National Parks and Coastal Walks: A Riverside Road Trip in Quebec

Rise and shine; it’s your first full day in Quebec and there’s not a moment to waste. The provincial capital of Quebec City dazzles visitors with its delightful mix of old and new. After a hearty breakfast this morning, head out for a stroll inside and outside the city walls of the historic centre, before climbing the rampart walkway. You could also sample the 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; learn about local history at the Plains of Abraham, in the heart of the Battlefields Parkor; or even head out to Montmorency Falls, a 270ft high natural wonder.

Following your day of history and culture yesterday, today is all about soaking in the local nature. After breakfast this morning, collect your hire car and drive thirty minutes to Jacques-Cartier National Park, a sweeping park made up of vast mountainous plateaus cut with deep valleys, luscious fir trees and a tranquil river. This park has long offered a breath of fresh air for locals and travellers alike seeking some rural solitude away from the city.

It’s time to hit the open road and get some miles under your belt on this epic road trip across Quebec. Your next destination is Baie-Saint-Paul, a vibrant town located an hour’s drive away along the scenic St. Lawrence River. On arrival, check in for the night at a cosy downtown inn and spend the rest of the day soaking in the charms of your new home. Formerly a simple agriculture town, today Baie-Saint-Paul is filled with art galleries, cafes and restaurants, making it one of the nation’s top cultural hubs.

Your journey continues today with an hour’s drive up the river to the municipality of Saint-Siméon, followed by a short car-ferry crossing to the other side of the St. Lawrence. Once you’re back on dry land, continue journeying through the wild and wonderful countryside of Quebec to your next destination: a beautiful wooden cabin located within easy reach of Bic National Park, which you’ll be exploring tomorrow. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your cosy home, ready to answer the call of the wild tomorrow morning.

Wake up to the sounds of birds tweeting and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the harmonious nature that surrounds your cabin. Today you’ll be heading into the heart of Bic National Park, a splendid riverside park featuring capes, coves, bays and islands. Take your time walking along one of the park’s many hiking trails, hopefully catching a glimpse of rare seabirds nesting, seals basking in the sun near the shore and numerous rare plants and flowers along the way.

It’s time to get moving again. After breakfast this morning, hop back into your hire car and journey three hours through splendid surroundings to Carleton, a resort town nestled between ocean and mountains. On arrival, settle in for two nights at a charming property overlooking the water. Founded in the 18th century, Carleton grew from a rural village to a modern resort town, boasting beautiful beaches, freshwater lagoons and charming fishing villages within easy reach, as well as an exciting food scene.

Make sure to fuel up at breakfast this morning, as today you’ll be kayaking or canoeing down one of Quebec’s finest rivers: the Bonaventure. The water is clear and gentle, perfect for beginners who are less keen on venturing into whitewater rapids. Spend a few hours drifting peacefully down the river, admiring Quebec’s splendid countryside scenery (and perhaps even a salmon or two swimming upstream).

Your road trip along the St. Lawrence continues today with a three-hour drive along the water’s edge to Percé, a charming little seaside town nestled on the very tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. On arrival, check into your next hotel: a spacious and comfortable guesthouse surrounded by gardens. You’ll have the next two days here to soak in the many scenic delights of the region. Percé is a popular spot for hiking, bird watching and sea kayaking. During your time here, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip to Bonaventure island, a magnificent rock that’s home to a colony of gannets. Along the way, you’ll pass Percé Rock, from where you can admire the famous chalk cliffs of Etretat.

Your next destination on the beautiful Gaspé Peninsula is Gaspé itself, a stunning town nestled on the water’s edge and the gateway to the nearby Forillon National Park. Your home for the night here is a picturesque inn overlooking the bay, oozing with coastal charm. Once you’ve settled in and freshened up, take the rest of today to walk along the coast of the national park, keeping an eye out for the many seabirds and colonies of seals that take refuge here.

You’ve come about as far east as east goes in Quebec, so after breakfast this morning, hop back into your hire car and hit the road west. A two-hour drive through Murdochville brings you to Gaspésie National Park, a sweeping protected area that’s home to jagged peaks, vast tundra and abundant flora and fauna. You’ll be hanging up your hat for two nights here in a cosy lodge nestled in the forest. The rest of today is then yours to spend as you please. You’re in the middle of one of Quebec’s finest hiking spots, so a leisurely stroll after a couple of hours on the road is only natural. We could also arrange for you to head into the heart of the park, in the company of a naturalist guide, to discover the rare flowers and native animals that Gaspésie has to offer.

After scratching the surface of this 500sq mile national park yesterday, it’s time to take advantage of the splendid landscapes of Gaspésie National Park at your own pace. The park was developed into a hiker’s paradise in 1937 to protect the local caribou and salmon, as well as the beauty of Mont Albert. Keep a keen eye out for any sign of wildlife, as you might be lucky enough to spot white-tailed deer, golden eagles and moose roaming freely.

Today you’ll be bidding a warm farewell to the national parks of eastern Quebec and starting the return journey back to Quebec City. Make one last overnight stop at Rivière-du-Loup, a small and charming city nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence, a four-hour drive away. After settling into your riverside lodge, head out for an afternoon of exploring. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll along Waterfall Park to the foot of the namesake 100ft waterfall, before enjoying some last-minute shopping in town for any final souvenirs. Round off your evening with a meal out at one of the enchanting riverside restaurants recommended in our Dossier.