Day 1
Montreal Arrival
Depart London Heathrow – 13:00
Arrive Montreal – 15:20
Journey Time – 7 hours 20 minutes
Arrive into Montreal where you will pick up your rental vehicle and drive just 25 minutes to your downtown hotel.
Between a majestic mountain and a sparkling river lies Montréal, whose first settlers came ashore more than 350 years ago and founded what has become one of the world’s most exciting metropolises today.
Canada’s most cosmopolitan city – Montreal, welcomes you. From the amazing underground city centre to the top of the Olympic tower (the world’s tallest leaning tower) with its view of the city, the excitement is everywhere.
Downtown Montréal, is an attraction in itself and everyone’s preferred place to be. Montrealers live and love their centre-ville, where chic boutiques, galleries and trends converge amidst an eclectic architectural medley of soaring skyscrapers, church spires and the Quartier international’s futuristic spaces.
Overnight – Montreal
Day 2
Montreal Waking Tour
Today discover Old Montreal, its sites and attractions. Highlights include the Cours le Royer, Saint-Paul Street, City Hall, the Champ de Mars, the outside of Bonsecours Chapel and Street, Place dâArmes, McGill and Saint-Jacques Streets, the World Trade Centre Montréal, Place dâYouville and Place Royale.
Overnight – Montreal
Day 3
Montreal to Quebec City (Rail)
250 km
Enjoy the facilities of the VIA Rail Business Class Lounge while waiting for boarding instructions. Complimentary newspapers and non alcoholic beverages are available in the lounge. Once you have boarded your train the route will follow the St. Lawrence River, pass from city suburbs to the rural landscapes of forests and rich pastures, dotted with tiny villages that extend to Quebec City. For the first hour, you will note the rugged Monteregian Hills that seem to loom up from nowhere. These huge volcanic mounds were formed over 120 million years ago. There are seven of these hills in a row, including Mont Royal in Montreal, ending with Monte Rouge near the tiny village of Boloeil. Many of the trees you view are maple trees, producing the great Canadian staple, maple syrup. Your rail journey is just over two hours to Quebec, the oldest walled city in North America and heart of the French Canadian culture of Canada. Arrive into Quebec at Gare du Palais. Steeped in history, Quebec is the most charming city in Canada, four hundred years old and most of the original architecture and buildings have been lovingly preserved.
Overnight – Quebec City
Day 4
Grand Walking tour of Quebec City
The walking tour included today covers the architecture, the marking events and the Quebec peopleâs history. It meanders next to Quebec historical sites such as the Citadel/Musee Royal 22e Regiment, Chateau Frontenac, Quebec fortifications, Place Royale and uncovers many hidden Quebec sites.
Overnight – Quebec City
Day 5
Quebec City to Riviere-Du-Loup
206 km
Collect your hire car from a local depot and follow the scenic path of the St. Lawrence River, today you are bound for the Riviere-du-Loup, the gateway to the Gaspe Peninsula. Kamouraska with its quaint architecture offers a pretty place to stop for lunch. Within the beautiful villages of Kamouraska and Notre-Dame-du-Portage, spot the Kamouraska roof, a distinctive design borrowed from the shipyards. Upon arrival in Riviere-du-Loup make your way to Pot a lâEau de Vie lighthouse for a unique stay.
Overnight – Riviere-Du-Loup
Day 6
Riviere-Du-Loup to Parc de la Gaspesie
319km
Upon your return to Riviere du Loup, continue today towards Gaspésie National Park, soak in the splendours of the Chic-Choc and McGerrigle mountains and keep an eye out for interesting wildlife. The Park contains the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains in Quebec; the only caribou herd south of the St. Lawrence, a large moose population, arctic-alpine flora and 150 kinds of birds.
Overnight - Parc de la Gaspesie
Day 7
Parc de la Gaspesie
Enjoy a day at your leisure exploring.
Overnight - Parc de la Gaspesie
Day 8
Parc de la Gaspesie to Gaspe
200 km
En-route to Gaspe, explore the Forillon National Park and discover magnificent views of the sea and mountains. Observe abundant wildlife including black bears, porcupines, beavers, black-legged kittiwakes, cormorants, guillemots, seals and whales.
Overnight - Gaspe
Day 9
Gaspe to Perce
69 km
Drive to Perce and its famous âRocher Perceâ. Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park are home to the largest migratory bird refuge in North America with a colony of 110,000 northern gannets. Enjoy a boat trip to Ile Bonaventure (included).
Overnight – Perce
Day 10
Perce to Matapedia
320 km
Today proceed along Baie des Chaleurs through numerous picturesque fishing villages to Matapedia. At Bonaventure visit the Gospel Chapel, the arts and craft shops and the Acadian Museum. If time permits, visit the Parc de Miguasha, a UNESCO world heritage site renowned for fossils from the Devonian Period.
Overnight - Causapscal, Matapedia Region
Day 11
Matepedia to Parc National du Bic
201 km
Bound for Parc Bic, a magical spot for sea excursions, hiking, cycling and harbour seal spotting. Continue to the town of Rimouski, home to a maritime museum (admission not included) presenting the history of the Empress of Ireland and its tragic sinking on May 29, 1914. You can also board the ONONDAGA submarine and dive into this fascinating world with an audio-guided visit or climb the 128 steps to the top of one of the highest lighthouse in Canada.
Overnight - Rimouski
Day 12
Rimouski to La Malbaie
169 km + ferry
Board a high speed catamaran for the 55-minute crossing to Forestville (included). Upon arrival in Forestville proceed along the North shore of the Lawrence River to Tadoussac, gateway to the Kingdom of the Saguenay and an immensely popular area for whale watching. Catch the 10 minute free ferry ride across to Baie Ste Catherine and proceed to la Malbaie.
Overnight – La Malbaie
Day 13
Whale Watching
Today enjoy a 3-hour whale watching cruise (included). Five or six species, including the humpback whale (15 m), the fin whale (20 m), and the blue whaleâthe worldâs largest mammal (30 m and 140 tons!)âcome inland as far as the Charlevoix coastal area for feeding.
Overnight – La Malbaie
Day 14
La Malbaie to Saint-Alexis-Des-Monts
338 km
Your destination for today is Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, located in the heart of Quebec, and bordering Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax at beautiful Hotel Sacacomie.
Overnight - Saint-Alexis-Des-Monts
Day 15
Saint-Alexis-Des-Monts
Take part in one of the many outdoor activities that the Lodge offers, i.e. Hiking, Mountain biking, Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Rabaska Rafting, Motor Boat Rentals, Pedal Boat Rentals, ATV tours. Please note that many activities require reservations and will be at charge – Please inquire at the front desk upon check-in. End the day with an activity of a novel. Three hours before sunset, travel in an all-terrain vehicle with your guide trapper. Observe the beaver in its natural habitat and discover his lifestyle. Continue to discover the wildlife of the Saint Maurice region; join the guide in a wooden cabin designed to see the black bears in their natural habitat.
Overnight – Saint-Alexis-Des-Monts
Day 16
Hotel Sacacomie to Montreal
142 km
Today you will return to Montreal. Drop off your rental car at Montreal International Airport and take your flight home to the UK, taking the opportunity to reminisce over the amazing experiences that the fabulous Province of Quebec has just given you.
Depart Montreal – 22:10
Arrive London Heathrow – 09:35 (Next Day)
Journey time – 6 hours 25 minutes
