8 Day Brilliant Autumn Colours of Quebec

Day 1: Arrive in Montréal

Arrive in Montréal and check in to your downtown hotel.There will be free time this evening to explore the heart of historic and friendly Montreal and its cobbled streets. When it comes to the fundamentals of getting to know Montréal, several attractions like the Place d' Armes, Basilica Notre-Dame, Place Jacques-Cartier and the cobbled streets of Old Montreal stand out and all can easily be done on foot.

Overnight: Montréal

Day 2: Montréal Sightseeing

This morning take Hop on Hop off tour to over the main points of interest including a photo stop of Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory, Old Montreal, the French Quarter and Mount Royal on a three-hour coach city tour. Bask in the glory of the Notre Dame Basilica, stroll through Chinatown, and walk streets of the Old Port. Plan your evening and scope out the best bars and restaurants along Crescent Street. With 10 different places to hop-on or hop-off, there is no shortage of things to do and places to see. This hop-on hop-off tour is a unique and informative way to experience Montreal!This afternoon discovers Montreal from a whole new perspective as you join a discovery cruise on the St Lawrence River.

Overnight: Montréal

Day 3: Montréal — Québec City by VIA Rail

Following the St. Lawrence River, travel from city suburbs through rural landscapes to the oldest walled city in North America. Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure and a walkable and safe destination to explore on foot. Stroll and discover the only fortified city north of Mexico with its cobblestone streets and fortified walls. Admire the view from many different vantage points and visit notable historical sites, such as Petit-Champlain District, Place Royale, the Plains of Abraham and the Parliament Building. As you stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, be sure to take a picture of world-famous Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world.

Overnight: Québec City

Day 4: Québec City Sightseeing

The best way to discover and explore historic Quebec City is on the Hop on Hop off the bus. Hop on and hop off the red loop bus service as often as you please and see Quebec City at your own pace. This afternoon travel by coach to the Beaupre Coast and Montmorency Falls. Taking the Avenue through the traditional villages and farms of the Beaupre Coast, your guide will help you relive the tranquil pace of bygone years. A 45 minute stop is scheduled at the Montmorency Falls and the shrine of Ste-Anne-Beaupre, with a short detour to the western tip of the Island of Orleans.

Overnight: Québec City

Day 5: The Spectacular Autumn Colours near Québec City

Pick up your included rental car this morning. The changing of the leaves each autumn during late September and into October is due not so much to the cooler temperatures as to the decreased light resulting from shorter days. In the maple tree, the accumulation of sugar in the sap is what accounts for the brilliant red of the leaves, whose hue varies depending on the soil composition. The autumn colours are at their best in Mont Saint-Anne and in nearby Parc National de la Jacques Cartier, both within easy drive distance from Quebec City. Keep your cameras at the ready as this will be a day of stunning images.

Overnight: Québec City

Day 6: Quebec City and the Charlevoix Region by road

Today depart Québec City and travel the scenic Charlevoix region following the mighty St. Lawrence River to the picturesque Charlevoix region and the quaint town of Baie-Saint-Paul. On the way, you will see the pastoral farmlands on the romantic le d'Orléans and the vivid fall colours on the riverside slopes. We suggest driving an additional 90 km to the town of La Malbaie and onwards to Baie St Catherine to see the stunning beauty of the Charlevoix region during autumn. During this time of the year, Charlevoix's landscapes take on their dazzling colours in the autumn. We suggest joining a 3 hrs long whale watching cruise from Baie St Catherine to meet the giant marine mammals in the Gulf of St Lawrence or else bike alongside the St. Lawrence River, to enjoy this scenery of unparalleled beauty.

Day 7: Charlevoix and Quebec City

Explore the quintessentially Quebecois town of Baie-Saint-Paul today. Baie-Saint-Paul is nestled in the heart of a scenic valley and cultural life is ever-present, from museums and art galleries to gourmet restaurants and corner bistros. The streets are lined with century-old homes and are reserved for pedestrians, musicians, painters and street artists. The famous show of Cirque du Soleil took its first steps here in the early '80s. Take a stroll down Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, home to one of the highest concentrations of art galleries in Canada. After spending the day in this quaint town, drive back to Quebec City. Return your rental car.

Overnight: Québec City

Day 8: Depart Quebec City

Our introduction to the highlights of Quebec during the best time of the year comes to an end.OPTION: Extend your stay in Montreal or Quebec and experience the diverse attractions that these beautiful French Canadian cities have to offer.