5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Quebec Including Montreal

  • Day 1: Old Quebec City
    Estimated Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes. Estimated Distance: 2.8 miles

    Start your Quebec adventure with a visit to the historic Old Quebec City. The UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts charming cobblestone streets and stunning colonial architecture. Highlights of the area include the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and the Citadel. Take a stroll down Rue Saint-Jean for shopping and dining.

  • Day 2: Montmorency Falls Park and Parc Aquarium du Quebec
    Estimated Time: 5 hours, 45 minutes. Estimated Distance: 20.6 miles

    Explore nature on day two with a visit to Montmorency Falls Park. The park offers breathtaking views of the 272-foot waterfall along with hiking trails and a suspension bridge. Afterward, head to Parc Aquarium du Quebec to see various marine life exhibited in their natural habitats. Don't miss the touch pool where you can interact with starfish and sea urchins.

  • Day 3: Mont Royal Park and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
    Estimated Time: 5 hours, 35 minutes. Estimated Distance: 145.7 miles

    Visit Mont Royal Park, a relaxing area at the heart of Montreal. The 200-hectare park offers an array of activities including hiking, running, picnicking and biking trails, and even a small lake for paddle boaters. Follow up with a trip to Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which holds over 42,000 pieces of artwork. Don't miss their international art pavilion, which shows works from different parts of the world.

  • Day 4: Notre-Dame Basilica and Montreal Botanical Garden
    Estimated Time: 5 hours, 10 minutes. Estimated Distance: 11.3 miles

    Begin the day by visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica, one of Montreal's most iconic buildings with a gothic revival architectural style. Inside, visitors can appreciate the beautiful stained glass windows that tell the story of Montreal's religious heritage. After the cathedral, head to Montreal Botanical Garden, which is home to more than 22,000 plants across 10 greenhouses and 30 themed gardens. The Chinese and Japanese gardens are popular spots to sit and relax.

  • Day 5: Mount Tremblant Resort and Skiing
    Estimated Time: 5 hours. Estimated Distance: 81.3 miles

    Take a day trip to Mount Tremblant Resort and enjoy winter sports activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The stunning scenery during the colder temperatures is well worth the journey. If not keen on winter sports, trek around and breathe the fresh air as you experience the magic that is Mount Tremblant.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Old Quebec City (4 hours, free)
  • Montmorency Falls Park (2.5 hours, $14.25 adults/$7.10 for children)
  • Parc Aquarium du Quebec (3 hours, $21.75 adults/$11.75 for children)
  • Mont Royal Park (2 hours, free)
  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (2.5 hours, $16 adults/$10 children)
  • Notre-Dame Basilica (1 hour, $10 adults/$5 children)
  • Montreal Botanical Garden (3 hours, $21.25 adults/$10.75 children)
  • Mount Tremblant Resort and Skiing (4 hours, $26 skiing/$15 snowshoe trial entrance)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $115.75 per adult or $65.35 per child

Transportation:

Driving is the best option to get around Quebec, but note that parking can be costly in the cities, $24 per day on average. Renting a car in Quebec City or Montreal costs around $45 to $90 per day on average. Public transportation like buses, metros, and trains are available throughout the city.

Useful tips:

If you have fewer than five days, prioritize visits to specific attractions that you are interested in. For longer trips, consider visiting nearby cities such as Ottawa or Toronto. If traveling during peak season, book activities and accommodations beforehand.

Airports:

Quebec has two airports: Quebec City Airport (YQB) and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL). YQB is located 15 minutes from downtown Quebec City, while YUL is 20 minutes from downtown Montreal. Taxis to downtown cost around $35-$40 on average. Both airports offer rental car services, as well as public transportation options.

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