Wildlife Lovers, Pack Your Bags: This Québec Road Trip Is a Whale of a Time

Québec City. Charlevoix. Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Côte-Nord. In Québec, this is where freshwater meets the sea and whales roam free. Starting from the province’s storybook oldest city, this journey along the St. Lawrence River takes you through rolling hills before heading north towards a mesmerizing fjord and stop-you-in-your-tracks coastal landscapes. Whether you’re drawn by nature, adventure, or the quiet beauty of the road, these regions offer a deep connection to what makes Québec so inspiring.

Québec City: Where centuries speak and nature calls

Québec, city and area. Photo: Jean-Francois Frenette

Québec, city and area. Photo: Croisières AML / Sébastien Saint-Jean

The magic begins as you drive northeast from Montréal to Québec City, one of North America’s oldest big cities. Québec City has a classic quality that’s enhanced by its scenic perch overlooking the St. Lawrence. Cobblestone streets wind through the Old Town, showcasing 17th-century architecture, cozy cafes, and the enchanting Petit-Champlain district where colorful storefronts and artisan shops sit beneath Upper Town’s cliffs.

Yet Québec City isn’t all history and stone walls. A short drive from the city center, Montmorency Falls roars into the river below. At 83 metres, it’s taller than Niagara and just as breathtaking, a perfect contrast to the architectural beauty of the walled city.

For a special introduction to Québec City, take a sunset cruise on the river. Coast along the water as golden light hits the skyline, creating spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — one of the most photographed hotels in the world. This impressive landmark is one to see (and an excellent place to spend the night).

Charlevoix: Delicious views, delicious flavours

Parc national des Grands-Jardins, Charlevoix. Photo: N. Hallet

Centre d'interprétation et d'observation de Pointe-Noir, Charlevoix. Photo: Dominique Lafond

Charlevoix. Photo: Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

Leaving Québec City behind means entering the must-see Charlevoix region (roughly 1.5 hours away by car). Charlevoix is a masterpiece of natural contrasts: rugged mountain peaks softened by rolling green hills and glacial valleys carved by the slow passing of time and water. Perched by the mighty St. Lawrence, Charlevoix is famous for its beauty, outdoor activities, and the high-quality products defined by its terroir.

Nature lovers can revel in the dramatic terrain of national parks like Parc national des Grands-Jardins and Parc national des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie, where the trails are stunning, the vistas are sweeping, and the air is tinged with pine trees and possibility. Charlevoix is also where this road trip’s maritime exploration really kicks off, with must-dos like the supremely beautiful St. Lawrence Route and the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre where you can spot belugas from land. Head along the river to towns like La Malbaie and then Baie-Sainte-Catherine for whale-watching tours in the world-renowned Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.

For those who prefer their adventures paired with a glass of wine, the Flavour Trail makes for a delightful farm-to-table itinerary. It’s a journey of artisanal cheeses, crisp ciders, local chocolates, and fresh-baked breads, all of which is highlighted on local restaurant menus.

Charlevoix also has a wealth of accommodation options. For a luxurious stay, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu sits by the river and provides both opulence and proximity to the action. Meanwhile, Le Germain Charlevoix Hotel & Spa in Baie-Saint-Paul is a contemporary retreat set in an artistic village where creativity and countryside collide. Make it your home base as you check out the Charlevoix region’s wealth of outdoor activities.

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean: Into the heart of the fjordlands

L'Anse Saint-Jean, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Photo: OYÉ

Parc national Fjord du Saguenay, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Photo: OYÉ

Saguenay Aventures, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Photo: Saguenay Aventures

As the road moves inland from Charlevoix, it enters a region defined by majesty. The Saguenay River leads the way, guiding you to some of Québec’s most striking natural beauty.

Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, the Saguenay Fjord is over 100 kilometres long, surrounded by towering cliffs and epic scenery. Follow the Route du Fjord, a drive that’s more of a cinematic experience than a tourist trail. It’ll lead you through the Saguenay region, allowing you to experience both the grandeur of the fjord and the character of the local communities.

Villages like L’Anse-Saint-Jean unfold along the way, providing glimpses into Québec’s quieter side, where the pace slows and the natural world rises to meet you. This is a haven for kayaking and photography, with the fjord and the river providing a spectacular backdrop. Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay is also here, with hiking trails that hug the cliffs and via ferrata climbing routes that provide adrenaline-fueled access to unparalleled views. Check in with Saguenay Aventures for more eco-adventures in the area, including paddleboarding, canyoning, and unique hiking trips.

While whales steal most of the wildlife headlines, don’t forget the porpoises. These wonderful dolphin-like animals dart and dance throughout the fjord’s waters. Book a Zodiac boat tour to get a front-row seat to their playful grace. For those who want to linger, Village-Vacances Petit-Saguenay offers cozy chalets and campsites set among the trees. And for a night under the stars with a twist, Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux lets you sleep in a glass dome, a treehouse, or even a suspended sphere.

Côte-Nord: Endless shores and epic wildlife

Réserve de parc national de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Côte-Nord. Photo: Yvon à l'aventure

Ferme 5 Étoiles, Côte-Nord. Photo: Christian Savard

Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes, Côte-Nord. Photo: É . Marchand

Head back down the Saguenay River and rejoin the St. Lawrence coastal route to continue along the maritime road and into the Côte-Nord region. This is a region of raw natural beauty, of sprawling horizons — it’s Québec at its most epic. Begin at Tadoussac, a picturesque village with deep roots and even deeper waters. This is where whales reign supreme: humpbacks, belugas, and even the elusive blue whale. From Tadoussac, you’ll have yet another opportunity to embark on a whale-watching excursion in Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.

For something closer to the water, Mer et Monde runs sea kayaking excursions that glide quietly into the whales’ realm. Slow down and stay a while — near Tadoussac are welcoming accommodations like Ferme 5 Étoiles, a country-style lodge with many on-site activities.

For additional outdoor adventures in the area, check out Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes — which could translate as “Point of Bustards” or “Point of Canada Geese” — and give priority to the skies with some of the province’s best bird-watching. Meanwhile, Attitude Nordique in Baie-Comeau is a hub of high-energy recreation ranging from rock climbing to canoeing in a rabaska (a large birchbark vessel originally used by Indigenous peoples).

From Québec City to Côte-Nord, this wildlife-filled journey isn’t simply a route — it’s an invitation. Everywhere it goes offers something special, from historic charm and culinary delights to outdoor adventures and serene natural beauty. So pack your sense of wonder and let the road lead the way — the whales are waiting.