Day Tripping Quebec: Must-See Scenic Drives

In any road trip, the journey is as memorable as the destination. And when you embark on one with your family, even a quick one-day road trip, you get to foster togetherness, as well as gain a newfound appreciation for the country you live in.

In Alberta alone, there are already five UNESCO World Heritage Sites to satisfy your wanderlust. Ontario, on the other hand, can quench your thirst for exciting urban adventures. As for Quebec, here are the top spots to consider for a fun-filled daytrip with your family.

Ile d’Orleans

From downtown Quebec City, you might want to take your Dodge or family vehicle past the bridge for the first scenic destination of your one-day road trip – a rustic island called Ile d’Orleans.

This place teems with crops almost year-round. The sight of vibrant tracts of land makes for a pleasant respite after a busy week.

Wendake

Drive along the streets of Wendake to catch a glimpse of beautifully preserved and bonafide First Nations structures. There’s the historic Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Church, as well as the Huron Village reconstruction at the Onhoüa Cheteke Traditional Huron Site.

If you’re up for hunting a charming art piece to take home to commemorate your daytrip, then a visit at Wendake’s numerous art shops is in order.

Beaupre

Along the lovely Saint Lawrence River and Route 138, you’ll get to see Beaupre. This scenic town is known for its many sports attractions, including the skiing station Mont-Sainte-Anne.

You should also see Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River while driving across Beaupre.

Baie-St-Paul

This old municipality situated in a valley at the Saint Lawrence riverbank is known as Cirque du Soleil’s birthplace. It is also home to many popular tourist attractions, including the Musée d’art contemporain de Baie-Saint-Paul.

Baie-St-Paul’s streets are narrow and lined with art galleries, restaurants, and shops. When you get to Baie-St-Paul, don’t miss out on the picturesque six-kilometer drive along Le Massif de Petite-Rivière-Saint-François.

Sorel-Tracy

This port city in southwestern Quebec has a distinctive nautical air about it. There are ferries and tug boats plying their watery routes, plus people merrily making their way to join boat tours. Consider making a brief stop at Sorel-Tracy’s docks to see ships sailing out to the sea as you snack on sandwiches or any finger foods you have packed for your daytrip.

Now, if you have plans for a picnic, continue heading south from Sorel-Tracy. Route 133 offers a relaxing sight of villages and farmlands. Eventually, you’ll reach Saint-Ours, which is one of the earliest human settlements in Montérégie, Quebec. There are trees that provide shade to picnic tables at Saint-Ours Canal National Historic Site, which is operated by Parks Canada. You should also see an old grist mill at this site, as well as a few recreational boats.

A one-day drive to explore Quebec’s many cultural and natural attractions may not be enough, but you are likely to drive back home in high spirits and eager to do another daytrip soon. Consider driving across Ontario next time.

Catherine Kato works in travel and is also an experienced travel guide. She likes to share her insights online and has written for a number of niche travelsites.