Quebec Wilderness and Whales
Come aboard this 13 nights self drive itinerary which showcases the the best of culture, nature and history. From the picturesque countryside, streets of quaint villages soaked up in history to rubbing shoulders with various wild animals, relax and admire the wonders of nature and let the charm of Quebec work upon you.
Day 1: Montreal
Pick up your rental car at Montreal airport and make your way to the historic heart of Montreal.

Days 2: FREE DAY Montreal
Spend the day exploring this fascinating city. Montreal has so much to offer visitors.
Highlights of the city that shouldn\'t be missed include - Notre Dame Cathedral, old Montreal with its cobbled streets and outdoor restaurants, the old port, Mount Royal viewpoint, St Joseph Oratory, and one of the best shopping streets in Canada – St Catherine’s. Lastly, Montreal’s Olympic Park, the Botanical Gardens and Biodome.

Travelpack recommends: 90 min. Maritime Excursion See the city from a whole new angle! Come aboard the Cavalier Maxim and discover the metropolis like you’ve never seen it before! Relive a page of history with our famous explorer Paul
Chomedey de Maisonneuve who will fascinate you with his anecdotes and historical facts. Take advantage of our sunny terraces and relax while admiring the city and its surroundings. A viewpoint beyond compare! 
(Departures May 03 - Oct 9 at 11:30am & 2:00pm, Jun 23 - Sep 06 at 11:30am, 2:00pm & 4:00pm)

Day 3: Montreal – Saint-Michel-Des-Saints (180 km) 
Enjoy a leisurely drive this morning north, towards the region of Quebec known as Lanaudière. This region, nestled between the St Lawrence and the Laurentian mountains is renowned for its harmony of culture, nature and the great outdoors. Lanaudière’s popular name, “the green region”, is both an accurate description and symbolic, reflecting the natural environment, tranquility and calm that characterize the area. Just outside Saint-Michel-Des-Saints you will find a wonderful inn nestled on the
shores of Lac Taureau, which offers a host of activities for you to enjoy as well as an excellent spa, for those wanting to relax.

Day 4: FREE DAY Saint-Michel-Des- Saints 
Spend the day enjoying the activities and attractions at the Inn and the surrounding area. Watersports abound on the lake including canoeing and sailing, other activities available in the area include ATV tours, cycle rental, golfing and hiking. Wildlife viewing and excursions with a guided trapper are also available locally.

Day 5: Saint-Michel-Des-Saints – Saint Paulin (120 km) 
Travel South this morning, through the beautiful countryside of the Lanaudiere region, heading back towards the St Lawrence. Your destination for tonight is Saint Paulin, just outside Trois Rivieres.

Day 6: FREE DAY Saint Paulin
Today relax and enjoy the activities and attractions of the Inn and the surrounding area. Swimming, hiking, mountain biking and tennis are all available locally. Alternatively visit Magnan Falls, aimed at familiarizing visitors with hydro-electricity production in the natural beauty of a remarkable setting. The Park includes, a nature centre and an interpretation pavilion where visitors can learn all about the falls and the park’s history.

Day 7: Saint Paulin – Saint Felicien (327 km) 
Head out early this morning north to the Lac St. Jean area, home of the “Bluets” as the locals like to call themselves. Discover Native art in Pointe Bleue at the only Montagnais museum in Canada, catch the amazing view of Lac St Jean from the top of the cable car at Val-Jalbert, where there is also a fascinating museum which follows the pulp and paper industry of the area from 1901 to 1927.

Day 8: FREE DAY Saint Felicien
Travelpack recommends: Saint-Félicien Zoo Here, visitors come into exceptionally close contact with wildlife, and enjoy a
unique opportunity to observe and learn. Visitors can almost rub shoulders with a huge number of species, close to 80 of which live together in their habitat. The current mission of the “Wild Zoo”, is to promote awareness, appreciation and conservation of the ecosystems, species, wildlife and plant life that characterize the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, Quebec and Canada as a whole. (Estimate spending 4 hours)

Day 9: Saint Felicien - Tadoussac (250 km) 
Depart the area via the north shore of the Saguenay River – the strikingly beautiful cliffs and countryside will be sure to captivate you as you head towards the small village of Tadoussac, at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord. Tadoussac is a quaint village with a strong ocean going history, stroll through its small streets and enjoy a whale-watching cruise on the St Lawrence River.

Included Activity: Commented Whale watching cruise. From the deck of one of our cruise ships or aboard a light vessel such as a zodiac sitting close to the surface of the water, you will have a front-row seat for this natural, larger-than life production featuring spectacular leaps and pods of hungry whales seeking to find enough krill to sate their enormous appetites. A show you won’t soon forget!

Day 10: Tadoussac – Quebec City (220 km plus ferry) 
Travel through the wonderful Charlevoix region along the St. Lawrence River. You may wish to make a stop at the elegant Manoir Richelieu and the Charlevoix casino at Pointe au Pic. Closer to Quebec visit the sheer cliffs and waterfalls of Ste-Anne Falls and Chasm, the amazing basilica at Sainte Anne de Beaupre and Montmorency Falls Park, located just east of Quebec City. The Park offers spectacular views of the 83-metre (272 ft) high falls, the St. Lawrence River and the south shore of Quebec. The day
ends with your arrival in beautiful Quebec City.

Day 11: FREE DAY Quebec City
A free day to explore this truly historic city. Take in the old city with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and strongly fortified walls. Enjoy the views over the St Lawrence River from the Dufferin Terraces and take time to explore the colourful streets, stores, pavement cafes and restaurants.

Travelpack recommends: Guided Quebec City Tour (2 hours) Experience the European charm of the first French settlement in
North America. This is your chance to visit history first hand. The Latin Quarter, Plains of Abraham, Ramparts, world famous Château Frontenac, National Assembly, Basilica, City Hall, Place-Royale, Citadelle and a glimpse of modern Québec City are the perfect introduction to the city.

Day 12: Quebec City - Knowlton (242 km) 
Head south this morning, crossing the St Lawrence by bridge. Today’s journey takes you to the area situated in the very heart of the Appalachian foothills, where numerous mountaintops meet to form heights of up to 1000 meters. Then, you will head through the historic Eastern Townships of Quebec where you will find some of Canada’s most picturesque countryside and communities, rich in Anglo-Saxon charm and ‘Quebecois joie de vivre’. Stop at lakes, forests and quaint Victorian style villages.

Day 13: FREE DAY Knowlton
Spend today exploring the region’s charm. The Eastern Township’s history of Abenaki natives, American Loyalists and French Canadians weaves a fascinating heritage. Highlights include the town of Lac-Brome, Magog, North Hatley and Sherbrooke, where you will find some wonderful local shops for that perfect souvenir of gift.

Day 14: Knowlton – Montreal (120 km) [Departure] 
Today your drive takes you back to Montreal International Airport. Where you will drop off your car and check in for your flight home.
Package Includes:
  • 13 nights accommodation (featuring Quebec Inns) on room only basis.
  • Whale Watching Cruise, Tadoussac (Day 10).
  • Document pack at hotel on arrival with maps and information.
  • Applicable taxes and GST rebates for visitors to Canada.

Not Included:
  • Recommended Activity Packages.
  • Car Hire: Check out our car hire rates.
  • Car parking at hotels.
  • Meals.
  • Park fees, admission charges or day use parking at parks.
  • Personal expenses and insurance.