Discover Gaspésie and the St. Lawrence Self-Drive Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Montreal

Your tour officially begins when you collect your car rental from the airport. Settle into the hotel, and then head out to explore the city. Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal and take advantage of its ample restaurants.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Montreal
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Explore Île d’Orleans

Depart Montreal in the morning and begin your drive to the Island of Orleans. Here, you’ll find a beautiful island full of history and amazing local gastronomy. Explore the small villages along the coast on an electric bike. Collect a picnic as you discover all the fresh produce and artisanal products, including cheeses, chocolates, cider, beer, and maple syrup!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Île d’Orleans
Distance: 274km
Meals: None

Day 3 Enjoy the Hospitality on Iles aux Coudres

Today, you’ll visit another charming island. Travel to the Charlevoix region and take the ferry to Iles aux Coudres. Explore this tiny island on foot, by bike, or in the car—it won’t take you long to see all 23 kilometres of the coastline. Visit Pedneault orchard to try some of the apples, pears, plums, or ciders they produce. If you’re feeling active, you might also want to take a paddleboard out into the river. Finish your day with a lively evening with the locals in Fascine.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Iles aux Coudres
Distance: 121km
Meals: None

Day 4 Whale Watching in Tadoussac

Continue your drive along the coast of the St. Lawrence River to Tadoussac. Watch the water from this picturesque village, and you’re likely to see beluga whales. You can choose to take a kayaking excursion to see the Belugas and other whales from the water.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Les Escoumins
Distance: 155km
Meals: None

Day 5 Wildlife Experience at Bioparc de la Gaspésie

Check the schedule for the ferry departures and see if you have time to take a stroll along the river from your hotel. On your way to the Bay of Chaleurs, you can make a stop at the Matapédia Valley to visit the winding river. In the evening, you’ll visit the Bioparc de la Gaspésie for an up-close meeting of some animal residents and to learn about the region’s species. Spend the night in a prospector tent listening to the wolves howl from within the park.
** Night with the wolves is only available between late July and mid-August on specific days.
Overnight Location: Camping in Bonaventure
Distance: 375km
Meals: None

Day 6 More Animal Adventures and Percé Rock

This morning, your guide will take you on a private tour before park hours to visit some more animals. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore on your own before you start your drive to Percé. The best view of the natural rock arch over the water at Percé is from the end of Mont-Joli Road. Take the hike to the glass platform that soars 200 metres in the air and offers another view of the arch. End the day with some fresh seafood at the Fisherman’s House.
Overnight Location: Camping in Percé
Distance: 130km
Meals: None

Day 7 Visit the Seabirds of Bonaventure Island

You have the choice to book an optional fishing excursion this morning, where you’ll learn all the secrets of a traditional fisherman from the source. A boat will also take you to Percé Rock for another viewing and then drop you off at Bonaventure Island National Park. Here, you’ll find a colony of gannets, and you can learn more about this seabird and the history of the island at the interpretive centre.
Overnight Location: Camping in Percé
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 8 History, Hikes, and Wildlife in Gaspé

This morning, you’ll drive along the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Gaspé. This is the historical site where Jacques Cartier landed and claimed the land for France. The city has an even older Indigenous heritage as well, which you can learn about the Micmac First Nations at the interpretation centre in Gaspé. You’ll also want to visit Forillon National Park, where the mountains meet the sea, making for some beautiful hiking and breathtaking views. Finish your day with a kayak trip to enjoy the scenery and look for the adorable seals who call these waters home.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gaspé
Distance: 61km
Meals: None

Day 9 Travel the Scenic Lighthouse Route

Start your drive early so that you can enjoy the incredible scenic views on the lighthouse route as you travel from sea to sky on your way to the Chic-Choc Mountains. A shuttle will take you the final stretch to your hotel that sits nestled in the mountains, in the Matane Wildlife Reserve. Your stay at the hotel includes your meals and a customized program of nature activities.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Matane Wildlife Reserve
Distance: 120km
Meals: Dinner

Day 10 Enjoy the Chic-Choc Mountains

You have the whole day to enjoy the idyllic mountain setting with an endless list of activities to choose from. You can spend the day exploring the over 100 kilometres of trails, take a wildlife viewing tour, go mountain biking, try cruising around on a stand-up paddleboard, or relax at the hotel and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Matane Wildlife Reserve
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Coastal Walk in Bic National Park

This morning, the shuttle will return you to your vehicle in St. Anne des Mont to start your journey to Bic National Park. This park isn’t large, but it contains beautiful trails for you to follow the spectacular coast and watch the sunbathing seals. End another amazing day by watching the sun go down over the water—the sunsets here are unbelievable.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bic National Park
Distance: 198km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Lighthouse Living on Pot du Phare Island

Today is sure to be a highlight of your trip as you’ll go on a unique boating adventure. Meet the boat and captain on the Wolf River and enjoy the trip to Pot du Phare Island, part of the Pot-à-l’Eau-de-Vie Archipelago. This seabird sanctuary is graced by a lovely historic lighthouse, which is where you’ll spend the night. Watch for birds, whales, and seals from your lighthouse sanctuary on this quiet island.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Île du Pot à l’Eau de Vie
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 13 Discover Historic Quebec City

Wake up with a walk in the fresh salty air to say goodbye to your island before returning to the mainland. Drive to Quebec City and spend the day exploring this historic fortified city. Visit the battlegrounds at the Plains of Abraham, the beautiful Château Frontenac, and the charming shops and restaurants along the cobbled streets of Old Quebec. Celebrate a successful trip by watching the sunset over the beautiful Quebec skyline from Lévis.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quebec City
Distance: 87km
Meals: None

Day 14 Tour Concludes in Montreal

Enjoy your coffee and a pastry from a local boulangerie before you begin your drive back to Montreal. Return your rental vehicle to the airport and begin your onward journey.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 209km
Meals: None