Discover Lighthouses and Whales in Quebec Self Drive

Day 1 - Fly UK to Montreal

Upon arrival in Montreal, make your way to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this lively city. Attractions of interest may be Vieux Montreal, the Basilique de Notre-Dame and the Chapelle de Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours. Montreal plays host to fantastic shopping, spectacular architecture, culinary delights and a great nightlife.

Day 2 - Montreal to Quebec City (263 km/164 mi)

Today you will trace the St. Lawrence River as you head north to Quebec City. The slower route 138 takes you off the mundane highways in order to experience rural Quebec and the remaining farms from the seigneurial regime. Along the way, pass through Trois-Rivieres, one of the first European settlements dating back to 1634 and the point from which French explorers embarked on their North American discovery.

Day 3 - Quebec City

Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions :

Option 1. Rendezvous with History Quebec City Tour - This is your chance to visit history firsthand. The Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, Ramparts, world famous Château Frontenac, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, Citadelle and a glimpse of modern Quebec City are the perfect introduction to the city.  Option 2. A Fabulous Country Tour - Travel back in time to rural Quebec along the Chemin du Roy to SainteAnne-de-Beaupré. Here you will be given time to see the world-famous Shrine and Montmorency Falls before visiting the Island of Orléans. Discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535, the picturesque village of Sainte-Pétronille has a 19th century rural atmosphere waiting to be rediscovered.  Option 3. Foodie Walking Tour of Quebec City - Throughout the years, the food of Quebec has been influenced by Amerindian, British and French cuisines. Treat yourself to a behindthe-scenes experience of Quebec City, discovering its gastronomy and culinary history by taking part in five exclusive tasting presentations.

Day 4 - Quebec City to Riviere du Loup (189 km/118 mi)

Following the scenic path of the St. Lawrence River, today you are bound for the Riviere-du-Loup, the gateway to the Gaspe Peninsula. Kamouraska with its quaint architecture offers a pretty place to stop for lunch. Within the beautiful villages of Kamouraska and Notre-Dame-du-Portage, spot the Kamouraska roof, a distinctive design borrowed from the shipyards. Upon arrival in Riviere-du-Loup make your way to Pot a l’Eau de Vie lighthouse for a unique stay. (11 June to 7 September only)

Day 5 - Riviere du Loup to Matane (208 km/130 mi)

Upon your return to Riviere du Loup, continue today towards Matane. Drive past beautiful Cacouna village before reaching the Parc Bic, a magical spot for sea excursions, hiking, cycling and harbour seal spotting. Further along the town of Rimouski is home to the Musee de la Mer, a maritime museum presenting the history of the Empress of Ireland and its sinking. Climb the 128 steps to the top of Canada’s second tallest lighthouse.

Day 6 - Matane to Parc de la Gaspesie (110 km/69 mi)

Bound for Gaspesie National Park, soak in the splendors of the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle mountains and keep an eye out for interesting wildlife. The Park contains the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains in Quebec; the only caribou herd south of the St. Lawrence, a large moose population, arctic-alpine flora and 150 kinds of birds.

Day 7 - Parc de la Gaspesie

Enjoy a day at your leisure.

Day 8 - Explore Parc de la Gaspesie

Explore Parc de la Gaspesie. (breakfast & dinner included)

Day 9 - Parc de la Gaspesie to Gaspe/Perce (200 km/125 mi)

Enroute to Gaspe, explore the Forillon National Park and discover magnificent views of the sea and mountains.  Observe abundant wildlife including black bears, porcupines, beavers, black-legged kittiwakes, cormorants, guillemots, seals and whales. (breakfast included today)

Day 10 - Perce Exploring

Once the largest fishing port in the Gaspé Peninsula, Percé is now the gem of the entire Gaspé region as a resort and tourist town and renowned  for the extraordinary beauty of its surroundings. Its prominent geological feature is a great rock pierced with a hole, from which the community derived its name. The town has a terrific selection of restaurants and cafes, some of the best in the region. There is a summer theatre and a boardwalk that stretches along the south beach. At the wharf you can watch the fishermen cleaning their daily catch. Overnight in Percé. 

Day 11 - Perce to Causapscal (321 km/200 mi)

Today proceed along Baie des Chaleurs through numerous picturesque fishing villages to Matapedia. At Bonaventure visit the Gospel Chapel, the arts and craft shops and the Acadian Museum. Time permits to visti the Parc de Miguasha, a UNESCO world heritage site renowned for fossils from the Devonian Period.

Day 12 - Causapscal to Tadoussac (326 km/203 mi + ferry)

In Rimouski board a high speed catamaran for the 55-minute crossing to Forrestville (not included). Upon arrival in Forrestville proceed along the North shore of the Lawrence River to Tadoussac, gateway to the Kingdom of the Saguenay and an immensely popular area for whale watching.

Day 13 - Whale Watching Tadoussac

Today enjoy a 3-hour Whale Watching Cruise (min age 3 yrs). Five or six species, including the humpback whale (15 m), the fin whale (20 m), and the blue whale—the world’s largest mammal (30 m and 140 tons!)

Day 14 - Tadoussac to la Malbaie (78 km/49 mi)

Catch the 10 minute free ferry ride across to Baie Ste Catherine and proceed to La Malbaie where you will spend the night.

Day 15 - La Malbaie to Montreal (approx. 400 km/249 mi)

Depart la Malbaie and drive south through the Charlevoix Region to Quebec City. Enjoy the incredible scenery, the beauty of which has inspired generations of artists. Along the way, you may stop to visit picturesque Baie St. Paul and take a stroll along its many narrow streets lined with charming boutiques, art galleries and great restaurants. You may also wish to stop at Sainte Anne de Beaupre’s shrine and Montmorency Falls before reaching your final destination, Montreal.

Day 16 - Fly Montreal to UK

Return your rental vehicle and fly Montreal to the UK.