We've put together this itinerary to visit Quebec in 1 week, including both natural and cultural sites, and without spending your life in transit. We've also planned for you to land and take off from Montreal airport, as this is the most popular way to visit this trendy destination. The ideal way to visit Quebec in 1 week is by car rather than by bus. Especially since Quebec is one of the best road trip destinations, with its wide-open spaces and picture-postcard roads.
Day 1: Arrival in Montreal
Land at Montreal airport (YUL), the best served airport in Quebec, and set off to explore the region's largest city.
Explore Old Montreal
The Old Montreal district is one of Montreal's must-sees. This very old area stands in stark contrast to the rest of the city, which is more modern. This 18th-century district is home to Notre-Dame Basilica, Place d'Armes and Place Jacques Cartier.
Visit the Pointe-à-Callière Museum
There's no better way to start your 1-week visit to Quebec than by learning more about its history at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. Through archaeological remains, it presents the human history of Montreal, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.
End the day with an evening stroll along the Old Port
Dine in one of the many restaurants of this 18th-century port, facing the banks of the mythical St. Lawrence River. Then stroll through this lively district, especially if you're traveling in summer.
Day 2: Visit Montreal
Spend the whole day visiting Montreal, and sleep in.
Admire the Oval
Head for the Oval, the city's symbol. This sculpture in the shape of a giant steel circle was installed in the downtown core in 2022 by Canadian artist Claude Cormier.
Shopping on rue Sainte-Catherine
Sainte-Catherine Street is Montreal's most important shopping street, and one of the most important in Canada. It stretches for almost 12 km, and boasts over 1,200 stores!
Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is one ofthe most important cultural venues in North America. Founded in 1860, it exhibits some of the greatest international and Canadian artists.
Day 3: Visit La Mauricie National Park
After this urban getaway, it's time to continue your week-long tour of Quebec by discovering Canada's great outdoors. Head early in the morning to La Mauricie National Park, a 2-hour drive away, and spend the night. The park has three campgrounds and other accommodations, notably in the Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc sector. You can also sleep in an outfitter, perfect for a romantic getaway.
Hiking
La Mauricie National Park is one of Quebec's most beautiful national parks. This 536 km2 boreal forest is dotted with 150 lakes. The best way to discover it is to hike one of its many trails, almost all of which are easy.
Picnic at
Choose one of the various picnic areas for a snack with a choice view of Canadian lakes and forests. Put together a typical Canadian picnic with local specialties like bagels, Montreal smoked-meat sandwiches or a slice of Quebec tourtière, which bears a vague resemblance to French shepherd's pie. In this French-speaking travel destination, you'll have fun observing French influences in the kitchen.
Swim in a lake
Visiting Quebec in 1 week without swimming in one of its wilderness lakes is out of the question! So take a dip in one of the 150 lakes.
Day 4: Visit Quebec City
Leave La Mauricie National Park in the morning for a 2-hour drive to Quebec City, a must when visiting Quebec in a week. You'll spend three nights in the city.
Explore Old Quebec
Old Quebec is one of the city's most beautiful walled districts. It's brimming with historic monuments, such as the Citadelle in the upper town, or the Château Frontenac and its Dufferin Terrace. What's more, Quebec City in winter, under the snow, is just as beautiful as it is in summer!
Lunch on rue Saint-Louis
Rue Saint-Louis is one of the city's oldest streets. It's packed with restaurants where you can sample specialties from traditional sugar shacks.
Continue your tour of Old Quebec
In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to theNotre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, Place Royale, Rue du Petit Champlain and Rue du Trésor, forming a beautiful itinerary through Quebec City.
Day 5: Visit Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans
The Montmorency Falls are a15-minute drive from downtown Quebec City. From the falls, take the Pont de l'Île bridge to reach Île d'Orléans in 20 minutes. In the evening, sleep again in Quebec City.
Admire Montmorency Falls
It's impossible to visit Quebec in 1 week without seeing the Montmorency Falls, one of its true jewels. This 83 m waterfall at the mouth of the river of the same name is higher than Niagara Falls!
Explore Île d'Orléans
Île d'Orléans is a 193 km2 piece of land on the surface of the St. Lawrence River. This historic island was one of the first places settled by the French in Quebec, and you can discover this historical heritage along the Chemin Royal.
Day 6: Visit Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
Early in the morning, drive another 45 minutes north to discover Jacques-Cartier National Park. Sleep again in Quebec City in the evening.
Hiking
Over 100 km of trails let you explore Quebec's most beautiful glacial valley. Try the sentier des loups, the sentier de l'éperon or the Coulées.
Picnic at
Take advantage of one of the dedicated picnic areas for a snack on the banks of the Jacques-Cartier River.
Go kayaking
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is a world-renowned kayaking spot. Several rental agencies offer equipment rental.
Day 7: Return to Montreal and final visit
From Quebec City, drive 2 h 45 to Montreal. Take advantage of your return to the airport to spend a third day in Montreal, which won't be too much time exploring this immense city.
Visit Little Italy and its Jean-Talon market
Little Italy was built by Italian immigrants in the 20th century. The Jean-Talon market is a must-see when visiting Quebec in 1 week. Since 1993, it has been delighting Montrealers and visitors alike with products from all over the world!
Explore the Mile-End district
After dining in an Italian restaurant in Little Italy, take a half-hour stroll to Mile End. This iconic neighborhood is known for its constant bustle, multiculturalism, bohemian ambience and cafés. It's said that this is where you'll find Montreal's best bagels.
Stroll through Mount Royal Park
Just south of Mile-End lies Mount Royal Park, one of Montreal's largest. This historic park is considered the oldest protected area in Quebec! It's the perfect place for pleasant green walks and bike rides, as well as many other sporting activities.
