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- French Culture, Lobsters & Lighthouses
French Culture, Lobsters & Lighthouses
From £2,679 pp
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18 nights
Fly Drive-
Economy flights
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Available May - September
Discover the captivating historic beginnings of Canada by exploring the main cities of Québec, the quaint settlements and national parks of the St. Lawrence River and the rugged shores and untouched wilderness of the Canadian Maritimes. The province of Québec distinguishes itself through its dynamic culinary scene and unique culture with its own architecture and some of the best museums in Canada. You then head over to the heart of Acadia where French, Indigenous and Scottish cultures meet and are complemented by some of the world’s best lobster eateries. The route takes you back into Québec where you’ll discover some of the province’s hidden gems for an unforgettable holiday.
What’s included?
- International flights from the UK based on economy class
- Standard seat selection onboard international flights
- 18 nights accommodation
- 19 days intermediate car hire with fully inclusive insurance
- Bay Ferries from Saint John to Digby
- Société des Traversiers du Québec from Matane to Baie-Comeau
- Québec City Tour
- Easy to follow roadbook with pre-planned stops & things to do along the way
Holiday Map
Explore our interactive map to discover your holiday route and key points of interest.
Start
Finish
Stops
Point of interest
Your day-to-day plan
Day 1
Montréal
Arrive in Montreal Airport and drive to your hotel after picking up your car. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the province of Québec’s largest city. Explore its underground city, wander around its old town and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal or catch the sunset at Mount Royal Park for stunning views of its skyline. Known for its superb dining scene, make sure to treat yourself to some of the city’s iconic treats.
Day 2
Montmagny
Today your adventure begins, and you will drive northeast to Montmagny. On route, we recommend stopping at North America’s second-oldest French-speaking city; Trois-Rivières. Explore its historic quarter with lots of museums, art galleries and local shops. The nearby Notre-Dame Sanctuary of the Cape, which is Canada’s national shrine to the Virgin Mary, is also worth a visit. Continue onwards along the west side of the St. Lawrence River and cross at the Pierre Laporte Bridge for spectacular views of the river and Québec City.
Day 3
Edmundston
Continue your journey north and discover the quaint small towns and villages of Rivière-du-Loup and Saint Pascale. These showcase a diverse heritage spanning over three centuries when both French and British Empires shaped the local communities and their legacy. This area of Québec is also famous for great whale watching opportunities so why not book a tour? Crossing into New Brunswick, you will arrive in the charming town of Edmundston where you will spend the night.
Day 4-5
St. Andrews
Journey through the pristine wilderness of New Brunswick enroute to the southern shores. You can also include a detour to the historic city of Fredericton, the province’s capital. The next couple of days will be spent in the charming maritime community of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea. Overtime, this town has developed into one of the premier tourist destinations of The Maritimes. From great seafood cuisine to art galleries and whale watching trips, there is plenty to keep you entertained. The town is also the perfect launching point for an island-hopping day trip in the Bay of Fundy.
Day 6
Digby
Drive to Saint John and enjoy a ferry ride across the deep blue waters of the Bay of Fundy over to Digby. Time your journey around the tides so that you can experience the Reversing Falls Rapids in Saint John. Once in Digby, you will have the rest of the day at leisure. We recommend either enjoying the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia and visiting some iconic locations such as Balancing Rock or visiting some of the national historic sites around nearby Annapolis Royal to learn more about early European colonisation and settlement in the area.
Day 7-8
Halifax
Crossing the width of Nova Scotia, your route to Halifax takes you alongside the gates of Kejimkujik National Park where we recommend you immerse yourself in the natural beauty and learn about the Mi'kmaw culture. Continue onto the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg and the iconic Peggy’s Cove for spectacular photo opportunities before reaching Halifax. You will have a full day to visit Nova Scotia’s capital. Make sure not to miss some of its top attractions including the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 amongst many others.
Day 9-10
Baddeck
Drive through the centre of Nova Scotia and arrive in Baddeck, often known as the gateway to the Cape Breton Highlands. You will have a full day to explore this region of Nova Scotia. You can embark on a scenic drive along the Cabot Trail into the highlands of northern Cape Breton. Some of the best viewpoints in the area include the Skyline Trail or the MacKenzie Mountain lookout. Alternatively, you can visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck or day trip to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.
Day 11
Shediac
On your way back to New Brunswick, make sure to take the scenic route and head over to the Bay of Fundy to watch the spectacular tidal bores. Some of the best locations to see the dramatic differences in tides include Burntcoat Head Park in Nova Scotia and Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park in New Brunswick. Continue to Shediac, known as the Lobster Capital of the World and treat yourself at one of the local restaurants.
Day 12
Caraquet
Heading up the coast to Caraquet, stop at Kouchibouguac National Park for the day. In the summer month, the park boasts some of the warmest salt water north of the US state of Virginia. Enjoy the picturesque bicycle trails or hike along the endless stretches of sand dunes. The park is the perfect location to learn more about Mi’gmaq and Acadian cultures. Continue your journey north until you reach Caraquet, home to one of the most popular Acadian festivals in North America.
Day 13-14
Percé
As you follow the shores of the Baie des Chaleurs, which was the original lands of the Acadian people who were expelled, we recommend you visit the Québec Acadian Museum in Bonaventure to learn more about their past. Once the largest fishing port in Gaspé, Percé is now the gem of the entire region renowned for its beauty and iconic great rock. Wander around the boardwalk, enjoy the delightful selection of restaurants and cafes and relax during your stay.
Day 15
Matane
On your way to Matane, we recommend you spend the day at the Gaspésie National Park, a hiker’s paradise. There is a vast array of trails available to choose from starting with easy 1km to difficult 17km trails to fit everyone’s level. The parc is home to the last herd of woodland Caribou south of the St. Lawrence River. On your way to Matane, you can also pass through the lush and historic farmlands of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts.
Day 16
La Malbaie
Today you will take the ferry and cross the wide waters of the St. Lawrence River to Baie-Comeau and start your journey south. Enjoy the scenic north shore and discover picture-perfect waterside towns such as Les Escoumins, which is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the region. Continue to Tadoussac, renowned for its whale watching tours in the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord. The area is famous for wildlife viewing as you can also decide to take on a bear watching trip. Continue your journey until you reach La Malbaie for your overnight stay.
Day 17-18
Québec City
Before heading south to Québec City, we would recommend you visit the Parc National des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie known for its hiking trail and dramatic views. Enroute, you can stop at Baie Saint-Paul in the Charlevoix region known for its art galleries, shops, and restaurants. As the river narrows, the spires and fortifications of Québec City come into view. You will have a couple of days to explore the city and you have a city tour included to start your visit. The iconic Château Frontenac can be spotted from various parts of town, and you can also take a guided tour to learn more about its history.
Day 19
Fly Home
Leave Québec City and drive back to Montréal for your flight home. Depending on your flight times, you may have the day at leisure to explore more of Québec. If you’re looking for lush wilderness and additional wildlife viewing opportunities, La Mauricie National Park is the perfect stop for you to spend a few hours. Alternatively, head straight to Montréal for some last-minute shopping.
Special Offers
Take advantage of the following offers on this holiday
Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 28th February and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
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Save up to £1000 on Fly Drive Holidays
Save up to £560 on our full collection of Fly Drive Holidays plus get 5GB of free data.
Enjoy a saving of up to £1000 on fly drive holidays. Offer applies to all holidays departing between15th February 2025 & 31st October 2026. Book by 28th February 2025.
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Save up to £500 per booking
Book by 28th February and take advantage of our exclusive savings
• Save £500 on bookings over £10,000
• Save £350 on bookings between £7,500 - £9,999
• Save £300 on bookings between £5,000 - £7,499
• Save £250 on bookings between £2,500 - £4,999
HURRY, OFFER ENDS SOON
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Related Itineraries
This holiday requires an ETA for entry to Canada, for full details and to apply please see below:
Please note Parks Canada charge fees at most national parks and historic sites across the country. Parks Canada passes can be purchased as part of your holiday, speak to your sales advisor for more details. Early booking is recommended.
For further information about national parks and historic sites in Canada or to reserve campsites and activities, please visit:
