Looking to hit the road and explore? Well, buckle up, because we’re sharing our list of the best Québec road trips to inspire your next adventure. From routes that cover historical sites to opportunities to see whales and seabirds - and of course, chances to eat plenty of delicious Québec food - we’ve got you covered when it comes to road trips in Québec.
How to travel around Québec
Québec is Canada’s largest province, and it’s well-known for its history, nature, and culture. From big cities to small towns, there is plenty to see and do throughout the province. It’s possible to use trains, buses, and of course, planes to explore to province; however, for the most freedom, it’s best have a car. This is especially true if you want to visit some of the smaller towns or get out into nature to access some of the best
What should you expect on a Québec road trip
As mentioned, Québec is the largest province in Canada, so depending on your itinerary, be prepared for some long drives. That being said, it’s also a beautiful province filled with forests, rivers and lakes, which means driving through Québec is very scenic and hardly boring!
Most people plan road trips during the warmer months, but if you’re driving in the winter, be mindful of snow and black ice (Québec can get some pretty big winter storms). Those driving through the province in the winter will also need to make sure that they have winter tires on their vehicle. Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 until March 15th.
Take the time to plan your trip out your Québec road trip and do some online research ahead of time, but don’t forget to ask locals along the way for their advice too - you never know what might be just around the corner!
Best road trips in Québec
Gulf of St. Lawrence
The Gulf of St. Lawrence offers a unique take on a road trip as it combines both driving and a boat trip. This journey starts in Tadoussac, which is known as one of the best whale-watching destinations in Canada, and ends in Blanc Sablon after a 2-day cruise from Natashquan. In between you can enjoy hiking trails, beaches, rich flora and fauna (especially interesting for birders) and picturesque villages. For those who have more time, you can even extend the trip into Labrador.
The Navigator’s Route
Road trippers interested in history and scenic river views might want to consider the Navigator’s Route. Stretching 200km from La Pocatière to Sainte-Luce, this scenic drive follows Route 132 along the Saint Lawrence, and you can expect photo-worthy seaside villages, heritage houses, and historic lighthouses. One of the big draws on this trip is Pointe-au-Père Maritime Historic Site, where you can find the Empress of Ireland Museum. This combination of history, culture, and nature makes the Navigator’s Route a top pick for one of the best Québec road trips.
Saguenay Fjord
When we hear the word ‘fjord’ we normally think of Europe, but Canada is also home to some incredible fjords. Saguenay Fjord is one of the longest fjords in the world and is surrounded by towering cliffs reaching 300m tall. There are also plenty of picturesque little towns and villages along the way, adding to the area’s scenic allure. Along with the drive, this part of Québec is ideal for hiking, biking, and camping.
Another huge draw to road-tripping around Saguenay Fjord is that it’s an amazing place for whale watching. The whale season usually starts around mid-May and runs until late October. Tours depart from Baie de Sainte Catherine, and offer the chance to see various species including beluga whales, fin whales, minke whales, blue whales, and humpback whales as well as harbour porpoises and grey seals. If you love spotting wildlife, this might be the best road trip in Québec for you.
The Kings Road
The Kings Road connects two of Québec’s most popular cities: Montréal and Québec City. The route is 280km long and dates back to the 1700s when it connected to two largest settlements in the area. Today, this Montreal to Québec City road trip is one of the more popular drives in Québec with plenty to see in between both destinations. It’s a great way to check out two of the country’s most popular cities (plus historic towns like Trois-Rivières in between) and try plenty of Québecoise cuisine like tourtière, smoked meat sandwiches from Montréal, all things maple, and of course poutine.
The New France Route
Another route for history enthusiasts is the new France Route, which follows the old route taken by the farmers of Côte-de-Beaupré when bringing their produce and crops to Québec City. This 57km road trip itinerary offers plenty of stops with historical significance, including Domaine de Maizerets and its beautiful gardens, Aux Trois Couvents, which offers exhibitions on the first French settlements in North America. There’s also Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine on this route, which is the oldest pilgrimage site in North America. Be sure to also stop at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency for waterfalls and Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area for birdwatching.
Get car insurance before your Québec road trip
Before strapping in and driving through Québec for one of these road trips, you’ll want to make sure that you are properly covered with car insurance. Check out
Hannah Logan is a Canadian travel writer who dreams of being just like Indiana Jones. You can follow her travels on her personal travel blog
Eat Sleep Breathe Travel where she shares her travel tales and (mis)adventures around the world.