Quebec Road Trip Guide: The Best Routes for the Ultimate Adventure

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Spanning a whopping 1.6 million square kilometres, Quebec is like Disneyland for road-trippers, and it’s a perfect place to visit on any Canada trip.

It is packed full of sleepy seaside towns, towering fjords, roaring rivers, ancient forests, and cities bursting with character. And the best way to explore it is from behind the wheel, with the windows down, playlist cranked up, and plenty of snacks within arm’s reach!

Here’s what makes hitting the road in Quebec such an attractive proposition:

• 1. Endless Scenic Drives – From Route 132 along the Gaspé Peninsula to the mountain-lined roads of Charlevoix, Quebec, delivers jaw-dropping views around almost every bend.
• 2. Epic Seasonal Shifts – Quebec is a road-trip destination for all seasons. In Autumn, the foliage is next level, while in spring, the waterfalls burst to life. Winter turns many places into a snow-dusted fairytale, and summer is perfect for lazy, sunshine rides.
• 3. Local Flavours Everywhere – Food is a massive part of the Quebec road-trip experience. At any given town, you can enjoy a range of local delicacies, including poutine, Tourtière, Soupe aux pois, maple pie, and cheese curds. Then, of course, there are the microbreweries!
• 4. Nature at Every Turn – Throughout Quebec, nature is at every turn. Whether you are spotting whales off the coast, hiking to waterfalls, or enjoying the silence of the forest, there are several ways to immerse yourself in it.
• 5. Built for Vanlife – If you are a fan of the old vanlife travel, Quebec offers plenty of campsites and cute cabins you can stay at. By and large, the roads are pretty easy to drive on in one as well. If you want to see Canada on a budget, this is a great way to give it a go.

It doesn’t matter if you are planning a weekend escape or a two-week loop around the province, Quebec can take you to some seriously unforgettable places.

The Whale Trail – 5 Days

Fjords & Forests Loop – 4 Days

The Gaspé Explorer – 5 Days

Ready to get going? Here are my top three Quebec road trip routes.

All of them are packed with wow-factor views, quaint towns, and just the right amount of “should we detour down here for a minute?” vibes.

• From: Tadoussac
• To: Kegaska
• Total Distance: ~530 miles / 850 km
• Days: 5
• Top Road Trip Stops: Tadoussac, Les Escoumins, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Kegaska

If you love coastlines and wildlife, then the Whale Trail is definitely for you. It starts from the tiny village of Tadoussac and follows Route 138 along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River.

Along the way, you will pass quiet fishing towns, boreal forests, pebbled beaches, and wild headlands where whales often breach just offshore. It’s a remote and peaceful journey with an insane amount of natural beauty. Just make sure you take binoculars, a camera, and some good playlists to make the most of it. 

Road Trip Highlights

• Whale watching in Tadoussac 
• Sea kayaking in Les Escoumins 
• Island hopping from Sept-Îles 
• Mingan Archipelago National Park 
• The end-of-the-road feel at Kegaska

Day 1: Tadoussac to Les Escoumins (1 hour)

Ease into this epic Canadian road trip with a short but mesmeric coastal cruise along Route 138. The best place to start is in Tadoussac, where the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers meet. This is renowned for being one of the best whale-watching spots in the world, so you’ll want to spend a bit of time here looking at the water.

As you head north, the scenery quickly becomes wild. At Pointe-Noire Interpretation Centre, the cliffside views are incredible, and you may spot belugas. Les Escoumins, a hot spot for sea kayaking and diving, is a good base for the night.

• Best Stops: Tadoussac Bay, Pointe-Noire, Cap de Bon-Désir
• Where to Eat: Enjoy great burgers at Restaurant Le Bouleau (10 Rue des Pilotes, Les Escoumins)
• Where to Stay: Gite La Bergeronnette and this Apartment with a Bay View are both great options.

Day 2: Les Escoumins to Baie-Comeau (3.5 hours)

On your second day, you’ll engage in some solid coastal driving. This stretch is pure, unfiltered Quebec, with jagged shorelines, quiet stretches of forest, and charming fishing villages tucked along the way.

Stretch your legs or do a spot of fishing along the picturesque beach at Forestville. If time permits, you should also detour into Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes near Baie-Comeau to enjoy a nature walk through sand dunes and salt marshes.

Baie-Comeau is a larger town, with all the amenities you need to refuel, resupply, and get a decent night’s sleep.

• Best Stops: Forestville, Ragueneau, Pointe-aux-Outardes Nature Park
• Where to Eat: Sample delicious French-Canadian cuisine at La Cache d’Amélie (30 Place La Salle, Baie-Comeau)
• Where to Stay: You’ll find comfortable accommodations at Hôtel Le Manoir Baie-Comeau, and this Beachfront Cottage in nearby Pointe-Lebel.

Day 3: Baie-Comeau to Sept-Îles (4.5 hours)

Day three will be a proper road-trip day. The route from Baie-Comeau to Sept-Îles is rugged, open, and often wild. It cuts through boreal forest and hugs rocky shorelines, and for much of it, you’ll be the only car on the road in sight.

The Manic-2 Dam is an engineering marvel that is well worth checking out, while the 11km stretch of beach at Pointe-aux-Anglais is a nice spot to relax. At Sept-Îles, you’ll be able to take island boat trips, go on coastal walks, and discover Innu heritage.

• Best Stops: Manic-2 Dam, Godbout, Pointe-aux-Anglais
• Where to Eat: Enjoy an amazing cheese fondue and charcuterie board at Restaurant Edgar Café Bar (498 Av. Arnaud, Sept-Îles)
• Where to Stay: Hôtel Gouverneur Sept-Îles and this entire condo provide excellent value for money accommodation.

Day 4: Sept-Îles to Havre-Saint-Pierre (5.5 hours)

Today’s drive is all about isolation, as you’ll cruise through the heart of the Côte-Nord region. There are fewer towns and tourists here, but the views are endless.

Stop in at Rivière-au-Tonnerre to see the thundering waterfall near the church. Then head over to the Havre-Saint-Pierre, which is the gateway to the Mingan Archipelago. This area is known for its eerie limestone monoliths and puffin colonies. If you’re figuring out where to stay in Canada, this spot is so good, you should dedicate a couple of days here!

• Best Stops: Rivière-au-Tonnerre Falls, Magpie, Mingan Archipelago boat tours
• Where to Eat: Feast on seafood pizza and cloudberry pie at Chez Julie (1083 Rue de la Digue, Havre-Saint-Pierre)
• Where to Stay: Spend the night at the entire chalet that faces the sea and the Mingan Islands

Day 5: Havre-Saint-Pierre to Kegaska (4 hours)

Kegaska is where the paved road ends — literally. To get to it, you’ll drive east along one of Quebec’s most remote stretches of highway. There’s very little along this route aside from wide skies, forest, and the Atlantic crashing on rocky shores.

However, Natashquan, the birthplace of poet Gilles Vigneault, is worth dropping by to explore the old fishing sheds by the beach. When you arrive in the tiny village of Kegaska, be sure to snap a photo by the “End of Route 138” sign. You’ve made it!

• Best Stops: Natashquan, Pointe-Parent, Kegaska viewpoint
• Where to Eat: Dine on the terrace at Café-bistro L’Échourie (67 Rue Centrale, Natashquan), which overlooks the beach.
• Where to Stay: This entire chalet in nearby Natashquan makes for a charming place to stay.

• From: Quebec City
• To: Quebec City (loop)
• Total Distance: ~435 miles / 700 km
• Days: 4
• Top Road Trip Stops: Saguenay, Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, Lac-Saint-Jean, Saint-Félicien

Mountains, moose, and misty mornings by the lake best sum up this circular route through Quebec’s north. Starting and ending in Quebec City, this road trip takes you up through the Saguenay region and around Lac-Saint-Jean, which remains one of the province’s best-kept secrets.

You’ll be blown away by the steep fjords, deep forests, peaceful lakes, and villages where time slows right down. It’s perfect for some epic Canadian hikes, photography lovers, and anyone who wants to unplug for a few days.

Road Trip Highlights

• Saguenay Fjord viewpoints
• Kayaking in Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park
• The Zoo Sauvage in Saint-Félicien
• Fresh blueberries in Lac-Saint-Jean
• Hiking trails with dramatic cliff views

Day 1: Quebec City to Saguenay (3.5 hours)

Heading north from Quebec City, you’ll soon swap old stone streets for rolling hills and thick forests. Route 175 takes you across Parc national des Grands-Jardins, where there are plenty of scenic pullouts and maybe the odd moose sighting if you’re lucky.

Drop by Saguenay and then spend the night at the relaxed town of Chicoutimi in preparation for the fjords the next day. Don’t worry about the season either, there’s plenty to do in Winter in Quebec City.

• Best Stops: L’Étape, Grands-Jardins viewpoints, Chicoutimi
• Where to Eat: La Voie Maltée (777 Blvd Talbot, Chicoutimi) serves up decent beef spare ribs and home-brewed beers.
• Where to Stay: OTL Gouverneur Saguenay, and this magical loft with breathtaking views is among the best places to stay here.

Day 2: Saguenay to Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park (1.5 hours)

Today’s drive is short, so you can afford to have a bit of a lie-in. Once you are awake and ready to go, head east toward Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. The hiking trails here will lead to sweeping cliffside views of the Saguenay Fjord.

Sainte-Rose-du-Nord is one of Quebec’s prettiest villages, so make sure you stop here for a coffee and fjord views. At the park, hike the Via Ferrata or take a kayak onto the glassy water. 

• Best Stops: Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Baie Éternité, Cap Trinité
• Where to Eat: Café du Quai (165 Rue du Quai, Sainte-Rose-du-Nord) is a lovely waterfront restaurant set along the Saguenay Fjord.
• Where to Stay: Vue sur la montagne, and this fabulous cabin are good options for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Fjord-du-Saguenay to Saint-Félicien (4 hours)

Trade fjords for freshwater as you head inland toward Lac-Saint-Jean on Route 170 west. This huge, circular lake is surrounded by farmland, sleepy villages, and blueberry fields. Once there, dip your toes at Pointe-Taillon National Park or cycle around the Véloroute des Bleuets by bike. 

Finish the day by driving north along the lake’s edge to Saint-Félicien. This is the home of the famous Zoo Sauvage, where animals roam in large, natural enclosures. Alternatively, head to Mashteuiatsh, an Indigenous community that has a brilliant museum about Innu heritage.

• Best Stops: Zoo Sauvage, Mashteuiatsh, Lac Bouchette
• Where to Eat: Le Baumier (1055 Boul. du Sacré-Coeur, Saint-Félicien) serves up a mean Quebec pork dinner and local wild blueberry pie.
• Where to Stay: Treat yourself to a night at Domaine sur une plage or this incredible chalet with awesome lake views.

Day 4: Saint-Félicien to Quebec City (4 hours)

Wind your way gently back to Quebec City via a series of lakes, hills, and charming roadside stops. Take Route 169 south and consider stopping for coffee in Lac-Édouard before rejoining Route 155.

Snap Insta-worthy photos at scenic lookouts near La Tuque and take your time enjoying the last stretch of peaceful forest roads.

• Best Stops: Lac-Édouard, La Tuque, Jacques-Cartier lookout
• Where to Eat: Enjoy the “farm-to-table” menu at Bistro Hortus (1190 Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City)
• Where to Stay: If you need accommodation, Auberge Internationale de Québec, Monsieur Jean – Hôtel Particulier, and this charming loft apartment in the Old Port are very good options.

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• From: Quebec City
• To: Quebec City (loop via Route 132)
• Total Distance: ~940 miles / 1,500 km
• Days: 5
• Top Road Trip Stops: Rimouski, Percé, Forillon National Park, Gaspé, Carleton-sur-Mer

If you want to see Quebec at its wildest and most jaw-dropping, then this is the route to take. On it, the Gaspé Peninsula wraps around the Gulf of St. Lawrence with dramatic cliffs, windswept beaches, and picturesque coastal villages.

Starting and ending in Quebec City, this epic loop along Route 132 is perfect for photographers, wildlife lovers, surfers, and those who are at home in nature. Get ready to enjoy seals, sea stacks, microbreweries, and some of the best national parks in Canada, where mountains meet the ocean.

Road Trip Highlights

• Hike to Cap-Bon-Ami in Forillon National Park (One of the best hikes in Quebec)
• See the iconic Percé Rock
• Explore Parc National de la Gaspésie
• Eat fresh lobster by the beach
• Sunset surf at Carleton-sur-Mer

Day 1: Quebec City to Rimouski (5.5 hours)

Hit the highway early and head east along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. You’ll follow Route 132 through a patchwork of small riverside towns, farmland, and forest.

Stop in at Kamouraska for some stunning coastal views, then cruise on through Trois-Pistoles and Rivière-du-Loupn, which both offer up sensational photo opportunities. Finish the day by wandering along the coastline at Rimouski.

• Best Stops: Kamouraska, Rivière-du-Loup, Pointe-au-Père lighthouse
• Where to Eat: Bistro L’Annexe (145 Avenue de la Cathédrale, Rimouski) is an exceptional dinner choice.
• Where to Stay: Hôtel Rimouski, and Le Récif du Berceau de la Mer Cottage are lovely bases for your stay here.

Day 2: Rimouski to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts (3 hours)

Follow Route 132 deeper into the Gaspé Peninsula, which hugs the coastline the whole way. At Parc national du Bic, you can enjoy a scenic hike or spot the odd seal, while the small town of Matane has some lovely boutique shops. Continue on to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, which has a rugged charm and offers superb sunset views.

• Best Stops: Parc national du Bic, Matane shrimp shop, Sainte-Flavie art installations
• Where to Eat: Microbrasserie Le Malbord – 454 1re Avenue O, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts has a good, albeit small dinner menu and wonderful microbrews.
• Where to Stay: Choose between Manoir sur Mer and this house between the sea and hills as your base for the night.

Day 3: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Percé (4 hours)

If you have more time available for a detour, you can choose to spend the day hiking the mountains at Parc national de la Gaspésie. But if that is not your thing, then make your way along to Percé.

The drive there features endless cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and villages that feel like time has forgotten about them. Stop by Grande-Vallée and the Gaspé Peninsula for some memorable photo opportunities and epic views. Then head to Percé, where your first glimpse of Percé Rock towering out of the ocean will break you out into goosebumps.

• Best Stops: Grande-Vallée lookout, Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse, Gaspé town
• Where to Eat: La Maison du Pêcheur – 155 Rue du Quai, Percé, is renowned for its lobster and seafood chowder
• Where to Stay: You’ll feel right at home if you stay at Gîte Aux Jardins De L’Anse, or the Chalet Mylène Henry.

Day 4: Percé to Carleton-sur-Mer (4 hours)

Those with more time up their sleeve may want to take a boat trip out to Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park. There, they can hike among thousands of nesting seabirds.

However, if you would rather not do that, follow the southern edge of the Gaspé Peninsula. You’ll pass through plenty of sleepy fishing towns, beaches where you can swim on a warm day, and long stretches of open road.

Stop the night at Carleton-sur-Mer, which enjoys a wonderful setting with mountains on one side and the bay on the other.

• Best Stops: Chandler beach, Miguasha fossil site, Carleton boardwalk
• Where to Eat: Le Naufrageur (586 Blvd Perron, Carleton-sur-Mer) is a rustic microbrewery with great food options and live music
• Where to Stay: Motel L’Abri and this house between the sea and the mountain offer up comfortable, well-appointed accommodations at reasonable prices.

Day 5: Carleton-sur-Mer to Quebec City (6 hours)

It’s a long drive back to Quebec City, so you should hit the road early. If you take the interior route through New Richmond and Matapédia, you’ll be navigating an area where rivers snake through dense pine forests and mountain passes.

This stretch is less coastal and much wilder. It’s a beautiful spot in Canada that provides a beautiful contrast to the ocean-hugging roads you’ve previously encountered.

• Best Stops: Matapédia lookout, Sayabec lake, Rivière-du-Loup
• Where to Eat (Back in QC): Le Chic Shack – 15 Rue du Fort, Quebec City
• Where to Stay: You shouldn’t be disappointed if you choose Auberge Jeunesse LouLou’s Backpacker Hostel, Le Capitole Hotel, or townhouse in Old Quebec.

You should find the experience of driving in Quebec generally smooth. That said, it’s not without its quirks.

Overall, you can expect the roads to be well-maintained near the bigger cities. However, along the more rural routes, especially in the Gaspé or Côte-Nord, it can get bumpy, narrow, or even be partially unpaved. Therefore, you will need to exercise caution when traversing them.

You should also be aware that signage is in French. However, it is easy enough to follow, and traffic is usually light outside of Montreal and Quebec City. Additionally, while there are plenty of fuel stations along main routes, in remote areas, it is advisable to top up when you can. It is a good idea to use a fuel app for guidance.

Along the way, the road may lead you on a few steep climbs and winding descents. However, if you are sensible, it won’t be too hairy.

Renting a Vehicle in Quebec

If you need to rent a car in Quebec, you will find this easiest in the big cities. The likes of Montreal and Quebec City both have international airports where you can hire cars from all the major rental brands, including Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and Avis.

These companies may have branches in smaller towns and regional areas. However, it is important to book ahead, particularly at weekends and peak times, to ensure you secure a vehicle without having to pay extortionate amounts!

Be aware that when you pick up your wheels, the company may add on a few hidden fees to your agreement. It is important to make yourself aware of them and factor in these costs when planning a road trip in Quebec. They may include:

Age surcharge. In Quebec, you must be at least 21 to rent a vehicle. However, most companies will add a surcharge for renters if they are under 25.

Additional driver(s). If you want to share the driving, your rental company will add additional drivers to your paperwork, which will increase the cost. Don’t risk lying to save the cash. It can bite you in the backside if you have an accident!

Deposit. All rentals require you to pay a deposit (bond) to cover the vehicle against any damage that might be inflicted on it. Typically, in Quebec, the deposit ranges from $200 – $1000 depending on the company. Usually, this must be paid by credit card.

Road Rules in Quebec

If you are visiting Quebec for the first time, there are a few road rules you should be aware of. The main one is that, like the rest of North America, they drive on the right-hand side of the road.

In addition, speed limits are in kilometres and not miles, while most of their road signs are in French only. So, if you are not fluent in the language, then it is worth learning some of the most used phrases like Arrêt (Stop), Sortie (Exit), and Vitesse (Speed). 

To help you navigate roads, use a GPS system. Also, consider downloading offline maps if you intend to head to remote areas where reception might be patchy at best.

You’ll be pleased to discover that you don’t need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada if your licence is in English, although it doesn’t hurt to have one just in case. Also, wearing seatbelts is mandatory, and using your phone behind the wheel can get you in serious trouble with the law.

One thing that often catches overseas tourists out is that it is legal to turn right on a red light in Quebec (except on the Island of Montreal). If you forget and find yourself being honked at, don’t be afraid to move on.

Insurance in Quebec

Canada is a super safe country, but unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Quebec.

By law, all vehicles in Quebec must have basic liability insurance. However, that often won’t cover damage to your rental car.

That is one of the main reasons why rental companies will try and push you towards taking out extra coverage at the counter. As this can end up being very pricey, it is a good idea to sort out your insurance before hiring a vehicle to save you money and help you avoid stress.

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When road-tripping in Quebec, you never know what the adventure will throw at you.  That is why there are six essentials I always take with me when I go travelling. They include:

Product

Description

First Aid Kit

Injuries are part and parcel of a road trip. So, you should always be prepared for them. Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for tending to those bumps, scrapes, burns, and bruises that may just happen. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

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USB Cable

Often, when driving through Quebec you will have long stretches at the wheel. During these times, a USB cable can be invaluable as it will enable you to charge your devices and keep them operational.

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Phone mount

Constantly looking down at your phone can be very dangerous while driving, especially when going around bends. That is why I always carry a phone mount with me because it offers a much safer way to access my phone, for maps or changing my Spotify playlist.

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Headtorch

Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. At present, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp, which is USB chargeable. It is extremely handy!

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Roadside Emergency Kit

Just like you never know what could happen to yourself, you never know what can happen to your car. At any given time, a vehicle can mysteriously fail, break down, or run into a ditch. Some hire cars come with emergency kits. But I prefer my own, which includes a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties.

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Toiletry Bag

I always travel with a toiletry bag and make sure it has everything I need, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, products, face creams, shampoos and shower gel.

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For more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list.

If you’re planning your first Quebec road trip, you probably have a few questions. Here are answers to some questions we are regularly asked.

It doesn’t matter if you are chasing whales along the coast, winding through forested fjords, or stopping for maple pie in mountain towns; Quebec is home to some epic road trips.

If you intend to embark on one, the best advice we can give you is to pick the route that best matches your travel style. At the end of the day, having your own set of wheels lets you explore the region at your own pace, spend more time at somewhere that grabs you, and discover those unplanned gems along the way.

Ready to plan your journey? Don’t forget to check out DiscoverCars for the best deals on rental cars.