Self-Drive Eastern Canada Highlights: Toronto, Montréal, Québec City & Charlevoix - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto (Ontario), Explore the City, Lake Ontario Dinner Cruise

Welcome to Toronto, Ontario's capital and Canada's largest city. When you arrive, pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel to check in. After freshening up, venture out to explore the area on your own. A good place to start is Kensington Market, an eclectic neighborhood with a multicultural mix of supermarkets, street food, hole-in-the-wall boutiques, and vintage clothing stores. Pop in and out of the diverse array of shops or grab a bite to eat before continuing to the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only neighborhood lined with Victorian-era buildings housing art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Head to the Queens Quay Terminal at the harborfront in the evening to board a dinner cruise across Lake Ontario. After finding your reserved seat, stroll along the outer decks for panoramic views of Toronto's iconic skyline, passing landmarks like the illuminated CN Tower and Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays. When the buffet is open, browse the array of dishes to fix a plate and sit down to enjoy your food under the starry sky. If you're visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, a dance floor with a live DJ will open up, closing out your first night in Canada.

Day 2: Day Trip to Niagara Falls, Winery Tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Leave the city behind for the day as you set off on a 1.5-hour transfer to Niagara Falls, one of North America's most famous natural wonders. Watch millions of gallons of water cascade over the precipice, then board a boat to get an up-close look at the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Make sure you don your poncho so the powerful mist doesn't completely soak you as you get closer to each cascade. After the boat tour, enjoy some free time to bask in the views and grab a bite to eat, then make your way to the zipline to soar 219 feet (67 m) above the water.

Complete a safety briefing, wear your helmet and harness, and prepare for one of the best (and quick) vantage points for admiring the falls. Glide down the 2,200-foot (670 m) zipline, listening to the thundering roar of the water before ending at an observation deck where you can get one last look at the falls. The journey doesn't stop there, though, as you drive north for about 40 minutes to pass through charming Niagara-on-the-Lake to arrive at a nearby winery. Tour the property and learn about the meticulous winemaking process, from grape cultivation and harvesting to fermentation, aging, and bottling, while you sample different varietals.

Day 3: Drive to Montréal (Québec), Ride the Observation Wheel

Say goodbye to Toronto and Ontario this morning as you set off on a six-hour drive east to Montréal, Canada's second-largest city set on an island in the St. Lawrence River. If you want to break up the drive, stop in the Thousand Islands region, home to over 1,800 islands, and grab a bite to eat in the village of Gananoque or Clayton before completing the drive to your hotel in Montréal. 

When you're ready, make your way to the Old Port to wander down the promenade and enjoy picturesque views of the river and city skyline. Stop at Bonsecours Market to peruse the treasure trove of artisanal boutiques, craft shops, and gourmet eateries. Then, ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada's largest observation wheel, set on the riverbank. Enjoy panoramic views of Old Montréal and the modern skyline from your climate-controlled pod before ending the night at one of the restaurants overlooking the water.

Day 4: Discover Mount Royal, Mile End Food Tour

Start your day with a self-guided tour of Mount Royal, known simply as "The Mountain" by locals. There's plenty to do in the mountaintop park, from enjoying panoramic views of the city, picnicking on the grass, or going on a hike to traverse one of the many trails. You could also stop at Smith House to learn about the park's history, ecology, and recreational activities if you're unsure what to do. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a food tour in Mile End, a laid-back neighborhood with an artsy vibe full of delicious Canadian and international food.

Your guide will tailor the tour to your tastes, but you may start with a Montreal-style bagel, renowned for its distinctive chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor, at St Viateur Bagel. Then, your next stop might be a deli to indulge in a classic smoked meat sandwich piled high with thinly sliced beef brisket. You can't leave without trying the beloved Canadian dish that originated in Québec, poutine, made with crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. End the food tour at one of the area's top breweries to wash everything down with a craft beer.

Day 5: Old Montréal Walking Tour, Drive to Mont-Tremblant, Explore

Spend your last few hours in the city on a 1.5-hour walking tour of Old Montréal, the historic district. Wander down the cobblestone road lined with Victorian-era buildings, bustling squares, and picturesque row houses to see landmarks like City Hall, Place Royale, and the Gothic-Revival Notre-Dame Basilica. While you walk, your guide will share insight into how the city transformed from a French colonial outpost to the thriving Canadian metropolis it is today. After the tour, set off on a 1.5-hour drive to Mont-Tremblant, a picturesque resort town in the Laurentian Mountains.

After settling in at your hotel, head to the Panoramic Gondola for a ride to the mountain's summit. From the top, enjoy scenic views of verdant forests, sparkling lakes, and rugged peaks as far as the eye can see. Then, unwind in the Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant, nestled in the Laurentian Forest. If you're feeling adventurous, try one of the refreshing cold plunges before dipping into the hot baths. Relax in the wood-fired saunas or book a therapeutic massage. In the evening, return to the village and choose from an array of cozy cafés, casual eateries, and fine-dining restaurants for dinner.

Day 6: Explore Parc National du Mont-Tremblant by Foot & E-bike

Lace up your hiking shoes and drive 30 minutes to Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, the oldest national park in the province. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including hiking along scenic trails, paddling on tranquil waters, fishing for native species, or searching for wildlife like moose, deer, beavers, and black bears. If you visit in winter, you can also choose from seasonal activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. After a few hours exploring the park on your own, meet your guide for an e-bike tour of the extensive trail network.

The bike's electric assistance will help you navigate the winding forest trails, scenic lakeshores, and rolling hills. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the park's ecology, history, and wildlife. As darkness starts to fall over the national park, return your bike and venture down Tonga Lumina, a one-mile (1.5 km) trail lined with illuminated installations. Start at the Flying Mile chairlift and ride it to the midway station, where the trail starts, slowly weaving through the woods and across streams and clearings surrounded by lights and sounds. After an hour or so on the trail, return to the village in time for dinner.

Day 7: Drive to Québec City, Old Québec City Walking Tour

Trade Mont-Tremblant's towering peaks for the bustling streets of Québec's capital this morning, Québec City. Start the four-hour journey, passing through Montréal and driving along Autoroute 40. Stop en route to visit the popular town of Trois-Rivières, which has an array of eateries, museums, and attractions like the Forges du Saint-Maurice, the first iron mine and refinery in North America. When you arrive in the capital, refresh at your hotel before joining a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Québec, the only walled city left north of Mexico.

Follow the narrow cobblestone streets past centuries-old architecture and learn about the city's history as a French colony while you pass landmarks like the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Stroll along Dufferin Terrace for panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, then continue to the Quartier Petit Champlain, a picturesque neighborhood with boutique shops, cozy cafés, and art galleries. Your final stop is Place Royale, often called the "Birthplace of French America," where Samuel du Champlain founded the city and established it as the capital of New France.

Day 8: Guided Tour of the Huron Traditional Site of Wendake

This morning, you'll learn about the Wendat people, also known as Huron-Wendat, as you go on a guided tour of the Huron Traditional Site of Wendake, just 30 minutes outside of the city. Follow your guide through authentic recreations of traditional longhouses, a smokehouse and meat-drying room, a sweat lodge, and a giant tipi. Along the way, learn about the Huron-Wendat way of life, including their cultural practices, traditional means of transportation, and food preservation methods.

Day 9: Discover Île d'Orléans, Evening River Cruise

Begin your final day in Québec City with a self-guided visit to Île d'Orléans (Island of Orleans) on the St. Lawrence River. Drive along the scenic roads or rent a bike to cycle along the waterfront, stopping at quaint roadside stands to sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade treats. Explore historic sites such as the Sainte-Famille Church and the Maison de nos Aïeux, where you can learn about the island's colonial past and the lives of its early settlers. Don't miss the Chocolaterie de l'Île d'Orléans on the island's western tip to sample delicious Belgian chocolate.

In the evening, head to the pier and board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the St. Lawrence River to get a different perspective of Old Québec illuminated with a warm glow. Grab a drink at the onboard bar while you look for the city's key landmarks, like the historic Old Port and La Citadelle, the star-shaped fortress. After 3.5 hours on the water, return to the pier to make your way to Saint-Roch, a trendy neighborhood renowned for its diverse dining scene. From cozy bistros to chic eateries, there's something suited to every palate here, making it easy to find somewhere to enjoy dinner.

Day 10: Drive to Charlevoix via Montmorency Falls, Explore the Region

After breakfast, hit the road for a one-hour drive to Charlevoix, a tranquil region known for its natural landscapes, artistic charm, and gourmet delights. On the way, stop at Montmorency Falls, just 10 minutes outside Québec City. There are many ways to see the falls, from hiking to different viewpoints, taking a cable car to the top, or crossing a suspension bridge with the roaring water below you. No matter which vantage point you see the falls from, you're sure to be impressed by the 272-foot tall (83 m) cascade that's 98 feet (30 m) taller than Niagara Falls.

Grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, Manoir Montmorency, then jump back in the car and complete your drive to your hotel in Charlevoix. After freshening up, venture out to explore the region on your own. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, visit one of the nearby national parks, such as Parc National des Grands-Jardins or Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, for a scenic hike. Those who prefer to explore by car can drive down the Route des Montagnes (Mountain Road), winding through rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque valleys.

Day 11: Whale Watching Tour, Visit L'Isle-aux-Coudres

Today's activity is sure to be a memorable one as you set off on a whale watching tour on the Saguenay River. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of activity as the boat glides through the crystal-clear waters. A naturalist will also be onboard to help you spot these graceful creatures. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may spot belugas, minke, humpbacks, fin, and blue whales. If you're visiting between May and October, you have the best chance of seeing them, though whales can be spotted here year-round.

After three hours on the water, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You could take a ferry to L'Isle-aux-Coudres from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive to discover the charming island. When you arrive, rent a bike and cycle past historic windmills, quaint farmhouses, and lush orchards. Stop at roadside stands to sample local specialties, like apple cider, maple syrup, and fresh-baked bread. Take in panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes from scenic lookout points, then relax on the rocky shores overlooking the water.

Day 12: Return Drive to Montréal, Evening Cruise on the St. Lawrence River 

It's time to return to Montréal on a four-hour drive, passing through Québec City and Trois-Rivières, where you can stop again to stretch your legs and have an early lunch or a snack. When you arrive, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You could visit the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts to browse the array of masterpieces spanning centuries and continents. Discover each exhibit, from classical sculptures to contemporary installations, to appreciate the work of renowned artists and emerging talents. 

When darkness falls, head to the Old Port to board a cruise down the St. Lawrence River. As the boat glides along the tranquil waterway, seek out landmarks like the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Olympic Stadium from the 1976 Summer Olympics, and Notre-Dame. The complimentary audioguide explains the history of each landmark. After 3.5 hours on the water, return to the port and find a restaurant in Old Montréal for dinner.

Day 13: Visit the Jean-Talon Market, Depart

Your road trip comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you might like to explore more of the city independently. Head to the Jean-Talon Market, one of North America's largest open-air public markets, open year-round. Browse the stalls full of farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheese, delectable pastries, and seasonal delicacies. When it's time, drive to the airport, drop off your rental car, and head inside for your flight home. Safe travels!

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