Itinerary in the heart of summer: through Quebec’s most beautiful roads
From scenic roads along the majestic St. Lawrence River, to picturesque villages nestled in the mountains, to forests bathed in sunlight, Quebec is the place to discover summer. Each trip is an invitation to delve into history, celebrate living traditions and taste the riches of a generous terroir. Spectacular scenery, outdoor activities and culinary delights make for an unforgettable summer on some of Quebec’s most inspiring roads.
Scenic routes along the St. Lawrence
On the Gaspé Peninsula, the Tour du Bas-Saint-Laurent follows Route 132 for a mythical loop between sea and mountains, cliffs and maritime villages. You’ll admire some of the finest panoramas in Quebec. Every turn reveals a postcard-perfect St. Lawrence: cliffs plunging into the St. Lawrence, villages clinging to the shore and breathtaking sunsets.
For some 78km in the Charlevoix region, between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie, the Route du Fleuve winds along the St. Lawrence in a setting where mountains plunge into the river, while picturesque villages and belvederes follow the rhythm of the waves. A breathtaking panorama of steep cliffs, sparkling waters and changing skies.
The Route des Navigateurs is a fabulous 470km itinerary that follows the south shore of the St. Lawrence, between Centre-du-Québec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Bas-Saint-Laurent. Trails, marinas and viewpoints follow one another along the river, offering impressive panoramas of sparkling waters, charming river villages and the most beautiful sunsets. From Nicolet to Rivière-du-Loup, each stop celebrates the river in all its splendor.
Outdoor activities: breathe, explore, vibrate
Canoeing or kayaking along the Rivière du Diable is the ideal way to immerse yourself in the heart of Mont Tremblant National Park. Dense forests, granite cliffs and sandy beaches reveal themselves to the peaceful rhythm of the water, offering breathtaking views of the Laurentian wilderness. A gentle interlude of sparkling reflections and soothing silence.
In the heart of an ancient Lower St. Lawrence forest, “La Forêt de Maître Corbeau” offers a unique aerial trail park. For rest and relaxation, Domaine Valga offers all the amenities you need. This resort features a multitude of outdoor games for young and old alike (accrobranche, kayaking, fishing, etc.). It’s an adventure in the midst of a grandiose natural setting, where you can push yourself to the limit while enjoying the beauty of the surroundings.
When it’s windy on the Magdalen Islands, we make the most of it! Here, wind and sea combine to offer a playground for thrill-seekers. Thanks to the archipelago’s geographical and maritime configuration, kitesurfing has become one of the region’s flagship activities: gliding at high speed and carried by the wind, you navigate between endless beaches and salty breezes, for an experience as exhilarating as it is spectacular.
History and traditions: picturesque villages and local traditions
In the Outaouais region, there are a number of scenic routes to discover picturesque villages nestled in the heart of nature. Each detour reveals a village full of charm and a gentle way of life like no other. From Old Chelsea Square to the quiet lanes of Montebello or the welcoming atmosphere of Wakefield, take time to stroll, savor the moment and vibrate to the rhythm of slow tourism.
To follow the Chemin du Roy from Montreal to Quebec City, over 280 kilometers, is to plunge into a timeless journey through charming villages, century-old churches and bucolic landscapes along the St. Lawrence. You’ll discover ancestral homes and gourmet markets, as well as stops where heritage stories are told to the rhythm of a mythical road. An escapade that combines history, know-how and the good life.
In the Eastern Townships, the Chemin des Cantons revives the region’s Loyalist heritage and English-speaking roots. This tourist route winds through Victorian villages, century-old barns, wooden churches and rolling landscapes inspired by New England. Ancestral homes, living museums and gourmet tours tell the story of a community rich in tradition and know-how.
Culinary delights: discover local produce along the way
On the Route des Saveurs lanaudoises, the Tante Agastache agritourism farm invites visitors to discover agastache, a little-known aromatic plant with delicate notes. Grown and processed on site, it gives life to artisanal products (honeys, herbal teas, syrups) to be tasted directly at the farm. An eco-responsible and immersive stopover, ideal for combining botanical discovery and gustatory pleasure.
Take the Beer Route through the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region for a gourmet escapade through artisanal microbreweries, friendly inns and breathtaking scenery. From Chicoutimi to Saint-Gédéon, every stop is an opportunity to taste unique brews, often featuring boreal flavors like camerise or Labrador tea. An original way to discover the local terroir, while taking advantage of the welcoming rest stops that dot the region.
In Laval, the Route des Découvertes Gourmandes offers a 2-day tour, taking in a veritable agrotourism circuit where farms, orchards and farmers’ markets are easily discovered by bike or car. Key stops include Ferme Vaillancourt and Pommeraie des Couillard. Along the way, visitors will find gourmet kiosks and bite-sized treats to sample on the spot. A tasty way to explore Laval, between fields, orchards and fresh produce.
Discovering nature: observing flora and fauna
The Whale Route on the North Shore offers the luckiest visitors a unique opportunity to observe these marine giants in their natural habitat. Belvederes, cruises and viewpoints follow one another to offer breathtaking panoramas of the St. Lawrence, where whales and porpoises appear as the waves roll in for an unforgettable spectacle.
In the Mauricie region, the Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO, is home to one of the largest and richest ecosystems in the St. Lawrence basin. Marshes, grass beds and flooded forests are home to over 200 species of birds, including the emblematic Great Blue Heron. Trails and footbridges, such as those on the SCIRBI in Berthierville or Pointe-à-Caron in Louiseville, offer privileged vantage points from which to observe this exceptional natural environment.
In Quebec’s far north, Nunavik offers a unique polar wildlife observation experience. Accompanied by Inuit guides, we navigate between bays and islands to catch a glimpse of polar bears, caribou, seals and musk oxen in their natural habitat. An Arctic adventure that’s contemplative, authentic and respectful of its ecosystem, at the heart of grandiose landscapes and Inuit culture.
UPCOMING NOT-TO-BE-MISSED EVENTS IN QUEBEC!
Foire gourmande de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue et du Nord-Est ontarien
July 31 to August 3, 2025 – Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Ville-Marie
A festive event in the heart of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, local flavors take center stage this summer! The Foire gourmande promises to be rich in flavour, with original culinary discoveries, live chef demonstrations, street entertainment, gourmet stands, a variety of shows and a multitude of activities for all tastes.
International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
August 8 to 17, 2025 – Montérégie, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
The International Balloon Festival is a spectacular 9-day event in August, bringing over 100 hot-air balloons to the Montérégie skies each year. The experience is rich: morning and evening flights, a varied musical program (pop, hip-hop, electro), rides, family zones and food trucks. A colorful summer celebration!
L’International des Feux Loto-Québec
June 26 to July 31, 2025 – Montreal
Every year, the skies over Montreal set ablaze for the International des Feux Loto-Québec at Parc Jean-Drapeau. A truly world-renowned pyromusical competition, this event brings together firms from several countries, who, to the rhythm of the music, offer a fire and light show lasting 30 minutes per performance. Experience exceptional views from the terraces of La Ronde or from a cruise on the river!
Foire Bières, Bouffe et Culture
August 12 to 17, 2025 – Centre-du-Québec, Princeville
The Foire Bières, Bouffe et Culture brings downtown Princeville to life with a free, convivial program. More than 17 microbreweries, 8 food trucks and 20 spirits stands offer tastings of craft beers and local dishes. Live shows, a classic car show and a family zone, all in a festive atmosphere blending gastronomy, culture and living heritage.
For further information: www.bonjourquebec.com
