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Authentic Québec

Montreal

Montréal

From the grandeur of Montréal to that most quintessential of French Canadian cities, Québec, a tour through this magnificent province will introduce you to the markedly different accents of its gregarious people, magnificent colonial architecture, an animated street culture and stylish European cuisine. Meander along the dramatic coastline of the famous St Laurence Seaway, watch for whales in the Saguenay Fjord, and walk through enchanting villages and spectacular countryside that seems unchanged since the days of the first adventurous explorers.

For the chance to see the wildlife of Canada up close, add extra nights on a camping trip to St Felicien Wildlife Park.

The mighty St Laurence River

Le Manoir de Tilly

Le Manoir de Tilly

You begin with two nights at the 4-star Auberge Bonaparte in vibrant Montréal, a large French- speaking city with an American feel. You have a full day here to explore the fascinating Old Town and Mount Royal Park, which offers sweeping panoramic views over the cityscape below. Collecting your hire car the next day (which you keep until your stay in Québec City), you follow the St Laurence River to the charming village of St Antoine de Tilly for a night at le Manoir de Tilly, an elegant and gastronomic family-run inn with extensive gardens that lead down to the river.

The following morning you cross to the northern bank of the mighty St Laurence and continue east to reach the pretty village of La Malbaie in the heart of the picturesque Charlevoix region. On your day here at the Auberge des Peupliers, you have several options: head to the nearby High Gorges National Park on the Malbaie River; browse the arts and craft galleries of the bustling little town of Baie St Paul; or enjoy the spectacular wooded coastal splendour of the St Laurence.

Saguenay fjord

The Saguenay Fjord

Fjords & whale watching

The next day’s drive takes you to the remarkable high wooded cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord (one of the longest fjords in the world), to the Auberge du Jardin, a secluded inn close to the village of Petit Saguenay and a great base from which to explore. With two nights here, you have ample time to enjoy walking or kayaking in the Saguenay National Park; visit the pretty village of l’Anse St Jean or marvel at the delightful scenery of the stunning Baie de l’Eternité. From here, our preferred route takes you on a spectacular scenic drive around the northern side of the fjord, calling in to visit the delightful village of Sainte Rose du Nord on your way to Tadoussac, the departure point for many whale-watching trips.

Quebec City

Québec's historic streets

These large gentle mammals congregate where the cold waters of the Saguenay meet the St Laurence - now a designated Marine Park - and the excitement of seeing Humpback, Minke and Beluga is impossible to describe. Returning west along Charlevoix’s scenic coastline, you now head for historic Québec City, the only fortified city in North America. With two nights in a small guesthouse, Le Cap Diamant, in the heart of the Old Town, you are ideally placed to explore the winding cobbled streets, admire the colonial architecture, and savour the distinctly French flavours of this lively and charming city.

Whale breaching

Enjoy the thrill of whale-watching

See Canada's wildlife

To extend your holiday, why not head north from Saguenay for a unique camping experience in St Félicien wildlife park?

Holiday details

ROUTE: 11 nights, car hire from Montréal
1ST NIGHT: Montréal, Auberge Bonaparte (B&B)
DAY 1:
Montréal, Auberge Bonaparte (B&B)
DAY 2: 160-mile/3.5-hour drive to St Antoine de Tilly, Manoir de Tilly (with dinner)
DAY 3: 120-mile/3-hour drive to La Malbaie, Auberge des Peupliers (with dinner)
DAY 4: La Malbaie, Auberge des Peupliers (B&B)
DAY 5: 60-mile/1.5-hour drive to Petit Saguenay, Auberge du Jardin (B&B)
DAY 6: Petit Saguenay, Auberge du Jardin (B&B)
DAY 7: 130-mile/1.5-hour drive to Tadoussac, l’Auberge Maison Gagné (B&B)
DAY 8: Tadoussac, l’Auberge Maison Gagné (B&B)
DAY 9: 130-mile/3.5-hour drive to Québec City, Le Cap Diamant (room only)
DAY 10: Québec City, Le Cap Diamant (room only)
DAY 11: Depart

Prices 2009

£ per person based
on 2 in a double rm
Journey
price
With
flights
Single
room
11 nights: 31 May-15 October 2009
31 May-24 Jun 998 1638 596
25 Jun-15 Jul 1125 1945 624
16 Jul-31 Aug 1148 1968 624
1-30 Sep 1088 1728 624
1-15 Oct 1048 1688 610
3rd+ person saving 110 110  

Start: any day
Includes: 9 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 8 days' category C car hire
With flights also includes: Air Canada flights outward Heathrow-Montréal, homeward Québec City-Heathrow via Montréal. Please call for the full range of flight options from the UK
Extra nights can be booked at any of the inns:

Extra Night Prices 2009

£ per person based
on 2 in a double rm
All dates
Single supp
all dates
All prices include extra day's car hire - except Montréal & Québec City
Montréal B&B 65 65
St Antoine B&B 51 40
La Malbaie B&B 64 52
Petit Saguenay B&B 40 40
Tadoussac 47 47
Québec City room only 64 64

To discuss this or any other of our holidays in North America, call us on 01653 617793 or email us. We will be happy to tailor-make an itinerary to suit your exact requirements.

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