will take you further away and have a week or two to spare, feel free to scroll further down!

1. Cross the border to Adirondack Park, NY

1 hour 35 minutes from Montreal (129 km)

View across the Adirondack Park from the top of Mount Marcy, New York.

The shortest road trip on our list doesn't mess about and heads straight for the border south of Montreal, crossing into the United States. Adirondack Park is a huge Forest Preserve covering much of the northern part of New York State.

The area is home to the Adirondack Mountains, some 10,000 lakes and endless rivers. The vast area covers 9,375 square miles which start almost as soon as you cross the border from Canada - that's only a fraction smaller than the entire neighbor state of Vermont!

If you love nature, Adirondack offers plenty of ways to explore it - the hiking here is second to none and you can explore the waterways by canoe or kayak.

The weather here can get very cold and harsh in the winters with temperatures dipping below -30 °F (-35 °C) but there's lots of winter sports on offer whether you like Nordic or Alpine skiing. Lake Placid is located within the park and is famous for being one of only 3 cities to have hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice.

To get to Adirondack Park, head south along Autoroute 15 that becomes the I-87 once you cross into the United States. The park hugs the shoreline of Lake Champlain and spreads west and south from there.

If you're looking to really escape civilization, head for the High Peaks Wilderness just south of Lake Placid - the drive down from Montreal is a little over 2 hours and you'll find some beautiful scenery that is a great spot for hiking.

2. A weekend road trip to Montebello

1 hour 35 minutes from Montreal (130 km)

Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours church in Montebello, Quebec.

The small but charming town of Montebello sits on the Ottawa River about halfway from Montreal to the Canadian Capital and is surrounded by beautiful forests.

The short road trip from Montreal to Montebello will take about 90 minutes - follow Autoroute 50 west out of Montreal towards Gatineau and look for the turn off after about 30km.

A famous politician called Louis-Joseph Papineau made his home here for several decades as he lived at the Manoir Papineau and the town took on the informal name he gave to his estate.

Along with the historic manor building, Montebello boasts the world's largest log cabin - the Hotel Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello . With a spa and a very decent restaurant, this is a great option to stay a night or two if your wallet allows it!

If you are foodie, you're in major luck. The local Fromagerie Montebello has some amazing cheeses that have won major international awards, there's an artesan chocolate shop called Chocomotion and even a local craft brewery - Les Brasseurs de Montebello.

3. Relax in Burlington, VT and Lake Champlain

1 hour 45 minutes from Montreal (154 km)

Burlington Breakwater Lighthouse on Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont.

If you're looking for a destination where you can sit and watch the water of a picturesque lake flow for a few days and do absolutely nothing else, then you need to head across the border from Montreal to Vermont.

Lake Champlain is right in the north of the state and splits Vermont from New York State to the west. Burlington is a pretty town that sits on the water and has a historic downtown with cobbled streets and old buildings dating back to the 18th and early 19th centuries.

It might seem like a small sleepy town (which it is!), but Burlington is by far the largest city (we'll use that word sparingly!) in Vermont with a population of 60,000 if you include its neighbour South Burlington.

There's plenty of nature to explore all around if you want to get out and about to break up life in the slow lane and a short drive away you'll find the capital of Vermont - Montpelier.

Going with the theme of not being very densely populated, this is the smallest capital of any U.S. State with a population of under 8,000 but it's great for a stroll day trip out!

4. Walk the border in Stanstead, QC and Derby Line, VT

1 hour 45 minutes from Montreal (161 km)

Cars waiting at the Customs inspection point on Main Street in Derby Line, Vermont.

For the most part, the border between the United States and Canada runs far away from any towns - it follows lakes and rivers, goes through wild mountain terrain and areas with very sparse populations between northern Montana, North Dakota, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The same cannot be said for the border between Quebec and Vermont that cuts right through the towns of Derby Line (VT) and Stanstead (QC), a short road trip from Montreal headed south.

These two sleepy towns either side of the border are worth visiting just to see the hilarity of this border that not only goes right through the middle of the town, splits streets into a Canadian and a U.S. side, but also splits a lot of the buildings including a computer shop and the local Haskell Library which has separate entrances from either country.

Although it is rather amusing that long stetches of road here have houses in different countries on either side, enforcement of the border has stepped up in recent years so be careful not to accidentally cross over as you could get into actual trouble for illegally crossing.

To check out life on the other side, there are 4 official border crossings where you can get between the two countries - it might take a few minutes as your documents and car will be checked, but it's usually a fairly straight-forward process.

5. Road trip to Mont-Tremblant National Park and the town

1 hour 55 minutes from Montreal (142 km)

Bright autumn leaves in a forest on the edge of a lake in the Mont-Tremblant National Park, Quebec.

A perfect weekend road trip from Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is about 90 minutes up Autoroute 15 with the National Park a little further north from the town.

The town is a perfect place to spend a night or two - we're talking charming small cobblestone streets, almost European-looking buildings, 2 local craft breweries, a Scandinavian spa, and even cheese fondue at La Savoie restaurant.

In the winter, Mont Tremblant is a popular ski destination. The ski area is relatively small and it can get busy at weekends with Montreal and Ottawa not far away, but if you're only going for a short stay, it can be a perfect place to relax - just remember that it can get mighty cold during the winter.

In the summer, the National Park has some of the best hiking routes in Quebec - the forests and mountains create for a very picturesque landscape. There's waterfall trails, kayaking and lots of different ways to explore local nature.

For those who like a bit more adrenaline, the Via Ferrata Du Diable course will have you crossing rope bridges and scaling rocks 200 metres above the Devil River flowing below.

6. Road trip to Canada's Capital - Ottawa and Gatineau

2 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (198 km)

Canadian Parliament building and the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada.

The road trip from Montreal to Ottawa will take a little over 2 hours. You can follow Autoroute 50 along the northern bank of Ottawa River, Highway 17 along the southern bank, Ontario 417 or drive along St Lawrence River to Cornwall and head north from there.

There's little difference between the routes in terms of time so you might as well go and come back via different routes with French signs on the way and English ones on the way back.

Ottawa is Canada's capital and the seat of the country's parliament and this is the best place to start your trip around town.

The Centre Block building on Parliament Hill looks very European as does a lot of Ottawa. Not only can you go inside, but there's free tours that will tell you all about the building's history.

Then walk along the Rideau Canal or see it by boat in the summer, pop into the ByWard Market and explore the many museums and art galleries in the city.

Gatineau is just across the river in Quebec and is well worth a visit too. It feels more like a neighborhood of Ottawa than a completely separate city.

Gatineau Park and the Canadian Museum of History should both be on your agenda - the latter is the most visited museum in Canada and has stunning exhibitions as well as an IMAX theatre.

7. Go skiing in Stowe, Vermont

2 hours 25 minutes from Montreal (207 km)

Gondola lift at the top of the Stowe Mountain Resort with mountain views in Vermont, USA.

Stowe is a massively popular ski resort in Vermont, located about 45 minutes from Burlington (see #3 above) and half an hour from Montpelier, the state's capital.

Yes, this is another one of the many road trips from Montreal across the border to the United States, but it's worth it!

The fastest and easiest route to Stowe is to cross into the United States at the Highgate Springs–St. Armand/Philipsburg Border Crossing and to follow the route south to Burlington. From there I-89 will take you further into Vermont and you'll see signs for Stowe when you reach Waterbury.

Although Stowe is in the United States, Montreal is the closest big city to the resort. With other ski destinations closer to Boston and New York, this means that Stowe doesn't get as busy as places like Killington.

It's not a big resort - there's only 12 lifts going up the mountain, although these are predominantly big chairlifts and there is a fast gondola going up to Cliff House.

If you want to do more skiing, the smaller Smugglers Notch ski area is only 15 minutes' drive away.

Off the slopes, the town of Stowe is full of charm and history - the buildings clad in timber are home to local shops and restaurants and the hotels are generally very good, if a little on the pricey side.

8. Explore the Thousand Islands National Park and Boldt castle

2 hours 30 minutes from Montreal (226 km)

Bridge across the Thousand Islands area on the Ontario, Canada side.

The Thousand Islands area sits on the border between Canada and the United States at the point where the St Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario.

The National Park is on the Canadian side and encompasses a huge number of islands ranging from the biggest one called Wolfe Island to many much smaller islands dotted around.

Some of the islands in the area are privately owned, including the mysterious Deer Island reportedly owned by the Skull and Bones secret society, so you'll need to check which you can visit.

There's lots of boat tours and cruises you can go on from Gananoque and Kingston (see #13 below) or you can hire your own boat to explore the are - just be careful as the international border runs through the river with parts of the island group across in the USA!

Boldt Castle is on one of the islands that is across the border. This castle was originally built by the millionaire George Boldt but the construction halted in 1904 and the castle was never finished. It is open to visitors through the summer months and the castle construction is still ongoing using the proceeds although at the current pace, that's likely to take some time.

9. Road trip from Montreal to Quebec City

2 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (255 km)

Rue du Petit-Champlain in Old Quebec part of Quebec City, Canada.

Quebec City lies further down the St Lawrence River from Montreal - Autoroute 40 along the north bank of the river will take a little over 3 hours but you can shave 20 minutes off your journey by taking the Trans-Canada Highway along Autoroute 20 instead.

One of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City and the entire province are named after an old Algonquin word which means "Where the river narrows".

Founded in 1608, Quebec City boasts the only Fortified historic old town in Canada or the United States. You've got cobblestone streets, a Chateau sitting on top of the hill and beautiful stone buildings throughout.

Quebec City is perfect for a city break - it's big enough for some great museums, galleries and restaurants, but small enough to make it very walkable.

You can also use Quebec City as a base or a stopover point for trips further afield - Jacques Cartier National Park (#12 below) is not far from the city and Tadoussac (#18) and Saguenay Fjords (#19) are further along St Lawrence River.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Quebec City

10. La Mauricie National Park and Trois-Rivières

3 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (230 km)

Lake surrounded by a forest with autumn leaves in La Mauricie National Park in Quebec, Canada.

It may be a little unfair to put a time of over 3 hours for a trip to the La Mauricie National Park and many people who live in Montreal will tell you it's only about 2 hours away.

However, the road that loops through the park can take some time to drive depending on where in the park you are going.

Sure - the entrance near Shawinigan is just about a 2-hour road trip from Montreal, but popular destinations like Waber Falls or Caribou Lake are another 45 minutes further into the park and Lake Edouard is the place that'll take over 3 hours to get to.

Hiking routes and trails along lakes, streams and waterfalls are all on the menu - head up to Trois-Rivières along Autoroute 40 and then turn north when you get there - the park entrance is not far from Grand-Mère.

Don't forget to stop in Trois-Rivières on your way there or back. This is the second oldest city in Quebec after Quebec City and was founded back in 1634.

The old city is not big but you'll see a lot of pretty historic buildings along Rue des Ursulines with some dating back to the 17th century.

11. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

3 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (285 km)

Swift River flowing next to the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountains National Forest, New Hampshire.

White Mountain National Forest covers a massive 1,200 square miles of New Hampshire. The best way to get here is to avoid the busier crossing at Philipsburg and instead head east along Autoroute 10 to Magog. From there, head south towards the Stanstead - Derby Line crossing (which is worth a stop in its own right! See #4 above).

I-91 followed by I-93 will take you to Connecticut River which acts as the border between the states of Vermont and New Hampshire. Whiet Mountain National Forest starts almost as soon as you get across the river and drive past Littleton.

There's a lot of amazing hiking routes, camping opportunities and every kind of outdoor activity you may want.

The tallest mountain in northeastern United States is also here and if you don't fancy hiking up it, you're in luck. A $31 payment per car plus $9 per passenger let you go all the way up in your car. The views are spectacular but do take care - the road gets twisty and very steep in places.

Winds can be very strong when you get higher up and even if you're coming in the summer, remember that it can feel much much cooler when you get there.

12. Road trip to Jacques Cartier National Park

3 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (301 km)

A moose and calf wading in a lake in the Jacques Cartier National Park with mountains in the background.

The entrance to Jacques Cartier National Park is less than 30 minutes from Quebec City (see #9 above) so if you're coming on a road trip from Montreal, you can choose between a base in the old city, a wooden chalet within the park or go wild and camp.

The drive from Montreal is pretty straightforward - follow the Trans-Canada Highway along Autoroute Jean-Lesage to Quebec City and then take Autoroute 73/QC-175 north.

The entrance to Jacques Cartier National Park and small roads coming off the Autoroute that will take into the park will come up in half an hour.

A mix of lakes and hilly forests means you've got jaw-dropping views in every direction and the good news is that the Chemin du Parc-National follows the Sautauriski River right into the heart of the park making a lot of it very accessible.

If you want to spend some time fishing instead of hiking, this is one of the better places to come fish for trout, but remember you'll need to buy the (relatively expensive) licence first.

If you have more time and want to explore more nature, you can keep going northeast to Saguenay Fjords (#19 below) and then to Tadoussac (#18) for some of the best whale watching in the world.

13. An almost European road trip to Gananoque, Kingston and Prince Edward County

4 hours from Montreal (371 km)

A vineyard in Prince Edward County overlooking Lake Ontario.

The town of Gananoque sits at the point where the Gananoque River flows into St Lawrence River - you'll come across it as you're making your way west past the Thousand Islands National Park (see #8 above).

Many visitors to the town will completely ignore it and head straight for the boats and cruises taking them to one of the Thousand Islands and that's a big mistake.

The name of the town derives from a First Nations language meaning a "Town on Two Rivers", but once you get here, you may notice the distinctly European look and feel - many of the buildings would feel as much at home in a provincial French town.

Kingston also makes a lot of its European roots and is a little further west at the point where St Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. After appreciating the town's charm, make sure you visit Fort Henry which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site just before you cross the river into Downtown.

Prince Edward County is a further 30 minutes' drive along the north shore of Lake Ontario and occupies a large island sticking out into the lake. You can get onto the island along the Quinte Skyway Bridge or try your luck by heading to the ferry at Adolphustown - just beware that this local ferry can only carry 21 cars per crossing so you may have a long wait to get across to Glenora.

If you are a foodie, this may be the best road trip from Montreal you can take. Prince Edward County is known for its amazing restaurants and the area is home to some rather good wineries. Try a few before you scoff at the thought of drinking Canadian wine and you might find yourself very pleasantly surprised.

14. Explore the lakes of the Algonquin Provincial Park

5 hours from Montreal (439 km)

Beaver Pond surrounded by forest in the Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada.

If you want to escape somewhere truly remote that you can get to within a relatively easy one day's drive from Montreal, The Algonquin Provincial Park over in Ontario is the perfect place to come.

Sure - there's National Parks aplenty in Quebec and plenty of nature to explore in almost every direction if you drive 5 hours from Montreal, but Algonquin Provincial Park is somewhere you can really feel that you've got far away from the busy grind of the city and unwind.

Algonquin is a beautiful mix of dense conifer forests and literally thousands of lakes - there's around 2,400 of them within the park's bounds!

The easiest way to get here is to take the Trans-Canada Highway through Ottawa and then follow ON-60 from Renfrew that will take you right into the heart of the park. Small roads head north into the park to your spot of choice looking out to an unspoiled lake surrounded by fir trees.

Hiking is popular here as are canoes which allow you to see some amazing views as you navigate the network of streams, rivers and lakes. Take care as the wilderness is home not only to moose, deer and many beavers but also has a large population of wolves and bears.

15. The ultimate city break in Boston, Massachusetts

5 hours from Montreal (496 km)

Downtown Boston with the Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market at dusk.

If you're looking for the ultimate city break where you can combine history, culture, the feel of the big city and the touch of a cozy local town, then the 5 hour road trip from Montreal to Boston is what you need to do.

The I-89 route through Burlington (#3 above) and the I-91/I-93 route though the White Mountain National Forest (#11) will both take you a touch under 5 hours before taking stops into account so you may want to drive down and back up via different routes - both offer some great scenery along the way.

As one of the most historic cities in the United States, there are endless museums and art galleries - the Museum Of Fine Arts is an absolute must if you're only going to go to one.

To see most of the iconic sights in the city, you can spend a morning or afternoon following the Freedom Trail which is a 2.5 mile walk around the city that you can do yourself without the need to book onto a tour.

If you're a sports fan, then time your trip to make the most of Boston's amazing sports scene - the Patriots (American football), Red Sox (baseball), Celtics (basketball) and Bruins (hockey) are each one of the most decorated teams in their respective sports so take your pick!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Boston

16. Discover the New England charm of Portland, Maine

5 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (420 km)

The iconic Portland Breakwater Light in Portland, Maine.

When people think about visiting new England, they often think about Boston (#15 right above), Cape Cod or Providence, Rhode Island (#25 below).

For those who want to see the real soul of New England without the crowds, Portland is the perfect place. That and the fact that the road trip from Montreal here is a lot quicker than the other options.

Don't follow your navigator if it's telling you to follow the "fast" interstate route along the I-89 and I-95 route through Manchester and Portsmouth.

It might take about as long on paper, but you're going to cover an extra 150 km which means you are both more likely to hit some traffic along the way and need an extra stop.

The most scenic route is to head south along the I-91/I-93 to Littleton and then make your way through the White Mountain National Forest before eventually reaching Portland. It might be smaller local roads, but you'll enjoy it a lot more!

The Old Port part of the city is where you want to head. This is the historic downtown that comes with lots of red brick, great local shops and places to eat. You can't visit Portland and not try the lobster roll.

The Portland Head Lighthouse is just outside the city in Fort Williams Park and is the most photographed lighthouse in the United States which is quite a feat.

If you want to extend your trip and see some nature, the Acadia National Park (#22 below) is not too far up the coast and is an absolutely stunning place which will be well worth the detour.

17. Road trip to Toronto

5 hours 20 minutes from Montreal (542 km)

Toronto skyline from across the water at sunset.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the place where most of the country's business takes place and the heart of a huge number of cultures and communities.

The road trip from Montreal to Toronto is very straight-forward. ON-401 that starts as you cross from Quebec to Ontario just outside Montreal will take you the entire way, following St Lawrence River past the Thousand Islands (#8 above), Gananoque, Kingston and Prince Edward County (#13) before making it to the hustle and bustle at the western tip of Lake Ontario.

You will notice the towering skyscrapers are you approach the city - Toronto has inherited the US love of tall buildings and the CN Tower is the tallest structure in the western hemisphere - you won't miss it!

A unique thing about Toronto is the huge number of different cultures that mix in the city to create its unique atmosphere. It also means there is a great deal of art, neighborhoods and food for you to explore.

From Chinatown that dates back to the 19th century to the Distillery District where just about everything from roads to buildings is made of red brick, you can spend days exploring different parts of Toronto and not see most of it.

Toronto is also a great stop off point if your road trip will take you further - it's right on the way from Montreal to Niagara Falls (#21 below), Bruce Peninsula National Park (#23) or Manitoulin Island (#24) if you're getting the ferry.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Toronto

18. Whale watching in Tadoussac

5 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (472 km)

Tadoussac Chapel - Canada's oldest wooden church overlooking the St Lawrence River flowing into the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Tadoussac is a pretty small town downstream St Lawrence River from Montreal at the point where the Saguenay River flows into it.

At this point the river gets as much as 20 km wide as it begins approaching the Gulf of St Lawrence and that means one thing. It's big enough for whales to come in from the North Atlantic.

The currents flowing from the two rivers that join here make a unique environment that makes plankton thrive and as this is what whales love to eat, over a dozen different whale species come to the area from the beluga whale up to the giant blue whales.

You can go on boat tours or simply hire a kayak and paddle out - if you spend a few hours you may well spot a few different whales nearby. Just remember that it can get very cold even on a warm summer's day so wear layers.

To get to Tadoussac, you'll need to make your way to Quebec City (either along the river or the slightly faster Trans-Canada Highway route) and from there keep going along the northern bank of the river.

When you get to Saguenay River, your road trip will have to go over the water in a ferry - the nearest bridge is all the way up in Saguenay. The town of Tadoussac is right next to the ferry terminal on the other side.

19. Saguenay Fjord National Park

5 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (524 km)

The Saguenay Fjord National Park has beautiful forested cliffs along the Saguenay river.

Saguenay Fjord is the valley through which the Saguenay River flows from Lake Saint-Jean to St Lawrence River. This is one of the prettiest parts of Quebec and is well worth the long drive from Montreal .

There are two different routes for a road trip from Montreal to the Saguenay Fjord. For both routes you first have to get to Quebec City (see #9 above). From there the slightly faster route is to follow Route 175 up to Saguenay before driving down the Fjord or you can follow St Lawrence River to Saint-Siméon and then drive up Route 170 instead.

The Saguenay Fjord National Park is very remote - Saguenay to the north and Tadoussac to the south are 1 and 2 hours away respectively and both are very small towns. Quebec City is a 3-hour drive so to make the most out of your visit, you'll want to camp.

The Baie-Éternité campsite near the park entrance on Rue Notre Dame is a great option and if you don't have a tent, you can glamp in one that is already set up or go all out and stay in a chalet depending on how close you want to be to nature.

Along with hiking routes, kayaking down the fjord and bike trails, you can try out the Via Ferrata - it is a secure and guided climbing route that will take you high above the valley with stunning views and the opportunity to cross a gorge along an 85-metre-long suspension bridge.

Make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment!

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Saguenay Fjord National Park

20. New York, New York

6 hours from Montreal (598 km)

New York City skyline with the Empire State Building and Manhattan Midtown as the sun sets.

The Big Apple seems a world away from Montreal and before you actually look at the route, you may well think it will take much longer to get there than the 6 hour drive to New York City.

In truth, most people visiting New York will opt to take the plane with frequent flights between the two cities. But if you consider the time it will take you to get to the airport, check in and pass security, wait for your flight, fly over, get out, pass security and collect your bags at the other end before making your way into the city from the airport, you'll probably have as long a journey.

And better still, driving means you can stop at any of the amazing places on the way including Lake Champlain (#3 above), Adirondack Park in upstate New York (#1) or take a detour via Long Island or New England.

Once in New York, however, it's a good idea to park the car for the duration of your stay - the subway and taxis are a much better option for getting about.

The options for things to do don't need much introduction. From the Central Park to taking snaps of Manhattan from Top of the Rock to staring at the bright lights of Times Square, there is a reason why New York draws so many visitors from all over the world.

The selection of restaurants is probably the best in the world, Broadway musicals and theatre productions will make for amazing nights out and the different New York boroughs offer unique neighborhoods that you can spend weeks exploring.

If you'd like to learn more about these areas and what you can see in each, please check our detailed guide below:

READ MORE - Our Area-by-Area Guide to NYC

21. Road trip to Niagara Falls

6 hours 40 minutes from Montreal (535 km)

Water rushing down Niagara Falls with people looking down from the lookout above.

Niagara Falls may just be the most famous group of waterfalls in the world, sitting on the border between Canada and the United States.

There are three waterfalls in total here - the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and you can easily access them from either the Canadian or The US sides.

Amazing though they are, it's a long drive just to come and see the waterfall, so you will probably want to mix in a stop or two along the way - whether it's roaming the streets of Toronto or relaxing with a glass of wine in Prince Edward County.

It takes almost the same amount of time to get to Niagara Falls whether you drive around the north or the south shore of Lake Ontario but the northern route is not only more scenic, but will offer more good stopping options.

The spectacular waterfalls have a huge amount of water pass through them every day, but surprisingly, as much as three-quarters of the water is diverted to a hydroelectric power plant, which generates a large proportion of the electricity used in both Ontario and New York State.

Don't miss the town of Niagara-On-The-Lake - it's well worth a stop in its own right and is great for an afternoon stroll or an overnight stay if you want to see the falls bright and early before the tourist crowds get here from Toronto and further afield.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Niagara Falls

22. Acadia National Park, Maine

6 hours 20 minutes from Montreal (668 km)

View of the forest and lakes from the North Bubble in Acadia National Park, Maine.

It's true - if you're going on a road trip from Montreal and want to spend some time in a National Park, you are spoiled for choice in Quebec and Ontario. There's 4 on this list and plenty of other places you can hike and camp under the stars.

But there is a really compelling reason why you should consider driving all the way to Maine to visit the only National Park in New England - Acadia is seriously stunning and setting off on a road trip from Montreal is the perfect way to visit this park.

The drive will take a whole day with over 6 hours of pure driving to do and although the route is very scenic, you won't pass through any cities or notable places to stop.

You'll cut right across the Appalachian Trail as you drive through the mountainous Bigelow Preserve just before you get to the well known Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort.

Acadia sits on the Mount Desert Island off the Maine Coast - it's the second largest island along the Eastern Seaboard after New York's Long Island and Acadia National Park covers most of it.

This may just be the best National Park for casual exploring - the hiking routes are amazing, the views are stunning, there's gorgeous rocky cliffs protruding into the ocean and there are small towns and great restaurants dotted around so you can stop for lunch.

You can spend a week here and not cover the majority of the amazing hiking routes and on top of that there's boat tours and quirky local museums (the Seal Cove Auto Museum in the western part of the island is a great stop). Please note that, if you are visiting Acadia National Park and plan to drive on the Cadillac Summit Road, vehicle reservations might be required. Please check the national park's website to avoid any disappointment.

If you want to see more of New England on your road trip, you can drive along the coast to Portland, Maine (take it slow along Route 1 instead of the interstates) and keep on going south into Massachusetts to spend some time in Boston.

READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Acadia National Park

23. Bruce Peninsula National Park

8 hours 30 minutes from Montreal (811 km)

View from the Halfway Rock Point along the Bruce Trail in Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario, Canada

Bruce Peninsula is a rocky outcrop that splits Georgian Bay off from the rest of Lake Huron in Ontario, to the northwest of Toronto.

The road trip from Montreal to Bruce Peninsula will take you west along St Lawrence River and then along the length of Lake Ontario's north shore before turning northwest at Missisauga.

It's a long drive if you're thinking of doing it in a day and if you're planning on camping at the other end, you won't be wanting to arrive at your campsite in the dark. Luckily, many of the itineraries above, including the Thousand Islands National Park (#8 above), Gananoque, Kingston and Price Edward County (#13) and Toronto (#17) are all great options for a stopover.

Bruce Peninsula National Park is best known for its nature. From chipmunks to black bears, there's a lot of wildlife around and some really amazing hiking routes.

The best known route is the Bruce Trail which actually runs a mighty 900 km (550 miles) all the way from the Niagara River on the border with the United States to the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula - parts of it that approach the northern tip offer really amazing views including the well-known Overhanging Point.

Remember that parking and camping can be oversubscribed during the warm months so make sure you book ahead. Think about your itinerary - you'll need to book parking separately if you want to visit places like the Grotto and although it'll set you back the best part of $20, it's well worth the trip.

24. Make the long drive to Manitoulin Island

9 hours 30 minutes from Montreal (855 km)

The Mississagi Lighthouse on Manitoulin Island with Cockburn Island in the background in Ontario, Canada.

Manitoulin Island sits north of the Bruce Peninsula splitting Georgian Bay from Lake Huron and is famous for being the largest freshwater island in the world.

It's so big that it has over 100 lakes within it and many of these lakes have islands of their own! Before your mind wanders into an Inception-like never-ending sequence of islands inside islands, let's cover the two ways you can get to Manitoulin.

The fastest route from Montreal to Manitoulin is to follow the Trans-Canada Highway passing through Ottawa (see #6 above), around the Algonquin National Park and past North Bay and Sudbury. Highway 6 south jumps from island to island before landing you right on Manitoulin Island.

The alternative route is to follow the north shore of Lake Ontario all the way into Toronto and then drive north to the Bruce Peninsula before taking a ferry. This option will add about 2 hours to what is already a long journey and be sure to book your ferry spot in advance so your car can get on!

To keep things interesting, you're best off getting to the island and combing back via different routes. This way you can also add the many stops along the way we cover in shorter road trip itineraries above!

As well as the stunning nature on the island, there's some interesting culture to explore with the local Anishinaabe population having dedicated reserves and interesting towns to visit.

A top tip is to get to the Cup and Saucer hiking trail nice and early one day - this route up through the trees will take you to a jaw-dropping rock overlook which might just be the best view on the island but come early to avoid the much busier period later on in the morning.

25. Rhode Island, Cape Cod & Islands

10 hours from Montreal (800+ km)

Traditional houses along Commercial Street in Provincetown on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

This one is going to take you some time, but if you have at least a week and want to see some of the most historic parts of the United States and quintessential New England towns, this is an amazing road trip from Montreal through the United States.

Take your pick of the I-89 past Lake Champlain or the I-93 through the White Mountain National Forest to get to Boston (#15 above) - you can easily do the drive in a day with stops along the way.

After spending some time exploring the historic city, you can visit some of the historic towns surrounding it - Salem and Rockport are great options as is Plymouth - the oldest city in New England.

Cape Cod curves around the Cape Cod Bay and has great small towns, relaxing long beaches along the Cape Cod National Seashore and Provincetown at its tip. This is a relaxed seaside town that comes with bucketloads of history - afterall this is where the Mayflower Pilgrims first set foot on American soil.

There are two islands south of the Cape - Martha's vineyard is closer and easier to get to and Nantucket a little further out. You can get a ferry to both but make sure you book ahead - car spaces can be limited and the ferries can be relatively expensive so you may want to pick just one of the islands for your trip.

To complete your exploration of the historic New England, head across into Rhode Island and visit Newport and Providence before completing your road trip and returning back north to Montreal.

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Road Trip from Montréal to Québec City

Canada’s countryside awaits to be explored and the best way to see it is by taking an epic road trip. When planning our Canadian road trip from Montréal to Québec City, we found several options (bus, train or rental car) and decided a rental car was the best option for us. While there are several routes to drive from Montréal to Québec City, we decided to drive along the historic Chemin du Roy/Québec Route 138. Keep reading to learn more about our picturesque drive through the French-Canadian countryside.

Looking for more on Québec? Read  Montréal ,  Québec City and  Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orleans . 

Chemin du Roy History:

Chemin du Roy (“King’s Highway”) is a scenic and historic road that winds along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. In 1706, the Grand Council of New France proposed that a road be built to connect the settlements along the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River. Road work began on the Chemin du Roy in 1731 and was completed in 1737. At that time, the Chemin du Roy was the longest road in North America, north of Mexico. Today, the Chemin du Roy mostly follows the Québec Route 138 through historic villages, charming towns, and modern cities, winding along the St. Lawrence River.

Road Trip from Montréal to Québec City:

We rented our vehicle at the  Montréal-Trudeau Airport  and set off on the Chemin du Roy/Québec Route 138. This scenic route took about five to six hours with many stops along the way to photograph the picturesque scenery. An alternative to the Chemin du Roy, is AutoRoute 40 (north shore of the St. Lawrence River) or AutoRoute 20 (south shore of the St. Lawrence River) which cuts your drive time to about two-three hours from Montréal to Québec City. With plenty of time to drive along the historic road, the beauty of fall colors on display, and good company, we drove slowly to enjoy the view from the car.

Chemin 35

Québec Road Trip Tips:

  • In Québec, just like in the U.S. and the rest of Canada, drive on the right-side of the road.
  • Obey the posted speed limits (measured by km/h), as it will vary throughout the route.
  • Plan for extra time to explore the charming small towns along the Chemin du Roy.
  • Knowing basic words in French will help as we found a small language barrier in some of the towns along the route.
  • Purchase a Québec driving map (yes, they still make paper maps!) before your road trip, as we experienced some areas along the route with little to no cell service (which means no Google maps).

Québec Scenery:

This charismatic road, provides visitors with beautiful scenery, well-preserved historic villages and churches, charming old houses and barns, and several one-lane bridges that cross the tributaries of the St. Lawrence River. The villages along the route offer modern conveniences, local restaurants and shops. Outside the villages, livestock grazed in the fields, and farm-stands with fresh produce and handmade goods were scattered along the rural road. With stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, quaint villages, and historic buildings, the Chemin du Roy was the perfect route to explore the communities between Montréal and Québec City!

Chemin 8

Don’t forget to save this to save this to your board on Pinterest!

Are you planning a road trip from Montréal to Québec City? This post includes various routes to get you to Québec City, scenic stops in Canada, and history about the historic road connecting the two cities. Be sure to read this Canada road trip guide before you trip and save it to your travel board when you’re done reading! #montreal #quebeccity #roadtrip #canadaroadtrip

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Thanks for the tour. Love the red roof house in the country.

You are welcome! Glad you liked my post! The houses were adorable!

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road trip quebec city to montreal

USA to Montréal: your guide to a great road trip

road trip quebec city to montreal

Jamie O'Meara

Jamie O'Meara was the Editor-in-Chief at C2 Montréal and the former Editor-in-Chief of alt-weekly newspaper  HOUR Magazine .

This article was updated on June 14, 2023.

It may come as a surprise to many that the old-world charm and sophisticated metropolitan allure of Montréal is only a short drive away for many Americans in the northeastern United States, and that getting here by car is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a trip to the city that is now wide open for business and visitors. Let the following road trip pro tips help you make the most of your drive to, as we say in Quebec, la belle ville…

As in most major cities, the summer season is when work is planned to improve the road network. To avoid unnecessary delays, plan ahead by checking the Mobility Montréal website .

road trip quebec city to montreal

Motoring to Montréal is easy peasy

Montréal is located a short hop from the Canada/US border, and the main Quebec border entry points are, not coincidentally, on the major US highways that most American visitors will take on their road trip to the city. The I-87 north from New York City past Plattsburgh gets you to the Champlain/Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing (only 45 minutes from downtown Montreal on Autoroute 15); the I-93 west to I-89 north goes to the Saint-Armand/Highgate Springs crossing if you’re driving from Boston; and the I-91 goes north to the Stanstead/Derby Line crossing if you’re coming from parts further east in Vermont.

However, if you’re crossing from New York State via the Thousand Islands Bridge, the Seaway International Bridge/Three Nations Bridge, or the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge into Ontario, and are planning to take the famous 401 highway into Quebec, we strongly recommend you read these essential road trip tips to make the most of your drive to Montréal.

Pick your point of entry

You’ll want to have a good idea of which border crossing you’re going to use because there are many of them , both large and small, along the Quebec border (New York State has 17 land border crossings with Quebec by itself, and Vermont has 15). Bear in mind that larger crossings tend to be busier and may take longer to traverse. You can go to the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) website to see current border wait times (it’s updated every hour) for the major crossings and to subscribe to email border alerts. The CBSA Border Alert Service notifies subscribers when unexpected events cause a significant disruption to normal border services. When a service disruption occurs at a border crossing, a border alert is issued to subscribers identifying the impacted crossing and recommending alternate entry points.

Come on in!

Crossing the border into Canada is a typically chill affair with a minimum of hassle in order to keep all the traffic moving seamlessly. You can expect to answer questions about why you’re visiting, where you’re planning to go and how long you’ll be staying — the standard stuff. You may also be asked if you’re bringing in any alcohol, tobacco, food or firearms. While alcohol and tobacco are permitted in limited amounts many other items are a definite no-no. Find out more about what you should and should not bring when crossing the border here .

And if you’re thinking of making the trip north more than once in the next five years (which you definitely should be), you may want to consider making a $50 investment in a NEXUS card . The card gives pre-approval to travellers to both Canada and the US, as well as expedited entry using dedicated vehicle lanes at designated land border crossings.

road trip quebec city to montreal

You’ve crossed the border into Quebec — now what?

The first thing that you’ll notice is that the road signs are in French. The second thing you’ll likely notice is that you can now drive 100 on the highway, woo-hoo! Except that the speed limits in Canada are in metric: kilometres per hour, not miles per hour. So 100 kmh is actually just a smidge over 62 mph. Since Montréal is an island, you will have to access downtown (Centre-Ville in French) by bridge. The two main bridges that you should take are the brand spankin’ new Samuel De Champlain Bridge (which will land you just west of downtown) or the historic, iconic Jacques-Cartier Bridge (which will put you just east of downtown). Driving in the city is not complicated, but it is different, so we highly recommend that you peruse our handy guide to driving in Montréal . See you soon!

Enjoy the best of Montréal

The Tourisme Montréal newsletter gives you the inside scoop on everything happening in the city.

road trip quebec city to montreal

10 Perfect Days Exploring Canada’s East Coast: A Day-By-Day Itinerary

  • Explore Canada's beautiful East Coast on a road trip from Toronto to Cape Breton, experiencing stunning views and delicious seafood along the way.
  • Visit iconic attractions like Notre-Dame Basilica, Montmorency Falls, and the Bay of Fundy, immersing yourself in the natural and historical wonders of the area.
  • End your trip in the charming village of Baddeck, taking in the sights of the Kidston Lighthouse before returning to Halifax for your departure flight. A truly unforgettable adventure awaits!

Canada gets a lot of international attention for the alpine lakes and Rocky Mountains in its western provinces. But there is so much more to Canada’s natural beauty than Banff National Park (although it’s pretty epic).

A road trip through Canada’s southeastern and maritime provinces promises delicious seafood, views of fjords, and memories to last a lifetime. Here’s how to spend ten days exploring the route from Toronto to Cape Breton Island (Canada's coastal gem) .

Travelers can pick up a rental car in Toronto and drive the entire route. Alternatively, they can take the train or bus from Toronto to Montreal and pick up their rental car on day two from Montreal (whatever their budget permits).

Day One: Toronto To Montreal

On day one of the road trip across Canada’s beautiful East Coast, depart Toronto in the early morning and start the journey toward Montreal . The drive takes a little over 5.5 hours, but travelers can make a full day of the experience by stopping for lunch in Kingston, Ontario.

Upon arrival in Montreal, check in at the hotel or Airbnb and then visit Notre Dame Basilica before going to dinner at Lola Rosa .

  • Canadian Provinces Visited: Ontario and Quebec
  • Top Attraction: Notre-Dame Basilica

Day Two: Montreal To Quebec City

On day two of the trip, rise early and hike to the top of Mont Royal for a scenic view of Montreal from above. Then, it’s time to check out and depart the city for another charming destination in Quebec.

Quebec City is worth the travel time for its historic architecture and rich heritage. Travelers can reach Quebec City in just three hours. Upon arrival, squeeze in a visit to scenic Montmorency Falls.

  • Canadian Provinces Visited: Quebec
  • Top Attraction: Montmorency Falls

Day Three: Quebec City To Fredericton

If time didn’t permit the previous evening, head to Montmorency Falls in the morning before leaving for New Brunswick. The drive from Quebec City to Fredericton takes approximately six hours. Travelers can arrive in just enough time to explore the city’s Garrison Night Market.

  • Canadian Provinces Visited: Quebec and New Brunswick
  • Top Attraction: Garrison Night Market

Day Four: Saint John And The Bay Of Fundy

It’s time to reach one of the most beautiful attractions en route – the Bay of Fundy . In the morning, travelers can depart Fredericton for Saint John, New Brunswick. The drive takes a little over one hour.

Visitors can base themselves in the town of Saint John for the night or camp in the Bay of Fundy National Park.

  • Canadian Provinces Visited: New Brunswick
  • Top Attraction: Bay of Fundy

Related: High Tides & Fossils: What Makes The Bay Of Fundy So Special

Day Five: Saint John To Halifax

Spend the morning exploring the Bay of Fundy National Park either by hiking or going kayaking in the bay itself (as part of a tour). In the afternoon, drive 4.5 hours to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Check into a charming maritime hotel or bed and breakfast. If there’s time, visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site before indulging in a seafood dinner (all sourced locally, of course).

  • Canadian Provinces Visited: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
  • Top Attraction: Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Day Six: Halifax To Inverness

It’s approximately four hours to drive from Halifax to Inverness. Travelers can take their time having a nice brunch in Halifax or visit Peggy's Cove before departing for Cape Breton Island, the most scenic island in Canada .

Upon arrival in Inverness, visitors can check in to their hotel for the night before hitting the beach.

  • Canadian Provinces Visited: Nova Scotia
  • Top Attraction: Peggy's Cove

Day Seven: Inverness To Cheticamp

Day seven is the first full day driving the iconic Cabot Trail , the road that loops a whopping 298 km around the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. The stretch from Inverness to Cheticamp is fairly short (just ~50 km) and takes around one hour to complete.

However, there are many beautiful potential stops along the way. Margaree Harbour is an excellent choice, boasting attractions like Egypt Falls and the Gun Hill Lookout (for the best view of Harbour Breton).

  • Top Attraction: Le Portage Golf Club

Day Eight: Cape Breton Highlands National Park (And Ingonish Beach)

The next morning, travelers can continue along the Cabot Trail, exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park. They can choose to visit the many attractions along the route, spend a day hiking on the many trails, or drive straight to Ingonish and lounge all afternoon on Ingonish Beach with views of the Atlantic.

  • Top Attraction: Ingonish Beach

Related: Nova Scotia Vs. New Brunswick: Which Is Worth It?

Day Nine: Cape Breton Highlands National Park (End In Baddeck)

Day nine is another beautiful opportunity to continue along the Cabot Trail, this time ending in the village of Baddeck. The village is often considered the beginning or the end of the Cabot Trail (depending on which direction travelers drive), so this is the official end of the trail for this itinerary.

Visitors can see the famous Kidston Lighthouse and take photos of it by the ocean.

  • Top Attraction: Kidston Lighthouse

Related: Vacationing In Nova Scotia? Here Are The Best Places To Stay

Day Ten: Return to Halifax For Departure Flight

Day ten is the conclusion of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Canada’s eastern provinces. Travelers will wake up in Baddeck on Cape Breton Island and drive four hours back to Halifax.

Upon arrival in the city, they can return their rental car and, if time permits, explore some of the area’s major attractions before heading to the airport for their flight home.

  • Top Attraction: Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

A Toronto to Cape Breton road trip is a great way to explore Canada's East Coast, but there's plenty more to see in Canada, too—especially on a road trip.

10 Perfect Days Exploring Canada’s East Coast: A Day-By-Day Itinerary

Montreal to consult on plan to build road through Boisé Steinberg

Cutting down on through traffic from trucks and greening the area are among the motivations for a project to extend Assomption Blvd. toward Notre-Dame St. E. in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district.

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On Tuesday night, the borough began the first of numerous information sessions it plans to hold in the coming months to consult residents on its plans for the area around Boisé Steinberg and Boisé Vimont .

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The plan, which has been in the works since 2013, is to close Dickson St., but to make it easier for trucks from the Port of Montreal to access Highway 25 via Souligny Ave. Truck traffic is currently problematic, as trucks try to avoid traffic on Notre-Dame to reach the highway, so it’s hoped the project will keep trucks on the main arterial network and off local streets.

As it now stands, there are five ways for trucks to get out of the Port of Montreal. The city wants to make one unique exit point from the port area, and prevent trucks from spilling onto Notre-Dame St. E. and causing major traffic jams. The plan is to build a more direct access to Souligny Ave. through a new street, which would be built in the area marked off for an extension of Assomption Blvd., which currently ends at Hochelaga St.

Extending Assomption Blvd. would also allow the city to close off Dickson St. and ease traffic for local residents. The project also calls for bike paths to be extended at Notre-Dame and Hochelaga, and for the Souligny Ave. Réseau express vélo (REV) to be extended west. A bike path would also be built on the closed Dickson St.

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Residents will be asked whether Assomption Blvd. should link directly from Hochelaga to Notre-Dame. Doing so would require a road to be built through Boisé Steinberg.

The city purchased part of Boisé Steinberg recently from Hydro-Québec, with a view of preserving it as a green space. It is also negotiating with CN to purchase and preserve at least a part of the Vimont woods.

Speaking to reporters, Sophie Mauzerolle, the Plante administration’s point person on mobility, explained that if it is built, the portion of Assomption through the wooded area would be reserved for local residents to access their neighbourhood, and trucks would be banned.

“We want to be able to preserve as much green space as possible,” Mauzerolle said. “But if residents tell us they want a local street, we’ll make sure it will strain the wooded area as little as possible.”

Building a road would force the relocation of 50 trees, while if the wooded area is preserved without adding a road, the city will plant more trees in the sector.

“If we don’t do that local road, there is a risk of an impact on the neighbourhood, and it will make it harder for people to navigate through the neighbourhood,” Mauzerolle said.

The project has been the subject of environmental hearings at the province’s Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement . A report was also prepared by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal .

Mauzerolle said the city has held off on consulting residents because there was a lawsuit with Ray-Mont Logistics, and there was a confidentiality agreement with CDPQ Infra while it was studying the potential REM de l’Est transit project.

There is no timetable yet for the project, and a price tag can’t be determined before the city determines whether a road is needed in the area.

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Time to level up your local game with narcity pro., cette ville au bord de l'océan est à quelques heures de montréal et ça vaut le road trip.

Les vagues t'attendent!

Une personne sur des escaliers devant une plage aux États-Unis. Droite : Une plage aux États-Unis.

Une personne devant l'océan. Droite : La plage d'une ville côtière à quelques heures de Montréal.

L'été est synonyme de vacances et pour un voyage inoubliable, pourquoi ne pas t'évader lors d'un road trip vers l'océan Atlantique à seulement quelques heures de Montréal ?

En un avant-midi, tu peux traverser la frontière partagée avec nos voisins du Sud et ainsi, te dépayser dans une charmante ville côtière des États-Unis.

Durant le trajet, tu pourras observer le paysage estival, jaser avec la ou les personnes qui t'accompagnent, écouter ta musique et tes livres audio pour finalement aboutir au bord de l'eau, dans un lieu où tout est à découvrir.

Pour te retrouver les pieds dans le sable devant l'horizon, voir des baleines, faire des sports nautiques et satisfaire ta faim d'aventures, voici où planifier une escapade pour l'été 2024.

See on Instagram

Newburyport est située dans le comté d’Essex, alors que la ville est connue par les touristes pour ses plages, son héritage maritime et ses rues pittoresques.

Durant ton séjour, tu peux prévoir des journées à Plum Island Beach ou à Sandy Point State Reservation afin de te baigner dans l'océan ou faire du surf et de la planche à pagaie, pour ensuite te ravitailler dans un casse-croûte comme le Sunset Club .

Le reste de ton aventure pourrait te mener vers le Museum of Old Newbury, sur le parcours en vélo qui te permet d'admirer les plus beaux paysages de l'endroit. Il y a également des événements saisonniers à découvrir comme le festival littéraire, le Newburyport Spring Festival, les feux d'artifice du 4 juillet et le Newburyport Chamber Music Festival.

Pour les fans de randonnée, le Parker River National Wildlife Refuge propose des sentiers te permettant de passer par des dunes et des marais.

Si tu préfères une balade dans le centre-ville de Newburyport, n'hésite pas à magasiner dans les belles petites boutiques, visiter les galeries d'art locales et déguster des spécialités dans les nombreux restaurants du coin comme le Brine Oyster Bar ou le Black Cow Tap & Grill.

Que ce soit pour un long week-end ou plusieurs jours, tu ne manqueras pas de remplir ton emploi du temps avec des activités à faire et des lieux à explorer.

Newburyport

Région : Massachusetts, États-Unis

Temps de route à partir de Montréal : Cinq heures

Site Internet de Newburyport

  • 7 road trip à 5 h et moins de Montréal pour des vacances au bord de l'eau cet été ›
  • 11 endroits surréels au Québec qui valent le « road trip » au moins une fois dans ta vie ›
  • 7 voyages en train et en autobus à partir du Québec pour une escapade de rêve ce printemps ›

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road trip quebec city to montreal

IMAGES

  1. Best Canadian road trip: Montréal to Québec City

    road trip quebec city to montreal

  2. Road Trip from Montréal to Québec City

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  3. Best Canadian road trip: Montréal to Québec City

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  4. 5 Days In Montreal + Quebec City

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  5. Driving the Ultimate Quebec Road Trip

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  6. Quebec road trip

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VIDEO

  1. Ride Along "Via Rail Trip from Montreal Quebec to Toronto Ontario" 2022-03-16

  2. Trip between Montreal and Quebec City 12 March 2024

  3. Road trip por Montreal. 🇨🇦 #canada #canadiancity #snow #nieve #quebecroadtrip #animation

  4. Road trip to Quebec City! #foryou #quebec #roadtrip #shorts

  5. Driving through Montréal (Canada) Downtown 8.08.2021 Timelapse x4

  6. Road Trip Canada: Toronto

COMMENTS

  1. A Quebec Road Trip: The Scenic Loop Between Montreal and Quebec City

    When your mountain idyll comes to an end, as all things must, Montreal lies less than two hours' drive down the A-15 from Mont-Tremblant. The trip between Montreal and Quebec City can be a quick ...

  2. Road Trip from Montreal to Quebec City

    The road trip from Montreal to Quebec City is a fairly short journey that covers a distance of 255km and takes 2 hours and 50 minutes. While you could easily manage this trip in a day, our recommended route takes you along a couple of extra detours on the way, making the actual distance 326km and just over 4 hours of non-stop driving to ...

  3. 30 Best Stops Between Montreal and Quebec City

    How long is the drive from Montreal to Quebec City? The direct drive from Montreal to Quebec City is 157 mi (253 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 45 mins in normal traffic.. If you're going on a road trip from Montreal to Quebec City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Fromagerie au Gré des Champs and Théâtre ...

  4. Quebec road trip

    Day 3: Trois-Rivières to Quebec City - drive to Quebec City, explore the sights & have dinner. Miles: 80. Drive to Quebec City. Have another early morning and set off for Quebec City after breakfast to allow yourself a full day of sightseeing. The drive will take around an hour and a half continuing north up the St Lawrence River.

  5. 7 of the Best Quebec Road Trips

    You can start this road trip from either Montreal or Quebec City. If you start from Montreal, you'll simply follow Route 132 up towards Quebec City, continuing all along the St. Lawrence River and up the coastline. From Montreal, you're looking at approximately 920 kilometres one-way and from Quebec City, you're looking at 700 kilometres ...

  6. Explore! Quebec Road Trip from Montreal to Quebec City

    Le Baluchon Eco-Resort at 3550, Chemin des Trembles, Saint-Paulin (Quebec) J0K 3G0 is one of the most scenic places to stop on the drive from Montreal to Quebec City. This resort and its 1000-acre property is situated by the fast-moving Rivière du Loup (River of the Wolf).

  7. Road Trip Quebec: The 4 Best Itineraries + Tips (2024)

    Quebec road trip: One week itinerary. For this first driving circuit, I've put together a sample week-long road trip starting from Montreal.. On the itinerary for this 7-day Quebec road trip: Montreal, Quebec City, and the La Mauricie National Park.. All the detailed information can be found in this article: The best one-week itinerary in Quebec. Here's a quick rundown!

  8. Amazing Quebec Road Trip itinerary for 2024 from an Expert

    14 Day Quebec Road Trip Itinerary Summary. Day 1 - 2 - Montreal. Day 3 - Eastern Townships. Day 4 - 5 - Quebec City. Day 6 - La Malbaie. Day 7 - 8 - Tadoussac. Day 9 - Rimouski. Day 10 - Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. Day 11 - 12 - Gaspé.

  9. Driving the Ultimate Quebec Road Trip

    The Ultimate Quebec Road Trip From Montreal to Gaspé ... To get from the Eastern Townships to Quebec City, about a 200-mile (320-kilometer) drive, head north through Drummondville on Highway 55 towards Trois-Rivières, then east along Highway 138. This is the historic and rural Chemin du Roy, a much more scenic (but less speedy) alternative to ...

  10. How to Get From Montreal to Quebec City

    If saving money is your priority, the bus is the best choice. Ultimately, deciding which way to get from Montreal to Quebec City comes down to two factors: price and travel style. Time. Cost. Best For. Train. 3 hours, 15 minutes. from $40. Enjoying the journey.

  11. Quebec Road Trip Itinerary (with Scenic Stops)

    Quebec Road Trip Map. Here is a map of the entire Quebec road trip (ending in Tadoussac). The total driving time (from Ottawa) is 7 hours one way for Tadoussac or 7.5 hours one way for L'Anse-Saint-Jean. From the map, you can see that the stops are placed about 1-2 hours apart.

  12. Montreal to Quebec City Road Trip

    The drive from Montreal to Quebec City is only 270 kilometers or so - just over three hours. But this road trip includes hundreds of years of history, the beautiful scenery of the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, and innumerable opportunities to enjoy the unique culture and cuisine of one of the most fascinating regions in North America.

  13. Best Canadian road trip: Montréal to Québec City

    Hit the highways of the French-Canadian province for wilderness, whales, cosmopolitan cities and the best poutine in town. 4 mins. Canada's 'little France' isn't so little. Québec - the biggest province in Canada - spans over 1.5 million sq km, stretching from the banks of the St Lawrence River up towards the Arctic Circle.

  14. Montreal to Quebec City Road Trip

    The island is drenched in history, a microcosm of traditional Quebec culture, and is known as "the birthplace of francophones in North America.". Colors galore! Experience fall in Canada with a drive from Montreal to Quebec City. This road trip with Marriott Bonvoy Traveler highlights the season's colors and foliage.

  15. 30 Best Stops Between Quebec City and Montreal

    The direct drive from Quebec City to Montreal is 157 mi (253 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 45 mins in normal traffic. If you're going on a road trip from Quebec City to Montreal, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with top places to visit like Jacques-Cartier Beach Park and Outdoor and ...

  16. Quebec City to Montreal drive

    4:46 pm Saint Hyacinthe stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:46 pm drive for about 46 minutes. 6:33 pm Le Plateau stay for about 1 hour and leave at 7:33 pm drive for about 5 minutes. 7:38 pm arrive in Montreal eat at La Banquise Resto stay at Hilton Montreal Bonaventure. Enter a city to drive through, or find all trips from Quebec City to ...

  17. Top 15 most scenic road trips and fun drives in Quebec

    3 epic drives in and around Quebec City. 8. The road trip from Montreal to Quebec City, the King's Road; 9. Cruise around Île d'Orléans, a beautiful Quebec drive; 10. Drive the historic routes around Quebec City; 3 epic drives in Quebec, north of the Saint-Lawrence River. 11. Road trip in Quebec's beautiful region of Charlevoix; 12.

  18. Quebec

    Get information on Quebec - Montréal and Québec City Great Itineraries | Fodor's Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and ...

  19. How to Get from Montreal to Quebec City: A Comprehensive Guide

    When planning a road trip from Montreal to Quebec City, choosing a route that suits your needs and preferences is important. There are several options to consider, including highways and scenic routes. Route via Autoroute 20. One of the most popular routes is via Autoroute 20, a well-maintained highway connecting Montreal to Quebec City.

  20. 25 Best Road Trips From Montreal, Quebec

    READ MORE - Road Trip from Montreal to Quebec City. 10. La Mauricie National Park and Trois-Rivières. 3 hours 10 minutes from Montreal (230 km) The rolling hills and lakes of La Mauricie National Park are a perfect place to escape Montreal for a weekend. Pierre Leclerc/Shutterstock.com.

  21. Road Trip from Montréal to Québec City

    Chemin du Roy ("King's Highway") is a scenic and historic road that winds along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. In 1706, the Grand Council of New France proposed that a road be built to connect the settlements along the northern shore of the St. Lawrence River. Road work began on the Chemin du Roy in 1731 and was completed in 1737.

  22. USA to Montréal: your guide to a great road trip

    Montréal is located a short hop from the Canada/US border, and the main Quebec border entry points are, not coincidentally, on the major US highways that most American visitors will take on their road trip to the city. The I-87 north from New York City past Plattsburgh gets you to the Champlain/Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing (only 45 ...

  23. Canada Tours

    Canadian Odyssey: Québec City to Toronto. Discover the beauty and history of Eastern Canada's great cities — Québec City and its Old Town, cosmopolitan Montréal, national capital Ottawa and Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Activity Level. Program No. 3734RJ. Length.

  24. 10 Perfect Days Exploring Canada's East Coast: A Day-By-Day ...

    Day One: Toronto To Montreal . On day one of the road trip across Canada's beautiful East Coast, depart Toronto in the early morning and start the journey toward Montreal. The drive takes a ...

  25. Montreal to consult on plan to build road through Boisé Steinberg

    The city of Montreal wants to build a new road for transport trucks to get to Souligny Ave. and ... Habs beat Avs 2-1 to end road trip on high note. Shortage of Quebec students in family medicine ...

  26. Cette ville au bord de l'océan est à quelques heures de Montréal et ça

    L'été est synonyme de vacances et pour un voyage inoubliable, pourquoi ne pas t'évader lors d'un road trip vers l'océan Atlantique à seulement quelques heures de Montréal? En un avant-midi, tu peux traverser la frontière partagée avec nos voisins du Sud et ainsi, te dépayser dans une charmante ville côtière des États-Unis.