Bike Rides and Boat Trips: A Family Adventure in Quebec

Spend the next two days soaking in the delights of Montreal at your own pace. There’s plenty to keep you busy here; head to the banks of the St. Lawrence to experience the hustle and bustle of the port, learn more about the city’s history and heritage at the Pointe-à-Callière museum, admire the grand architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica, shop for souvenirs at Bonsecours Market, soak in the creative energy in the trendy Mile End district and climb to the top of Mont Royal for beautiful views across the city. At some point over the next two days, you’ll head out for a private bike ride around the city in the company of a local guide. This is a great way to admire the tree-lined avenues of the city and visit some lesser-known neighbourhoods, while learning more about local life and the different communities that have shaped the city’s melting-pot identity.

Today you’ll be swapping the bright lights of the city for some peace and quiet in the countryside. Your next destination is Montebello, a charming village nestled along the banks of the Ottawa River, an hour-and-a-half drive away. Stop for lunch along the way at a lovely little restaurant specialising in local dishes. This is a great opportunity to sample some of Quebec’s traditional cuisine, such as pea soup, Tourtière (a French Canadian meat pie dish), ham, baked beans, omelette and pancakes drenched in locally-produced maple syrup. On arrival in Montebello, check in to a historic hotel surrounded by nature, which will be your home for the next three nights, and spend the rest of the day lazing in the beautiful garden.

On today’s agenda is a wildlife-watching drive through Omega Park. This delightful safari park features a 7.5-mile route, which passes through lakes, meadows and rocky hills full of impressive wildlife. Bison, elk, bears, deer and wolves all call this idyllic sliver of Canadian countryside home. As you drive, listen out for the radio broadcasts outside, which deliver fascinating stories and information about the animals. If the youngsters still have some energy in the tank after all the excitement of wildlife watching, you could also opt to head out along one of the park’s many safe and well-marked hiking trails.

Today is dedicated to visiting another of the region’s enchanting parks: Mont-Tremblant Park, which is home to an array of protected lakes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and, of course, plenty of wildlife, including deer and moose. On foot or by bike, head out along one of the many family-friendly hiking trails to sample the delights of the Canadian wilderness. Make sure to stop at the picturesque village of Mont-Tremblant and ride a gondola up to the highest peak of the Laurentian Mountains. The rising views across Tremblant Lake and the surrounding valleys are breathtaking, and the king-of-the-mountain feel at the top never fails to delight young and old alike. The town itself is home to a collection of friendly traditional restaurants, perfect for hearty meal after a day of outdoor adventures.

Your road trip along the beautiful shores of the St. Lawrence River continues today with a three-hour drive to Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, a serene village nestled along the banks of the Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire. On arrival settle into a family-friendly chalet overlooking the water, and spend the next two days exploring the splendid nature that surrounds you. Fish for trout in the nearby lakes and rivers, hike along the many well-marked trails, have a go at canoeing, learn about different local plant and tree species, and observe local wildlife. We could also arrange for you to enjoy a private seaplane flight over Maurice, followed by a picturesque lakeside picnic.

Wave goodbye to the serene shores of the lake as you journey on to your next destination: a beautiful chalet surrounded by the pristine woodlands of Baie-Saint-Paul, a four-hour drive away. During the next two days, make sure to dedicate plenty of time for hikes in the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, which takes its name from the collection of valleys slicing deep into towering emerald mountains. You can discover the park at your own pace, or we can arrange for you to hike in the company of a naturalist guide, who will teach you about the region’s rich flora and fauna.

After breakfast this morning, hop back into your hire car and hit the road two hours northeast to Les Bergeronnes, a small town located north of Tadoussac. On arrival, check in to a historic and characterful inn for two nights and spend the rest of your day enjoying the delights of this riverside enclave. During your full day here, head out for an exciting whale watching cruise in the heart of the ocean trench; the waters here are deep and the food is abundant, making it the perfect spot to observe rorquals or belugas.

Today you’ll be journeying to your final destination of Quebec City, which dazzles visitors with its historic French charm. The scenic drive takes around three-and-a-half hours, passing through the Côte de Beaupré and along the Route de la Nouvelle-France, one of the oldest routes in North America. Along the way, we recommend stopping to admire the gushing waters of Montmorency Falls, as well as the Sainte-Anne Canyon, with its network of gentle trails that are perfect for burning off some of the little ones’ energy. Continue on to the city and settle in for your final two nights at a stylish and family-friendly hotel, situated in Old Quebec. You’ll have the rest of today and tomorrow to explore Quebec City. Visit the old city walls and the charming historic centre; sample tasty sweets at the Jean-Alfred Moisan house; visit the citadel and Royal Museum; stroll through the fabulous Château de Frontenac; explore the contemporary Saint-Roch district and its dynamic, creative galleries; and learn about local history at the Plains of Abraham, in the heart of the Battlefields Parkor.