Quebec to the rhythm of its nature

In the morning, start with Parliament Hill and its very “British” changing of the guard. Then stop by the ByWard Market, where you’ll find local products — sometimes surprising.

In the afternoon, the must-see: the outstanding Museum of Civilization. It’s as enjoyable as it is informative, and children will love it. You’ll discover the full history of Canada, with a special focus on Indigenous cultures. Then rent a bike and ride along the Rideau Canal, or go for a hike in nearby Gatineau Park.

(See optional activities.)

Overnight at the same hotel.

Off to nature! On the way, stop at the Montebello wildlife park: you’ll see North American animals such as bears, wolves, bison, and caribou. The visit is done in your car, but you can also pet white-tailed deer, walk on a footbridge above black bears, and discover birds of prey in a huge aviary. Nearby, a beautiful log hotel (built with red and black timber) is a great spot for lunch.

Following a winding road through the forest, you reach the Laurentians — one of Quebec’s most beautiful regions. Check in to your 4-star apartment with kitchen, dining area, and a balcony with a view (two pools on site).

Hiking in Mont-Tremblant National Park is pure bliss. It’s also the perfect place for a canoe river trip — you’ll feel like you’re alone in the world. Canoes are easy to rent on one of the many lakes, and there are also great cycling routes.

A few kilometers away, the charming Tremblant ski resort is worth a visit. A gondola takes you to the summit with magnificent views. The resort is somewhat artificial, but lively and full of activities.

(See optional activities.)

Overnight at the same place.

After one last dip in the pool, head to Québec City. You finally reach the St. Lawrence River. An interesting stop in Trois-Rivières, notably to visit its old prison.

Take the “Chemin du Roy” along the river to reach Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its many historic sights: Château Frontenac, Place Jacques-Cartier, the old streets… as well as nearby attractions: Île d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls, the Huron Village.

Overnight in a panoramic 3-star hotel in Upper Town.

If you want to explore Québec City further, you can stay longer and head to the next stop in the afternoon. But if you love nature, drive north in the morning to Jacques-Cartier National Park. You can go river rafting by canoe, kayak or mini-raft. The mini-raft is practical, fun and reassuring for families (children aged 5+). Shuttles depart at 8:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

Continue through a vast wildlife reserve. You’ll pass near Chicoutimi, then follow the Saguenay River and its wide fjord. Your accommodation is a typical 3-star outfitter lodge near Ste-Rose-du-Nord, perched on top of the cliffs.

Take your time to discover one of Canada’s most beautiful fjords. The lodge offers many options: swimming in a small lake, bear watching, bike rental, children’s play area, and canoeing on the lake. You can also go sea-kayaking on the calm waters of this immense river.

Overnight at the same place.

Drive back down to the St. Lawrence River and reach Tadoussac. You may want to book tomorrow’s whale-watching cruise already. Continue a bit farther north to the small village of Les Escoumins.

A Montagnais (Innu) community lives here, and your apartment is managed by them. The view over the river is exceptional — you might even spot whales from your terrace!

Lovely walks are possible along the rocks and the beach.

Overnight in a chalet by a lake, deep in the forest, 8 km from Tadoussac.

Today is whale day! Head to Tadoussac for a 3–4 hour boat trip. If you prefer, discover whales by zodiac or sea kayak. There are many whales, as well as belugas and seals. In the village, a small interpretation center explains the life of these mammals very well.

Then take the road through the beautiful Charlevoix region, a UNESCO World Heritage area.

Overnight in an apartment with kitchen and one or two bedrooms, with a view over the river (or in an inn / B&B if you prefer).

A great day to explore, for example, Grands-Jardins National Park and enjoy magnificent landscapes. The flora is different in Québec, and wildlife is easier to spot… or rather, less difficult to spot!

Another option: Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, for hikes along the river or cliff walks. There’s also a very pleasant mini-cruise on the river, and bike rental is possible.

The little town of Baie-Saint-Paul is charming, with many art galleries — strolling here is a joy.

Overnight at the same place.

Follow the St. Lawrence River as its banks draw closer and closer. Before reaching Québec City again, stop at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré for its basilica and at Montmorency Falls. You pass by Québec City as if meeting an old acquaintance.

Then enter the Mauricie region. If you’re interested, visit the Pulp and Paper Industry Interpretation Centre in Trois-Rivières — or, more fun, the old prison! Also worth seeing: the Logger’s Museum in Grandes-Piles, which tells part of the region’s story. Arrive at your inn: a typical Québec lakeside lodge offering many activities. In the evening, there’s a great show (actors, sound and lasers) in the forest 20 km away.

Overnight in a 3-star inn by a lake, with many activities: black bears, canoeing, pool, Indigenous legends, etc.

Visit Mauricie National Park: it’s the ideal place for one last hike or, better yet, a canoe trip around a lake — bring a picnic! The region’s villages are charming. Or you may simply prefer enjoying the lodge’s facilities (pool, sauna, massage, lake, canoeing, quad, black bear safari, meeting a trapper, etc.).

You can also spend a full day with a trapper who will talk about Québec’s animals and Indigenous legends.

Overnight at the same place.

On your way to Montreal, the detour via Drummondville (south of the river) is worth it: you can visit the Village Québécois d’Antan, a beautiful re-creation of life “back in the day”, lively and cheerful.

Arrival in Montreal, the world’s second-largest French-speaking city. The former Olympic Park offers plenty to see — especially the Biodome, for a surprising and captivating journey through Earth’s four climates.

But Montreal is above all about its vibe, its very different neighborhoods (Chinatown, Little Italy, business district, etc.) and its nightlife.

Overnight downtown in a 3-star hotel.

Morning to continue discovering the city — and probably do some shopping! In the late afternoon, drive to the airport. Return the vehicle and board your flight home. Arrival in Europe the next day.