Arrival Airport: Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport (YUL)
Overnight Stops: Montreal – Mont Tremblant – Quebec City 2 Nights – Drummondville – Montreal
Why see la Belle Itinèraire, in Quebec?
From Montreal, head north to Mont Tremblant and Mont-Laurier, to take in the all-seasons recreation of the rugged Laurentians. Head east along the north shore of the St Lawrence to Quebec City, where a 400 year old French fortress protected the St Lawrence and the charming Old Town below. Head east as the Saint Lawrence steadily widens to gulf, and take a ferry across. Meander west on Route 132, connecting charming 400 year old stone villages, before returning to the shopping, nightlife, French culture and fashion of Montreal.
Arrive at Montreal‘s (1) Pierre Trudeau International Airport and settle into the French culture, taking some time to explore this vibrant city. In the morning head north to Mont Tremblant (2) taking in the breathtaking views and small-town ski villages within the Laurentian Mountains. Spend the night in Mont Laurier enjoying the local beach, or trek to the summit of the mountain.
The next morning continue your journey back through Montreal and head east along the north bank of the St. Lawrence River past Trois Rivière, where you can smell the approach of salty tidal waters.
Soon you’ll be in beautiful Quebec City (3,4), North America’s only remaining fortified city. Explore the ramparts of the city’s fortress walls, built to overlook the St. Lawrence and protect New France from the threat of invasion. Walk along the Plains of Abraham fields, stroll the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the river, and browse shops on Rue de Trésor in the historic Lower Town of Quebec City.
Take a day tour to Île d’Orléans to the east of the city, settled since the mid-1500s, and take in a wonderful dinner cruise featuring delicious regional cuisine. Marvel at Montmorency Falls‘ 83 metres (272 feet) – about 27 metres (90 feet) more than Niagara Falls.
The next day, head east on AutoRoute 40 along the north shore (go faster on this stretch, because the magic is on the south shore) to St Simeon and take a one hour ferry to the south shore (there are several ferry crossing points across the St Lawrence). You arrive at Riviere du Loup from where you can head west along the leisurely Route 132 along the south bank of the St Lawrence, passing through 400 year old seigneural villages. These include La Pocatiere, Saint Jean Port-Joli, L’islet (another ferry crossing point), Montmagny, and Saint-Vallier. When you get to Levis, you can switch to the Trans-Canada (AutoRoute 20) and spend the night in Drummondville (5) on the banks of the mighty Richelieu River.
Cross the Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine Bridge Tunnel and get a glimpse of the Port of Montreal to the west. Once back in Montreal (6), visit the “Big O“, home to the 1976 Summer Olympics, and take in the views from Mount Royal.
You can shop along rue Sainte Catherine, head to the nightclubs or restaurants on Crescent Street, try authentic Montreal Smoked Meat along rue Saint Denis, and explore history and culture in the famous Vieux (Old) Montréal and Vieux Port area.
Montreal is sooo cool. Love the culture! Lots of art galleries and amazing shopping… It’s like a European city without the overseas airfare. And smoked meat rules! – Tina
La Belle Province Route Map
Arrival Airport: Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau Aiport (YUL)
Overnight Stops: Montreal – Mont Tremblant – Quebec City 2 Nights – Drummondville – Montreal
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