Je pars pour un petit voyage au Québec de mi-septembre à début octobre. Je vais passer par les parcs de la Mauricie (arrivée à saint-Jean-de-Piles) ; de la pointe taillon et du Saguenay (arrivée par Chambord et tour du lac) ; des Grands Jardins.
Il me sera impossible vu le temps limité de passer plus de deux jours dans chaque parc, c'est pourquoi je dois choisir et sélectionner quelques balades à pied, ou en canot (puisque ça a l'air d'être un classique), excursions ou visites guidées.
Donc, je voudrais savoir quels sont vos endroits, activités, balades ou points de vue que vous avez préférés dans ces parcs ?
Si vous arrivez et repartez de Montréal, je ferais le trajet en sens inverse, histoire de suivre les couleurs.
Parc de La Mauricie: Canot au lac Wapizagonke. Les canots en location à cette période ne sont disponible que la fin de semaine Sentier Les deux-Criques. 17km en forêt avec quelques superbes points de vue. C'est long mais il n'y a jamais de longues montées. Le Mékinac est en quelque sorte une version courte (11km) mais beaucoup moins intéressante. Je préfère le sentier Vieux-Brûlis (13km). Possible d'y voir orignal, ours (j'en ai vu un la semaine dernière). Le loup est présent parfois. Ils ont déjà répondu à mon appel lors d'un voyage en canot dans l'arrière-pays (lac des Cinqs).
Pointe-Taillon:
Superbe à bicyclette (voitures interdites!). On peut en louer à l'accueil. Excellent pour y observer le castor et bonne chance d'y voir de l'orignal.
Grands-Jardins:
Sentier du mont du lac des Cygnes à l'entrée sud du parc. Une randonnée classique et populaire dû à sa proximité de la ville de Québec. L'intérieur du parc peut paraître désolant pour certains, en partie à cause des feux de forêt des années passées. Je crois que c'est à voir pour un Européen. Le parc a un aspect sauvage que l'on retrouve dans aucun autre parc. Le paysage est semblable au territoire de la Baie James, située beaucoup plus au nord. Possible d'y voir ours, caribou et orignal. Le loup y est présent aussi.
Non loin setrouve le parc des Hautes-Gorge de la rivière Malbaie. Un des paysages les plus spectaculaire du Québec. Le sentier de l'Acropole des Draveurs est un classique. Très abrupte, mais se monte relativement bien. C'est la descente qui est difficile! Il y a une petite croisière en bateau-mouche sur la rivière. Bel endroit pour le vélo aussi.
Si je comprends bien, pour les couleurs, le mieux est de faire le trajet à l'inverse, soit : Montréal, Québec, Tadoussac, Lac St-Jean, Mauricie, retour à Montréal ?
Pour toutes ces balades, pas besoin de guides ou de passer par un circuit, j'imagine qu'on peut se balader dans les parcs en toute liberté ??
J'ai aussi lu que dans le parc de mauricie, il ne fallait pas louper une sortie pour voir l'ours noir ? Est-ce qu'on a de réelles chances d'en voir, ou est-ce une sorte d'attrape-touristes ?
Exactement. C'est parce qu'au nord, il y a moins de feuillus et encore moins d'érables (arbre ayant la plus grande palette de couleurs). Aussi, les couleurs commencent plus tôt au nord.
Ces balades ne sont pas guidées, mais il est interdit de sortir des sentiers.
Jamais entendu parler de sortie à l'ours noir au parc de La Mauricie. Si c'est organisé par le parc, c'est de l'interprétation et il y a pas plus de chance d'en voir que lors d'une randonnée non-guidée. Si c'est privé, les ours sont probablement appâtés, rendant l'expérience un peu ordinaire. Il existe un tel endroit près de Tadoussac et un autre un peu au nord de Baie-Comeau sur la Côte-Nord.
Parc de la Mauricie = Lac Wapizagonke + chutes Waber. Une petite balade en canot, une petite balade en forêt et tada des chutes formidables pour s’y prélasser. Quoi qu’en automne ce n’est pas chaud pour la pompe à eau. J’y ai vu une famille d’ours mais je crois que j’ai été chanceux car leur nombre est assez restreint. Par contre il y a beaucoup de maringoins si tu aimes. Quoi que ca aussi en septembre…
Tadoussac c’est super. C’est très touristique mais ca n’a pas perdu son âme. Il n’y a pas de Grande chaine de Fast Food et on n’a pas l’impression d’être des portefeuilles ambulants. Les bed and breakfast sont dans de superbes maisons avec leur charme d’origine. Il y a un resto qui fait de la bouffe traditionnelle du genre ragout de pattes. Très bon. Si tu va en excursion, vas-y à zodiac. C’est bien mieux que sur les gros bateaux. La compagnie avec laquelle j’ai embarqué fournissait une combinaison isolante ce qui n’est pas le cas pour toutes. D’ailleurs c’était en septembre et la température sur le fleuve est pas mal plus froide que sur terre. Réserve d’avance pour éviter les mauvaises surprises. C’est très fréquenté même en septembre octobre.
Au Saguenay il y a le cap Trinité. L’aller-retour se fait dans la journée. Si vous cherchez une petite facile en chemin c’est sympa d’aller y pique-niquer. Un certain Charles-Napoléon Robitaille y fit ériger une statue de la saint Vierge pour la remercier de l’avoir sauvé de la noyade et de la maladie.
Bon voyage et montre nous tes photos.
Mourrial, une invention du yable monsieur l’facteur!
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Bonjour,
Nous sommes un groupe de 4 séniors (encore en forme!) et nous souhaitons visiter cette partie du Canada et pour nous c'est une première. Nous avons l'habitude de voyager en formule autotour avec les hébergements et visites de sites inclus.
Notre voyage est prévu en juin 2027 et je sollicite la communauté pour le nombre de jours nécessaires pour cette première approche vu les distances à parcourir ainsi qu'un éventuel conseil sur le tracé de notre parcours sachant que nous voulons voir les différents spots, à savoir: les chutes du Niagara, Québec Montréal, Charlevoix, les baleines, etc...
Nous arriverons soit de Toronto et retour Montréal ou l'inverse, à définir.
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils qui seront les bienvenus.
hi everyone,
my flight’s all booked (Sept 19–Oct 4), with 1.5 days in Montreal + 1.5 days in Quebec City...
then I’ve got 11 days starting from Quebec City for a road trip—what route do you recommend?
(I’ve seen these stops come up a lot: Parc Omega, Charlevoix, Tadoussac, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Saguenay, Parc de la Gaspésie, Parc Forillon, Mauricie...)
The idea is no more than 2–3 hours of driving per day on average.
I’m traveling solo :-( (if you’re in the area around the same dates, hit me up!)
45 years old, I love sports (so I’m hoping to do hikes, kayaking, and other activities, see whales...discover beautiful landscapes). I’m not sure if there are any events in the area during those dates, but I’d also like to meet some people...
Thanks in advance for your tips!
I’m looking for your help planning a 3-week road trip from mid-September to early October starting in Montréal.
We’d like to explore part of Québec and the Gaspésie, and we’re intentionally starting with the Gaspésie because if we leave it for the end (early October), the weather might be less favorable and a lot of places will already be closed. I’ve also read that the fall colors are more beautiful in the Mauricie and Laurentides regions toward the end of our trip (early October).
Here’s the itinerary we’ve come up with:
Montréal (arrival and departure airport) -> Québec City -> Charlevoix -> Crossing the St. Lawrence River from St-Siméon to Rivière-du-Loup -> Rimouski and Parc du Bic -> Gaspésie along the coast (Matapedia, Percé, Bonaventure Island, Gaspé, Forillon Park) -> Crossing the St. Lawrence River from Matane to Baie-Comeau -> Tadoussac to Lac Saint-Jean via the route along the Saguenay River -> Return to Montréal via La Tuque, crossing the Laurentides and Mauricie Park
This is our first time in Canada, so don’t hesitate to be critical (I won’t take it badly ;)), if the route seems too ambitious (we know there’ll be a lot of driving!) or if it’s better to skip some stops that aren’t must-sees.
Hi,
I'm looking for an organized tour in Quebec lasting at least 2 weeks for next winter.
I'm looking for a tour that's done by bus, because there are many where you have to rent a car, and I don’t have a driver’s license.
Could you recommend any travel agencies that offer this?
Thanks in advance.
Hi everyone,
I’ve got 2 weeks of vacation to take (around Sept 15–Oct 10 max).
I’m thinking of Canada since I’ve never been, to see the beautiful fall colors, mix in some sports activities (hiking or others), and a bit of city exploration...
Traveling solo, backpacker style (youth hostels), renting a car/van or using buses... (whichever is most cost-effective and practical).
Which area would you recommend?
For arrival, I can fly into Montreal, Quebec City, or Toronto at the cheapest fares.
What itinerary (big picture) or activities would you suggest?
Or maybe you’d advise against it? ))
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
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.
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
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.
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