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.
I’m definitely going to the market. Gonna eat some bagels too.
Hi,
For markets in Montreal, there’s Atwater Market on the west side of the city and Jean Talon Market—I’d recommend the latter.
Otherwise, there are definitely some spots in Old Montreal, but it’s probably touristy.
Both places are accessible by metro.
Also consider Chinatown for affordable meals.
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, Jean-Talon Market is definitely on my list of places to visit.
Chinatown too—I’ll make the most of it this time. I only passed through quickly last time.
As you know, good restaurant recommendations are always up for debate. But I’ll take a chance and suggest a few, hoping they’ll delight your palate! 😁
First off, your visit coincides with a major culinary event in Montreal: MTLaTable. I’m attaching an image of the event’s webpage along with this year’s dates. You’ll need to check the site to see which restaurants are participating this year—it’s a true gastronomic delight! 😃
For breakfast (or *petit déjeuner* for you), I highly recommend at least one visit to BAGEL ETC, at 4320 Saint Laurent Blvd., right across from Parc du Portugal. Not only does this spot serve excellent breakfasts, but it was also Leonard Cohen’s favorite restaurant—his home was just across the street (ask the server to tell you about him! 😁). Many French singers used to go there too; their names are written on little plaques.
For lunch (or *déjeuner* for you), I suggest trying Brit and Chips at least once, located at 433 McGill Street, right next to Old Montreal. You’ll find the best fish and chips in Montreal there. Afterward, you can walk it off in Old Montreal all the way to Place des Montréalaises 🚺🚹🚻.
For dinner, I recommend an eccentric restaurant in Montreal’s east end: Cabotins in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood, at 4821 Sainte-Catherine Street East. You can bring your own wine, which helps cut down on the bill. If it’s on the menu, I highly recommend their homemade blood sausage—delicious, in my opinion! 😃
One last suggestion: since you seem familiar with Montreal, check out Poutineville Beaubien at 1348 Beaubien Street East. When I was younger, my friends and I loved going there to end the night. As the name suggests, poutine is the star, with all kinds of variations. You’ll definitely leave with a full belly and sleep well! 🤰🤰
Here are just a few ideas. I encourage you to check out the photos and reviews on Google Maps.
If you need more suggestions, just let me know. I’m sure other VF members will have plenty of additional recommendations!
If you ever need it and would like, I could be your guide for a tour of any Montreal neighborhood you choose (as long as it works for me too 😅🏃♂️🏃♀️).
I already do this for free and with pleasure for the Facebook group: *Les retraités sportifs du Québec*. You can check it out yourself if you have time! 😊
By the way, on Saint Denis Street at the bar *Le Barouf*, there are often French people who meet up there. Especially during soccer or rugby matches involving France. Many of your fellow citizens living in Montreal—usually on the Plateau—hang out there. Might be a good spot to exchange info that could interest you.
Happy planning and enjoy your stay in *la Belle Province*! 😊😊👋
Hi,
I second Bauhaus for Brit and Chips, just a couple of steps from Old Montreal but not a tourist trap like some restaurants in the area!!
I’d also add a place I really love: Le Club Espagnol on St Laurent between Marie Anne and Mont Royal. The food is great, authentically Spanish, and their back patio is amazing 😛
Inicio | Club Espagnol de Quebec – Cultural Events, Flamenco and Activities for Spanish Speakers
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
I can’t wait to return to your beautiful Province.
Hi, my message isn’t important:
don’t forget beaver tails either—they’re delicious, but very high in calories.
There used to be a little shop on Sainte-Catherine Street, but I don’t know if it’s still there.
hey again—don’t forget that in QC we say *déjeuner* for breakfast, *dîner* for lunch, and *souper* for dinner 😛
So in the morning, ask for *pannequekes* with maple syrup—obviously *sirop d’érable* in proper French
Oh yes, those delicious pancakes with maple syrup (I say maple syrup, no problem for me 😊👼🏽) and they’re so good.
And no worries about the names of the different meals (even if I can’t guarantee I won’t mix them up).
Breakfast will be at the hotel, but I’ll still go out for some good pancakes 👍🏽—I’ll make room, and it’ll double as dinner 😄
Okay, I’ll add a little spot in the Mile End area—a really nice Mexican place: Mezcaleros Tapas & Cocktails - Restaurant Cuisine Mexicaine Mile-End, Montréal
Montreal’s such a cosmopolitan city, and it really shows in the restaurants! 😛
Enjoy your stay in Montreal
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
I’ll quickly throw out two suggestions—two "bring-your-own-wine" restaurants: French-inspired cuisine with a Québécois twist: Au Thym and Les Infidèles... There’s also Le Quartier Général, L'État-Major, and more.
PS: I know it’s not very original to send a French person to a French-cuisine restaurant... but I’ll get back to you—or better yet, reach out to me here on VF—and I’ll suggest some ethnic cuisines instead.
The best baguette in Montreal: Joe la Croûte, next to the Jean-Talon Market, in a strip surrounding the market.
By the way, we go to Jean-Talon on Saturday mornings and grab our espresso or latte at Café Italia on Saint-Laurent Street, right next to the Milano grocery store.
I could go on and on...
Pierroro
Quand le moment est arrivé, l'heure est venue! (C.Bobin.)
- et je vous remercie par avance pour votre réponse.
Hi there!
For bagels: St-Viateur Bagel, on the street of the same name, and Fairmount Bagel, on Fairmount Street. You can buy just the bagel—they don’t have a restaurant, but you can get everything you need there (cream cheese and smoked salmon) to make your own.
Donuts: no idea.
Another Montreal specialty: a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s, on St-Laurent Boulevard... with a black cherry cola.
Pizza: of course, everyone has "their" spot for the best pizza. I really like Napoletana (you can bring your own bottle of wine) and other Italian dishes—relaxed vibe—near the Jean-Talon Market, and Pizzaiolle (a few locations).
Pierroro
Quand le moment est arrivé, l'heure est venue! (C.Bobin.)
- et je vous remercie par avance pour votre réponse.
Hi there,
I’ve been following this thread with interest because I’m very likely heading to Quebec in a few days last-minute (with no plans at all).
It seems like nobody actually answered the original question (about popular traditional local cuisine).
All I’m seeing are Spanish dishes, Central European food, Chinese, French bars, British fish and chips—aside from poutine (and even that’s debatable), there’s nothing truly local.
Honestly, it’s tough to get real info, and on top of that, my request to join that Facebook group mentioned earlier was denied (guess what—no, I’m not Canadian) 🤪
Hi again! If you're looking for traditional cuisine, you should head to a sugar shack.
There are quite a few around Montreal.
But don’t kid yourself—Quebec’s food scene is still pretty Americanized...
hi again if you want traditional cuisine you’ve gotta go to a sugar shack.
There are quite a few around Montreal.
But don’t kid yourself—Québec’s food is still pretty Americanized...
Thanks so much! I kinda figured that about the capital, like all capitals in the world that aren’t really representative of a country since they’re so internationalized (I struggled in Amsterdam where only 2 traditional spots were left, and one closed). So I just went for it, and despite the 100-meter line, they took me in without a reservation and I got to try their Dutch food (meh).
Hi,
The traditional local cuisine in Montreal... some will say poutine, but is it really cuisine (in the French sense of the term)? Others might suggest shepherd’s pie (same remark).
Quebecois Cuisine: Tourtière from Lac St. Jean (but that’s far from Montreal), lobster rolls from Gaspésie (still far from Montreal), ...
The thing that’s in all the tourist guides: smoked meat from Schwartz’s (well, in this case, we’re in Montreal, except... it’s originally from Eastern Europe...)
Have a great stay in Montreal! 😛
PS: If you want to try poutine, check out La Banquise (it’s also in all the tourist guides!)
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
Traditional cuisine isn't really found in restaurants—you have to get invited to people's homes. Or wait for cold weather, since traditional dishes are pretty heavy on the stomach.
Pig's feet stew might be at La Binerie on Saint Denis. Maybe a meat pie too? Don’t forget to ask for some "beans."
Around Sorel, there’s gibelotte (a kind of soup) and perch, a small fish lightly breaded. A trip to Sorel’s "Quebec bayou" is also interesting to understand this meal.
Which brings us to fish and chips. Contrary to what you might think, it’s a dish that’s been part of my life forever. I really consider it traditional, like blood sausage. In fact, the place I mentioned in an earlier post here serves excellent blood sausage. Quebec cuisine is heavily influenced by English cooking—no surprise, given the conquest.
I’m not sure where you can find a meat pie (don’t confuse it with the Lac Saint-Jean tourtière, which was originally stuffed with game bird). You might find it in some small breakfast cafés, but it’s mostly a winter dish. Plus, every family has their own recipe (to give you an idea, I’ve already started buying meat to make my pies for the holidays).
Then there’s "poisson des cheneaux." To eat it, you’ll have to go to the Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade area. We used to eat it at home—it’s very similar to fish and chips. Small, breaded, and quite fatty fish. Too bad for you, since it’s caught in winter on the ice. Maybe a local restaurant serves it? But it’s far from Montreal.
Finally, for your info, it’s apple season in Quebec right now. If you can visit an orchard, there are lots of great products like apple butter. Beets, pickled onions, and other homemade treats to enjoy. There are often little shops and restaurants where you can taste typical Quebec products. I recommend the Saint-Joseph-du-Lac area, just north of Montreal.
If you go a bit further, you can reach Oka. Famous for the Trappist Oka cheese. There are also delicious chocolate-covered blueberries—a real treat for the taste buds. It’s the perfect time for them, but you won’t necessarily find them in Montreal restaurants, unfortunately. Unless there’s an exception I don’t know about.
If you want a truly Montreal and Quebec experience with a meal, I recommend going to a microbrewery or brewery on a professional hockey game night (the Montreal Canadiens). You’ll see what we eat (the Cage aux Sports at the Bell Centre is a good spot, but get there early on game nights).
Hi,
The traditional local cuisine in Montreal.....some will say poutine, but is it really cuisine (in the French sense of the term)? Others might suggest shepherd’s pie (same remark).
Québécois cuisine: Tourtière from Lac St-Jean (but that’s far from Montreal), lobster rolls from Gaspésie (still far from Montreal), ....
The thing that’s in all the tourist guides: smoked meat from Schwartz’s (well, in this case, we’re in Montreal, except....it’s originally from Eastern Europe...)
Have a great time in Montreal! 😛
PS: If you want to try poutine, check out La Banquise (it’s also in every tourist guide!)
Thanks so much, this info is super helpful to me! 😊
I don’t know anything about this country, and my goal is Quebec, but if I have to land in Montreal, I might as well stay for 4-5 days
Traditional cuisine is rarely found in restaurants. You have to get invited to people's homes. Or wait for cold weather, since traditional food is heavy on the stomach.
Pig's feet stew—maybe at La Binerie on Saint Denis. Maybe a meat pie too? Don’t forget to ask for some "beans."
In the Sorel area, there’s gibelotte (a type of soup) and perch, a small fish lightly breaded. A trip to Sorel’s "Quebec bayou" is also interesting to understand this meal.
Which brings us to fish and chips. Contrary to what you might think, it’s a dish that’s been part of my life forever. I really consider it traditional, like blood sausage. In fact, the place I mentioned in an earlier post here serves excellent blood sausage. Quebec cuisine is heavily influenced by English cooking—no surprise, given the conquest.
I’m not sure where you can find a meat pie (don’t confuse it with the Lac Saint-Jean tourtière, which was originally stuffed with game bird). You might find it in some small breakfast cafés, but it’s mostly a winter dish. Plus, every family has their own recipe (to give you an idea, I’ve already started buying meat to make my pies for the holidays).
Then there’s chub fish. To eat it, you’ll have to go to the Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade area. We used to eat it at home—it’s very similar to fish and chips. Small, breaded, and very fatty fish. Too bad for you, since it’s caught in winter on the ice. Maybe a local restaurant serves it? But it’s far from Montreal.
Finally, for your info, it’s apple season in Quebec right now. If you can visit an orchard, there are lots of apple products—like excellent apple butter. Beets, pickled onions, and other homemade treats to savor. There are often small shops and restaurants where you can taste typical Quebec products on-site. I recommend the Saint-Joseph-du-Lac area, just north of Montreal.
If you go a little further, you can reach Oka, famous for the Trappist Oka cheese. There are also delicious blueberries coated in chocolate—a real treat for the palate. It’s the perfect time for them, but you won’t necessarily find them in Montreal restaurants, unfortunately. Unless there’s an exception I don’t know about.
If you want to experience something truly Montreal and Quebecois, I recommend going to a microbrewery or brewery on a night when the Canadiens (Montreal’s pro hockey team) are playing. You’ll see what we eat (the Cage at the Bell Centre is a good spot, but get there early on game nights).
I’ll let you know if I think of anything else.
Cheers
Hi, I think the best option for me would be Airbnbs or guest rooms with locals who offer meals. But I don’t want to stay with French people.
My only concern is that I don’t speak English at all, and this trip is a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision.
So, people here like you and others are actually what’s pushing me to go. I hope early November won’t be winter yet—I’d like mild temperatures, not too hot or too cold. I’ve had too many trips ruined by weather changes.
Anyway, thanks to everyone, and I’m happy to see that this country allows entry without a return ticket—freedom is essential for me.
Same goes for being able to pay everything in cash 😊
Hi,
No problem if you don’t speak English—even though Quebec isn’t officially francophone, French is still the majority language there.
November isn’t the best time because the trees have lost their leaves, and the days are getting shorter by the minute!! If you can move your trip up to late October, you’ll still catch some of the "colors."
Don’t forget to do the eTA (on the official Government of Canada website).
I didn’t know you could enter without a return ticket—you might have to convince the immigration officer.
Either way, I hope you have a great trip!
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
Hi,
No problem if you don’t speak English—even though Quebec isn’t officially francophone, French is still the majority language there.
November isn’t the best time since the trees have lost their leaves and the days are getting shorter by the minute!! If you can move your trip up to late October, you’ll still catch some of the "colors."
Don’t forget to do the eTA (on the official Government of Canada website).
I didn’t know you could enter without a return ticket—you might have to convince the immigration officer, though.
Either way, have a great trip!
Thanks for all this! Yep, I checked the flights, and I can confirm you don’t *have* to have a return ticket (that’s awesome).
We’ve got something in common with the south of France too—breakfast is when you get up, lunch is *dîner*, and dinner is *souper* 😂
Hi Jean Yves,
Just a small but important correction—the province of Quebec is officially francophone. Here’s the proof:
"French became the official language of Quebec in 1974 with the adoption of the Official Language Act (Law 22). However, the Charter of the French Language (Law 101), adopted in 1977, strengthened this status by making French the sole official language of the province.
Key dates:
1974: The Quebec government adopted the Official Language Act (Law 22), which declared French as the official language, though some provisions still allowed the use of English in certain contexts.
1977: The adoption of the Charter of the French Language (Law 101) by the National Assembly of Quebec, under René Lévesque’s government, reinforced French as the only official language and established measures to promote it in all aspects of society.
2022: The Act respecting French, the official and common language of Quebec (Law 96) amended the Charter of the French Language, further consolidating French as the official and common language of Quebec."
It’s true that most English speakers don’t want to acknowledge this, but that’s the reality. As far as I know, New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province. Manitoba used to be, but since Louis Riel…
Ontario, for its part, refuses to make French an official language despite a strong francophone presence—which, by the way, has been shrinking decade after decade…
The other provinces and territories are officially English-speaking.
Canada is an officially bilingual country, but only on paper…
I’d love to get some recommendations for great things to eat, restaurants, bakeries, and all sorts of food.
If you’re planning to grab a coffee, there’s Tim Hortons with its Timbits or donut holes—ha ha ha!
Otherwise, when it comes to bilingualism in Manitoba, the current Premier of the province, Wab Kinew, wants to develop it.
Amérique du Nord › États-Unis / Québec › Montréal et Laval · 6 replies
Est-ce qu'il existe une carte qui montre où sont situé les poste de péages? Je vais fort probablement emprunter l'autoroute 87 pour aller à New York et…
Travailler, étudier et vivre à l'étranger › Québec › Montréal et Laval · 5 replies
Je viens juste de débarquer a montreal en tant que resident permanant (une semaine déja), je vis chez un ami pour le moment en attendant de trouver un…
Qu'en pensez-vous?! Je compte séjourner deux semaines à Montréal et me louer un appartement plutôt qu'une chambre d'hotel. Les Suites Berri sont deux fois…
Formalités administratives › Québec › Montréal et Laval / États-Unis · 2 replies
Je projette d'aller à New York en mai prochain pour assister à une convention; je prendrais donc évidemment un visa tourisme (conseillé par les organisateurs…
Hi there,
I was wondering if there’s a taxi stand at the Sainte Foy bus station, or do we have to use an app to call one?
Thanks in advance for your help
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?
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.
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 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!
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
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. 😄😄👋👋👋
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!
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 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
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,
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?
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?
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
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!
