Cobblestones, castles, and culinary magic
Cobblestones, castles, and culinary magic
Québec, QC G1R 4P5Montréal, QC H2W 2M4
Trip overview
Step back in time along the St. Lawrence River on this historic journey from the fortified walls of Quebec City to the creative streets of Montreal. Explore ancient battlefields, savor fresh countryside cheeses, and admire breathtaking coastal vistas of New France.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Québec
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Sleep inside history at the world's most photographed hotel, an iconic castle dominating the Quebec City skyline.
1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 4P5
Quartier Petit Champlain
Stroll down one of the oldest and most picturesque shopping streets in North America, lined with artisan boutiques and historic stone facades.
Rue du Petit-Champlain, Québec, QC G1K 4H4
La Bûche
Enjoy a festive and creative twist on traditional Quebec sugar shack cuisine, featuring gourmet shepherd's pie and local maple treats.
49 Rue Saint-Louis, Québec, QC G1R 3Z2
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
Walk along the authentic 4.6-kilometer defensive walls, the only remaining fortified city walls north of Mexico.
2 Rue d'Auteuil, Québec, QC G1R 5C2
Day 2 — Québec
Montmorency Falls
Marvel at this breathtaking waterfall that stands a full 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls, complete with a suspension bridge directly over the crest.
5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1C 1S1
Les Fromages de l'isle d'Orléans
Step into a 17th-century style cheese shop to taste traditional cheeses made using authentic French settler recipes.
4349 Chemin Royal, Sainte-Famille, QC G0A 3P0
Albert Gilles Copper Art & Museum
Learn the ancient art of repoussé copper work from a family-run studio that contributed to the famous doors of the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica.
7450 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Château-Richer, QC G0A 1N0
Chez Boulay - Bistrot Boréal
Indulge in boreal-inspired cuisine highlighting wild northern herbs, berries, and regional game meats in a sophisticated atmosphere.
1110 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec, QC G1R 1S4
Day 3 — Beaupré
Canyon Sainte-Anne
Cross three dizzying suspension bridges suspended over a roaring waterfall carved into a 1.2-billion-year-old rock canyon.
206 Route 138, Beaupré, QC G0A 1E0
Baie-Saint-Paul (Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste)
Explore the artistic birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, packed with historic homes converted into contemporary art galleries and bistros.
Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Baie-Saint-Paul, QC G3Y 1C3
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Check in to a luxurious cliffside castle overlooking the St. Lawrence River, known for its historic prestige and panoramic views.
181 Rue Richelieu, La Malbaie, QC G5A 1X7
Day 4 — Tadoussac
Tadoussac Dunes & Whale Walk
Stand atop massive ancient sand dunes where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence River, a world-famous spot for land-based whale watching.
Chemin de la Dune, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0
Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac
Visit one of the oldest wooden churches in North America, built by Jesuit missionaries in 1747.
161-163 Rue du Bord de l'Eau, Tadoussac, QC G0T 2A0
Chez Chantal
Stop by this beloved local roadside stand for a classic poutine and locally caught lobster roll on the way back to your resort.
947 Rue Richelieu, La Malbaie, QC G5A 1T4
Day 5 — Trois-Rivières
Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap
Explore Canada's national shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary, featuring a historic 1720 stone chapel and a colossal modern basilica.
626 Rue Notre-Dame Est, Trois-Rivières, QC G8T 8Y9
Delta Hotels by Marriott Trois Rivieres
Relax in comfortable, modern accommodations located in the heart of historic Trois-Rivières near the Saint-Maurice River.
1620 Notre-Dame Centre, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 6E5
Old Prison of Trois-Rivières
Experience an interactive and sobering tour of this historic prison, which operated from 1822 until 1986.
200 Rue Laviolette, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5S9
Day 6 — Montreal
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal
Gaze in awe at the dramatic Gothic Revival interior, resplendent with deep blue vaults, gold stars, and exquisite stained glass detailing New France's history.
110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC H2Y 1T1
Hôtel William Gray
Stay in a chic design hotel seamlessly blending 18th-century stone facades with contemporary luxury in Old Montreal.
421 Rue Saint-Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A6
Pointe-à-Callière Museum
Descend underground into Montreal's actual birthplace to walk among active archaeological ruins dating back to the city's 1642 founding.
350 Place Royale, Montréal, QC H2Y 3Y5
Schwartz's Deli
Taste a legendary slice of Montreal history with a classic smoked meat sandwich at Canada's oldest deli.
3895 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1X9
Day 7 — Montréal
Mount Royal Chalet Lookout
Take in the panoramic skyline of Montreal and the distant Appalachian mountains from the city's crowning historic green park.
1196 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montréal, QC H2W 1S8
Jean-Talon Market
Immerse yourself in one of North America's largest open-air markets, sampling local maple syrup, fresh pastries, and regional products.
7070 Avenue Henri-Julien, Montréal, QC H2S 3S3
L'Express
Toast to the end of your trip with classic French bistro dishes served in a lively, quintessential Parisian atmosphere.
3927 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Historic Quebec road trip covers about 457 mi and roughly 10h 57m of driving, comfortably spread across about 7 days.
This itinerary maps out 24 stops from Québec, QC G1R 4P5 to Montréal, QC H2W 2M4. Highlights include Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, Montmorency Falls, and Tadoussac Dunes & Whale Walk.
It begins in Québec, QC G1R 4P5 and ends in Montréal, QC H2W 2M4, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $2,205, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
Open Historic Quebec in the free Road Trip app for turn-by-turn navigation, the full day-by-day itinerary, live weather, and gas-cost tracking along the route.
More road trips
Open this trip in the app
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
