Classic Québec - Backroads & National Parks

Enjoy a whole day in Mont-Tremblant National Park as you opt for hiking trails, fishing spots, or hiring a canoe for a good old paddle, all peaceful ways to become enveloped in the surrounding scenery. Les Méandres du Diable is a brilliant beginners’ canoeing route if you’re looking to get started. Alternatively, try your hand at river rafting or enjoy a couple of rounds of golf – why not, you’re on holiday!

Today you’ll hit the road again and follow some extremely scenic stretches on route to Mandeville within the rural region of Lanaudière. This is where farmlands and forests sit side-by-side as vast lakes and rivers draw in lovers of the great outdoors. The setting, between the Saint Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains, has quite rightly made this region a must for motorhome enthusiasts. Not only will you find the beautiful lakeside campsite, La Bai, but you’ll also be able to stop for supplies in the tourist-friendly town of Saint Donat. And if you’re after an extra special treat, why not go all out with a helicopter ride over the surrounding countryside? Choppers take off from Mont-Tremblant and booking in advance is certainly advisable, especially during the autumn when the leaves start to glow.

You’ll be getting into the swing of ‘van life’ by now and looking forward to exploring still further. Next stop is Rivière Mattawin in La Mauricie National Park that promises some amazing opportunities to take to the water surrounded by maples, birch, and pines. As you’ll be based here for a couple of nights, it’s an excellent chance to try something new and adventurous – the canoeing and river rafting are exceptional – or just enjoy the peace and tranquillity in your own time.

Enjoy a whole day messing about on the water or exploring in the surrounding pine forests. Recommended is the trail to Waber Falls that’s perfect for a picnic if you don’t mind travelling by both canoe and on foot. Alternatively, rent a traditional Rabaska canoe and paddle off for a bit of peace and quiet.

Following the back country routes north today you’ll head towards one of Québec’s most iconic natural scenes, Lac Saint-Jean. This is a top spot for wild swimming as the lake, although vast, isn’t that deep and is actually quite warm in summer. All around the lakeside you’ll find a succession of sandy beaches so make sure you’ve brought some saucisson, fromage and baguette for a picnic lunch. There’s also a complete paved cycle route - the Véloroute des Bleuets (Blueberry Cycle Route) – round the lake; just in case you need to work up an appetite. On the north shoreline the provincial park of Pointe-Taillon makes a fabulous car-free spot to explore by bike or with a pair of binoculars. Here you’ll find abundant marsh, swamp, and peat bogs, teeming with birds, as well as a thriving population of moose and beavers. The nearby wildlife park at Saint-Félicien is another great place to head to for fans of feathers; whereas the preserved village of Val-Jalbert offers an authentic glimpse into life overlooking the Ouiatchouan Falls in the 1920s.

Stow your sandwiches and take to the open road once more as you set off to discover the villages and glacial scenery situated within the stunning Saguenay Fjord National Park. Saguenay Fjord is one of the world’s largest and the most southerly fjord in the whole of North America. Drive to the pretty village of Sainte-Rose-du-Nord – which is a picture within itself – for the best views or opt for a whale watching cruise if you want to get closer to the action.

Today you’ll head south to Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. With some of the most spectacular mountain scenery this side of the Canadian Rockies, the Charlevoix region certainly promises to be one to remember. If you’ve brought your walking boots, the Acropole des Draveurs hiking trail is up there with the best of them. Whereas, if pedal power’s more your thing, you’ll find a 16km cycle path that takes you right through the park. As this part of the world is well known for its wildlife, it wouldn’t be right to visit without at least trying to spot a shiny black nose or two. The Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs observation area is the perfect place to watch black bears in their natural habitat. Definitely worth a visit before you pull into this evening’s campgrounds.

After the previous thrilling fjord and wildlife watching experiences, it’s time to turn your attention to another classic Québec pastime - food. The Route des Saveurs promises untold gastronomic delights from the Charlevoix region. And stopping off for lunch at artisan towns, such as Baie-Saint-Paul, will give you more than just a taste of the good life. Of course, learning more about First Nation culture, whilst touring Québec, is certain to give you a greater understanding of the history and heritage of the region. Therefore, a visit to Wendake Hurons Village is highly recommended. Just 50kms from Quebec City, Jacques-Cartier National Park is where caribou, wolves, deer, and porcupines are known to roam alongside black bears and Canadian lynx.

It would be rude not to at least pop into Québec City while you’re in the area, if only for lunch and a few last-minute souvenirs. It’s a charming, cosmopolitan city where you’ll find cobbled streets lined with cosy bistros and boutique stores, alongside historic city walls. Finally, it’s time to point the motorhome back in the direction of Montréal. This will be your last day in Canada, so decide between a night on the tiles or an evening around the campfire. As with the rest of this trip, the choice is entirely yours.

It’s just a 40min drive to the depot in Montréal where you’ll hand over the keys to your RV and bid her a fond ‘adieu’, until next time.