Whales, wine and wellness in Québec self-drive tour

You have most of the day at leisure in Québec City to explore. We recommend a visit to the oft-photographed Petit-Champlain for a spot of shopping in the boutiques housed in colorful, traditional buildings. We also recommend a visit to La Citadelle, with its old fortified walls and the Battlefields Park for a touch of history. This afternoon, you have a guided five-course food walking tour to indulge in some of the city’s best gastronomy while learning more about the city’s history and culture.

Collect your car from downtown this morning. Your rental vehicle includes an additional drive, loss damage waiver, unlimited mileage, taxes and fees, and zero excess. You'll then make the scenic journey north to the confluence of the Saguenay Fjord and St Lawrence River, Tadoussac. There are several stops along the way we recommend, including the thundering Montmorency Falls, which are taller than Niagara Falls, and the Saint Anne du Beaupre Basilica, to see the elaborate mosaic work and towering white turrets. At the tip of the Saguenay Fjord, you'll take a roll-on ferry for ten minutes across the mouth of the fjord, offering a panoramic vista to reach the small town of Tadoussac.

Make your way north by about 20 minutes today to reach the Indigenous community of Essipit. From here, you’ll embark on an indigenous guided whale watching tour by Zodiac in search of the beluga, fin, minke, humpback and blue whales that have made their homes in the area, listening for the gentle sprays as they come up for air. The rest of the day is yours to explore. We recommend a walk around Islet Point for some of the best views over the rivers.

You leave the Saguenay Fjord behind but remain by the water as you journey down to the Charlevoix region, retracing your steps along the coastal road to the small community of Baie St Paul. On arrival, we recommend taking a stroll through the town and stopping in the many art galleries and boutiques. We've included a tasting flight of wines and spirits made using honey grown locally — each apiary location provides a slightly different flavor depending on what the bees are pollinating.

Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is your focus today. This towering river gorge is about an hour's drive north of Baie-Saint-Paul in the heart of Charlevoix's forested mountain interior. On arrival, we’ve included a private guided hike through the gorge with a park ranger, during which you can learn more about the park's history and geology. You'll then have the rest of the afternoon at leisure in the park to explore and admire its scenery from one of the many hiking trails.

Today you depart the Charlevoix region of Québec, following the route of the St Lawrence River and skirting around Québec City. Just outside the city, we suggest making a stop in Wendake to visit the Huron-Wendat Museum. Here you can learn more about local First Nations cultures, and even taste traditional Wendat food. You'll then make your way into Québec's wooded wilderness, the Mauricie region. You're staying at a secluded eco-resort set amid the forest with all meals included during your stay.

A relaxing day in the wilderness awaits today as you have the full day to independently explore. Just a short drive away lies the Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve and Maurice National Park, both offering a range of outdoor activities. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears, moose and beavers along the trails. There are also plenty of activities available at the hotel, including horse riding, biking, hiking, yoga, and a small but welcoming Nordic spa.

Leaving the forests of the Laurentian Mountains behind, you'll drive through the countryside, crossing the St Lawrence River and continuing into the Eastern Townships, an area reminiscent of New England, with attractive historic villages surrounded by rolling hills, lakes and forests. Your destination is North Hatley, where you're staying in a country house hotel with hearty breakfasts included. On arrival, you have time to settle in and familiarize yourself with the facilities. We suggest taking a dip in the infinity lakeside pool as the sun is setting.

You have the whole day to explore independently. We recommend a visit to Mont Orford National Park, just a short drive away. Here you'll find plenty of well-maintained hiking and biking trails around the mountain, past lakes and ponds with beaver dams, and through the peaceful woods. In the evening, we love a walk along the shores of Lake Memphrémagog to see the sunset behind the mountains and reflect in the calm waters of the lake.

Today, we've included admission to the thermal circuit at a Nordic spa near Sherbrooke, set on the banks of Magog River, to allow you to fully unwind before returning home. There's no time limit to your session here, so you can spend as long as you like exploring the outdoor whirlpools, hot and cold baths, Finnish saunas, steam baths, and relaxation spaces. There's also a bistro on site for sustenance before or after your experience. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Enjoy a final day exploring the Eastern Townships. Before leaving, we recommend visiting Coaticook Gorge to cross the suspension bridges and indulge in a delicious fresh ice cream at the creamery afterwards. We then suggest heading to Saint Benoit du Lac Abbey to pick up some of the cheese made by the monks there. You'll then head north, making your way back to Québec City for your onward journey.