Self-Drive Quebec Countryside & Cities

Tour Information

Come and see the province of Quebec with its colourful culture, festivals and landscape! From the annual Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal to the fall colours of the Laurentian Mountains, Quebec will leave you breathless!

Day 1

Montréal
Arrive at Montréal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, pick up your rental car and make your way to your chosen downtown hotel. After check-in, spend the day in historic Old Port of Montréal. The history of Montréal begins amidst the bustling activity of its ports and the arrival of the early explorers, settlers and immigrants. The Old Port is now one of the largest sites of its kind in the world. Stroll along its paths, sidewalks and footbridges. This evening, you may want to visit the Casino de Montréal, located on the beautiful lle Notre-Dame, surrounded by magnificent gardens outside, and featuring 105 gaming tables, 2700 slot machines, and Keno. There is a gourmet dining room, three popular-priced restaurants and a dinner show.
Overnight: Hotel Maritime Plaza
Deluxe: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Day 2

Montréal to Tremblant (150 miles)
This morning, travel south for 11 kilometres along Highway 720 to Lachine, and visit the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site. Located in a delightfully natural setting on the banks of Lake St. Louis, the Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site will reveal the socio-economic organization of the fur trade at the end of the 18th Century. Relive the era of merchants and voyagers on a quest for precious furs. You may wish to visit the Parc de Sculptures Rene-Levesque, the largest open-air sculpture garden in Eastern Canada. Visit the Kahnawake Indian Reservation, one kilometre from the Fur Trade Historical Site. On your return to Montréal, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica. This magnificent Catholic Church is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. The main building is flanked on either side by two towers, one of which houses a 10,000-kilogram bell, and the other a ten-bell carillon. The interior of the basilica is spectacular. The sculptures, the stained-glass windows and the paintings are breathtakingly beautiful. The 19th century organ is one of the largest in the world. From Lachine, make your way to Tremblant in the heart of the Laurentian Mountains for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Plaza St-Bernard
Deluxe: The Fairmont Tremblant

Day 3

Tremblant
Today, you are at leisure to explore Tremblant. A resort for all seasons, Tremblant is nestled in Quebec’s beautiful Laurentian Mountains , Avid golfers, rugged outdoor-types, connoisseurs of fine cuisine, professional shoppers and winter sport junkies: the Tremblant area rewards all with countless opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest. Nestled between Lac-Tremblant and Mt. Tremblant , a majestic peak with 90-plus world-class runs, the pedestrianized Resort Village is the heart of the region, providing a potpourri of first-rate restaurants and cafés, most boasting outdoor dining areas in the summer, as well as a bustling night-life scene that runs the gamut from fashion-conscious rock clubs like Octabar Rock to such hip watering holes as Café de l’Époque and La Forge Bistro-Bar, both popular après-ski destinations. Venture out and discover friendly towns like St-Jovite, whose quaint , traditional Quebéc eateries and unique craft shops offer charming glimpses into a way of life long since forgotten in the big cities. Indeed, in the shadow of Mt. Tremblant, your only limitation is the time you get to spend here.
Overnight: Plaza St-Bernard
Deluxe: The Fairmont Tremblant

Day 4

Tremblant to Trois-Rivieres
This morning, depart Tremblant for Trois-Rivières. Make a stop at Fort Lennox National Historic Site. As soon as you climb aboard the little ferryboat to Fort Lennox, discover one of the most authentic British fortifications in North America. Fort Lennox is located on an island with a very special landscape. The fort played an important role in the military life of the last century. Thanks to interpretive historic activities and surprising exhibits, see the tactics used by colonists to repel enemy attacks in bygone days. On your departure, take Highway 223 North to Chambly, and visit the Fort Chambly National Historic Site. Rebuilt in stone in 1711 at the foot of the Chambly Rapids, this impressive defensive work had as its goal the defense of the colony against British attacks. Restored in 1983, Fort Chambly invites you to visit its museum and relive part of history in a magnificent setting. Continue north on Highway 133 to Sorel and Highway 132 to Trois-Rivieres where you will spend tonight.
Overnight: Delta Trois-Rivières
Deluxe: Delta Trois-Rivieres

Day 5

Trois-Rivieres to La Malbaie (157 miles)
Today following the St. Lawrence River Northeast to the town of La Malbaie. Travel past Quebéc City and into the Charlevoix Region of the province. You will be traveling to La Malbaie, a riverside community first settled in the 17th century. The area has long been considered a haven for tourists, who adore its inviting inns and hotels and lovely topography. The quaint villages to the north-Saint-Siméon, Pointe-au-Persil, and Cap-à-la-Aigle - must not be missed. While there, head south on scenic Route 362 and explore Les Éboulements, St-Joseph-de-la-Rive and the island community of L’Île-aux-Coudres. Most will agree that Charlevoix cuisine is nothing short of superb, featuring fresh seafood, wild game and local produce.
Overnight: The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu
Deluxe: The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu

Day 6

La Malbaie
Today take a trip to Tadoussac to see the whales! The St. Lawrence River is home to several species of marine mammals, including such whales as minkes, fins and even the mammoth blue whale. Keep your camera ready and marvel at the beauty of the region’s landscape. You may see a beluga whale come out of the water, which can reach depths of 300 metres. The excursion is guided by an experienced team of naturalists.
Overnight: The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu
Deluxe: The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu

Day 7

La Malbaie to Quebec City (88 miles)
Today, leave the beautiful Charlevoix are and make your way to Quebéc City. Located on the St. Lawrence River, Quebéc is the only city in North America to be registered on the prestigious UNESCO world heritage list. Ancient stone walls still fortify the dynamic city, whose rapidly growing economy is fueled by high tech industry, information technology, and of course, tourism. More than 100 cruise ships pass through the port city each year. Visitors flock to a number of impressive sites, including the historic Old-Québec; the Citadelle, atop cap Diamant; the majestic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac; and the Parliament Building, Quebéc City’s most important national landmark. Quebéc City also offers many fine museums, including the Musée de Quebéc. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel Manoir Victoria
Deluxe: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Day 8

Quebec City to Montreal (158 miles)
A check out from your Quebéc City accommodation and a drive back to Montreal completes your Quebéc Countryside & Cities getaway.

Day 9

Arrive back to the UK

What's Included

• Transatlantic schedule flights
• Car hire (economy size)
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• Self-drive routing, maps, itinerary and general information package
• Admission to The Fur Trade at Lachine National Historic Site, Fort Lennox National Historic Site, Fort Chambly National Historic Site, Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site, Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site, Old Port of Quebec Interpretive Centre, Whale Watching from Tadoussac.