10-Day Montreal to Tadoussac Road Trip Adventure on a Budget

Day 1: Begin Road Trip

Montreal to Trois-Rivières, Canada on May 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Olimpico St-Viateur

Start your day with excellent coffee and pastries at this popular Montreal café known for its friendly vibe and quality brews.
CAD8, 0h30m

9:00AM

Drive Montreal to Trois-Rivières

Head northeast on Autoroute 40 for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Trois-Rivières, enjoying the St. Lawrence River views along the way.
Fuel approx CAD20, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Le Temps d’une Pinte

Enjoy hearty Quebecois comfort food in this casual pub setting ideal for refuelling before exploring.
CAD15, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Old Trois-Rivières

Explore the historic district with its charming streets, artisanal shops, and the impressive Ursuline Monastery (open 9am–5pm).
Free, 2h

4:00PM

Camp at Parc de l'île Saint-Quentin

Set up camp at this well-equipped and scenic campsite offering river views and great facilities. Booking recommended.
CAD25, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner Self-Cooked or Local Deli

Prepare dinner at the campsite with groceries bought locally or pick up a ready meal from a nearby deli to save budget.
CAD10, 1h
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Day 2: Explore Trois-Rivières and Head to Quebec City

Trois-Rivières to Quebec City, Canada on May 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Camp

Enjoy a simple campsite breakfast with coffee and snacks, preparing for a full day ahead.
CAD5, 0h30m

9:00AM

Visit Borealis Paper Mill & Museum

Dive into the industrial history of Trois-Rivières at Borealis, where paper-making is showcased with interactive exhibits (open 10am–4pm).
CAD12, 1h30m

11:00AM

Drive to Quebec City

A 1.5-hour straight drive along Autoroute 40 to the beautiful Quebec City region via the St. Lawrence River.
Fuel approx CAD20, 1h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Le Chic Shack

Try Quebec’s famous poutine or gourmet burgers in a cosy setting near Old Quebec.
CAD15, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Old Quebec

Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage district filled with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and cafes. Must see Château Frontenac and Terrasse Dufferin (open all day).
Free, 3h

5:30PM

Camp at Camping de la Joie, Quebec City

A peaceful campsite approximately 20 minutes drive from downtown Quebec City with good facilities. Book in advance.
CAD30, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Nearby Grocery and Camp Cooking

Save costs by cooking your own dinner using groceries from a local supermarket. Many campgrounds provide picnic tables.
CAD10, 1h
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Day 3: Discover Quebec City

Quebec City, Canada on May 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast nearby campsite

Fuel up with a simple cooked or self-prepared breakfast at or near the campsite.
CAD5, 0h30m

9:00AM

Citadel and Plains of Abraham

Visit the historic Citadel (opens 9am), a star-shaped fortress with marching tours, then stroll the large, green Plains of Abraham park.
CAD9, 2h

11:30AM

Museum of Civilization

Engage with fascinating exhibits on Quebec and Canadian history in this interactive museum (open 9am–5pm).
CAD15, 1h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Café-Boulangerie Paillard

Enjoy fresh bakery items and light lunch options in a lively café perfect for a midday break.
CAD12, 1h

2:30PM

Free afternoon walk in Quartier Petit Champlain

Explore this historic and picturesque shopping area known for art galleries, boutiques and local crafts.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Relax back at campsite

Return to campsite to refresh and prepare for the next day of driving.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Légende Restaurant

Treat yourself to affordable Quebecois cuisine focusing on local ingredients with dishes under CAD20.
CAD20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Journey to Baie-Saint-Paul

Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada on May 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast and pack up camp

Prepare a quick breakfast and get ready to check out from the campsite.
CAD5, 0h30m

9:00AM

Drive Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul

Travel 1.5-hour drive along Route 138 towards Charlevoix region, enjoying rural and river views.
Fuel approx CAD20, 1h30m

11:00AM

Explore Baie-Saint-Paul

Discover art galleries and quaint streets filled with local crafts, stopping by the Musee d’art contemporain de Charlevoix (open 10am–5pm).
CAD10, 1h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Bistro la Muse

Enjoy fresh seafood and regional dishes in an inviting bistro setting.
CAD18, 1h

2:00PM

Drive to Campground near Baie-Saint-Paul

Set up camp at Camping Charlevoix, offering forested pitches and amenities, perfect for overnight stay.
CAD25, Overnight

5:00PM

Short hike in Parc des Grands-Jardins

Explore a scenic trail nearby to marvel at mountain landscapes and spring blossoms, accessible until sunset around 8pm.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner Self-Cooked at Campsite

Use local groceries or picnic supplies for a relaxed dinner under the stars.
CAD10, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Tadoussac

Baie-Saint-Paul to Tadoussac, Canada on May 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast and pack up

Enjoy a light breakfast before setting off for Tadoussac.
CAD5, 0h30m

9:00AM

Drive Baie-Saint-Paul to Tadoussac

Approximate 3-hour drive along scenic Route 138 crossing ferry to Tadoussac, with intermittent river views.
Fuel + Ferry approx CAD40, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Café La Mozaïque

Light, healthy café meals in the heart of Tadoussac ideal before afternoon explorations.
CAD15, 1h

2:00PM

Check into Campsite at Camping Tadoussac

Settle into camp close to town and suitable for those planning to explore the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park.
CAD30, Overnight

3:00PM

Visit Tadoussac Whale Interpretation Centre

Learn about the region’s whale species and conservation efforts, open 9am-6pm in May.
CAD10, 1h

5:00PM

Walk along Tadoussac Beach and Village

Enjoy stunning river views and local boutiques in the village at your own pace.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Microbrasserie La Ferme

Relax with locally brewed beer and casual dining featuring fresh ingredients, with dishes under CAD20.
CAD20, 1h30m
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Day 6: Whale Watching Adventure

Tadoussac, Canada on May 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Campsite or Café

Start with a filling breakfast to prepare for morning whale watching.
CAD8, 0h30m

9:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a 3-hour guided boat tour from Tadoussac harbour to spot belugas and other whales; tours typically run 9am–4pm in spring with multiple departures.
CAD65, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch Picnic or nearby café

Enjoy packed lunch or choose a small café for quick service after the tour.
CAD12, 1h

2:00PM

Hike Sentier de la Pointe de l’Islet

A scenic 2-hour trail from Tadoussac offers wildlife sightings and panorama views of the fjord and St. Lawrence.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Relax and freshen up at campsite

Rest and prepare for dinner with some downtime back at your camp.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant La Villa

Enjoy fine yet accessible seasonal cuisine featuring local seafood and produce with dishes under CAD25.
CAD25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Explore Tadoussac and Surroundings

Tadoussac, Canada on May 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at camp

Prepare a simple breakfast to start your day energized for nature walks.
CAD5, 0h30m

9:00AM

Visit Saguenay Fjord National Park

Drive to the park entrance (20 mins) and spend 3-4 hours hiking accessible trails and spotting wildlife like seals and birds.
CAD8 parking, 4h

1:00PM

Lunch in Nature or Return to Village

Pack a picnic lunch for in-park dining or return for a quick village meal.
CAD12, 1h

2:30PM

Kayaking on St. Lawrence (optional rental)

If budget allows, rent a kayak from local providers for 2 hours to explore coastal waters (consider weather and availability).
CAD40 optional, 2h

5:00PM

Rest at camp

Unwind after a full day of adventure and enjoy camp facilities.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Le Bateau Ivre

Casual dining with an emphasis on local flavours and affordable dishes under CAD20.
CAD20, 1h30m
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Day 8: Last Tadoussac Day

Tadoussac, Canada on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Boheme

Relax at this cosy café offering pastries and good coffee before a light morning activity.
CAD8, 0h30m

9:30AM

Visit Historic Chapel of Tadoussac

Explore this tiny 17th-century chapel one of the oldest in North America, open mornings 9am–12pm.
Free, 30m

10:00AM

Drive and hike at Cap Bon-Désir

Visit this interpretation centre (open 9am–5pm) with easy trails along the cliffs highly regarded for whale watching from land.
CAD5 parking, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at local bakery

Grab sandwiches or quiches at a local bakery for a filling but budget-friendly meal.
CAD12, 1h

2:30PM

Relax or explore souvenir shops

Spend a calm afternoon exploring local artisans or resting before the long drive next day.
Free, 2h

5:30PM

Pack and prepare dinner

Prepare meals at campsite to save money or eat light ready meals nearby.
CAD10, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return via La Malbaie

Tadoussac to La Malbaie, Canada on May 13, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast and pack up

Enjoy your final campsite breakfast at Tadoussac and pack everything for the road.
CAD5, 0h30m

9:00AM

Drive to La Malbaie

A 2.5-hour drive along scenic Route 138 through the Charlevoix region filled with rolling hills and rivers.
Fuel approx CAD30, 2h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Le Saint-Louis

Enjoy a mid-range meal highlighting regional produce in La Malbaie’s town centre.
CAD20, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Domaine Forget

Explore this cultural site and music academy with beautiful grounds and occasional free public access around 1–5pm.
Free, 2h

4:00PM

Check-in at Camping Charlevoix or Motel

Optionally spend last night camping or budget motel in La Malbaie to rest before the final return leg.
CAD30 campsite or CAD60 motel, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Camp or Nearby Eatery

Either cook dinner at campsite or enjoy a modest restaurant meal in town to end your day.
CAD15, 1h
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Day 10: Return to Montreal

La Malbaie to Montreal, Canada on May 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast pack-up

Prepare and eat breakfast at campsite or hotel, then check out.
CAD5, 0h30m

9:00AM

Drive La Malbaie to Montreal

A longer 4-hour journey back to Montreal along scenic highways, stopping occasionally for breaks.
Fuel approx CAD40, 4h

1:00PM

Lunch break en route

Stop at a highway diner or local café around Trois-Rivières to refresh, choosing budget-friendly options.
CAD15, 1h

3:00PM

Arrival back to Montreal

Conclude your memorable 10-day road trip with plenty of scenic memories and wallet intact.
Free, End
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