Practical tips for preparing your road trip in maritime Quebec

After my first article about all the stages of my roadtrip in maritime Quebec, Let’s turn to practical advice to help you prepare for your trip in these beautiful regions of Quebec.

When to go to Quebec by sea?

It was once there, in maritime Quebec, that I learned that the destination could be enjoyed 365 days a year. Here, each season reveals its wonders.

From mid-March to the end of May, the beautiful weather returns, the snow melts, and there are few vacationers. The period from June to August is the most popular in Quebec’s maritime region with very pleasant weather, but airfare and accommodation prices are at their highest. It is also during this time that one can enjoy the atmosphere of the many festivals in the region.

From September to early November, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn colors with pleasant temperatures.

From November to mid-March, you can enjoy winter activities such as snowmobiling, hiking with snowshoes, skiing or snowboarding, ice fishing, and discovering another facet of the snowy national parks. From December to February, temperatures average -15°C.

I went to Quebec Maritime in early June, and the temperature was ideal, even though the weather conditions changed quite often (sun, cloudy, rain, etc.) depending on the different regions. If I go back to the region again, I will choose autumn to rediscover the landscapes with the colors of Indian summer!

If you want to see marine mammals on the northern coast of Quebec, then I recommend visiting them between mid-May and October. I’ll talk a little more about that in this article 😉

What formalities before departure?

Before traveling to Canada, it is important to have a valid passport, including for children. It is also imperative to obtain an AVE, Electronic Travel Authorization (equivalent to the US ESTA).

Beware of fraudulent sites! Here is the official link to do so requesting an AVE for Canada. This will cost you 7$ Canadian dollars (about 4.50€). The Electronic Travel Authorization is sent by email a few minutes after you have filled out the form. If you are traveling with several people (e.g. family), you will need to make a new AVE application for each traveler and pay the 7$ dollars each time.
It is not necessary to print it out because the AVE is linked to your passport number. So don’t forget your passport!

The AVE is valid for 5 years. Visit here for More information about the AVE

Visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months

The must-see and must-do things in Quebec’s maritime region?

During my trip to Maritime Quebec, I had the opportunity to explore a good part of the North Coast and also discover a small part of the Lower Saint-Laurent, around Bic National Park. But Maritime Quebec is not just about these territories. Ultimately, Maritime Quebec encompasses the territories of the Lower Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, the North Coast and the Îles de la Madeleine.

The must-see places on the North Coast

I invite you to consult the article on my 8-day roadtrip along the Whale Route.

Here are some key steps for a road trip along the North Coast:

– The observation of whales in Tadoussac and at Cap Bon Désir
– The Saguenay fjord
– The Pointe-aux-Outardes Nature Park
– Baie Comeau
– Le Havre-Saint-Pierre and the islands of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
– Rivière-au-Tonnerre
– Seven Islands and its archipelago
– Natashquan

The must-see places in Gaspésie

A destination between the sea and the mountains, known for its 4 national parks, the Percé Rock, the Bassan Island colony of wild boars, the oryx antelope and the numerous lighthouses, witnesses of maritime culture.

To discover more must-see places in Gaspésie, I invite you to consult these travel blog articles: The Rosebird – Hellolaroux – The Exploratrices. You will find what you are looking for to prepare your road trip.

By visiting the site Maritime Quebec You will find several suggestions for travel itineraries in Gaspésie.

Here are some key steps for a road trip in Gaspésie:
Amqui – New Richmond – Percé – Gaspé – Sainte Anne des Monts – Matane

The must-see attractions in the Îles de la Madeleine

To learn more about the Îles de la Madeleine, visit the blog article. The Rosebird. Camille provides many practical information and shares beautiful photographs of these islands known for their colorful houses, lighthouses, large beaches and red sandstone cliffs.

Here are some key steps of a road trip in Islands of the Madeleine :
The Isle of Havre Aubert – Isle of Havre with the Houses – Isle of Pointe aux Loups – Great Island – Isle of Grande Entrée

The must-see places in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region

During my trip to Quebec Maritime, I traveled to Bas-Saint-Laurent by taking the flight from Sept-Îles to Mont-Joli. I visited Bic National Park and slept at Domaine Floravie, which offers accommodation in cocooning «tiny houses» by the river.

Some key steps:
La Pocatière – The villages of Kamouraska – The Témiscouata – Rivière-du-Loup – The Bic National Park – Rimouski

I also invite you to consult the article of Jessica from the blog Mes Petits Bouts du Monde who also made a fabulous roadtrip in maritime Quebec

Where and when to observe whales?

Watching whales is a unique and unforgettable experience if you’re traveling in Quebec’s maritime region (at the right time of year!).

The ideal time to have the chance to observe whales in Quebec is from mid-May to October And the preferred area is the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent marine park in the Tadoussac region. It is also accessible from Rivière-du-Loup via Bas Saint Laurent.

I am sharing with you a link that allows you to discover all the different terrestrial sites, as well as their geographical coordinates: observe the whales on the North Coast.

How to observe whales?

– From the land sites on the banks of the Saint Laurent (see above)
– By boat: Safety distance to avoid disturbing the whales
– In Zodiac: Safety distance. Not recommended for pregnant women and people with back problems
– By kayak: the gentlest, most eco-responsible and most exciting alternative!

I was lucky enough to see whales off the North Coast, in Havre-Saint-Pierre, less than 20 meters from the shore. When you don’t expect it, it’s so spectacular!

In Tadoussac, I was also able to watching whales in a Zodiac, But staying at a very good distance from the whales so as not to disturb them.

How to get to Quebec?

If you are traveling from Europe, you take the plane to Montreal or the city of Quebec. There are more and more plane tickets with very attractive prices if you book them in advance.

I had the opportunity to make the trip with the airline Air Transat which offers numerous flights to Quebec from Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Paris and Toulouse. Convenient because it avoids (depending on the departure city) the need to make the pre-travel arrangements to the capital.

I traveled with the Option Plus, which, for an additional approximately sixty euros per flight, allows you to have a baggage included of 23kg, the choice of seat, priority service (check-in, boarding, security check, baggage delivery), a comfort kit (blanket, eye mask, inflatable cushion), an alcoholic drink and wooden headphones.

Whether on the way there or back, I slept almost straight through! Mission accomplished 🙂

If you wish to travel to Quebec by sea from Canada and the USA, you can always take a plane or opt for the bus, especially if you are coming from the North of the USA (New York, Boston, etc.).

Where to sleep?

In Quebec maritime, you will find a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from camping to luxury hotels with every comfort, as well as youth hostels, gîtes, guest houses, inns, apartment rentals/houses, motels, and unusual accommodations (tiny houses, tree houses, lighthouses, etc.).
You get the idea; there’s something for everyone and every budget!

Do your research and book in advance, depending on the type of accommodation you choose and your travel periods. For example, some campsites are only open from June to the end of September…

Here is a link to find many Accommodations in Quebec’s maritime region

Here is a link to find some campsites in maritime Quebec

Here is a link to book one camping in Quebec's national parks

Here are my favorite accommodations during my stay:
– Tadoussac: Hotel Tadoussac
– Sacré Coeur: The cabins and buoys in the middle of the forest Canopée Bed
– Pointe-aux-Outardes: the giant birdhouses Nature Park
– Natashquan: The Auberge du Port d’Attache A superb cottage located on the banks of the Saint Laurent river.
– Rimouski: The tiny houses (colorful mobile chalets) of Domaine Floravie on the banks of the Saint Laurent river

If you want to rent accommodation (apartment or house) in Quebec maritime and feel at home, you can take a look at Airbnb. With this link Airbnb promotion, With this offer, you can get a 25€ discount on your first booking. If necessary, create a new account and use a different credit card 😉

How to get around on site?

Renting a car

There is no doubt that the best way to get around Quebec by sea is by renting a car, Especially since the panoramas are spectacular! You need to count 50$ per day for a compact car and 90$ per day for an SUV.

A French driver's license is sufficient to rent a car in Quebec.
There are many gas stations in Quebec’s maritime region, but in some places it is advisable to be careful and refuel even if the fuel gauge is at half (North Coast between Havre Saint Pierre and Natashquan, plus other remote areas).

If you are traveling by sea to Quebec between December 15 and March 15, it is mandatory that the vehicle be equipped with snow tires.

Driving in Quebec is very pleasant; the scenery is wonderful; the drivers are attentive and adopt a gentle and cautious driving style. What a joy!

When you plan your itinerary, keep in mind that the territories are vast and the distances to be covered are very significant.

For more information on the state of the roads, visit the website Quebec511

Take the bus

Although it seems very restrictive, on paper it is feasible! Let’s say there are bus lines in the different territories of maritime Quebec, but most of the buses only make one or two trips per day… You don’t want to miss the good ones! It can be convenient when you want to travel from one city to another, then make a stop along the way 🙂

Take the boat

There are several «ferry boats» that connect the North Coast (CN), the Bas-Saint-Laurent (BSL) and the Gaspésie (G) on the river, where you can board a car:
– Baie-Comeau (CN) / Matane (G) / Godbout (CN)
– Forestville (CN) / Rimouski (BSL), next to the Bic National Park
– Trois-Pistoles (BSL) / Les Escoumins (CN), next to Tadoussac

Note that there is also the crossing between Rivière-au-Loup (BSL) and Saint Siméon, in Charlevoix.

Several agencies offer excursions on the Saint Laurent River to the Mingan Islands from Havre Saint Pierre or to the archipelago off the coast of the city of Sept Îles.

Taking the plane

During my trip to Quebec by sea, I had the opportunity to take a plane once to make a quick trip from one territory to another. I left Sept-Îles on the North Coast to reach the city of Mont-Joli.

But there are other connections to get from one city to another (Quebec, Montreal, Mont-Joli, Sept-Îles, Gaspé, Blanc Sablon, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Kegaska, Natashquan, etc...) but also to go to the Îles de la Madeleine and the island of Anticosti. Once there, it is possible to rent a vehicle to continue your road trip.

I recommend booking your flights in advance to get the best prices, as prices can quickly skyrocket depending on the time of year!

Some local airlines:
Pascan Aviation
Air Liaison 
Air Inuit 
Provincial Airlines
Air Canada

Other useful information

Silver

I recommend that you make only one (large) withdrawal of Canadian dollars at a cash machine so that you don’t have to pay more fees for multiple withdrawals. And there are really many cash machines everywhere, even in small villages deep in the maritime Quebec region.

The credit card (VISA and Mastercard) is accepted almost everywhere. Check with your bank for fees on payment by credit card in Quebec. Even if you wish to make all your payments in cash, it is important to have a credit card with you, as it will be required for accommodation reservations and deposits.

The prices displayed are always indicated before tax. Therefore, you need to add about 15% to get the final price you will pay.

In restaurants, a tip of about 15% % of the total bill excluding tax should be left. If you go to a bar, leave 1$ tip per glass ordered.

As of July 29, 2019, the exchange rate is: 1 EUR = 1.47 CAD

Consulates

French Consulate in Quebec

25 rue Saint-Louis, Québec QC G1R 3Y8 – Tel: +1 (418) 266 25 00; ; www.consulfrance-quebec.org

French Consulate in Montreal

1501 McGill College, 10th floor, office 1000, Montreal QC H3A 3M8 – tel. +1 (514) 878 43 85; ; www.consulfrance-montreal.org

Electricity

North American outlets are two flat prongs. The current is 110 V 50/60Hz. An adapter-transformer is required.

Telephone and internet

According to the phone operators, it is possible to use your SIM card in Canada. This is the case with Free. Otherwise, check the price of an international pack with internet access (which is often expensive…).

Otherwise, I recommend buying a local SIM card on site (Telus, Bell, Virgin Mobile, Fido, etc.) but your smartphone must be «unlocked.» In short, the best thing to do is compare all the options to find the most advantageous solution.

Also note that Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels and restaurants.

Insurance

Before diving into the captivating adventure of the Quebec Maritime region, take out travel insurance with Heymondo It turns out to be a wise decision to ensure a hassle-free experience. Quebec Maritime, with its majestic fjords, fascinating whales, and picturesque towns, offers a unique diversity, but it can also involve unforeseen challenges. Heymondo offers comprehensive coverage, ranging from medical emergencies to travel cancellation protection, ensuring complete peace of mind during your exploration. Whether you are navigating the Saint Lawrence River, visiting coastal villages, or exploring the natural beauty of Gaspésie, Heymondo also protects you against the loss of luggage and other potential incidents. With 24/7 assistance, you benefit from constant support, even in the most remote corners of Quebec Maritime. Before venturing into this enchanting region, ensure you have the necessary protection with Heymondo, so every moment in Quebec Maritime is an unforgettable and hassle-free discovery.