Discover Quebec

Salut! Welcome to Montreal – the largest province in Canada, known for its French-speakers, European architecture, narrow streets and the mighty St Lawrence River. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. Montreal is the largest city in Quebec, named after Mt Royal – the triple-peaked hill at its centre. The neighbourhoods here all offer unique draw cards, with French cobblestone streets and bohemian vibes. If you arrive early, maybe visit Mount Royal Park or stroll through the Jean Talon Market. After the welcome meeting, head out for a walking tour of Old Montreal with a local guide. Take in the varied architecture throughout the city, stopping at the Bank of Montreal, City Hall and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Learn about the city’s founding and the eras of history that followed. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner and get to know each other.

Wake up early and drive to Camilien-Houde Belvedere on Mount Royal for a panoramic view of the city as the sun rises over the horizon. Then, travel to Mile End, where you’ll stop for a Montreal bagel and a coffee – these bagels are world-famous and quite different from the classic New York bagel. Then drive to Ile d’Orleans – an island known for its rural landscape, agriculture and fresh produce. When you arrive, stop for lunch at La Cantine chez Mag. Maybe try lobster poutine before continuing your drive around the island. Taste locally made maple products and stop at a winery for a taste of the local drop before continuing onto Baie Saint Paul for the night.

This morning is free for you to explore Baie Saint Paul at your own pace. Maybe find a local cafe for breakfast or a coffee, or visit the Musee d’art Contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul (the contemporary art museum). Later today, you’ll travel to Grands-Jardins National Park for an easy-going afternoon hike. As you follow the Pinede Trail, learn how the national park is one of the core areas of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO for its ecological value. Tonight, if the weather is good, maybe unwind with a drink at the beach as you watch the sunset.

This morning, take a walk on the Coulee-des-Mats Trail, a scenic loop in the Baie-des-Rochers Municipal Park in Saint-Simeon, Charlevoix. Follow the trail up to a spectacular lookout, where you’ll get a breathtaking bird’s-eye-view of the bay, its towering rock walls and the St Lawrence River. It’s a fantastic spot to watch the changing tides and scan the water for seals or belugas. After, continue north and stop at the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and observation centre just across the river from Tadoussac – it’s a great spot to look for whales. Arrive in Tadoussac and check into your hotel, where you’ll have free time to rest or explore. Maybe take a coastal walk to spot wildlife or wander through the village for some shopping or a bite to eat.

This morning, set out on a whale-watching boat tour. As you cruise within the Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park, look out for the 13 species of whale that call this place home – including fin whales, humpback whales, porpoises, harbor seals and beluga whales. Your local naturalist guide will teach you about the local marine life and their natural habitat. This afternoon, travel through the national park and along the Saguenay Fjord to Sainte Rose du Nord village – a charming little town right on the fjord. You’ll have free time to explore and have some lunch on your own before joining your group for a scenic walk along the Plate-forme Trail, where you’ll get great views of the village and fjord from an elevated wooden platform. Later, depending on what the group wants to do, you can stay in the fjord area and explore further, have dinner on one of the scenic patios overlooking the fjord or head back to Tadoussac to relax for the evening.

Spend the morning exploring Tadoussac Village at your own pace, before travelling to Quebec. Along the way, visit Montmorency Falls – this waterfall runs into the St Lawrence River and is taller than Niagara Falls! When you arrive in Quebec, settle into your accommodation before continuing to Wendake. Here, you’ll meet with a native storyteller at Huron-Wendat Museum, sit by three hearth fires in the traditional long house and hear myths and legends of the region.

Head out on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quebec City this morning with a local guide. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and discover the European charm of the buildings that make up this city. The rest of today is free to explore this city however you like. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled.