Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for Montreal and Quebec City

  1. Day 1: Old Montreal
    Stay in Old Montreal
    Morning - brunch at Le Cartet
    Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica
    Lunch at Jardin Nelson
    Afternoon - stroll through Montreal's Chinatown

    Start the trip in Old Montreal, known for its historic buildings and cobbled streets. Visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, a grand Gothic revival church. Jardin Nelson has a lovely outdoor terrace for lunch while Montreal's Chinatown is the perfect spot for an afternoon walk.

  2. Day 2: Mont-Royal Park
    20 minutes (6.2 km) from Old Montreal
    Morning - picnic in Mont-Royal Park
    Visit Biodome de Montreal
    Lunch at Chez Jose
    Afternoon - explore Montreal Science Centre

    Mont-Royal Park is a fantastic natural escape from the city with great picnic spots. Biodome de Montreal has several ecosystems that are home to thousands of different animals. Lunch at Chez Jose, a bright and cozy restaurant in Gay Village. Spend the afternoon exploring Montreal Science Centre, offering interactive exhibits.

  3. Day 3: Quebec City-Walkthrough Old Quebec
    147 km from Montreal (2.5-hour drive)
    Morning - breakfast at Paillard
    Walkthrough Old Quebec
    Lunch at Bistro Sous le Fort
    Afternoon - explore Plains of Abraham

    Drive from Montreal to Quebec City for a day trip. Start the day at Paillard, a bakery that has great breakfast options. Walkthrough Old Quebec's beautiful cobblestone streets to feel the European influence on this historic city. Try the savoury crepes at Bistro Sous le Fort and explore the vast Plains of Abraham park for the rest of the afternoon.

  4. Day 4: Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
    37 km from Quebec City (30 minutes by car)
    Morning - visit Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica
    Lunch at Casino de Charlevoix
    Afternoon - explore Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier

    Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica is a stunning example of Quebec's religious heritage. Have lunch at the Casino de Charlevoix, a beautiful Art Deco building. Spend the afternoon exploring Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities.

  5. Day 5: Montreal - Food and Market
    Stay in Montreal
    Morning - breakfast at Arthurs Nosh Bar
    Visit the Atwater Market
    Lunch at Le Vin Papillon
    Afternoon - explore St. Joseph's Oratory

    Start the day with brunch at Arthurs Nosh Bar, a classic Jewish deli in St-Henri. Visit the Atwater Market, a great spot for local produce and gourmet foods. Lunch at Le Vin Papillon, a fantastic restaurant with a killer wine list. Visit St. Joseph's Oratory in the afternoon - one of Montreal's largest churches.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Notre-Dame Basilica (1 hour, $12 CAD)
  • Jardin Nelson (1 hour, $20 CAD)
  • Biodome de Montreal (2 hours, $21.50 CAD)
  • Quebec City: walking tour of Old Quebec (2-3 hours, free)
  • Bistro Sous le Fort (1 hour, $30 CAD)
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica (1-2 hours, free)
  • Casino de Charlevoix (1 hour, $30 CAD)
  • St. Joseph's Oratory (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $113.50 CAD

Useful tips

For families with extra energy, a day trip to a sugar shack is a must - an excellent opportunity to experience Quebec's maple heritage. Marche Jean-Talon can replace Atwater Market if it is preferred since it has a more significant child-friendly experience.

0