Cobblestones, Culture, and the St. Lawrence Seaway
Historic

Cobblestones, Culture, and the St. Lawrence Seaway

Cobblestones, Culture, and the St. Lawrence Seaway

QC, CanadaQC G7B 1S3, Canada

8 days28 stops
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8
Days
28
Stops
4
Highlights
active
Region

QC, CanadaQC G7B 1S3, Canada

Step into the romantic history of New France on a journey through Québec's charming cities and scenic riverlands. Wander the fortified walls of Old Québec, explore the bilingual pulse of Montréal, and follow the majestic St. Lawrence River to discover charming villages and incredible whale watching.

Trip highlights

Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)
Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Whale Watching Cruise from Tadoussac
Whale Watching Cruise from Tadoussac

The route

  1. 1QC, CanadaStart · 45.5057, -73.5543
  2. 2Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)Stop · 45.5040, -73.5560
  3. 3Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History ComplexStop · 45.5026, -73.5542
  4. 4Schwartz's DeliStop · 45.5164, -73.5776
  5. 5Hôtel NelliganStop · 45.5051, -73.5539
  6. 6Mount Royal ParkStop · 45.5073, -73.5878
  7. 7Jean-Talon MarketStop · 45.5360, -73.6148
  8. 8La BanquiseStop · 45.5253, -73.5747
  9. 9Plains of AbrahamStop · 46.8070, -71.2126
  10. 10Fortifications of Québec National Historic SiteStop · 46.8094, -71.2113
  11. 11Quartier Petit ChamplainStop · 46.8107, -71.2036
  12. 12Fairmont Le Château FrontenacStop · 46.8121, -71.2057
  13. 13La Citadelle de QuébecStop · 46.8075, -71.2091
  14. 14Musée national des beaux-arts du QuébecStop · 46.8009, -71.2249
  15. 15Chez MuffyStop · 46.8146, -71.2019
  16. 16Parc de la Chute-MontmorencyStop · 46.8882, -71.1502
  17. 17Île d'OrléansStop · 46.8821, -71.0848
  18. 18Cassis Monna & FillesStop · 46.8769, -71.0941
  19. 19Canyon Sainte-AnneStop · 47.0639, -70.8663
  20. 20Baie-Saint-PaulStop · 47.4412, -70.5054
  21. 21Laiterie CharlevoixStop · 47.4726, -70.5312
  22. 22Fairmont Le Manoir RichelieuStop · 47.6233, -70.1435
  23. 23Whale Watching Cruise from TadoussacStop · 48.1408, -69.7153
  24. 24Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM)Stop · 48.1386, -69.7195
  25. 25L'Anse-Saint-JeanStop · 48.2352, -70.2014
  26. 26Auberge des BatturesStop · 48.3390, -70.7945
  27. 27Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay (Baie-Éternité Sector)Stop · 48.3562, -70.2811
  28. 28La Pulperie de Chicoutimi / Musée RégionalStop · 48.4219, -71.0817
  29. 29Fromagerie BoivinStop · 48.3660, -70.8772
  30. 30QC G7B 1S3, CanadaEnd · 48.3496, -70.8888

Day 2

Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)Highlight
Historical Site

Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)

Wander through the historic heart of the city, with its charming cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, lively public squares like Place Jacques-Cartier, and the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica.

Photo by Robert Bibeau

Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex
Culture Arts

Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex

Discover the birthplace of Montreal at this national archaeological and historic site. Explore underground ruins, interactive exhibits, and learn about the city's layered history from Indigenous peoples to the present day.

Photo by Keiron Kozy

Schwartz's Deli
Dining

Schwartz's Deli

Experience a true Montreal institution and taste its world-famous smoked meat sandwich. This historic deli has been serving its legendary specialty since 1928, with lines often stretching out the door.

Photo by Schwartz's Deli

Hôtel Nelligan
Lodging

Hôtel Nelligan

Stay in a charming and elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Old Montreal, featuring historic brick walls, modern comforts, and a rooftop terrace with stunning city views.

Photo by Crystal Walts

Day 3

Mount Royal Park
Scenic Viewpoint

Mount Royal Park

Hike or drive to the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout in this urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Enjoy panoramic views of the entire city skyline and the St. Lawrence River.

Photo by Henrik

Jean-Talon Market
Local Experience

Jean-Talon Market

Immerse yourself in Montreal's vibrant food scene at one of North America's largest open-air markets. Sample local cheeses, fresh produce, maple treats, and other Québécois specialties.

Photo by Kenisha Beeharry

La Banquise
Dining

La Banquise

No trip to Québec is complete without poutine. This iconic 24/7 restaurant offers over 30 varieties of the classic dish, from traditional to wildly inventive, in a lively, casual atmosphere.

Photo by Photos SCH

Day 4

Plains of Abraham
Historical Site

Plains of Abraham

Walk across the historic battlefield where the French and British empires clashed in 1759, a pivotal moment in Canadian history. Today, it's a vast and beautiful urban park offering city views and a deep sense of the past.

Photo by Philip Tinne

Fortifications of Québec National Historic SiteHighlight
Historical Site

Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site

Explore the ramparts of the only remaining fortified city walls in North America north of Mexico. Walk the 4.6 km circuit for incredible views of Old Québec and the St. Lawrence River.

Photo by Lieu historique national des Fortifications-de-Québec

Quartier Petit Champlain
Shopping

Quartier Petit Champlain

Stroll through one of North America's oldest and most picturesque commercial streets. This charming, pedestrian-only area is filled with unique artisan boutiques, art galleries, and quaint bistros.

Photo by Inga Rozin

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Lodging

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Stay at the most photographed hotel in the world, a historic landmark that defines the Québec City skyline. Its grand architecture and commanding position offer an unforgettable luxury experience.

Photo by Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Day 5

La Citadelle de Québec
Historical Site

La Citadelle de Québec

Visit the largest British fortress built in North America, an active military installation with over 300 years of history. Take a guided tour to learn about its strategic importance and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (summer only).

Photo by Valery Joncheray

Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
Culture Arts

Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

Explore the most comprehensive collection of Québécois art in the world, housed in a stunning complex of historic and modern buildings. The collection spans from the 17th century to contemporary works.

Photo by Jing Lu

Chez Muffy
Dining

Chez Muffy

Enjoy a farm-to-fork dining experience in a historic 19th-century maritime warehouse. The menu showcases seasonal ingredients from the restaurant's own farm on Île d'Orléans, blending French-Canadian culinary traditions with modern flair.

Photo by Chez Muffy

Day 6

Parc de la Chute-MontmorencyHighlight
Outdoor Adventure

Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

Witness the power of this spectacular waterfall, which is 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Take a cable car to the top, walk across the suspension bridge directly over the falls, or climb the panoramic staircase for breathtaking views.

Photo by Parc de la Chute-Montmorency - Accès principal

Île d'Orléans
Scenic Viewpoint

Île d'Orléans

Drive across the bridge to this pastoral island, considered the cradle of French civilization in North America. Follow the scenic Chemin Royal loop to discover farms, wineries, chocolate shops, and stunning views of the Québec City skyline.

Photo by Jean Gagné

Cassis Monna & Filles
Local Experience

Cassis Monna & Filles

Visit a family-run artisanal producer specializing in all things blackcurrant (cassis). Tour the property, taste their award-winning crème de cassis liqueur, and enjoy homemade ice cream with a view of the river.

Photo by Cassis Monna & Filles

Day 7

Canyon Sainte-Anne
Outdoor Adventure

Canyon Sainte-Anne

Explore a spectacular gorge carved by a 74-meter waterfall. Cross three suspension bridges, one of which is among the highest in Québec, for thrilling views of the canyon's rapids and rock formations.

Photo by Alyssa

Baie-Saint-Paul
Culture Arts

Baie-Saint-Paul

Wander through the charming streets of this artists' haven, nestled in a picturesque valley. The main street, Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, is packed with art galleries, studios, and boutiques showcasing the work of local and national artists.

Photo by Gilles Janvier

Laiterie Charlevoix
Dining

Laiterie Charlevoix

Taste the terroir of the Charlevoix region at this family-owned cheese factory. Visit the economuseum to learn about cheesemaking and sample their famous products like the '1608' and 'L'Hercule de Charlevoix'.

Photo by stephane s roukmoutator

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Lodging

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

Perched on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this historic grand hotel offers breathtaking views, elegant accommodations, and a wide range of activities including a renowned golf course and casino.

Photo by Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

Day 8

Whale Watching Cruise from TadoussacHighlight
Outdoor Adventure

Whale Watching Cruise from Tadoussac

Embark on an unforgettable cruise into the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, one of the best whale-watching spots in the world. Look for fin, minke, humpback, and even the majestic blue whale in their natural habitat.

Photo by Croisières AML · Cale Sèche | Embarquement croisière en Zodiac

Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM)
Culture Arts

Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM)

Before or after your cruise, visit this excellent museum to learn about the whales of the St. Lawrence. See a collection of whale skeletons, including a 13-meter sperm whale, and chat with biologists on staff.

Photo by Centre d'Interprétation des Mammifères Marins

L'Anse-Saint-Jean
Scenic Viewpoint

L'Anse-Saint-Jean

Drive to one of Québec's most beautiful villages, nestled deep within the Saguenay Fjord. The picturesque covered bridge, marina, and surrounding cliffs create a postcard-perfect scene.

Photo by Patrick Roy

Auberge des Battures
Lodging

Auberge des Battures

Check into a comfortable inn offering panoramic views of the magnificent Ha! Ha! Bay, at the end of the Saguenay Fjord. A perfect base for exploring the region.

Photo by BATTURES Hotel Fjord Saguenay

Day 9

Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay (Baie-Éternité Sector)
Outdoor Adventure

Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay (Baie-Éternité Sector)

Hike the iconic Statue Trail (Sentier de la Statue) for jaw-dropping, panoramic views over the Saguenay Fjord. This challenging but rewarding hike takes you to a towering statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the dramatic, glacier-carved valley.

Photo by Fawad Ud Din

La Pulperie de Chicoutimi / Musée Régional
Historical Site

La Pulperie de Chicoutimi / Musée Régional

Explore a vast cultural and tourist complex housed in a former pulp mill. Discover the history of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, view art exhibitions, and see the preserved industrial machinery.

Photo by La Pulperie de Chicoutimi - Musée régional

Fromagerie Boivin
Dining

Fromagerie Boivin

End your trip with a regional specialty: fresh cheese curds. This legendary fromagerie is famous for its 'squeaky' cheese. Stop by for a bag of curds and try their poutine for a final taste of Québec.

Photo by Guylene Lapointe

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Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)

Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal)

Wander through the historic heart of the city, with its charming cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, lively public squares like Place Jacques-Cartier, and the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica.

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Quebec History