Route of the St Lawrence | Fly Drive from Toronto to Montreal

Day 1

Toronto

Arrive in Toronto and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The remainder of day is at your leisure for shopping at the Eaton Centre or perhaps sampling the fine cuisine and nightlife of Toronto.

3 nights in Toronto.

Day 2

Niagara Falls

Explore the Niagara Peninsula today, skirting the shores of Lake Ontario and passing many vineyards and orchards. Stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival, which has carefully preserved its 19th-century charms. Then, follow the scenic Niagara Parkway to the spectacle waiting for you in Niagara Falls: the mighty Horseshoe Falls.

Day 3

Toronto

A day at leisure to explore the many facets of Toronto; you might like to go up the CN Tower or take a boat tour of the harbour.

Day 4

Toronto to Ottawa

Drive east along Lake Ontario, visit Kingston and explore the magnificent scenery of the 1000 Islands on a relaxing one hour cruise before arriving in to the capital city, Ottawa for an overnight stay.

1 night in Ottawa.

Day 5

Ottawa to Tremblant & The Laurentians

Explore the capital region and the Parliament Buildings or take a cruise on the Ottawa River. It is a short drive into the Laurentian Mountains and Tremblant Resort.

2 nights in Tremblant.

Day 6

Tremblant & The Laurentians

Enjoy a full day in the Laurentians either exploring the local villages or perhaps enjoying some of the great outdoors by bike or on foot in Québec’s oldest provincial park, you could even play one of the championship golf courses in Tremblant.

Day 7

Tremblant & The Laurentians to Quebec City

Today takes you on a scenic drive on the “King’s Highway”, passing numerous historical French-Canadian villages. Passing through the walls that circle Québec City, you will enter a magnificent UNESCO Heritage Site dominated by cobble stone streets, historic buildings and a lively community.

2 nights in Québec City.

Day 8

Quebec City

Québec City, which celebrated its 400th birthday in 2008, is Canada’s oldest city and exhibits a strong French heritage. The Fortifications, a historic national park; Place Royale; and the Basilica are recommended places to visit.  Outside the city are the spectacular Montmorency Falls and the beautiful Ile d’Orleans.

Day 9

Quebec City to Charlevoix

We suggest a stop at the shrine in Ste.Anne-de-Beaupré, then a drive through the beautiful forests and mountains of the Charlevoix to your overnight night stop.

1 night in Charlevoix.

Day 10

Charlevoix to Tadoussac

Today, why not take a cruise on the fjord-like Saguenay River? Then continue along the waters of the Saguenay to the shores of the St Lawrence River. The confluence of these mighty rivers is a prime area for whale watching excursions. Go in search of the beluga whale and experience the thrill of a close encounter with these gentle giants.

1 night in Tadoussac.

Day 11

Tadoussac to Rimouski

Today, you’ll have another chance to take a spectacular whale watching cruise. Driving north, great blue whales and belugas can often be observed playing close to shore. Take the ferry to Rivière-du-Loup on the south side of the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy the jagged shoreline, dotted with islands and sandy beaches, as you make your way to Rimouski.

1 night in Rimouski.

Day 12

Rimouski to Bonaventure

This morning, leave the St Lawrence behind and cross the base of the Gaspé Peninsula to the Baie des Chaleurs. The route follows the salmon-rich Matapédia River through the lush Matapédia Valley, flanked by vast forests and mountain ranges.

1 night in Bonaventure.

Day 13

Bonaventure to Percé

Before setting out, why not visit these a water therapy centre for a rejuvenating experience? The winding coastal road offers a scenic drive past sheltered bays and traditional fishing communities. En route, stop to admire the sweeping panoramic views of the St. Lawrence before reaching the picturesque village of Percé.

2 nights in Percé.

Day 14

Percé

Percé and its treasures beckon today. Visit one of Canada’s most recognisable natural attractions: the Percé Rock (at low tide, you can actually walk to this massive geological phenomenon). Among the other activities are coastal cruising, the bird sanctuary on Bonaventure Island and touring Mont Ste-Anne where panoramic vistas of nearby villages and off shore islands can be seen.

Day 15

Percé to Matane

Today, follow the coastal route along rugged northern coastline or cross Gaspésie Park in the remote heart of the Gaspé. The park’s serene woodlands, inhabited by herds of caribou, moose and deer, form a stark contrast to the forbidding backdrop of the towering Chic-Choc Mountains. In Matane, observe the salmon runs and sample the fine French-Canadian cuisine.

1 night in Matane.

Days 16-17

Matane to Montreal

The drive passes Kamouraska and St Jean-Port-Joli, the woodcarving capital of Québec.  The numerous islands in the St Lawrence River are frequented by large colonies of seabirds and shorebirds. In Montréal, which boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan flair and a unique combination of the founding cultures of Canada, indulge in the French cafés and exuberant nightlife. Stroll through the Old Port, visit the Notre Dame Basilica, return to the 1976 Olympic Games at Olympic Park and relax in Mount Royal Park. Enjoy the joie de vivre in one of Canada’s most exciting cities.

2 nights in Montreal.

Day 18

Montreal

Time for last minute shopping before your overnight flight to the UK.