Summer Loop in Quebec with Family

Hi, Part of the family is Canadian, and we usually go there every two years. We’ve already visited quite a bit, but since the family is in New Brunswick, we’ve never really explored Quebec (aside from the two main cities). I’m starting to plan a new little loop for late July 2026 to finally enjoy Quebec a bit more. We’re aiming for about ten days before heading to NB.

Here’s a first draft: Montreal (1 night) Mauricie National Park (1 night) Lac Saint-Jean via Route 155 (2 nights for the zoo and the historic village) Saguenay Fjord National Park (1 night) Then two options to get down to Quebec City: A- Jacques-Cartier National Park via Route 175 B- Tadoussac, then down the St. Lawrence River

We have an 11-year-old and plan to do some hikes. Driving doesn’t bother us, but we also want to take the time to explore. The traditional whale-watching cruise in Tadoussac isn’t planned this time since we’ve already seen whales in Saint Andrews, NB, during our last trip.

Does the itinerary seem reasonable? Which option is nicer for getting down to Quebec City? Is there anything we shouldn’t miss on this loop?

Thanks for your tips! Victor

hi, Personally, I'd put Quebec City right after Mauricie. Here’s how the route would look: Montreal – La Mauricie Park – Quebec City – North Shore of the St. Lawrence (Route 138) up to the mouth of the Saguenay (roughly St-Siméon) – head up to Lac Saint-Jean via the west shore of the Saguenay (Route 170) – Lac Saint-Jean (with an obvious stop in Saint-Félicien 🙂) – head back down to the river along the east shore of the Saguenay (Route 172) to Les Escoumins – cross the river from Les Escoumins to Trois-Pistoles – South Shore of the river via Bic Park, following Route 132 to the gates of Gaspésie (Sainte-Flavie) – then straight south to reach New Brunswick via the Matapédia Valley (with a possible little detour to Miguasha Park before entering NB).

That’s my suggestion!

Happy trip planning!!

Nice one, Caribou

Hi, this is just a suggestion, which obviously isn’t set in stone 😛 Victor can do whatever he wants with it. 😏

Thanks for the reply and the suggestion. That seems like a good option, so we’ll swap Jacques-Cartier Park for Bic Park. I’m guessing it’s because the road along the St. Lawrence is more scenic than Highway 155? Any recommendations for hostels or maybe hotels at either of the vacation spots?