Recommended Itinerary: How to Visit Quebec in 10 Days

You’re planning a 10-day itinerary in Quebec and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this recommended Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 days in Quebec

. During your trip, you will discover on Montreal, La Mauricie National Park, the Saguenay fjord, Charlevoix, and the city of Québec.

For this itinerary, in addition to the best things to do and must-see attractions, I will also give you all my best tips as well as my list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do during your 10 days in Quebec? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1) Montreal (2 days)

For your 9-10 day Québec adventure, I’d suggest landing in Montreal’s airport.

Upon arrival, there’s no pressing need to grab a rental car. Montreal is a breeze to explore on foot or by public transit.

But, since you’ll need a rental car for the next leg of your trip, you might opt to snag one right away to avoid backtracking to the airport. Or if that’s no fuss, pick it up bright and early on day three.

Do you want to save on two days’ rental fees, or save time later? Your call.

Regardless, you should consider booking your rental car via Rentalcars.com. It’s my go-to, be it for Canada, or European spots like Sicily, Greece, or Sardinia.

In just a click, you can compare all the deals Montréal’s car rentals have to offer. And by ticking the full coverage insurance option, you’re set with coverage for any mishaps or thefts.

If your travel dates are locked in, I’d suggest booking your wheels now to snag the best deals. Click the button below to compare car rental prices for your 9-10 days in Québec:

To get to downtown Montreal, if you’re holding off on the car rental, hop on bus #747. It runs round-the-clock, taking you straight to the Berri-Uqam metro station and your hotel doorstep.

On your first day of your Quebec’s 9-10 day escapade, you’ll be unraveling the charms of Montréal.

Start your morning with a stroll through Old Montreal and the Old Port. The historic district boasts gems like Notre-Dame Basilica, the Bonsecours Market, the Clock Tower, and Jacques-Cartier Square.

Fancy a deeper dive? You can book a guided tour of Old Montreal right here!

Reaching the Old Port, you’ll meet the mighty Saint Lawrence River. Perfect for a riverside amble or even a delightful one-hour cruise. More on that? Just click here for the details!

Summer sees joggers and cyclists aplenty. And if you’re game, take a spin on the giant wheel or whizz down a zipline.

If you’re visiting Montreal in winter, brace for fun with ice-skating or even ice fishing.

For lunch, don’t skip the Pointe à Callières Museum’s restaurant by the Old Port. Overlooking Alexandra Quay, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view and a gourmet meal (appetizer + main + dessert) at just $25. It was my fave when I lived in Montréal! Reservations are a must.

Post-lunch, set your compass to Montreal’s iconic Mont-Royal Park. Make your way up to the Belvedere for one of the city’s most breathtaking vistas. Explore the park’s winding paths and the serene Beaver Lake.

In winter, the frozen lake becomes a skating rink, complete with rentals. And, Mont-Royal’s snow-covered slopes? Perfect for sledding. A must on your 10-day Canadian tour, especially with kids in tow.

Another delightful sight? The adorable squirrels frolicking all around the park.

As the day winds down, meander through the Plateau Mont-Royal area with its many quirky shops, cafés, and restaurants. You’ll be captivated by the charm of its one-of-a-kind houses.

For dinner, it’s time to dig into the legendary poutine! Head to Mont-Royal’s crowd-favorite, “La Banquise” boasting over 30 varieties of this Québécois specialty. The toughest part will be picking from all the cool choices.

Winding down, return to your hotel or head to one of Montreal’s numerous lively bars.

Day two of your 10-day Quebec getaway has you continuing your Montreal exploration.

Start your morning off right with a panoramic elevator ride up the Olympic Stadium tower. Trust me, the view from the top is breathtaking.

Just around the corner, you can pop into the Montreal Biodome, which replicates several ecosystems from the American continent. This isn’t your average zoo. It’s truly well-done! It features (among other cool creatures) lynxes, caimans, penguins, and puffins, all in meticulously recreated environments.

After that, I’d suggest wandering through the botanical gardens. The various themed gardens (think Japanese and Chinese) are beautifully showcased. It’s always open and even free during the winter. Perfect for cross-country ski and snowshoe enthusiasts.

To wrap up the day, hit up Montreal’s main shopping artery, Saint Catherine Street. H&M, Zara, Benetton – you’ll find all the big international brands here. Perfect for some retail therapy.

And if you’re window shopping in winter, no need to brave the cold. The city’s underground network stretches the entire length of the street, so you can stay cozy and comfy!

Stay a second night in Montreal. For even more to do and see in Montreal, check out my article: Exploring Montreal: Your Ultimate City Guide.

Where to stay in Montreal

• M Montreal: A youth hostel just a 5-minute walk away from Berri Uquam metro station on Sainte Catherine street. You can grab a bed in a modern, cozy dorm for just 25€ a night, breakfast included. You can also book a double room if you prefer. Strong points: Super friendly staff, modern facilities, basement bar with occasional live performances. A fantastic choice for budget-friendly accommodations in Montreal!
• Best Western Plus Hotel Montreal: Located in the bustling Quartier des Spectacles. You can book a warm, spacious double room starting from €150 per night. Strong points: Perfect location for exploring Montreal, clean and comfy beds.
• Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville:: Just 200 meters away from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and a 5-minute walk from the Old Port. Double rooms starting from €170, breakfast included. Strong points: Great location, spacious rooms, and large beds.
• Le Petit Hotel Montreal:: Located in the historical center of Montreal. Rooms with character (think stone walls and exposed brick) starting from €250, breakfast included. Strong points: Excellent service, a delicious breakfast, and the charming ambiance of the hotel.
• Le St-Martin Hotel Centre-ville – Hotel Particulier:: Just 50 meters away from Saint Catherine West Street. Stylish, cozy double rooms starting from €290. Strong points: An enchanting pool with waterfalls and jets, delightful staff, prime location, and comfort. My recommendation for a high-end stay in Montreal!
• Hôtel Birks Montréal: Located in the city center, this 5-star hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms starting from €500, with breakfast at an additional €19. Strong points: Prime location, beautiful architecture, friendly staff, and a luxurious spa. The best hotel in Montreal for a luxury stay!

2) La Mauricie National Park (2 days).

For this leg, let’s kick off the road trip portion of your 10-day Quebec adventure.

Jump in your car (or pick it up from the airport) and head over to La Mauricie National Park for the next two days. From Montreal, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive.

During these two days in the park, you’ll have a plethora of activities at your fingertips. In summer, hike through stunning natural landscapes or kayak. Fishing enthusiasts will also be in their element.

The park’s most famous excursion combines the two. To reach Waber Falls, you’ll have to paddle a 8km round-trip by canoe and walk a 8km round-trip. Sure, it’s a bit of a workout, but entirely doable in a day.

When winter rolls around, dive into classic Quebec winter activities like snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, or even cross-country skiing.

To make the most of your two days in the park tailored to your interests, don’t hesitate to check out the official website. There, you’ll find a list of activities and detailed hiking trails based on difficulty levels.

And remember, book two nights at one of the accommodations I’ve handpicked for you below.

Staying at La Mauricie National Park

For camping enthusiasts, the park offers large equipped tents both in winter (wood stove) and summer. Common areas are available for cooking and cleaning up. You’ll find more info right here.

And for those who prefer a bit more comfort, here are the best accommodations near the park.

• Trapper’s Inn Refuge: Located at the park’s entrance. Double room from €80. Strong points: location, warm welcome.
• Gîte aux Traditions: Located on the main street of St-Jean des Piles, just 5km from the park. Double room from €85 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: location, lovely hosts, hearty and delicious homemade breakfast, tips for activities in the park.
• Hotel Marineau Shawinigan: Located 15 km from the national park. Double room from €85, breakfast included. Strong points: cleanliness, comfy beds, good breakfast.
• Auberge motel drakkar: Located in Shawinigan. Spacious double room from €100 per night. Strong points: good breakfast, welcoming owner, quietness.

3) Fjord-du-Saguenay (2 days)

On to the third leg of this 9-10 day Quebec adventure! Wave goodbye to La Mauricie National Park and set your sights on the Saguenay fjord in the aptly named town “Fjord-du-Saguenay”.

There are a few routes you could take, but I suggest taking the scenic Route 155, which teases with a sneak peek of Lake St-Jean near the end.

Expect about a 4h15m journey, so it’ll eat up your morning. But hey, you’ll get to soak in some stunning vistas along the way.

When it comes to how you’ll spend your afternoon and the next day at Fjord-du-Saguenay, well, options abound.

Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:

• Explore the village of L’Anse St-Jean. This gem, perched on the fjord’s edge, boasts a killer view. It ranks among Quebec’s most charming villages.
• In the same vein, the village of Sainte-Rose du Nord is well worth a detour. With mountains all around and snugly tucked into a little valley, this spot is absolutely charming.
• Go hiking on one of the numerous trails. The famous Sentier de la Statue trail crowns you with a spectacular viewpoint at its summit.
• Embark on a boat cruise along the fjord.
• A kayak outing in search of belugas and whales. Fancy diving deeper into this? Click away right here!
• Go on a fishing excursion and give your luck a shot by trying to catch some brook trout.
• Ice fishing to catch your fish from a hole drilled in the ice
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country skiing.

For a comprehensive guide to Fjord-du-Saguenay’s offerings, check out the official site.

Staying at the Saguenay fjord

• Auberge du dimanche: The establishment is located in the town of Rivière-Éternité, very close to the fjord. Nice and spacious double room starting from €70 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the setting and the tranquility, comfortable bedding, impeccable cleanliness. It’s my favorite for its value for money, I really recommend you stay 2 nights.
• Chalets sur le Fjord: Located in l’Anse Saint-Jean, ranked among the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apartment or studio with kitchenette from €80 per night. Strong points: the magnificent setting with a view of the fjord, the comfortable and modern apartments, the hot tub.
• Lodge des Bois: Located in Saint-Félix-d’Otis, by the lake. Cabin in the middle of the forest with private access to the lake. The lodge is fully equipped, the decor is modern, and it has a terrace and a barbecue. The place is very quiet and the view is magnificent. From €100 per night + €30 for cleaning. I highly recommend it for a stay immersed in the heart of Canadian nature! Don’t hesitate for long, there’s only one!
• Le 30 de Vébron: Apartment located in the pretty village of l’Anse Saint-Jean. This 250m² apartment can accommodate up to 7 people for €160 per night. It’s well equipped, very beautiful, and located in a pleasant setting. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with family or for a group of friends.

4) Charlevoix (1 day)

On the fourth day of your Quebec journey, you will head to the Charlevoix region.

Nestled between the Saguenay fjord and Quebec City, it’s a sweet spot to break up your trip.

The journey from the fjord to Charlevoix? Just a breezy 1 hour 45 minutes.

While in Charlevoix for the day, here are some delightful choices:

• If walking’s your thing, you’ll adore the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie Park. The river and mountain scenery? Simply breathtaking.
• Not in the mood for a workout? Consider a river cruise instead.
• Art aficionados, make your way to Baie St-Paul and its art galleries.
• Wildlife enthusiasts, how about black bear spotting with an expert guide?
• If peace and serenity sound tempting, drive to Isle-aux-Coudres, a quaint island opposite Baie St-Paul. Hop on a ferry at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive. The ride’s free and takes just 20 minutes.

Spend a cozy night around Charlevoix.

Where to stay in Charlevoix

• Motel des Cascades: Located in Baie-Saint-Paul. Double room from 80€. Strong points: friendly staff, outdoor facilities, cleanliness.
• Hôtel au petit berger: Located in La Malbaie, facing the St. Lawrence River. Bright, spacious double room from €85 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: tranquil setting, comfortable beds, friendly staff, good breakfast. My favorite for its value for money!
• La Pignoronde: Located in Baie-Saint-Paul. Superbly decorated, fully-equipped apartment with balcony or terrace from 170€. Strong points: indoor pool, superb view, size of accommodations.
• Hôtel & Spa Le Germain Charlevoix: Located in Baie-Saint-Paul. Cosy, modern double rooms from 190€. Strong points: pool, quality of meals, location.
• Hôtel Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu: This 5* hotel is located in La Malbaie. Spacious, comfortable, warm double rooms from 210€ per night, breakfast from 18€. Strong points: all the services of a luxury hotel, spa, heated pools, attentive staff, geographical location, hotel architecture. If you want to pamper yourself during your stay in Charlevoix, this hotel is the best choice!

5) Quebec City (2 days)

No Quebec trip would be complete without basking in the glow of Quebec City. For the penultimate stop, let’s unravel the city’s magic.

A mere hour’s drive gets you from Charlevoix to Quebec City.

Once there, kick off your exploration with a stroll on the Terrasse Dufferin. This leads you right to Quebec’s crowning glory: the Château Frontenac. This iconic hotel is one of the most photographed worldwide, so don’t skip that selfie.

If you’re feeling fancy, you might even peek inside – either by booking a room or grabbing a guided tour.

Your stroll will also grace you with stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River and Île d’Orléans.

Next, swing by the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, a beacon of marvelous architecture. It holds a coveted spot as a “Canadian National Historic Site“.

Then, ride the funicular down to the Petit-Champlain district, a quaint neighborhood of cobbled streets and charming shopfronts. While there, don’t miss Place Royale and the Fresque des Québécois mural.

For your day’s finale, a cruise on the Saint Lawrence River is a must. The journey offers a panoramic city view from the water. Definitely an essential experience in your Quebec itinerary.

You have two cruise options:

• An evening cruise with entertainment featuring a DJ to get the party started.
• A 5-course gourmet dinner cruise for a romantic evening.

However, if you’re touring in winter, don’t fret. Simply take the ferry from Quebec to Levis. Equipped with an icebreaker, it sails year-round, offering those same fantastic views.

Spend the night in Quebec City.

On your next and sadly final “real” day of this 9-10 day Quebec getaway, I suggest you wrap up your city tour.

Make your way to Quebec City’s Citadel and pop over to the adjacent Plains of Abraham. Next, step inside the Parliament Building and end your morning on a high note—literally—by climbing up to the Observatoire de la Capitale to get a bird’s-eye view of the city.

As for the afternoon agenda, I’ve got a must-do excursion around Quebec lined up for you: Montmorency Falls. Standing even taller than Niagara Falls, this place is utterly breathtaking. And if you’re here in winter? Don’t be shocked to find parts of the falls frozen over.

You can reach the top of the falls by hopping on the cable car departing from the parking lot..

Book your tickets in advance by clicking here:

Spend one last night in Quebec City.

For a deep dive into Quebec City and its attractions, check out my dedicated article: The Complete Guide to Quebec City!

Where to stay in Quebec City

• Quebec City International Hostel: This hostel is located in Old Quebec. Dormitory beds from €27. Strong points: the location, the cleanliness. The best choice for budget accommodation in Quebec City!
• Hotel Manoir Vieux-Quebec: Situated right next to the Château Frontenac. Modern and comfortable double room starting at 130€ per night. Strong points: the location, the view from the terrace, the comfy beds.
• Hotel Port-Royal: Located in Old Quebec. Double room equipped with a kitchenette starting from 170€. Strong points: the location for exploring Quebec City on foot, the friendly staff.
• Hotel Clarendon: Also located in Old Quebec, you’ll stay in a 19th-century building. Cosy double room from €170, breakfast for €22. Strong points: the very comfortable beds, the central location, the views from certain rooms.
• Le Capitole Hotel: Located in Old Quebec. Superb tastefully decorated room starting from €290 per night. Strong points: the warm staff, the great location, the quality of service, the rooftop pool, the excellent breakfast. Our recommendation for a high-end stay in Quebec City!
• Château Frontenac: Why not spend a night in the world’s most photographed hotel? A unique experience and the chance to enjoy all the services and comforts of a luxury hotel: spa, pool, gourmet restaurants. A great way to treat yourself in Quebec, after all, it’s not every day you get to sleep at Château Frontenac!

6) Back to Montreal (1 day)

Sadly, this marks the end of your 9-10 day Quebec itinerary.

It’s time to head back to Montreal, either catching your return flight later that day or the following one. From Quebec, you’re looking at a solid 3-hour drive.

If time’s on your side, why not wrap up your Montreal tour? Perhaps swing by the Atwater Market and stock up on local goodies like maple syrup. And since the market’s right by the Lachine Canal, a stroll is a must.

For more inspiration, dive into this article: Best things to do and see in Montreal!

If you need help to plan your 10-day itinerary in Quebec, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

You’re traveling in Canada? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Canada: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Canada are listed there.

• 20 Best Things to do in Canada
• 20 Best Things to do in Quebec – All best places to visit in the French-speaking province!

• Itinerary: One week in Canada: The perfect itinerary to visit Canada in 6, 7 or 8 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Canada: All my best tips for organizing your 10-day trip to Canada
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Canada: How to visit Western Canada in 15 days.
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Canada: My epic itinerary to visit Western and Eastern Canada in 21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Canada: How to visit Eastern Canada in a month!

• Itinerary: One week in Quebec: How to visit Quebec in 6, 7 or 8 days, with all my best tips!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Quebec: An amazing 10-day itinerary in Quebec
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Quebec: All my best tips to visit Quebec in 14, 15 or 16 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Quebec: the perfect 3-week road trip in Quebec!

• Road trip in Canada: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month
• Road trip in Quebec: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15 and 21 days

• Calgary: Top 11 things to do during your visit
• Montreal: 33 best things to see and do
• Ottawa: 15 epic places to visit
• Quebec City: Top 17 things to do and see
• Toronto: The 17 things to do during your stay
• Vancouver: Top 25 places to visit and activities

• Toronto in 3 days – The perfect itinerary to visit the city in 72 hours!

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