Charms of Québec A Journey through Montreal, Charlevoix & Quebec City
Charms of Québec A Journey through Montreal, Charlevoix & Quebec City
8 Days Starting in Montreal, Canada and ending in Quebec City, Canada
Visiting: Montreal, La Malbaie, Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16471
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Quebec, exploring the vibrant cities of Montreal, Charlevoix, and Quebec City. Begin in Montreal, where modernity meets history, and savor the city's famous bagels. Discover the art of copper embossing at the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and indulge in the sweet tradition of maple syrup at an Indigenous museum. Experience the thrill of a Zodiac whale-watching expedition in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. Marvel at the majestic Montmorency Falls, towering higher than Niagara, and wander through the historic streets of Quebec City. Delight in a culinary adventure on Île d'Orléans, sampling local cheeses, jams, and wines. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural wonders, and gastronomic delights, all set against the backdrop of Quebec's stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Montreal, Quebec
Location: Montreal
Accommodation Name: Le Centre Sheraton
Welcome to Montreal. This lively multicultural city is rich in history and European charm. An in-depth exploration of the vibrant, French-speaking province of Quebec kicks off in this exciting, modern hub.
Day 2 : Montreal
Location: Montreal
Meals Included: Dinner
Start your day with a panoramic tour of Montreal. Take in the sights of the city, including Jacques Cartier Square and McGill University, and along the way, stop inside a bakery to find out why Montreal is famous for its bagels. Top it off with spectacular views from “the mountain” as it’s called by locals, named Mount Royal by Jacques Cartier in 1535. The afternoon is yours. Sit in a sidewalk café, visit a museum, or browse some of the city’s many famous shops. This evening, experience a taste of Montreal during dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 : Montreal - La Malbaie, Charlevoix Region
Location: La Malbaie
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, breakfast awaits at an Indigenous maple museum and grove, where the highlight of the menu is fresh maple syrup! The practice of tapping maple trees has ancient roots from the Indigenous peoples of North America and has resurged as an important connection to nature and ancestral traditions. Next, visit the only studio in North America still producing embossed copper art by hand. During a visit to the family-run Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and Museum, learn about this disappearing artform, see a demonstration of the detailed work, and enjoy a treat cooked in unique copper molds. Next, it’s on to Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, the oldest pilgrimage site in North America. Set off for Charlevoix, a picturesque region sculpted between the sea and mountains. Arrive at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, a serene and historic castle-like hotel overlooking the St. Lawrence River – and your home for two nights.
Day 4 : La Malbaie - Baie Sainte Catherine - La Malbaie
Location: Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, take to the water aboard a large Zodiac boat for an exhilarating whale-watching* expedition. Embrace nature all around you in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park and set out to encounter the fascinating and majestic creatures here. A naturalist guide will introduce you to the many species that reside in this marine protected area, like minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and belugas. Then, the remainder of the day is at leisure to take advantage of your resort’s many amenities.** Maybe you’ll relax at the spa, hit the golf course, or hike along the property’s trails. This evening, enjoy an included dinner.
Day 5 : Charlevoix Region - Baie-Saint-Paul - Quebec City
Location: Quebec City
Accommodation Name: Clarendon Hotel
Begin the day with a visit to Papeterie Saint-Gilles, a workshop and economuseum where craftsmen make paper as they did in the 17th century. During this Impact Moment, connect with artisans who preserve this piece of heritage through the craft of pressing paper made from cotton. Next, head to a family-owned lavender farm to learn about the production of the cherished herbal plant and enjoy a taste of some lavender treats. Then, at Montmorency Falls, stand in awe of the river plunging 272 feet off the Canadian Shield (approximately 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls), taking in stunning views from the many lookout points. Finally, arrive in historic Quebec City, the cradle of French America and North America’s only fortified city.
Day 6 : Quebec City - Île D'orléans - Quebec City
Location: Quebec City
This morning, set out to explore the city your way, because it’s your choice! Join a local guide for a walking tour and stroll the history-filled streets of Old Quebec, hearing stories of days gone by -OR- embark on a panoramic coach tour to experience the beauty and history of both Old and New Quebec, seeing the provincial Parliament, the Saint-Louis Gate, and the site of the original settlement of the city. Then you’re off for a culinary adventure to taste your way through Île d'Orléans. One of the first areas of the province to be colonized by the French, the island is known for its ancestral homes, agriculture, and breathtaking scenery. Stop to sample cheeses, fresh jams, and even goat milk ice cream among a variety of locally made products, with chances to meet local producers along the way. Travel down the island’s coast to a vineyard to enjoy a winery tour and wine tasting paired with beautiful views of the island’s greenery. Return to Quebec City and spend the remainder of your day at leisure.
Day 7 : Quebec City
Location: Quebec City
Meals Included: Dinner
Today is yours to explore however you wish. Old Quebec’s winding streets and old-world European ambiance call. Maybe you’ll meander beside the fabulous Château Frontenac and descend to Lower Town to visit the boutiques and cafés in Petit-Champlain. Or choose to join an optional tour to explore Indigenous history and culture at the Huron Wendat First Nations Museum and sample First Nations flavors over lunch. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure before gathering to say au revoir to your time in Quebec during a farewell dinner.
Day 8 : Quebec City - Tour Ends
Location: Quebec City
Your tour of the charming Canadian province of Quebec comes to a close today.
What's Included
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Montreal City Tour
Enjoy a panoramic tour of Montreal, including visits to Jacques Cartier Square and McGill University.
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Indigenous Maple Museum Breakfast
Experience breakfast at an Indigenous maple museum with fresh maple syrup.
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Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio Visit
Visit the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and Museum to learn about hand-embossed copper art.
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Whale-Watching Expedition
Embark on a Zodiac whale-watching expedition in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
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Montmorency Falls Visit
Visit Montmorency Falls, which are higher than Niagara Falls, and enjoy the stunning views.
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Culinary Adventure on Île d’Orléans
Taste your way through Île d’Orléans with samples of cheeses, fresh jams, and goat milk ice cream.
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Quebec City Exploration
Explore Quebec City with options for a walking tour or a panoramic coach tour.
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Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner to conclude your journey in Quebec.
What's Not Included
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Optional Tours
Optional tours, such as exploring Indigenous history at the Huron Wendat First Nations Museum, are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and gratuities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Experiences
Get to know Montreal’s neighborhoods and mix of modern and historic architecture.At the family-run Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and Museum, encounter stunning works of hand-embossed copper.Learn about the production of lavender, an emblem of French culture, and savor some lavender-infused delights.
Culinaries
Taste your way through the terroir of Île d’Orléans on a progressive culinary adventure.Peek into the ovens cooking up Montreal’s famous bagels – and taste why they’re a city-wide staple.Discover the ancestral tradition of maple syrup-making at an Indigenous maple museum.
Must See
Soak in Quebec City’s charms and the unmissable sight of Château Frontenac.Admire the grandeur of Saint Anne de Beaupre Basilica, the oldest pilgrimage site in North America.At Montmorency Falls, stand in awe of the waterfalls, higher than Niagara.Set out on a Zodiac whale-watching expedition in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
Choice Highlights
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
Indigenous Maple Museum Breakfast and Tour
Whale-Watching Zodiac Expedition
Montmorency Falls Take in Montmorency Falls, where a cable car whisks you up-close to a river as it plunges 272 feet off the Canadian Shield, approximately 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls.
Tasting Tour of Île de Orléans
Mode of Transport
Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Quebec with a mix of guided tours and leisure time, including a thrilling Zodiac whale-watching expedition in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and elegance at Le Centre Sheraton in Montreal, the historic Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Charlevoix, and the charming Clarendon Hotel in Quebec City, offering a blend of modern amenities and classic charm throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park?
The tour offers an exhilarating whale-watching expedition aboard a large Zodiac boat in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, where you can encounter various species like minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and belugas, guided by a naturalist.
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What can participants expect to learn at the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and Museum?
Participants will learn about the disappearing art form of hand-embossed copper production, see a demonstration of the detailed work, and enjoy a treat cooked in unique copper molds at the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio and Museum.
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What culinary experiences are included on Île d'Orléans?
On Île d'Orléans, participants will embark on a culinary adventure tasting local products such as cheeses, fresh jams, and goat milk ice cream, with opportunities to meet local producers. The tour also includes a visit to a vineyard for a winery tour and wine tasting.
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What historical insights are offered during the tour in Quebec City?
In Quebec City, participants can choose between a walking tour with a local guide to explore the history-filled streets of Old Quebec or a panoramic coach tour to see both Old and New Quebec, including the provincial Parliament and the Saint-Louis Gate.
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What is special about the visit to Montmorency Falls?
At Montmorency Falls, participants will stand in awe of the river plunging 272 feet off the Canadian Shield, which is approximately 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls, and enjoy stunning views from various lookout points.
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What is the significance of the breakfast at the Indigenous maple museum?
The breakfast at the Indigenous maple museum highlights fresh maple syrup and offers insights into the ancient practice of tapping maple trees, a tradition with roots in the Indigenous peoples of North America, emphasizing a connection to nature and ancestral traditions.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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