Québec Nature in summer by train

DAY 1: MONTREAL

Flight to Montreal on request.

Individual arrival in Montreal. Free transfer to your downtown hotel.
Free time to explore Montreal's central districts. Founded in 1642, Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world. Its heritage is rich: stroll through the streets of Old Montreal, along the Old Port, towards Place Jacques-Cartier, the heart of the historic district.

DAY 2: MONTREAL

Day at leisure to visit Montreal. Admire the panoramic view of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River from the top of Saint Joseph's Oratory and Mount Royal Park. Not to mention the many museums and religious buildings.

Visit the world's largest underground city.
Overnight at a hotel in Montreal

DAY 4: MONTREAL 

Take advantage of your last free day in Montreal to visit the Musée des Beaux-arts. Founded in 1860, it is one of Canada's oldest and most important museums. It is renowned for the richness and diversity of its collections, which cover a wide range of artistic periods and styles. Take advantage of this day to indulge in Montreal's gastronomic delights! It's a blend of Quebec traditions and multicultural influences, offering iconic dishes like poutine and bagels.
Night at hotel in Montreal

DAY 4: MONTREAL - QUEBEC (Train)

In the morning, start your rail tours in Quebec. Breakfast on board.
3h30 hours later, your train arrives in Quebec City. Transfer to your downtown hotel.
Free day to visit Quebec City. This UNESCO World Heritage city is considered the soul of French-speaking Canada. It's the only walled city in North America and one of the country's oldest provinces. The old town, with its cobbled streets, staircases and mansard-roofed houses, is a veritable open-air museum that's a pleasure to stroll through.
The Notre-Dame-du-Québec Basilica, Place Royale and a walk along the ramparts are a must. The Dufferin Terrace in the upper town offers a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River.
Night at hotel in Quebec City

DAY 5 : QUEBEC - TADOUSSAC - LA MALBAIE (Bus + Whale-watching cruise)

Early departure by special bus to the town of Tadoussac.
Tadoussac, a village of brightly painted wooden houses at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers, is world-renowned as a permanent or seasonal home to several species of marine mammals (rorqual, beluga, sperm whale, etc.). It's one of the best whale-watching sites in the world.

On the way back, the bus stops at La Malbaie, where you leave the group.
Check-in at the hotel, dinner at leisure.

Night in La Malbaie

DAY 6: LA MALBAIE - BAIE-SAINT-PAUL (train touristique de Charlevoix)

Morning at leisure. Discover the charm of downtown La Malbaie as you stroll through its picturesque streets. Explore Saint-Peter's Church, a historic church that often offers guided tours. Located in the Pointe-au-Pic district, also known for its picturesque architecture, including the famous Manoir Richelieu.

In the early afternoon, you'll embark on another Canadian train experience aboard the Charlevoix train to Baie-Saint-Paul.
This small Canadian tourist train was launched in 2011 by Le Massif de Charlevoix tourist resort. Thanks to this initiative, the Charlevoix train can follow the course of the St. Lawrence for 125 km, offering splendid views of the bay and stopping in several coastal villages.

You arrive in this charming town, renowned for its many artists' studios. The Galerie d'Art Iris showcases the work of Canada's most renowned contemporary artists. Enjoy lunch on the terrace of one of the many estaminets along the pedestrian street.
(Note: Baie-Saint-Paul's public market takes place every Sunday in summer).
In just 20 minutes, you can reach Baie-Saint-Paul's mile-long sandy beach. Many Quebec families come here to picnic and enjoy the breathtaking view of the river and Ile au Coudres.
Overnight at hotel in Baie-Saint-Paul

DAY 7: BAIE-SAINT-PAUL - QUEBEC (Charlevoix tourist train)

Morning at leisure to enjoy the sea air of the St. Lawrence River. Weather permitting, you can sit on the beach and watch the beluga whales that stay in the bay all year round.
Transfer from your hotel to the bus stop.
Depart by bus in the afternoon, arriving in downtown Quebec City in the evening.
Check-in at your hotel.
Night in Quebec City

DAY 8: QUEBEC CITY

Day at leisure for personal discovery of Quebec City.
Take advantage of a guided cruise on the St. Lawrence River (optional, duration 1h30) overlooking Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans from a unique vantage point of the Old Capital. Learn more about the city's history with our guide, or relax on one of the many outdoor terraces.
Overnight in Quebec City

DAY 9: RETURN FLIGHT

Free time before your flight. Free transfer to the airport.
Return flight on request.

TRAINS - TRAIN TRIP QUEBEC

On this tour you will take :

• Regular Canadian train
  Montreal > Quebec City (3h30)

• Bus
  Quebec City > Tadoussac (3h30)
  Tadoussac -> Baie-Saint-Paul (1h30)

• Charlevoix tourist train
  La Malbaie -> Baie-Saint-Paul (1h35)
  Baie-Saint-Paul -> Quebec City (3h00)

CHARLEVOIX TOURIST TRAIN

The Charlevoix tourist train is operated by Réseau Charlevoix. It offers a unique tourist experience between Quebec City, the Côte de Beaupré and the coastal towns and villages of Charlevoix. It is renowned for the beauty of the panoramas it offers along its route between Baie-Saint-Paul and La Malbaie.

A little history...

Driving east through these wild and grandiose landscapes reveals just how isolated Charlevoix was at the end of the 19th century. Without an efficient road network, the region was cut off from the world. Sir Rodolphe Forget is credited with the idea of building a railroad linking Charlevoix to Quebec City.

In 1889, the first rail line was inaugurated, linking Quebec City with Sainte-Anne de Beaupré. The steam train - nicknamed "the train of the good Sainte-Anne" - brought many pilgrims to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré. The inaugural trip to Baie-Saint-Paul took place in 1918, while it was not until the following year that the train arrived in La Malbaie.

 Train description

The train you'll be riding on was built in Germany in the 1980s. The trains used on the Charlevoix tourist line are equipped with a ventilation system to cool the air on hot days, but are not air-conditioned. For cooler autumn days, the trains are also equipped with a heating system. But the sea air can be particularly chilly, so be sure to bundle up! Modest toilets with washbasins are available on board each train. The train does not have a restaurant, but it is perfectly possible to take a (non-alcoholic) snack with you.

PRICES - TRAIN TRIP QUEBEC

In a 3* hotel

• Price in double/twin room : from 1,840 eur / person
• Single supplement : from 1,060 eur / person

Price may vary according to season

PRICE INCLUDES

• Regular train tickets (day train)
• Charlevoix tourist train tickets (river side) : La Malbaie -> Baie-Saint-Paul -> Quebec City
• Special coach trips Quebec City -> Tadoussac -> La Malbaie
• Hotel-station transfers in Quebec City
• Whale-watching cruise to Tadoussac (boat)
• 8 nights hotel accommodation, based on double room, taxes included
• French-speaking assistance from Discovery Trains teams
• Electronic travel guide

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• International flights
• Meals
• Transfers between stations and hotels not mentioned above
• Local taxes
• Printed travel guide sent by post (+ €12)