Charlevoix: parcs des Grands Jardins ou Hautes-Gorges? (Québec)

Hi there, I’m planning a road trip to Quebec in late September/early October. Since I’m over 75, it’s impossible to rent a camper van. So, the option left is a car plus hotels. I’m used to traveling freely—I sketch out a rough route and stop wherever and whenever I feel like it. Is it possible during this period to travel without booking hotels/motels or B&Bs in advance, knowing I’ll only need a double room? Thanks for your replies.

Hi, I’d like to visit Quebec this fall or starting in August (what do you recommend?). I’d love to meet some Quebecers and get some tips on transportation. I’m wondering if it’s doable with an electric mountain bike (not too much rain?). I’m planning to buy one second-hand and return it afterward. If there are any travel buddies out there too...thanks

Hello, I’m not sure if it’s still possible to travel to Quebec. I haven’t bought my flight ticket for June (from June 11 to July 1) and I’d like to know the current cost of gas. Also, can we book hotels last-minute without risking cancellation due to current events? Thanks

Hi everyone, from August 7th to 10th I’m renting an apartment right across from the WESTMOUNT library, next to the park of the same name. The landlord tells me that parking around the apartment is free. Does that cause any issues? I was planning to rent my car before leaving MONTREAL, but I might visit a friend who lives nearby—I’ll only know for sure at the last minute. Thanks in advance for the replies

Hi everyone, We’re heading to Québec for 4 days in Montréal and 4 days in Québec City from April 18 to April 22. I’ve been looking but can’t find any excursions—any tips for seeing belugas or other whales? If it’s really off-season and impossible to find anything, what else can we do in the area instead? Thanks in advance!

Hi there, We’re planning a trip to Quebec from June 15 to 28, 2025, specifically along the St. Lawrence River. As I’ve been looking into it, I’ve got two main questions:

First, about our route—I feel like I might be biting off more than we can chew by wanting to follow the left bank downstream from Quebec City (including the Saguenay Fjord and Lac Saint-Jean), then heading to Gaspésie by ferry, and finally returning along the right bank. We’re flying into Montreal and will likely stop in Quebec City too. Over about ten days, is that too much? Would it be better to stick to the left bank, enjoy the coast and the lake, and maybe explore Mauricie or Mont-Tremblant on the way back instead?

Second, about prices. Since we’re thinking of renting a car and booking accommodations at each stop, I was a bit surprised by hotel and motel rates. I’ve always heard Canada is a pretty expensive destination, but I’m seeing average prices very similar to France—between 60 € and 90 €. Am I missing something? Is service not included? Meanwhile, on platforms like Airbnb, the prices seem exorbitant.

This second question is a bit generic, but as I’m trying to budget, I don’t feel like there’s a huge difference compared to France, even for meals. Am I way off base?

Have a great evening! !

Hello everyone. We’ve already traveled to Canada in 2018. This time, we’re prioritizing heading to Quebec City right after arriving in Montreal to stay for 3 days, then moving on to Rivière-du-Loup for 2 to 3 days before heading toward New Brunswick. We want to see Acadia, Prince Edward Island, the Bay of Fundy, etc., before returning to Quebec City to drop off the rental car. We were thinking of taking the bus from Montreal Airport to Quebec City and only renting the car 3 days later. Same route on the way back, with one night in Quebec City. We arrive in Montreal around June 25 (11 AM) and return on July 26 (6 PM). Could you give us some advice? Routes, sights, accommodations, and chalet rentals. On our first trip, we went through an agency, but this time we’d prefer to organize everything ourselves. Thank you so much for your tips and suggestions! See you soon, Fabienne

Hi everyone, as a regular in the "bike travel" section, I’m reaching out for some info since I’m planning to come to Montreal at the end of September 2026 for the Road Cycling World Championships. If I get the time off and manage to gather the details, I’ll arrive on Wednesday the 23rd and leave on Tuesday the 29th. Traveling solo with just my backpack, I need answers to: 1°) Do you know of any youth hostels (or similar) within walking distance (less than 3 km) of the finish circuit on Mount Royal? 2°) What’s the best way to get to this accommodation from the airport—metro, bus, etc.?

I’m just starting my research and counting on you all for any tips. My goal is to watch the road races and explore Montreal afterward—restaurants, bars, and more.

Looking forward to your replies, cheers.

Hi everyone! 🙂 My partner would love to discover Quebec, while I’ve already been there over 15 years ago (Quebec City, Tadoussac, the Fjords, Lac Saint-Jean). This time, of course, we’d want to do something different. Quebec City would still be a must for my partner in this plan. With the tight budget we have right now🤪, we’re thinking of spending several days in Quebec City, then maybe renting bikes to explore the surrounding areas—aside from Montmorency Falls, what other nice spots are worth visiting? I remember there being tons of bike paths. After that, we’d rent a car (for a few days to visit the parks) and use trains or buses for the rest of the trip. From what I recall, cars aren’t super fuel-efficient there. Since we’ve never seen Niagara Falls, I’d like to include it in this itinerary. For a roughly 15-day trip in September, I was thinking of a multi-destination flight: France-Quebec / Toronto-France, so it’d look something like this: Quebec City: 5 days (including arrival day) Pick up the car La Mauricie National Park (or others?) 1 day Mont-Tremblant 1 day Montreal 4 days Drop off the car in Montreal By train/bus Toronto 2 days By train/bus Buffalo-Niagara Falls 1 day Toronto 1 day (return to France) I was planning one night at Niagara Falls—is that enough, or is a single day sufficient? If our finances don’t stretch that far, we’d shorten the trip from Montreal (so long, Niagara🙁), adding extra nights between Quebec City and Montreal. Anyway, thanks in advance for all your great tips!

Hi, I’d like to plan a trip for 4 adults. 14 days. From June 4–6 to June 21, 2026 Arriving in Montreal Then Quebec City... Gaspésie, Lac Saint-Jean Looking for a loop route starting and ending in Montreal Where to sleep... where to stay 1 day or more Thanks for your ideas! Nature, hiking, a little city time—but not too much. Jean-Yves. B ARBRISSEL

Hi, If I arrive at YUL at 3:30 PM and need to catch a train leaving Central Station at 6:30 PM, is that reasonable or too risky for a December day?

hi there, it's been a long time since I've been to Quebec, and I've kinda lost my bearings...🙂

What's the best spot to hitchhike from Montreal to Quebec City and from Quebec City to Tadoussac? If you've got the public transit route to get to those spots, I'd love to hear it!

thanks

Hi there!! We all know there are mosquitoes in Quebec… but is it bearable? Are the cities affected too? Like Montreal and Quebec City? I can imagine it’s bad in the parks… The road trip would be from July 5th to the 21st, right in the middle of bug season!! Best, Christophe

What’s special to do in Montreal right now

You’re visiting Quebec, specifically Montreal. 🥳

If you’re French, you *have* to make an effort to go see Alexandre Texier play at the Bell Centre. The new player for the Montreal Canadiens, originally from France, is having a lot of success. 🏒

Looking for a comparison? Imagine a Quebecer playing for Paris Saint-Germain. ⚽ You’d be surprised, and we’d be proud. Well, that’s exactly what’s happening. Yesterday, he was the hero of a great win. 🌟

Many of you often wonder what makes Quebecers’ hearts race. Go see a Montreal Canadiens hockey game, and you’ll experience something unforgettable. Especially right now with this young team. Okay, does this fit the travel forum criteria? I think so—especially if you want to learn more about the locals you’re visiting. 😄

Enjoy your trip to Quebec! And if you’re from France, don’t worry about the snow—it always melts eventually. 😄😄👋👋👋

Hi everyone,

We’re planning our first trip to Quebec for early July 2026. There’ll be 2 adults and 2 teens (17 and 14 years old). For now, we’re thinking of renting an RV in Montreal for this loop.

Here’s a first draft of our route, based on itineraries I’ve seen on the forum. The times below are the useful time spent at each stop, not including driving. Does the order make sense? It has us crossing the river twice. Are the lengths of the stops reasonable? We like to take our time and not spend too much time on the road. Finally, any other suggestions for places to add or swap out?

Arrival and half a day in Montreal Pick up RV the next day Mauricie National Park: 2.5 days Quebec City: 2 days Jacques Cartier National Park: 2.5 days Saguenay Fjord–Tadoussac: 2.5 days, then crossing Bic Park: 2.5 days, then crossing back Charlevoix: 3.5 days Montreal: 2 days, then return to France

Thanks so much in advance for any help you can give us!

GabRaph

Hi, I'd like to know if I rent a car at Quebec City airport, can I drive to New Brunswick without any issues and then return to Quebec? Thanks in advance for the answer, Claude

Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to Quebec at the end of June/beginning of July 2026 for 20 days. We’re a family of 4, with two kids aged 7 and 4 at that time. I’ve already started drafting our itinerary but I’m open to all suggestions and ideas. We plan to land in Montreal and stay a few days to recover from the trip. Here’s my first draft of the itinerary: -Day 1 to 4: Exploring Montreal: -Day 5: Sucrerie de la Montagne in Rigaud. -Day 6/7: Parc Omega (staying in Pods) -Day 8-10: Saint-Alexis-des-Monts (staying at Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc) -Day 9/10: Heading toward Lac Saint-Jean: I’m still looking for accommodation halfway to La Tuque. I’ve noticed Pourvoirie du Triton or Domaine Le Bostonnais. -Day 10/11: Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien: I’m also looking for accommodation near the lake for this stop + visiting Village historique de Val-Jalbert? -Day 12-13-14: Stop in Sacré-Cœur at Ferme 5 Étoiles. (I also saw the Canopée Lit accommodations in the area—something to consider). -Day 15-16: Tadoussac: Whale-watching excursion. Should we do it by Zodiac given my kids’ ages? I’m also looking for accommodation in the area (Hotel Tadoussac is out of budget). On the way back from Tadoussac to Quebec City, I’m considering an intermediate stop if there’s a spot worth the detour (Malbaie??). -Day 17-18-19: Exploring Quebec City (Montmorency Falls / Old Town / Wendake). -Day 20-21: Return to Montreal and flight home. I’d love recommendations for activities for young kids along this route. Thanks

Hi everyone,

I’m heading back to Montreal in early November after several years away. I’m so excited! I won’t be staying long, but I’ll have time to wander and explore.

I’d love to get your recommendations for great things to eat—restaurants, bakeries, all kinds of food. I’m open to all your suggestions and addresses. I’ll definitely hit up the market. And eat bagels, of course.

I’ll probably stay in the Quartier des Spectacles, but I’ll definitely be getting around the city.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I’m planning to spend at least 3 weeks on the Côte Nord all the way to Natashquan to see the whales. I’m torn between renting a van or finding accommodations. For the van, it’s hard to find one in Quebec City—most rentals start in Montreal... plus the prices are pretty high. For accommodations, there aren’t many towns, so there aren’t a lot of options on Booking, for example. Do you have any leads, websites, or addresses to help me find some? Thanks for any info you can share! Isabelle

Great news for Southerners (though it won’t last forever)! https://www.capital.fr/economie-politique/air-transat-va-relier-marseille-a-cette-destination-prisee-avec-des-vols-directs-des-mai-2026-1519474?utm_campaign=Nonli&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_content=Capital.fr&utm_term=photo

We’re heading out for 3 weeks and just bought our flight tickets; 3 days in Montreal 2 days in La Mauricie Park drive down Route 155 to Lac Saint-Jean 2 days in Tadoussac ferry to Gaspésie—planning to stay 6/7 days there Charlevoix region for 3 days Quebec City for 2 days Back to Montreal

If you’ve got any great tips, I’d love to hear them—accommodation, activities (seaplane, bears, whales), parks. We’re traveling with our kids, aged 20 and 23,

Hi there,

I’ve got a bit of a weird request , but you never know...

I’m currently traveling—we left Tadoussac this morning and are in Rimouski for 2 nights. We’re then heading down the Bas-Saint-Laurent and will be in Montreal on Tuesday. We fly back to Belgium on Friday.

I left 7 sweaters/T-shirts in Tadoussac 😕. Would anyone happen to be going there this weekend and then heading back to Montreal? To pick them up and meet me somewhere?

I’m also looking into other solutions.

Have a great evening! !

Hello,

We’re heading to Quebec in just over a week to meet up with our son, a young adult on a Working Holiday Visa who’s been there for nearly a year 🙂🙂🙂 and I still have a few questions:

1) We’re starting with 3 nights near Shawinigan (Lac à la Tortue). The day after we arrive, we’ll have a relaxed day with one or two activities (sugar shack in St-Mathieu-du-Parc? A seaplane ride?). Any other suggestions? (Besides Parc de la Mauricie, which we’ll visit the next day.)

2) Then, we’ll head to Quebec City via the Chemin du Roy, where we’ll spend 3 nights, followed by a scenic drive to La Malbaie. We’ll be staying in St-Aimé-des-Lacs near Hautes-Gorges de la Malbaie National Park for another 3 nights. One day will be dedicated to hiking in the park—likely the Acropole des Draveurs for our son, and the Riverain trail plus two shorter walks for my husband and me, since he can’t use hiking poles. So, I’m unsure about the second day: should we go back to the park for the cruise, or do something else nearby? Any suggestions?

3) After St-Aimé-des-Lacs, we’ll spend 3 nights in Tadoussac. We’ll definitely stop at Port-au-Persil, but since the drive isn’t too long, we’ll arrive pretty quickly (I think you say "rendu" here 😉). I was thinking of exploring Tadoussac that day, doing the Pointe de l’Islet trail, the Estuary trail, and the Dunes lookout. The second day, we’d head toward Les Bergeronnes and Les Escoumins to visit the interpretation center and take a Zodiac cruise. I was considering Neptune because they offer covered boats. Any other options? And on the third day, we’d go to Sainte-Rose-du-Nord via the Saguenay Fjord National Park’s Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector to hike part of the "Le Fjord" trail from the Beluga Observation Center. I’m aware this trail requires a park access fee. However, I just realized that the trails we planned for the first day (Estuary and Pointe de l’Islet) are also part of the Tadoussac sector of the park. Do we need to pay the access fee (10.10 CAD) for these two short trails? If so, it might make sense to do them on the third day. In that case, can we pay the fee in Tadoussac, then head to the Baie Sainte-Marguerite sector and use the same ticket?

Feel free to share any thoughts or suggestions!

Claire

Hi there, My partner and I are planning a trip with our two kids to see whales this summer in Canada. We’ve got two options: Tadoussac or the Bay of Fundy in Saint Andrews. We’ll be there at the end of July. Could you let me know if one spot is better than the other? Especially in terms of how likely we are to actually see the whales. Thanks in advance, and have a great day! Bruno

Hi everyone! We’re nearing the end of our trip and have 3 nights in Quebec City. What are your must-try spots for a good poutine? Our previous attempts haven’t gone well, and where’s the best place to buy souvenirs that actually scream "Quebec"? Also, what are your top picks for sights and walks? We’re thinking Old Quebec, Lévis, and Montmorency Falls. We’ll be there for 3 nights but only have 2 full days. Thanks in advance for your ideas!

Hello, We (a couple aged 60 and 66) are arriving in Montreal on 09/21 to meet up with our son (on a working holiday). Our original plan was to spend the first 3 nights near Parc de la Mauricie, then 3 nights in Quebec City, and the following 3 near Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Malbaie. The 2 days we’d planned in each park were supposed to be for hiking (including the Acropole des Draveurs) and canoeing if possible. The issue is that I’ve recently developed frozen shoulder (capsulitis😕), and I likely won’t have recovered by the time we leave. So, we’re scrapping hikes with significant elevation gain, trekking poles, or any risk of falling. My question is: which hikes of 10–15 km max on easy terrain with beautiful views would you recommend? (We’ll be there in late September, hoping to catch the fall colors already!). For this type of hike, would it be better to swap Parc de la Mauricie for Réserve faunique des Laurentides, Parc de la Jacques-Cartier, or is Mauricie still okay? And should we replace Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Malbaie with Parc des Grands-Jardins? Are there spots easier than others for canoeing (I could get in the canoe with my son, but he’d be the only one paddling—I’m light, and he’s strong, but I don’t want to overdo it 😉). Or maybe pedal boats, if that’s still an option this season? Thanks for your advice after these unexpected changes of plans. Claire

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone has ever rented a car from Hertz at Montréal-Trudeau Airport using a debit card. Thanks in advance

Hi everyone,

If I want to take a seaplane tour... is it necessarily around Mauricie, or do you have other spots to recommend? If I want to see whales... it's around Grandes-Bergeronnes from land. If I want to see belugas... it's around Baie-Sainte-Catherine. If I want to see seals... where is it? If I want to see moose... it's in Gaspésie. If I want to see bears... it's around Saint-Jean-des-Piles on the banks of the St. Maurice River. If I want to visit the Museum of First Peoples' Civilizations... where is it? If I want to go canoeing... it's around Lac de la Mauricie or Mont-Tremblant. If I want to see a beautiful waterfall, it's Montmorency Falls. If I want to eat the best poutine, where is it?

Just to remind you, my round trip is: Montreal – Mauricie – Lac Saint-Jean – Tadoussac – Gaspésie – Charlevoix – Quebec City... but I'm really hesitating between Montreal, Mauricie, Charlevoix, Quebec City, the Saguenay Fjord, Lac Saint-Jean, Tadoussac, the Gaspésie ferry, and back to Montreal.

Thank you for your valuable tips—I’m taking notes! If you have other suggestions, as well as restaurants and accommodations along the way, I’d really appreciate it!

Hi everyone,

I’d like to rent a car in Montreal on July 21st but return it in New York on the 28th.

I’ve checked all the rental companies and used comparison sites, but it doesn’t seem possible.

Does anyone know how I can make this work? It seems really weird that you can’t rent a car in Canada and return it in the US... 😐

Thanks so much in advance for your help! 🙂

Hello, We’ll be arriving in Montreal on Sunday, September 21st for a Quebec road trip. Do you have any car rental agencies to recommend (or avoid)? A favorite search engine? Are all agencies open on Sundays? Should we book the car in advance? And finally, is there still a Voyage Forum discount code with Hertz, like there used to be? I know, that’s a lot of questions , thanks for answering them! 🙂 Claire