The Corridors: From Quebec to Nova Scotia

Recommended activities for your free day in Montreal: a walking tour of the city’s Old Port, or bike rental to explore the extensive cycling paths and the Formula 1 circuit. You may visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or the Montreal Botanical Garden and Biodome, or enjoy shopping in the boutique and shopping mall district along St. Catherine Street.

The journey from Montreal to Quebec City offers an experience through Quebec's magnificent countryside. Along Autoroute 20 or Autoroute 40, the main motorways linking the two cities, you cross a variety of landscapes, from green hills to open plains, with the St Lawrence River accompanying you for much of the way. Arriving in Quebec City from Montréal, the difference between the two cities is striking: as international, dynamic and progressive as Montréal appears, so Québec is bound to its religious and military past. Québec City, capital of the eponymous province, is the most European city in North America, the only one north of Mexico to have kept its fortified walls, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set on a promontory above the St Lawrence River, it is dominated by the unmistakable silhouette of the Château Frontenac, a sumptuous hotel towering over Vieux-Québec. The cobbled streets of the old town, divided into Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville, enchant with their stone houses, boutiques, cafés and Francophone atmosphere, especially magical under winter snow. The Petit-Champlain district, among the oldest on the continent, and Place Royale preserve the charm of New France. The Terrasse Dufferin offers scenic walks over the river, while the gastronomy celebrates Québec cuisine. Romantic, historic and uniquely characterful, Québec City is a city to be explored on foot, among fortifications, alleys and old-world atmospheres.

You follow the coast of the St. Lawrence River crossing Charlevoix, a region of charming countryside villages and small river communities, with a stop in the picturesque village of Saint-Paul, well-known by artists and painters. Baie-Sainte-Catherine is a small Québec village set on the north shore of the St Lawrence, right at the mouth of the majestic Saguenay Fjord, across from famous Tadoussac. Its strategic position makes it one of the best departure points for whale-watching cruises, with whales frequenting the cold, rich estuary waters in numbers, from small white belugas to mighty rorquals. From here also departs the ferry that crosses the fjord. The village offers a serene and authentic atmosphere, facing grand scenes where the fjord meets the great river. Between whales, fjord and sunsets over the water, Baie-Sainte-Catherine embodies the enchantment of Québec's Côte-Nord. Tadoussac is a picturesque village in Québec, set where the Saguenay River meets the majestic St Lawrence, in a scene of extraordinary beauty. Considered one of the oldest European settlements in North America, it preserves historic charm with its wooden chapel and the iconic hotel overlooking the bay. Tadoussac is famous above all as one of the world's best whale-watching locations: in the plankton-rich waters of the estuary swim belugas, minke whales and even blue whales, observable on boat or zodiac excursions. The nearby Saguenay fjord, with its steep walls, offers spectacular panoramas and unforgettable cruises. Sand dunes and coastal trails complete the natural offering. Between fjords, whales and history, Tadoussac is a fascinating and evocative destination, a jewel of the Québec coast.

Les Escoumins is a peaceful village on Quebec’s Côte-Nord, overlooking the St. Lawrence River estuary, one of the richest marine environments in the region, and a strategic crossing point for reaching Trois-Pistoles on the opposite shore of the river. Renowned among diving enthusiasts who explore its seabed, home to an extraordinary variety of marine life, it is also an excellent whale-watching destination, as numerous species frequent the cold waters of the estuary. The Marine Environment Discovery Centre allows visitors to discover underwater life without getting wet. With deep roots connected to the Innu people, the village offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by cliffs, lighthouses and breathtaking sunsets over the water. Trois-Pistoles is a charming town in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, located along the shores of the St. Lawrence River and surrounded by rolling hills, forests and beautiful maritime landscapes. Situated on Route 132, it is a pleasant stop between Québec City and the Gaspé Peninsula, with ferry connections to Les Escoumins on the North Shore. Among its highlights are the scenic Île aux Basques Park, a protected area rich in history and biodiversity, and the town’s architectural heritage, reflecting the traditions and origins of the local community. Trois-Pistoles is also known for its strong French-Canadian identity, river-based traditions and local products, including artisanal cheeses and regional specialties. Rimouski is a lively town in Québec, facing the southern shore of the majestic St Lawrence estuary, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. The main centre of the area, it combines cultural and maritime dynamism with coastal landscapes of great charm. Among its attractions are the historic site of the Pointe-au-Père lighthouse, with the museum dedicated to the Empress of Ireland shipwreck and a submarine open to visitors, reminders of the region's maritime history. The riverfront offers scenic walks and striking sunsets over the wide estuary, where the waters become almost marine. Rimouski is also a base for inland excursions, towards parks and canyons. The gastronomy celebrates the river's products. Maritime and welcoming, Rimouski is a pleasant stop along the St Lawrence coast, ideal for discovering the landscapes and history of the Bas-Saint-Laurent.

Matane, a picturesque town on the Gaspé Peninsula coast, is renowned for its abundance of salmon and stunning scenery. Parc des Îles offers a peaceful spot to relax and explore, while the promenade along the St. Lawrence River provides breathtaking views. Enjoy freshly caught seafood in local restaurants and experience the warm hospitality of the region. Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is a coastal town in Québec, located along the northern shore of the Gaspé Peninsula, facing the Gulf of St Lawrence. Its location makes it the main gateway to the Parc national de la Gaspésie, a vast mountainous reserve that holds some of Québec's highest peaks, part of the Chic-Chocs mountains, home to caribou, moose and deer. The park offers spectacular hikes, ski touring and grandiose landscapes of mountains and forests. The town, facing the sea, has a seafront, a marine exploration centre and an authentic maritime atmosphere. A meeting point between sea and mountains, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts is an ideal base for nature and adventure lovers. Between wild peaks and the St Lawrence coast, it is a fascinating stop in the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula. Gaspé is the main town of the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Québec, facing the bay of the same name where the St Lawrence River opens towards the ocean. Considered the birthplace of Canada, since the explorer Jacques Cartier landed here in 1534, it preserves a strong bond with history and the sea. The town is the gateway to the spectacular Forillon National Park, at the tip of the peninsula, where sheer cliffs over the sea, forests and rugged coasts host rich wildlife, from seals to seabirds, and is ideal for hiking and whale watching. The culture of the Mi'kmaq First Nations is alive in the region. Between history, cliffs and wild nature, Gaspé is a fascinating base for exploring the grandiose landscapes of the Gaspé Peninsula, one of the most evocative corners of maritime Québec.

Percé is one of Québec's most spectacular villages, located at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, facing the Gulf of St Lawrence. Its symbol is the famous Rocher Percé, an imposing rock formation pierced by a natural arch that rises from the sea right in front of the village, one of the most iconic landscapes in eastern Canada. Just offshore, Île Bonaventure hosts one of the world's largest gannet colonies, reachable by boat for an unforgettable nature excursion. The village offers a charming seafront, fresh-fish restaurants and an authentic maritime atmosphere. The area is ideal for hiking, whale watching and discovering coastal nature. Between spectacular rocks, seabird colonies and sea, Percé is a fascinating and unforgettable destination, a jewel of the wild Gaspé Peninsula.

Bonaventure stretches along the coast of Québec's Gaspé Peninsula, facing the waters of the Bay of Chaleur. A heart of Acadian culture, the town keeps living traditions and offers quiet beaches, where the relatively warm sea invites swimming. Among museums devoted to Acadian history, canoe trips on the Bonaventure River and coastal landscapes, the place offers an authentic taste of the Gaspé. Bonaventure is a serene stop between sea, river and culture.

Caraquet is considered the cultural capital of Acadia, a lively New Brunswick town stretched along a bay of the Acadian Peninsula, a proud keeper of the francophone identity of Atlantic Canada. Its colourful houses line the coast, where fishing and seafood set the rhythm of daily life. The heart of the Acadian celebrations, it hosts a great festival each summer that culminates in the Tintamarre, a boisterous parade in which the population fills the streets. Nearby, the Village Historique Acadien brings the history of this people to life through period buildings and costumes. The bay's waters invite discovery and the sunsets are spectacular. Between culture, sea and living traditions, Caraquet embodies the proud soul of Acadia.

Shediac is a sunny seaside resort in New Brunswick, stretched along the Acadian coast facing the Northumberland Strait, whose waters are among the warmest in Atlantic Canada. Self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world, it is famous for its giant monument to the crustacean and for the summer festivals dedicated to this delicacy, to enjoy fresh in the harbour restaurants. Its broad sandy beaches, particularly Parlee Beach, are among the most beloved in the region, ideal for families thanks to the warm, shallow waters. The heart of the lively francophone Acadian culture, the town buzzes with music and traditions. Between lobster, golden beaches and warm waters, Shediac embodies the sunny summer of New Brunswick.

Antigonish is a charming town on mainland Nova Scotia, set among the gentle hills of the eastern coast and famous for its deep Scottish and Gaelic roots. Home to a historic university and a fine cathedral, it is nicknamed the town of the Highland Games, hosting each summer the oldest Highland Games in North America, with feats of strength, bagpipes and traditional dances. The town keeps a welcoming atmosphere and a charming centre, an ideal base for exploring the surrounding coasts, beaches and villages facing the ocean. Its closeness to Cape Breton Island makes it a pleasant stop. Between Celtic culture, tradition and coastal nature, Antigonish offers the authentic warmth of Nova Scotia.

Baddeck is a charming village on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, facing the shores of the picturesque Bras d'Or Lake, an inland salt sea dotted with inlets. Considered the start and end point of the famous Cabot Trail, one of the world's most beautiful scenic roads, it is an ideal base for exploring the spectacular landscapes of Cape Breton. The village is linked to the figure of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, who lived here and whose dedicated museum can be visited. The lake waters invite sailing and water activities, while the relaxed atmosphere and serene panoramas complete the place's charm. Between lake, history and grandiose nature, Baddeck is a fascinating stop for those driving the Cabot Trail and wishing to discover the beauties of Cape Breton Island.

Halifax, capital of Nova Scotia, is the main city of Atlantic Canada, a lively historic port overlooking one of the world's largest natural harbours. The city retains a strong bond with the sea, evident along the picturesque waterfront, lively with its boardwalk, seafood restaurants, maritime museums and moored boats. The historic star-shaped Citadel, dominating the city from atop the hill, recounts Halifax's military past. The Victorian districts, lively pubs and music scene give the city a welcoming and festive character. Halifax is also linked to important historical events, from the Titanic to migration, gathered in its museums. It is the ideal gateway to Nova Scotia's coastal beauties, such as the famous Peggy's Cove lighthouse. Maritime, authentic and warm, Halifax embodies the welcoming spirit of Canada's Atlantic provinces.