Classic Quebec XL

Day 1: Montréal – Arrival

Arrival. Vehicle pick-up at the airport Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city after Paris: a city of contrasts with its historical Vieux Port and its modern city center. Explore Old historical Montreal named Ville Marie by the first colonists, this is the most charming part of the city, you will have the opportunity to visit the iconic Place Jacques Cartier and the beautiful City Hall. Suggested excursions: Guided Tour of Old Montreal District, Observatory Place Ville Marie, guided tour of Mount Royal Park

Day 2: Québec

Distance to destination: 255 km Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec, and the oldest city in Canada. Behind its high stonewalls, admire the star-shaped citadel and impressive fortifications. Make a stop at the Parliament before going on to the Vieux Port, Place Royale and Petit-Champlain quarters. A lunch or dinner in a traditional sugar shack is strongly recommended. You will be shown the traditional "art" of making maple syrup, and you won’t forget your meal!

Day 3: Québec

Don’t miss the visit of impressive Montmorency Falls, a natural wonder which is higher than Niagara Falls. If you are not afraid of heights, try the zipline to cross the cove of the falls. A short ride will lead to to Jacques Cartier National Park. The park is home to one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Quebec: forest covered mountains, streams, lakes and the spectacular Jacques-Cartier Valley – 550 meters deep. You could be able to watch many animals: moose, caribou, deer, wolves, foxes, river otters and the black bear. We recommend a scenic ride in a rabaska canoe. Suggested excursions: Guided tour of Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls, Jacques Cartier National Park

Day 4: Charlevoix

Distance to destination: 140 km Designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the Charlevoix region is where sea and mountains meet: steep cliffs, exceptional parks, impressive villas, and tidy villages nestled at the base of the hills or in peaceful coves. Start with the visit of baie Baie-Saint-Paul. Founded over 350 years ago, it is one of the oldest and most charming towns in Quebec. Surrounded by sea, mountains and the great outdoors, Baie-Saint-Paul has long been a popular destination for artists and has managed to largely preserve its cultural heritage including its more than 85 century-old homes. Be sure to take a stroll down its narrow streets lined with quaint boutiques and art galleries. You can also pay a visit to Baie-Saint-Paul beach. It's a lovely spot for a stroll or a picnic.

Day 5: Charlevoix

Take Route 362. This spectacular stretch of road, called the St. Lawrence Route, is one of the loveliest scenic roads in all of Canada. You will arrive to La Malbaie. You can stroll along Rue du Quai à Pointe-au-Pic or climb the Chemin des Falaises to discover bourgeois homes of a past century in a charming bucolic setting. Be sure to visit or photograph the iconic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu and simply breathe in the sea air on the bicycle path along the river. The major attraction of the area is Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is truly one of the most beautiful territories in Quebec. The park was named after a series of valleys cut deep into a range of high mountains reaching over 1,000 m in altitude. Steep slopes, beautiful natural surroundings, and the unusual course of Rivière Malbaie make this an exceptional and unique site. Suggested excursions: Guided tour of Grands Jardins National Park, Hautes Gorges de la Rivière Malbaie National Park

Day 6: Lac St Jean

Listed as one of the 50 most beautiful bays in the world, Tadoussac is a village at the confluence of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers Known as the oldest village in Canada, Tadoussac celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2000. This is a charming village, but above all this is an internationally-renowned whale-watching site. Hence, accompanied by a naturalist guide, you can’t miss the local signature activity! Whale watching by zodiac is without a doubt the best way to get close to the whales, while keeping a safe distance. It is also the least comfortable, so you may want to think twice if you are prone to seasickness. You can choose the catamaran option: given the size of the boat, you won't get as close to the whales as you would in a zodiac, but the ride is smoother and more comfortable. Some catamarans even have underwater cameras, offering an interesting view. Suggested excursions: Whale watching tour

Day 7: Lac St Jean

Explore the beautiful National Park of Saguenay Fjord, a natural wonder with 100 kilometers of hiking trails to admire this preserved area. If you want to see more animals, the St Felicien Zoo sauvage is for you. With 4.5 km of pedestrian section, 90 species and 1000 animals, this is one of the biggest zoos in Canada. It’s now time…to go back in time in Val Jalbert, an authentic company town of the 1920s. This is a unique opportunity to experience life in the 20s with fascinating theatrical shows. Suggested excursions: Guided tour of Val Jalbert Historic Village, St Felicien Wild Zoo

Day 8: Mauricie

Distance to destination: 350 km La Mauricie National Park is a lush wilderness in one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the southern Laurentian Mountains, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. With 150 lakes and 536 km2 of forests inhabited by wild animal, this is an amazing playground. You have numerous activities available: kayaking, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and more. We strongly recommend a guided tour with a professional guide to enjoy a black bear observation in their native habitat or a seaplane tour to discover the natural beauty of the park from the sky.

Day 9: Mauricie

You can also visit Trois-Rivières. Founded in 1634, it is North America’s second oldest city north of Mexico. Suggested excursions: Seaplane tour, Black bear and beaver watching tour, Guided visit of Mauricie National Park

Day 10: Ottawa

Distance to destination: 320 km If you want to learn more about Canada’s wildlife, make a stop at Omega Park. Continue to Ottawa, the capital of Canada. You will enjoy a visit to the Rideau Canal and the government buildings on Parliament Hill. Many other attractions are recommended: Byward Market, Embassy Row, Gatineau Park. You can learn more about Canada at the Canadian Museum of History to discover collections that illuminate the human history of the country and the cultural diversity of its people. Suggested excursions: Guided tour of Parliament Hill, Canadian Museum of History, Omega Park

Day 11: Montréal

Distance to destination: 200 km Explore downtown and don’t miss the observatory Place Ville Marie with its unique viewpoint of the city, 185 meters above the ground, and another specificity of the city: an underground network of cafes, restaurants and shops. Two other neighborhoods are particularly recommended: the Latin Quarter and Mont Royal, with its basilica Saint Joseph Oratory and its park, a magnificent urban green space featuring 200 hectares of natural beauty.

Day 12: Montréal

If you have some time left, we recommend a visit of the Olympic Park, where you can enjoy a tour of the botanical garden, the Biodome, the Olympic Stadium, or the Insectarium. Suggested excursions: Guided Tour of Old Montreal District, Observatory Place Ville Marie, guided tour of Mount Royal Park

Day 13: Montréal – Departure

End of the tour and car drop-off at the airport