Self-Drive Eastern Canada Highlights: Montréal, Ottawa, Mont-Tremblant & Québec City - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Montréal, Mile End Food Tour, Evening River Cruise

Welcome to Montréal! Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel, where you can refresh before venturing out to explore. Start with a guided food tour through Mile End, a laid-back neighborhood with an artsy vibe full of delicious food, both Canadian and international. Try Montreal-style bagels, renowned for their distinctive chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor, at St Viateur Bagel. Then, indulge in a classic smoked meat sandwich piled high with thinly sliced beef brisket at Schwartz's Deli.

Your next stop is La Banquise, where you can try a beloved Canadian dish that originated in Québec, poutine, made with crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. End the food tour with a craft beer at one of the area's top breweries. When darkness falls, head to the historic Old Port of Montréal to board a 3.5-hour cruise down the St. Lawrence River. As the boat glides along the tranquil waterway, spot landmarks like Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Olympic Stadium from the 1976 Summer Olympics, and the Notre Dame Basilica of Montréal.

Day 2: Half-Day City Bike Tour, Visit Space for Life

Today's adventure is an active one as you set off on a four-hour bike tour across the city, starting in the charming streets of Old Montréal, the city's historic district. Cycle down the cobblestone road lined with Victorian-era buildings, bustling squares, and picturesque row houses. Continue through the Village, also known as the Gay Village, to admire the colorful shops and trendy boutiques. The tour will then take you through other iconic areas, including Mount Royal, McGill University, the Central Business District, and the International District.

Along the way, stop for lunch, then end the bike tour with a drink back in Old Montréal. In the afternoon, you could head to Space for Life, a museum complex that includes a biodome, insectarium, botanical garden, and planetarium, offering a comprehensive journey through different ecosystems, from the depths of the ocean to the vastness of outer space. After exploring the museums, end the day back at Mount Royal to admire panoramic views of the city and watch the sunset. Bring a picnic with you or make your way to Plateau Mont-Royal for dinner in one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods.

Day 3: Drive to Ottawa, Canadian Museum of History, Rideau Canal Cruise

Say goodbye to Montréal this morning as you set off on a two-hour drive to Ottawa, Canada's capital. If you want to stop somewhere along the way, the historic town of Montebello is a good option. Wander along the scenic banks of the Ottawa River, stopping to admire the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the world's largest log cabin. Back in the car, continue to your hotel in the city, and check in. When you're ready, visit the Canadian Museum of History to learn about the country's story from ancient times to the present day. 

Step inside to see the towering totem poles, First Nations artifacts, and the Canadian History Hall to gain insight into Canada's cultural, social, and political evolution. Then, make your way to the 125-mile (202 km) long Rideau Canal for a tranquil boat cruise. Listen as your guide shares stories of the canal and its historic locks and bridges while you pass landmarks like Parliament Hill, Fairmont Château Laurier, and Dows Lake. After 1.5 hours on the water, head to the nearby downtown core to choose from the array of casual and fine dining restaurants for dinner.

Day 4: Amphibus City & River Tour, Visit Parc Omega

Explore the capital in style today as you board an amphibus, a vehicle that can take you along the city's streets and into the Rideau Canal. On the one-hour tour, pass landmarks like Rideau Falls, ByWard Market, and the prime minister's house on Sussex Drive, accompanied by live commentary. Prepare for a splash as the bus seamlessly transitions from land to water, offering panoramic views of the skyline from the canal. You'll get another look at the towering parliament buildings as well as the Canadian Museum of Civilization, an architectural feat that contains no right angles. 

In the afternoon, drive one hour to Parc Oméga, a 2,200-acre (890 ha) safari park home to various species that roam freely. Look for everything from silver foxes to caribou, black bears, bison, and foxes. Immerse yourself in the experience by feeding some of the animals from the safety of your vehicle as you drive through the park. Get out to stretch your legs on one of the many hiking trails or sit down for lunch in one of the picnic areas. Toward dusk, follow the 0.9-mile (1.5 km) trail lined with lanterns through the park to spot nocturnal creatures like owls and raccoons.

Day 5: Drive to Mont-Tremblant, Panoramic Gondola Ride, Spa Visit

Trade the capital's bustling streets for the natural landscape of Mont-Tremblant, one of Canada's top ski resorts. Even if you're not visiting in winter, there's plenty to do here year-round, especially in the surrounding Parc National du Mont-Tremblant. After the two-hour drive, check into your hotel, then 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. Follow one of the scenic hiking trails or grab a bite to eat at the mountaintop restaurant before taking the gondola back down.

Make your way to 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 or treatment. In the evening, return to the village and choose from an array of cozy cafés, casual eateries, and fine-dining restaurants for dinner. End the night with a classic Canadian dessert, a beaver tail, which is a deep-fried, flat pastry topped with your choice of treats, like cinnamon sugar, chocolate hazelnut spread, or fruit compote.

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

Immerse yourself in nature today as you head 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 during the winter, you could 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 that's 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 for dinner.

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

Bid farewell to Mont-Tremblant this morning as you start the four-hour journey to Québec's capital, Québec City, 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 still left north of Mexico.

Follow the narrow cobblestone streets past centuries-old architecture and learn about the city's history as a French colony. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Château Frontenac, the historic Place Royale, and the picturesque Petit-Champlain district. Afterward, visit the Huron-Wendat Museum, located 30 minutes outside of the city. Browse the collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that highlight the traditions, customs, and way of life of the Huron-Wendat First Nations community.

Day 8: Québec Countryside Tour

Travel through rural Québec today, starting with a one-hour drive along the scenic Route 138 from Chemin du Roy to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Along the way, pass through traditional villages and enjoy views of the winding St. Lawrence River. At the end of the road, the Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré awaits your visit. Admire the grand facade adorned with intricate sculptures and ornate details, then step inside to see the stained glass windows, towering columns, and elaborate artwork.

Continue to Cuivres d'Art Albert Gilles Boutique et Musée, a museum and boutique showcasing the Québécois artist's copper work. Back in the car, head to Montmorency Falls, which is over 270 feet (83 m), making it 98 feet (30 m) taller than Niagara Falls. Just as you think the day is over, you'll be treated to a short visit to Sainte-Pétronille on the Île d'Orléans (Island of Orleans). Wander through the narrow streets lined with historic homes and quaint gardens overlooking the river, then pop into Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orleans to sample homemade chocolates and ice cream before returning to the city.

Day 9: Visit Jacques-Cartier National Park, Evening River Cruise

Leave the city behind for the day as you drive one hour to Jacques-Cartier National Park to explore the pristine forests, meandering rivers, and rugged mountain peaks at your own pace. Follow one of the many hiking trails or partake in activities like canoeing, kayaking, or wildlife watching to spot moose, black bears, and beavers. If you want to hike, there's a route suited for every skill level and interest, but if you're overwhelmed by the choices, you could book a guided tour that will take you to scenic viewpoints, revealing panoramic views of the park's natural beauty.

After a day in the park, return to your hotel in the city to refresh, then venture out on an evening cruise down the St. Lawrence River. As you cruise down the tranquil waterway, look out at the illuminated skyline and spot landmarks like Château Frontenac and the historic Old Port. After 3.5 hours on the water, return to the shore and make your way back to the hotel. 

Day 10: Drive to Montreal, Ride La Grande Roue de Montreal

Start your penultimate day in Canada with a three-hour drive back to Montréal, passing through charming towns like Drummondville—a great place to stop to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. Wander through the charming streets of the historic downtown area, where you can find quaint shops, cozy cafés, and Victorian-era architecture. Back in the car, continue to Montréal, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 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. Then, take a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada's largest observation wheel, set on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy panoramic views of Old Montréal and the modern skyline from your climate-controlled pod before ending the night along Rue Sainte-Catherine, a street in the downtown core lined with an array of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. 

Day 11: Visit the Jean-Talon Market, Depart

Your Ontario and Québec journey draws to a close today. If you have some time before your flight, you could explore more of the city on your own. 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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