Quebec
5
Day Itinerary •
Canada
Five days in Quebec gives you the full extraordinary depth of the most culturally and naturally remarkable province in Canada, from the walled city of Quebec and Montreal's extraordinary neighbourhood culture through the dramatic Charlevoix coastal drive and the deepest fjord in North America at Saguenay to the famous Perce Rock rising from the St Lawrence and the woodland caribou of the Chic-Choc Mountains at the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula. This route covers the complete Quebec experience from the UNESCO Old Town of Quebec City and the finest urban culture in Canada at Montreal through the whale-watching waters of Charlevoix and the Saguenay beluga habitat to the extraordinary natural landmark of Perce Rock and the remote wilderness of the Gaspe. Five extraordinary days in the most French and most fascinating corner of North America.
Best Time To Visit
June to October
Getting There
Fly into Montreal (YUL) or Quebec City (YQB)
Getting Around
Car essential for Charlevoix and Gaspe
Budget Per Day
Approx 210 to 645 CAD per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, coastal driving
DAY 1
QUEBEC CITY
MORNING
OLD QUEBEC CITY, THE ONLY WALLED CITY IN NORTH AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO
Quebec City's Old Town is the most extraordinary historic urban landscape in North America, its extraordinary 17th-century stone fortifications, the only remaining walled city north of Mexico, its remarkable Chateau Frontenac hotel rising above the St Lawrence on its promontory, the extraordinary Plains of Abraham and the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk giving it a character entirely unlike any other city in Canada. The Old Lower Town of Place Royale, where Champlain founded New France in 1608, is extraordinary. Most sites free. Drive/Travel: 20 min walk
MIDDAY
THE CHATEAU FRONTENAC AND THE DUFFERIN TERRACE
The Chateau Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world and the most extraordinary landmark in Canada, its extraordinary green copper turrets rising 100 metres above the St Lawrence giving it the finest hotel silhouette in North America. The Dufferin Terrace boardwalk below the chateau gives the finest view of the St Lawrence, the Ile d'Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains beyond. The funicular connecting Upper and Lower Town is extraordinary. Funicular approx 4 CAD. Drive/Travel: 15 min walk
AFTERNOON
THE PLAINS OF ABRAHAM AND THE FORTIFICATIONS WALK
The Plains of Abraham on the Cap Diamant cliff above the St Lawrence was the site of the battle in 1759 that determined whether North America would be French or English, the 15-minute engagement in which both Montcalm and Wolfe were killed deciding the fate of the continent. The extraordinary 4.6km fortification walk around the complete city walls is the finest urban heritage walk in Canada and the only complete walled city circuit in North America. Entry free.
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The Rue du Tresor is the finest open-air art market in Canada, a narrow alley where local artists have sold Quebec prints and engravings on the stone walls since the 1960s. The cobblestones, heritage buildings and artistic tradition make it the finest hidden street in Old Quebec. Entry free. Artists present daily spring to autumn.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Chez Temporel, Old Quebec The finest cafe in Old Quebec since 1974. Outstanding croissants and cafe au lait in an extraordinary stone building. | Lunch: Cochon Dingue, Lower Town Outstanding Quebec cuisine in the finest bistro in Place Royale. Local tourtiere and pea soup extraordinary. | Dinner: Le Saint-Amour, Old Quebec The finest restaurant in Quebec City. Outstanding French-Quebec cuisine in an extraordinary heritage building. Book ahead.
DAY 2
MONTREAL
MORNING
MONTREAL, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY CITY IN CANADA
Montreal is the most extraordinary city in Canada and the second largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, its extraordinary Mont Royal park above the city, the remarkable Old Montreal cobblestone district, the finest bagel in the world at St-Viateur and the extraordinary underground city of 33km of tunnels connecting 60 city blocks making it the finest urban experience in the country. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts contains the finest art collection in Canada. Museum approx 24 CAD. Drive/Travel: 3 hours train or drive
MIDDAY
OLD MONTREAL AND THE NOTRE-DAME BASILICA
Old Montreal's Basilica of Notre-Dame is the most extraordinary religious interior in North America, its extraordinary blue vaulted ceiling with thousands of gold stars, the remarkable Casavant Freres organ, the extraordinary stained glass windows depicting scenes from Montreal's history and the remarkable Chapel of the Sacred Heart all making it the finest Gothic Revival interior in Canada. The Aura light show in the evening is extraordinary. Basilica entry approx 10 CAD. Drive/Travel: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
THE PLATEAU-MONT-ROYAL AND THE MILE END, THE FINEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN CANADA
The Plateau-Mont-Royal is the most extraordinary neighbourhood in Canada, its extraordinary colourful outdoor staircases, the remarkable independent cafes, bookshops and restaurants of Avenue du Mont-Royal and Rue Saint-Denis and the extraordinary Mile End district with Schwartz's deli and St-Viateur bagels making it the finest urban neighbourhood experience in the country. Entry free throughout.
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The Pointe-a-Calliere Museum is built on the 1642 founding site of Montreal, its underground galleries passing through the original settlement foundations and the first Catholic cemetery in the city. The finest archaeological museum in Canada. Entry approx 25 CAD.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Olive et Gourmando, Old Montreal Outstanding artisan breakfast at the finest bakery in Old Montreal. The granola and smoked salmon are extraordinary. | Lunch: Schwartz's Deli, Plateau The most famous smoked meat deli in Canada since 1928. Outstanding Montreal smoked meat sandwich. Queue early. | Dinner: Joe Beef, Little Burgundy The most celebrated restaurant in Canada. Outstanding Montreal French cuisine. Book months ahead.
DAY 3
THE LAURENTIANS
MORNING
THE LAURENTIAN MOUNTAINS AND MONT-TREMBLANT, THE FINEST RESORT IN EASTERN CANADA
Mont-Tremblant National Park in the Laurentians is the most extraordinary natural landscape in southern Quebec, its extraordinary ski resort village, the remarkable P'tit Train du Nord cycling trail through the finest Laurentian scenery and the extraordinary Diable River canyon giving the finest outdoor experience in the Montreal region. The Mont-Tremblant pedestrian village is the finest resort village in Canada. Park entry approx 9 CAD per vehicle. Drive/Travel: 1.5 hours drive
MIDDAY
THE EASTERN TOWNSHIPS AND THE QUEBEC WINE ROUTE
The Eastern Townships south of Montreal along the US border are the most extraordinary wine and cycling country in Quebec, their extraordinary Lake Massawippi, the remarkable Orford Art Centre and the extraordinary Quebec wine estates of the Brome-Missisquoi appellation producing the finest ice wine and Vidal in Canada. The Route des Vins cycling trail through the vineyards is the finest in Quebec. Wine tastings from approx 15 CAD. Drive/Travel: 1 hour drive
AFTERNOON
THE MAGDALEN ISLANDS FERRY OR THE GASPE PENINSULA
The Gaspe Peninsula 600km east of Quebec City is the most extraordinary coastal wilderness in Quebec, its extraordinary Perce Rock rising 88 metres from the sea as the most famous natural landmark in eastern Canada, the Bonaventure Island gannet colony of 120,000 birds and the extraordinary Forillon National Park at the tip of the peninsula giving the finest combination of wildlife and scenery in the province. Boat to Bonaventure Island approx 20 CAD.
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Montmorency Falls at 83 metres stands 30 metres taller than Niagara and is the finest urban waterfall in Canada. Its winter ice cone attracts climbers from across the world. A suspension bridge, cable car and staircase give multiple perspectives on the falls. Cable car approx 16 CAD. Park entry free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Fairmont Tremblant breakfast Outstanding Canadian breakfast at the finest hotel in the Laurentians before the park opens. | Lunch: Auberge du Lac Taureau Outstanding Quebec country house lunch on the extraordinary lac Taureau in the Laurentians. | Dinner: Aux Anciens Canadiens, Quebec City The most historic restaurant in Quebec since 1675. Outstanding traditional Quebec cuisine in the oldest house in the city.
DAY 4
CHARLEVOIX AND SAGUENAY
MORNING
THE CHARLEVOIX COAST, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY COASTAL DRIVE IN QUEBEC
The Charlevoix coast northeast of Quebec City is the most extraordinary coastal landscape in the St Lawrence valley, its extraordinary Laurentian mountain villages tumbling down to the St Lawrence shore, the remarkable UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the extraordinary whale watching in the Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park and the artistic heritage of Baie-Saint-Paul making it the finest coastal drive in eastern Canada. The drive on Route 362 is the finest road in Quebec. Drive/Travel: 1.5 hours drive
MIDDAY
BAIE-SAINT-PAUL, THE ARTISTIC CAPITAL OF QUEBEC
Baie-Saint-Paul is the most extraordinary arts town in Quebec, its extraordinary concentration of galleries, the birthplace of the Cirque du Soleil aesthetic and the remarkable Centre d'art de Baie-Saint-Paul making it the finest arts destination in the province. The extraordinary valley setting between mountains and the St Lawrence, the heritage main street and the outstanding local food scene make it the finest small town in Charlevoix. Entry to main gallery approx 10 CAD. Drive/Travel: 45 min drive
AFTERNOON
THE SAGUENAY FJORD AND THE MOST DRAMATIC WATERWAY IN CANADA
The Saguenay Fjord is the most extraordinary fjord in North America, its extraordinary 100km of sheer 300-metre granite walls rising from the deepest fjord in Canada, the remarkable beluga whale habitat at Tadoussac where the Saguenay meets the St Lawrence and the extraordinary Cap Trinite statue of the Virgin Mary visible from every boat in the fjord making it the finest natural landmark in Quebec. Fjord cruise from Tadoussac approx 50 CAD.
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Ile aux Coudres in the St Lawrence is the most extraordinary inhabited island in the river, its heritage windmills, schooner-building tradition and 23km circular road giving a character unlike any other island. The ferry from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive is free. The island cider houses produce the finest apple ice cider in Quebec.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Le Mouton Noir, Baie-Saint-Paul The finest cafe in Charlevoix. Outstanding local Charlevoix cheese and freshly baked bread. | Lunch: Chez Boulay, Charlevoix Outstanding boreal cuisine using local Charlevoix ingredients. The finest seasonal menu on the coast. | Dinner: Auberge de Saguenay, Tadoussac Outstanding Quebec coastal dinner with extraordinary fjord views. Local salmon and beluga whale watching at dusk.
DAY 5
THE GASPE PENINSULA
MORNING
THE GASPESIE AND PERCE ROCK, THE MOST FAMOUS LANDMARK IN EASTERN CANADA
Perce Rock on the Gaspe Peninsula is the most extraordinary natural landmark in eastern Canada, a 433-metre long limestone monolith rising 88 metres from the sea with a natural arch large enough to sail a small boat through. The Bonaventure Island boat tour around the rock and to the gannet colony of 120,000 birds on the island cliff face is the finest wildlife experience in Quebec. The Percival interpretation centre gives the extraordinary geological context. Boat approx 20 CAD. Drive/Travel: 4 hours drive
MIDDAY
FORILLON NATIONAL PARK, THE LAND'S END OF CANADA
Forillon National Park at the tip of the Gaspe Peninsula is the most extraordinary land's end landscape in Canada, its extraordinary limestone headland, the seal colonies at Cap-Bon-Ami, the remarkable black bear and moose habitat and the extraordinary La Gaspesie trail giving the finest wilderness hiking in eastern Quebec. The Cap-Gaspé lighthouse at the extreme tip of the peninsula is the finest in the province. Park day pass approx 10 CAD. Drive/Travel: 45 min drive
AFTERNOON
THE MATANE RIVER AND THE FINEST ATLANTIC SALMON RIVER IN QUEBEC
The Matane River on the south shore of the Gaspe Peninsula is the most extraordinary Atlantic salmon river in Quebec, its extraordinary fish ladder at Matane allowing visitors to watch Atlantic salmon jumping 5 metres up the falls between July and October. The remarkable salmon interpretation centre and the extraordinary viewing window below water level giving face-to-face salmon encounters make it the finest wildlife viewing facility in eastern Canada. Entry to ladder approx 5 CAD.
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The Chic-Choc Mountains are the southernmost woodland caribou habitat in the world. The Parc national de la Gaspesie trail to Mont Albert at 1,151 metres crosses extraordinary granite summits above the treeline, with the 100-strong herd grazing at altitude. The finest wilderness summit walk in Quebec. Park pass approx 9 CAD per vehicle.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe de l'Anse, Perce Outstanding Gaspe breakfast above the extraordinary Perce Rock. Local smoked fish and wild blueberry muffins. | Lunch: La Maison du Pecheur, Perce The finest seafood restaurant in the Gaspe. Outstanding fresh lobster above the extraordinary rock. | Dinner: Gite du Mont-Albert, Gaspe Outstanding Quebec wilderness dinner at the finest lodge in the Chic-Choc mountains.
Where To Stay
Quebec City, Nights 1 to 2 Fairmont Chateau Frontenac or Hotel Le Germain. Approx 250 to 600 CAD per night. Montreal, Night 3 Hotel Gault or W Montreal. Approx 200 to 450 CAD per night. Charlevoix, Night 4 Auberge sur la Cote or La Maison Otis. Approx 150 to 350 CAD per night. Gaspe or Perce, Night 5 Gite du Mont-Albert or Hotel La Normandie. Approx 120 to 280 CAD per night.
Top Tips
1. Saguenay fjord belugas at Tadoussac: peak season July to October. The hydrophone listening station is extraordinary.
2. Charlevoix Route 362: the finest coastal drive in Quebec. Stop at every village lookout for the St Lawrence views.
3. Perce Rock boat tour: go early morning for the calmest water and the finest gannet colony light.
4. Ile aux Coudres cider houses: the apple ice cider is extraordinary. Buy direct from Cidrerie St-Simeon.
5. Chic-Choc caribou: the plateau walk above treeline requires 5 to 6 hours and a park guide in July and August.
6. Baie-Saint-Paul galleries: the finest arts scene in rural Quebec. The Corridor Culturel connects 25 galleries.
Total Budget
210 to 640 CAD/day