After completing your tour of the Atlantic Provinces, Blackcircles.ca would like to invite you to continue your cross-Canada adventure in the largest province in the country: Quebec. Not only is it a fairly common vacation destination, it is also the second most populous in Canada. No wonder, then, if you’ve already visited or even lived there! Nevertheless, its impressive size leaves room for an infinite number of diverse activities that make its regions as pleasant to discover as to rediscover.
Quebec City, a historic city
Arriving from the Trans-Canada Highway, past the magnificent landscapes of the Lower St. Lawrence, Europe is only one highway exit away! At least that’s the impression you get when visiting Old Quebec, whose colonial architectural styles are reminiscent of colonial metropolises. Strolling through the streets of the Haute-Ville and Petit-Champlain to visit their many tourist sites, such as the Plains of Abraham or the Museum of Civilization, is a must-see experience in the area!
The pleasure of a road-trip, however, is to get off the beaten path. Only a few dozen kilometers from downtown, there are many unexpected attractions. To discover the culture of the Huron-Wendat, a visit to Wendake is a must, or why not a night in one of its traditional lodgings? Nature lovers may want to head for Montmorency Falls or Jacques-Cartier Park. Before leaving, don’t forget to fill up on berries on Île d’Orléans!
Drive the Chemin du Roy
Between Montreal and Quebec City, the 280km of road 138 is called “Chemin du Roy”. It is the first road established between the two cities, which was previously accessible only by boat. While driving it, you will visit two other regions, Mauricie and Lanaudière, while following the St-Lawrence River. On the way, several gourmet stops await you, such as microbreweries, cheese factories and even chocolate factories. On a cultural level, you can visit the Notre-Dame-du-Cap shrine or discover the history of the local paper industry.
To make this crossing of the St. Lawrence Valley, you will have to maneuver on one of the oldest roads in North America, in sometimes tight curves. You’ll need to be equipped with tires that handle like a dream! We recommend models with a tread pattern designed to enhance traction, such as Michelin Premier or Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip tires.
Explore Montreal, a French-speaking metropolis
Montreal is the sixth most populous French-speaking city in the world, located at the crossroads of modern life and multicultural traditions. A perfect end to our short stay in Quebec, the island is full of lodging and dining options that not even all Montrealers know about. The Old Port and its many parks, restaurants and museums form the heart of the tourist district along with the downtown area. For an unobstructed view of the city, Mount Royal Park offers a perfectly located lookout, accessible by both foot and car. Finally, simplify your lunches on the road by visiting one of the many bakeries offering traditional Montreal bagels… You’ll taste the difference!
Those who prefer to travel in luxury may prefer this trendy destination, and especially its downtown area. When driving a high-end car, you need high-end tires! Several manufacturers have models specifically designed for the needs of these vehicles, such as the Michelin Primacy or the Pirelli Cinturato P7. Quieter, they also offer outstanding handling and impeccable rolling resistance. The best of both worlds!
Now that you’ve driven all of Quebec’s width, you can check this destination off your list! Can you guess our next destination? Here’s a hint: we’re heading west…
