3-Day Montreal to Tadoussac Road Trip Highlights on a Budget

Day 1: Montreal to Quebec City

Montreal to Quebec City, Canada on May 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Olimpico St-Viateur, Montreal

Enjoy quality coffee and pastries to energise your day before starting the drive.
CAD8, 0h30m

9:00AM

Drive Montreal to Quebec City

A direct 3-hour drive on Autoroute 40 with scenic views of the St. Lawrence River.
Fuel approx CAD30, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Le Chic Shack, Quebec City

Try gourmet burgers or poutine close to Old Quebec to refuel before exploring.
CAD15, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Old Quebec

Stroll cobblestone streets, visit Château Frontenac and Terrasse Dufferin (open all day).
Free, 3h

5:30PM

Camp at Camping de la Joie near Quebec City

Set up at this convenient campground 20 mins from city centre with good amenities.
CAD30, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner with groceries at campsite

Save money by cooking dinner using local supermarket ingredients at the campsite.
CAD10, 1h

Day 2: Quebec City to Tadoussac

Quebec City to Tadoussac, Canada on May 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at campsite

Simple breakfast to prepare for the day’s longer travel ahead.
CAD5, 0h30m

9:00AM

Drive Quebec City to Tadoussac

Approximate 3.5-hour drive via Route 138 with ferry crossing and scenic river views.
Fuel + Ferry approx CAD40, 3h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Café La Mozaïque, Tadoussac

Light café meals in a charming village setting to recharge after the drive.
CAD15, 1h

2:00PM

Check-in and camp at Camping Tadoussac

Settle into the campsite near town, ideal for exploring the marine park and local activities.
CAD30, Overnight

3:00PM

Tadoussac Whale Interpretation Centre

Learn about local whales and conservation efforts, open 9am–6pm in May.
CAD10, 1h

4:30PM

Walk along Tadoussac Village and Beach

Relax by the river, visit local shops and enjoy beautiful views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Microbrasserie La Ferme

Casual dining with local beer and affordable dishes under CAD20.
CAD20, 1h30m

Day 3: Tadoussac & Return to Montreal

Tadoussac to Montreal, Canada on May 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at camp or local café

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast to fuel the morning activity and journey home.
CAD8, 0h30m

9:00AM

Morning hike in Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay

Explore easy trails offering impressive views and wildlife spotting, within 20 minutes drive of Tadoussac.
CAD8 parking, 2h

11:30AM

Pack up camp and prepare for drive

Return to campsite to pack and check out before the long drive home.
Free, 0h30m

12:00PM

Lunch stop in Trois-Rivières

Stop at a budget-friendly café or diner along the route for a quick meal break.
CAD15, 1h

1:00PM

Drive Tadoussac to Montreal

Approximate 5-hour drive back to Montreal via Route 138 and Autoroute 40.
Fuel approx CAD50, 5h

6:00PM

Arrival in Montreal

Conclude your scenic and budget-friendly 3-day road trip with lasting memories.
Free, End