Quebec summer road trip with kids: a 10-day itinerary
Want to tour Quebec as a family this summer? Here's a 10-day loop from Montreal with reasonable driving legs and at least one kid-friendly activity every day.
In short: Quebec City (2 days), Charlevoix (2 days), Tadoussac (1 day), Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean (3 days), back via La Mauricie (2 days).
Days 1 and 2: Quebec City
- Old Quebec and the funicular, then the Aquarium du Québec.
- Montmorency Falls and its cable car, on the way east.
- For more ideas: Things to do in Quebec City with kids.
Days 3 and 4: Charlevoix
- The Charlevoix Train, 125 km along the river, from Baie-Saint-Paul.
- The Charlevoix Maritime Museum: climb aboard wooden schooners.
- See Family vacation in Charlevoix and Tadoussac.
Day 5: Tadoussac
- A whale-watching cruise in the marine park (up to 13 species, including belugas).
- The Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre and its whale skeletons.
Days 6 to 8: Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean
- The Musée du Fjord in La Baie, with its aquarium.
- La Pulperie de Chicoutimi.
- A full day at the Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo, by train through the boreal forest.
- See Family vacation in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
Days 9 and 10: La Mauricie and home
- La Mauricie National Park: beaches, canoeing and lookouts (free for ages 17 and under).
- A stop in Trois-Rivières: Boréalis or the year-round Chez Dany sugar shack.
Our tips
- Book lodging and whale cruises early: July and August are very busy.
- Plan days without long drives: kids need breaks.
- Keep warm clothes handy: it's cool on the river, even in summer.
- An audiobook or a game of "I spy" makes drives feel much shorter!
Frequently asked questions
How many days for a Quebec City–Charlevoix–Saguenay loop?
Allow at least 8 to 10 days to enjoy it without spending all day in the car.
When can you see whales in Tadoussac?
Cruises run from May to late October.
Which stop do young kids enjoy most?
The Saint-Félicien Wild Zoo, the Aquarium du Québec and the whale cruise.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices, hours and seasons may change: confirm with each place before you leave.
