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Quebec winter road trip, a 7-day itinerary

Date December 9, 2022

little-white-house-in-the-snow-winter-charlevoix

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Want to explore the province between December and March and wondering where to go? Take 7 days of vacation and plan your winter road trip in Quebec. Between entertaining festivals, scrumptious gourmet spots and cozy accommodations, you will see that summer has nothing on winter!

Winter Fun in Ottawa

Your road trip in Quebec in winter actually starts on the border of Quebec, in a city that is most pleasant to visit during the cold season, Ottawa. Skate the Rideau Canal, snowshoe in Gatineau Park, visit the Canadian Museum of History and hike Parliament Hill.

Corridor en brique avec des cellules de prison à Saintlo Ottawa Jail

For your 2 nights, get ready to doze off in a rather unusual setting between the walls of a former prison at the very well-located Saintlo Ottawa Jail hostel.

Did you know?

Ottawa is where beaver tails were born? Sink your teeth into this dessert as you browse the aisles of the ByWard Market. If you find yourself in Ottawa in February, Winterlude is a festival that will make you rediscover winter in the capital!

A Night in Montreal to Enjoy Winter

Add some urbanity to your winter Quebec road trip by spending a night in Montreal to cut the road in half. Drop off your luggage at the Saintlo Montreal hostel before heading to the beautiful neighbourhoods of the metropolis such as Villeray, Mile-End, Old Montreal and the Plateau Mont-Royal.

Stock up on fresh bagels at St-Viateur Bagel, drink hot chocolate at Juliette et Chocolat, take a walk in La Fontaine Park and go art hunting in the city’s underground passages.

If you want to relax, the Bota Bota spa offers you a few hours of relaxation during a hot-cold ritual perfect for winter!

Personne qui relaxe au spa Bota Bota — © Justine Marc-Aurèle

Winter in La Malbaie to Explore Charlevoix

Now leave the urban area for quieter parcels. Along the St. Lawrence River head to La Malbaie, passing through the charming little artistic village of Baie-Saint-Paul. Isle-aux-Coudres is also worth the detour to enjoy incomparable landscapes.

Get your fill of photos along the Route des montagnes or savour local along the Route des saveurs if you’re more of a foodie! During the day, plan a few hikes from Auberge La Malbaie where you can then rest.

If you prefer the south shore of the river or have a few extra days, you can aim for the Bas-Saint-Laurent region by planning your stay around the L’Auberge internationale de Rivière-du-Loup.

Several national parks are located along your itinerary, so schedule a nature stop thanks to our multiple suggestions.

Randonneurs en hiver — © Destination Canada

Now that you know where to road trip in Quebec in winter, all you need to do is decide on you travel partner. With friends, your partner, family or even alone, the winding roads of the province promise you countless memories!