Canada summer trip in the heart of Quebec

Montreal

Day 1: Welcome to Montreal!

Upon arrival into Montreal International Airport, you will be taken by a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city, which will be your base for two nights. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by this quaint yet charming city, a jewel in the heart of Canada.

Once you've checked into the hotel, feel free to freshen up and relax before enjoying the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure discovering the city.

Montreal - Mauricie National Park

Day 2: Explore the Charm of Montreal

Montreal is an artistic city. It is often called an open-air museum and we invite you to discover its most beautiful murals with our guide accompanying you throughout this colorful artistic journey!

You will start by walking along St. Laurent Boulevard and its adjacent streets, and you will soon be amazed by the diversity of its street art. 

You will also discover the Quartier des Spectacles, the cultural heart of the city where visitors flock day and night fascinated by its eight lively public squares and its unique effervescence. 

Afterwards, you’ll pick up your rental car headed for La Mauricie National Park. Nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, this small province has a rich hinterland, an area known for its hiking and nature trails.

Mauricie National Park

Day 3: Immerse Yourself in the Majesty of Mauricie National Park

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast that you are ready for your next adventure in Quebec.

Canoeing on Canadian rivers and lakes and falling asleep by the fire on the riverbanks is an experience everyone can enjoy. In Canada, and particularly in Quebec, the practice is common, and rivers are developed to enjoy this type of adventure. 

Today, you will meet the expedition team in Mauricie National Park, the starting point of your adventure. Upon calm waters, and according to the currents, you will cross landscapes only accessible by canoe and enjoy nature just for you.

After about twenty kilometers of paddling, you will arrive at the camp, your accommodation for the night and the setting of a special "Mauricie terroir" dinner.

Mauricie National Park

Day 4: Canoe the Waters of Anticagamac Lake

After a comfortable night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we will leave the camp headed further down stream for Anticagamac Lake.

On this second day of canoe-camping, you will explore the rivers of La Mauricie National Park and have lunch on the banks before continuing the descent towards the campsite. 

This park is dotted with hills and immense forests and has 150 lakes. Keep an eye out along the way for animals such as moose, deer, bear, beaver or otter who have their habitats in these areas.

Once we’ve arrived at the campsite, get comfortable and relax beneath the blanket of stars on the banks of the Mattawin River.

Mauricie National Park - Quebec City

Day 5: Venture Towards Quebec City

We hope that after yesterday’s adventure, you have had a restful night’s sleep because this morning we will be making the journey towards Quebec City.

On your last day of canoe-camping in the heart of the Mauricie region, we’ll embark on some short hikes which will enhance the stay on the water. The park has many trails, some of which offer an extraordinary view of the treetops and the river below. 

In the afternoon, you’ll head back to your car, following the Chemin du Roy road. Built in the 1660s during the time of the Nouvelle France, this road links Montreal and Quebec City. Many cultural and local stops along the way add to the charm of one of Quebec's main touristic routes.

Upon arrival into Quebec City, check into your hotel and rest easy for the night.

Quebec City

Day 6: Discover Picturesque Quebec City

Today there’s no need to rush, the itinerary is up to you. You could sleep late before heading to breakfast. Then, begin your exploration of the city at your own pace and leisure.

If you like to stroll, then be sure that Quebec City will seduce you! Its lively streets, old town and rich history make Québec City a must-see stop on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Discover the famous Château Frontenac, the Petit Champlain district, and admire the panoramic view over the St. Lawrence River and its famous Montmorency Falls. A crossing on the island of Lévis is essential if you want to get a beautiful panorama of the city for beautiful pictures!

Lake Saint-jean

Day 7: Head for the Waters of Lake Saint-Jean

With a length of 105 kilometres and a width of 1 to 3.5 km, this fjord is a huge playground in the heart of nature - one of the largest in the world at such a low altitude. 

After departing Quebec City, we suggest you make a few stops south of the lake to familiarize yourself with this huge water playground. Visit the historic village of Val-Jabert, home to a former 1920s pulp mill or take a trip on a cable car to Ouiatchouan Falls. 

Afterwards, why not immerse yourself in the world of blueberries, the region's gastronomic heritage. Various shops offer them in all forms, but it is the chocolate factory of the Pères Trappistes that attracts the most attention. 

Dive into native lands with a visit to the Mashteuiatsh Amerindian Museum, which explains the history of the Ilnu community of Lake Saint-Jean before arriving at Alma in the afternoon or evening.

Pointe-taillon National Park

Day 8: Discover the scenic Pointe-Taillon National Park

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast, you are ready for your next adventure in Canada. Discover the Pointe-Taillon National Park, which features a sandy shore and a cycle trail along its peninsula, and is well-situated between Lake Saint-Jean and the Péribonka River. Find yourself charmed by the seaside ambience here, observe a range of bird species, beavers and moose in their natural habitat, and keep active with a selection of outdoor pursuits - from hiking to supervised swimming.

Saguenay National Park - Tadoussac

Day 9: Discover Fjord-du-Saguenay

Today, you’ll journey the road between the Saguenay Fjord and Tadoussac, the first city on the north coast of Quebec. 

This former glacial valley, 100 kilometers inland, contains many treasures. Discover picturesque villages around the fjord, with beautiful stops into coves, bays and villages while enjoying some wildlife and migratory bird watching. 

Hike in the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park where more than 300 square kilometres of shoreline is now protected by this park. Various trails have been created to enjoy panoramic views of the fjord, or to observe the migration of belugas from a beautiful viewpoint. 

Arrival in Tadoussac in the evening to enjoy some free time in this city sheltering one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Tadoussac

Day 10: Go Whale Watching on the St. Lawrence River

From the Bergeronnes marina, embark on an unforgettable zodiac cruise in the heart of the St. Lawrence Estuary, the most beautiful whale watching site in the world! 

You will discover huge specimens such as humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales and seals in a wonderful and magical setting where time seems to have stopped. You will enjoy this natural break where the sea, animals and humans meet in complete serenity at the water's edge. 

At night, you’ll embark on a kayaking excursion accompanied by an experienced guide and specialized equipment with a hydrophone to listen and to observe the whales of the St. Lawrence River. This experience will allow you to be attentive to the sounds of mammals and to observe the phenomenon of bioluminescence.

Tadoussac - Montreal

Day 11: Say Farewell to Quebec

This morning you’ll leave Tadoussac headed for Montreal. You will cross the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and the Chaudières Appalaches and Centre-du-Québec regions. 

Depending when your flight is, you may need to head straight to the airport to drop off your car.

All good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that the Canada has to offer -- the rich natural beauty, history, the effervescent culture and the people that make the country what it is.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!