Day 1 & 2
(of motorhome rental after previous one night hotel stay upon arrival)
Collect your motorhome from Montréal and then it is an easy drive to Mont-Tremblant National Park, an ideal place to start your holiday in Québec. Base yourself at the Lac Monroe campground for a couple of days to enjoy the large variety of activities on offer, such as fishing, hiking and the unique Via Ferrata du Diable, a path that allows visitors to cross a sheer rock face.
The park is best explored by canoe – be sure to try Les Méandres du Diable, a route perfect for beginners. The nearby resort village of Mont-Tremblant has an activity centre from where activities such as rafting, horse riding, golf, sailing and rock climbing can be booked.
✪ 90 miles to Mont-Tremblant National Park
★ Visit the lively town of Saint-Sauveur en route, for its excellent restaurants, outlet shopping and water park.
Day 3
Today, a short and scenic drive through unspoiled countryside on routes 125 and 347 via Saint-Donat brings you to the Lanaudière region. Spend the afternoon relaxing at a lakeside campground.
✪ 85 miles to Mandeville
★ For a special treat before you leave Mont-Tremblant, take a helicopter ride to view Québec’s vast and pristine forests, at their most vibrant in late September/early October when the maple leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange and gold.
Day 4 & 5
La Mauricie National Park of Canada is another exceptional spot to spend a few days in Québec’s great outdoors.
Try the excursion to Waber Falls – picnic and swim at one of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls after travelling on foot and by canoe. Base yourself at Centre d’Aventure Mattawin, an adrenaline activity centre that offers rafting and canyoning, as well as the lesser known sport of hydroluging.
✪ 75 miles to Rivière Matawin
★ Explore the park by Rabaska canoe, which at 8 meters long holds 10 people and was the traditional mode of transport for the Coureurs des Bois (French Canadian fur traders).
Day 6
By a back country route, today you’ll arrive at one of Québec’s natural wonders, Lac Saint-Jean.
So large it is essentially an inland sea, explore its warm waters, sandy beaches and stunning coastline from the Pointe-Taillon National Park. Be sure to visit Val-Jalbert, a preserved company town from the 1920s and the wildlife park at Saint-Félicien.
✪ 170 miles to Saint-Henri-de-Taillon
★ Cycle the Véloroute des Bleuets (Blueberry Cycle Route), a paved road that encircles Lac Saint-Jean
Day 7
The most southerly fjord in North America, the Saguenay Fjord is characterised by its dramatic rock walks. One of the best views of the fjord can be had from the lovely village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord.
Allow for a full day in the area to sail, cruise or kayak in search of the white beluga whales that call the fjord home.
✪ 95 miles to L’AnseSaint-Jean
★ Visit Parc Aventure Cap Jaseux to experience the fjord from a canopy ropes course or Via Ferrata.
Day 8
Travel south into the Charlevoix region, where the highest rock faces east of the Canadian Rockies afford dramatic views. Spend at least one full day in the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park to hike the majestic Acropole des Draveurs trail. Visitors can also fish for speckled trout or cycle the 16km route through the park.
✪ 105 miles to Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park
★ Stop en route at Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs for black bear observation.
Day 9
Discover the heart of the Charlevoix on the Route des Saveurs, a flavour trail highlighting the region’s many gastronomic delights. Stop in Baie-Saint-Paul for lunch and visit one of the many local art galleries. Arrive later at Jacques Cartier National Park, one of Québec’s most spectacular parks, only thirty minutes from the provincial capital. While there, be sure to paddle the incredible Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier.
✪ 150 miles to Jacques-Cartier National Park
★ Visit the Wendake Hurons Village to learn about Québec’s First Nations people.
Day 10
No visit to the province would be complete without a stop in Québec City. Arguably North America’s most charming city, Québec City is the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. Its walls contain charming cobbled lanes brimming with cosy bistros, unusual boutiques and historic sites.
We recommend a stop of a minimum of four hours but to better appreciate the atmosphere of the old town, stay a night to enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants and an evening stroll.
✪ 215 miles to Montréal, via Québec City
★ Visit Place Royale, the citadel and fortifications.
Day 11
After breakfast it is to time to return your motorhome, or better still, if time permits, extend your trip in Québec to visit the Gaspésie Peninsula.
