Route des Voyageurs
15 Nights/ 16 Days - Self Drive Tour
Starts Toronto - ends Montreal
Enjoy the cosmopolitan delights of Toronto, the thunder of Niagara Falls, and Ottawa, the nation's capital. Then embark on a discovery of French Canada, cradle of Canada's beginnings. From historic Quebec City, travel to the top of the Gaspé Peninsula, where Jacques Cartier claimed New France in 1534. The mighty St. Lawrence River is a companion for several days, leading you back to vibrant Montreal.
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN TORONTO Arrive Pearson International Airport, Toronto, and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. The Jonview Roadbook you received will have all the information needed for your holiday/trip/journey. Remainder of day is at leisure for shopping at the Eaton Centre or perhaps sampling the fine cuisine and nightlife of Toronto. Overnight in Toronto. DAY 2 - TORONTO / NIAGARA FALLS EXCURSION (260 KM) Explore the Niagara Peninsula today, skirting the shores of Lake Ontario and passing many vineyards and orchards. The region is known for its excellent wines and some of the wineries will offer tours and tastings. Stop in lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival, which has carefully preserved its 19th-century charms. Then, follow the scenic Niagara Parkway to the spectacle waiting for you in Niagara Falls: the mighty Horseshoe Falls. Overnight in Toronto. DAY 3 - TORONTO TO KINGSTON (265 KM) Drive east along Lake Ontario to Rockport, and embark on a comfortable river cruise to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the 1000 Islands on a relaxing one hour cruise as the ship weaves gracefully between the chain of small islets. Afterwards, arrive in historic Kingston, home to the grand halls of Queens University and dozens of magnificent limestone mansions and public buildings from the heights of colonial Canada. Overnight in Kingston. DAY 4 - KINGSTON TO OTTAWA (196 KM) Follow the path of the St. Lawrence River for a short time through the picturesque county of Gananoque, providing a stunning backdrop to the day’s travels. Turning northwest, arrive in the national capital of Ottawa, home to Canada’s federal government. Magnificent Neo-Gothic halls sit on acres of manicured grounds, stretching to the inviting parks and walkways along the Rideau Canal. Overnight in Ottawa. DAY 5 - OTTAWA TO TROIS-RIVIÈRES (317 KM) Passing north of Montreal, pick up the path of the St. Lawrence River again as it widens into the open waters of beautiful Lac-St. Pierre. Arrive in Trois-Rivières where the rest of the day is free to explore this quintessential Francophone town. Historic neighbourhoods, art galleries, waterfront restaurants and public spaces – all waiting for to welcome all visitors! Overnight in Trois-Rivières. DAY 6 - TROIS-RIVIÈRES TO QUEBEC CITY (129 KM) Today’s adventure starts with a memorable drive on the "King's Highway", passing numerous small French-Canadian villages that are often the subject of some of Canada’s finest artists. Passing through the walls that encircle Quebec City, enter a magnificent UNESCO Heritage Site dominated by cobblestone streets, historic buildings and a lively arts-focused community. Overnight in Quebec City. DAY 7 - QUEBEC CITY Quebec City is Canada's oldest city and exhibits a strong French Canadian cultural and linguistic heritage. The Fortifications - a founding national park; Place Royale; and the Basilica make for a captivating day of discovery. Outside the city are the spectacular Montmorency Falls and the beautiful Ile d'Orleans are natural wonders to behold.. Overnight in Quebec City. DAY 8 - QUEBEC CITY TO LA MALBAIE/BAIE SAINT PAUL (123 KM) Today you depart Quebec City and journey up the north shore of the St. Lawrence River through small towns and villages until you enter the beautiful Charlevoix region. This area has been designated a biosphere by UNESCO and is dominated by imposing massifs carpeted in forest, meadows and small valleys nestled between the mountains and the St. Lawrence River. This grandiose and tranquil landscape has long attracted visitors from far and wide and has inspired generations of artists who have made Charlevoix their subject of choice. Overnight in La Malbaie/Baie Saint Paul. DAY 9 - LA MALBAIE/BAIE SAINT PAUL TO RIMOUSKI/ MONT JOLI (204 KM, land only) Heading east towards the river, travel through the small villages that are the spiritual heart of Quebecois culture. Take the ferry to Rivière-du-Loup on the south side of the St. Lawrence River, the jagged shoreline pleasantly dotted with islands and sandy beaches. Continue on to Rimouski/Mont Joli and take some time to discover the charms of this small town. Overnight in Rimouski/Mont Jolil. DAY 10 - RIMOUSKI/MONT JOLI TO BONAVENTURE/ NEW RICHMOND (335 KM) This morning, leave the St. Lawrence behind and cross the base of the Gaspé Peninsula to the Baie des Chaleurs. The route follows the salmon-rich Matapédia River through the lush Matapédia Valley, flanked by vast forests and mountain ranges. Overnight in Bonaventure/New Richmond. DAY 11 - BONAVENTURE/NEW RICHMOND TO PERCÉ (136 KM) Before setting out, why not visit the seawater therapy centre for a rejuvenating experience? The winding coastal road offers a scenic drive past sheltered bays and traditional fishing communities. En route, stop to admire the sweeping panoramic views of the St. Lawrence before reaching the picturesque village of Percé. Overnight in Percé. DAY 12 - PERCÉ Percé and its treasures beckon today. Visit one of Canada’s most recognisable natural attractions: the Percé Rock (at low tide, you can actually walk to this massive geological phenomenon). Among the other activities are coastal cruising, visiting the bird sanctuary on Bonaventure Island and touring Mont Ste-Anne where panoramic vistas of nearby villages and offshore islands can be seen. Overnight in Percé. DAY 13 - PERCÉ TO RIVIERE-DU-LOUP (546 KM) Today, follow the coastal route along rugged northern coastline or cross Gaspésie Park in the remote heart of the Gaspé. The park’s serene woodlands, inhabited by herds of caribou, moose and deer, form a stark contrast to the forbidding backdrop of the towering Chic-Choc Mountains. In Matane, observe the salmon runs and sample the fine French-Canadian cuisine. Overnight in Rivière-du-Loup. DAY 14 - RIVIERE-DU-LOUP TO MONTREAL (431 KM) The drive passes Kamouraska and St. Jean-Port-Joli, the woodcarving capital of Quebec. The numerous islands in the St.-Lawrence River are frequented by large colonies of seabirds and shorebirds. In Montreal, indulge in the French cafés and exuberant nightlife. Overnight in Montreal. DAY 15 - MONTREAL The day is at leisure for exploring Montreal, which boasts a vibrant, cosmopolitan flair and a unique combination of the founding cultures of Canada. Stroll through the Old Port, visit the Notre Dame Basilica, return to the 1976 Olympic Games at Olympic Park and relax in Mount Royal Park. Enjoy the joie de vivre in one of Canada’s most exciting cities. Overnight in Montreal. DAY 16 - END OF TOUR The day is at leisure for exploring the sights of Montreal before travelling to Montreal - Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport to check-in for your flight.
Route des Voyageurs - Self Drive Tour
Daily departures from 23rd May to 29th September
Accommodation package from £1,135 per person
Economy and Standard hotel options available
The accommodation package can be booked on its own or we can also include car rental, flights and pre or post accommodation as a tailor made package.
Please contact us for a full quote.