In the Heart of Quebec’s Parks Self-Drive Tour

In the Heart of Quebec’s Parks Self-Drive Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Montreal

When you arrive in Montreal, you can pick up your car rental and settle into your hotel. The rest of today is yours to explore the sights and sounds of this lively city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montreal
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Journey to the Wildlife Reserve

There will be a big contrast in your day as you depart the busy city and take the quieter roads to Mauricie. Your accommodations at the Wildlife Reserve of Saint-Maurice can only be reached by boat, so you’ll be set up with a canoe, then paddle across the tranquil lake to your cottage.

Tonight, you’ll enjoy the silence of the beautiful Quebec Wilderness.
Overnight Location: Cottage in Saint-Maurice
Distance: 219km
Meals: None

Day 3 Enjoy Your Private Cottage

Wake up whenever you feel like it—you have the whole day to experience the joys of cottage life on the lake. Take the canoe out to explore the lake or relax at your private beach. Check out a nearby trail, where you can hike to a beautiful waterfall known as Fall of the Wind.

Tonight, you’ll fall asleep listening to the quiet sounds of the lake.
Overnight Location: Cottage in Saint-Maurice
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 4 Scenic Drive to Lake St. John

To continue your tour, you’ll canoe back to your car on the other side of the lake. Then, you’ll follow the scenic river route to Lake St. John. On the banks of the enormous Lake St. John, you’ll find Pointe-Taillon National Park and your cottage for the next two nights.
Overnight Location: Cottage in Pointe-Taillon
Distance: 280km
Meals: None

Day 5 Bike, Hike, Swim, or Paddle in Pointe-Taillon

There are almost too many ways for you to enjoy your time in Pointe-Taillon National Park. Visit the sandy beaches and take a swim or go for a paddle. You can explore the numerous trails on foot or go for a bike ride on the Blueberry Bikeway, which hugs the entire lakeside. You can also take a tour with a naturalist guide who will teach you about the local wildlife.

Head back to your cottage for the night.
Overnight Location: Cottage in Pointe-Taillon
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 6 Discover Saguenay Fjord National Park

Drive along the Saint-Lawrence River to reach the village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. From here, you’ll be able to explore the dramatic cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord. You’ll also find a lookout that offers a panoramic view of the fjord and a great vantage point to see if any beluga whales are playing in the water.

Tonight, you’ll camp in a permanent tent with nice amenities.
Overnight Location: Camp in Baie St Catherine
Distance: 175km
Meals: None

Day 7 Whale Watching and Hiking at the Malbaie River

Begin your day with a drive to Tadoussac, another great spot to look for wildlife. You can choose to book a boat or zodiac whale watching tour to look for humpback and beluga whales.

When you’re ready, continue across the river into the Charlevoix region and the Malbaie River High Gorge National Park. Spend some time hiking and exploring the scenic river valley or visit the viewpoints on either side of the gorge. Make your way to the National Park of the Great Gardens for the end of the day, where you’ll find your camping accommodations for the next two nights.
Overnight Location: Camp in Grands Jardins
Distance: 216km
Meals: None

Day 8 Visit the Charlevoix Crater

You have the whole day to hike through the tundra and forests of the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve. Make sure one of your trails leads you to the Charlevoix crater, where you can see the ridges left by the impact of a meteor strike millions of years ago.
Overnight Location: Camp in Grands Jardins
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 9 Look for Bears in the Laurentian Wildlife Reserve

The road will bring you through Quebec City, so feel free to make a short stop to visit this historic gem. You’ll need to be at the Laurentian Wildlife Reserve in the early afternoon to meet your guide. In the reserve, you’ll hike into the forest to look for black bears from an observation platform. Over dinner, your guide will tell you about the wolves, bears, and other animals that live in the reserve.
Overnight Location: Cottage in Laurentian Wildlife Reserve
Distance: 178km
Meals: Dinner

Day 10 Explore the Reserve by Canoe

This morning, you’ll wake up in the reserve and go for a paddle in a traditional Algonquin canoe. Then, you’ll enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch.

You’ll have some time to spend at leisure in the park before you begin your drive to Sainte Catherine de la Jacque Cartier. You’ll visit the Duchesnay Resort, which is a natural oasis that offers various outdoor activities.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Sainte Catherine de la Jacques Cartier
Distance: 75km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 11 Play All Day at Duchesnay Resort

The entire Duchesnay Resort is at your disposal today. You can take advantage of all their equipment and activities on offer, including canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards.

When you’re tired from watersports, you can relax at the beach and go for a dip in the lake or the indoor pool. There are also hiking trails, bike trails, volleyball courts, plus some indoor activities.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Sainte Catherine de la Jacques Cartier
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 12 Drive Through the Eastern Townships

Take a leisurely drive through the Eastern Townships and visit the charming villages along your route. Visit North Hatley and Ayer’s Cliff and take a stroll down their picturesque main streets to view the century buildings and scenic setting. Another great stop is Magog, where you can enjoy the many walking paths and Lake Memphremagog.

Your destination for the night is Mont-Orford National Park, where you’ll once again find yourself camping in the wilderness.
Overnight Location: Camp in Mont-Orford
Distance: 280km
Meals: None

Day 13 Hiking in Mont-Orford National Park

Spend the day exploring the many scenic hiking trails and enjoying the gorgeous views from Mont-Orford. If you hike quietly, you may encounter some of the deer and herons that live in the park. Don’t forget to leave some time to relax at one of the park’s beaches or take a swim in Lake Stukely’s crystal waters.
Overnight Location: Camp in Mont-Orford
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 14 Tour Concludes in Montreal

Take a quiet morning hike before you start the drive back to Montreal. You’ll drop your rental vehicle off at the airport and board your flight. You can also choose to extend your stay in Montreal if you want to see more of the city!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: None