Direct answer

Aim for 7–10 days to explore Quebec province comfortably. This allows time for Quebec City, Montreal, and key regions (Eastern Townships, Charlevoix, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean or Gaspé) with a mix of city culture and nature.

Suggested itineraries by trip length

• 4–5 days (quick): Montreal (2–3 days) + Quebec City (1–2 days). Good if short on time.
• 7 days (balanced): Montreal 2–3 days → Quebec City 2 days → Charlevoix or Eastern Townships 2 days (or Saguenay day trip).
• 10–14 days (in-depth): Montreal 3 days → Quebec City 2–3 days → Charlevoix 2 days → Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean or Gaspé 3–4 days (or add Îles-de-la-Madeleine).

What to explore (high-level highlights)

• Montreal: Old Montreal, Mount Royal, Museum of Fine Arts, Plateau neighborhood, food scene, festivals (summer).
• Quebec City: Old Québec (UNESCO), Château Frontenac, Plains of Abraham, Petit Champlain, city ramparts.
• Charlevoix: Scenic drives, art galleries, whale watching (Baie-Saint-Paul to Tadoussac for whales), hiking.
• Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean: Saguenay Fjord, bike paths, nature, local cuisine.
• Gaspé Peninsula: Forillon National Park, Percé Rock, coastal drives (requires more time).
• Eastern Townships: Vineyards, quaint villages (North Hatley, Sutton), lakes and outdoor activities.
• Îles-de-la-Madeleine: Red cliffs, beaches, seafood (best if you have extra days).
• Activities by season: Skiing (winter: Mont Tremblant), fall foliage drives (Sept–Oct), spring maple-sugar season, summer festivals and hiking.

Estimated costs (per person, mid-range backpacker/hostel-first, EXCLUDING international airfare and excluding private hotels)

Assumptions: 7-day trip, traveling between cities by bus/cheaper train or rental car split, staying in hostels/dorms, modest meals, some paid activities.

• Accommodation (hostels/dorms): CAD 30–45 per night → CAD 210–315 for 7 nights
• Food: CAD 25–45 per day (mix of grocery, casual restaurants) → CAD 175–315
• Local transport: city transit + intercity buses/trains: CAD 60–150 (more if using rental car)
• Activities & entrance fees: CAD 50–150 (museums, guided tours, whale-watching extra ~CAD 70–120)
• Misc/gear/souvenirs: CAD 30–70 Estimated total (7 days): CAD 525–1,000

Notes for other trip lengths:

• 4–5 days: ~CAD 350–700
• 10–14 days: ~CAD 800–1,600 (scales with activities & travel distances; Gaspé/Îles add transport costs)

If renting a car (recommended for Charlevoix, Gaspé, Îles): add ~CAD 50–100/day plus fuel and insurance.

Practical tips

• Book hostels early in summer and fall foliage season. Montreal and Quebec City have many options.
• Intercity travel: VIA Rail and Québec’s Orléans Express buses connect major centers; compare prices to driving.
• Season matters: winter needs warm gear and may increase activity costs; whale watching is best May–Oct; fall colors peak Sept–Oct.
• Currency: prices shown in CAD. Tipping: 15–20% in restaurants is customary.
• Safety & language: Quebec is primarily French-speaking; many tourism businesses speak English in major cities—learn basic French phrases.

If you tell me your travel dates, preferred pace (relaxed vs. packed), and whether you want nature or culture prioritized, I can draft a day-by-day itinerary and refine the budget.