This route combines Montréal, Québec City and a quieter Charlevoix finale, with each day clustered by area to keep getting around manageable. Costs are rough per-person estimates in Canadian dollars (CAD); meals, hotels and intercity transport are listed separately where helpful.
Budget
About C$1,050–2,000 per person for the listed activities, meals and intercity travel, excluding accommodation. A rental car for the Charlevoix and island days, extra meals and drinks will add to the total.
Best time to visit
Late May to October is a good all-round window for comfortable city walks and access to Charlevoix’s outdoor routes. September and early October bring fall colour; winter offers a very different trip, with snow, cold and some seasonal closures.
Old Montréal and the waterfront
Get your bearings among Old Montréal’s historic streets, then finish with an easy walk beside the St. Lawrence.
Morning
Visit
Start with the basilica’s remarkable interior; allow about 90 minutes. Arrive on foot or by metro to Place-d’Armes.
About C$16Afternoon
Wander and the Old Port
Walk about 5 minutes from the basilica to , then continue roughly 10 minutes to the waterfront at the Old Port.
Evening
Have dinner in Old Montréal
Stay in the neighbourhood rather than crossing town; it’s about a 5–15-minute walk from the Old Port. Allow around C$35–60 for dinner.
About C$35–60
Downtown and the Golden Square Mile
Pair Montréal’s fine-art collection with downtown shopping and a leisurely meal, all within a compact central area.
Morning
Explore the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts
Give the museum about two hours; it sits in the Golden Square Mile, a short walk from several downtown hotels.
About C$0–30Afternoon
Browse
Walk about 10 minutes from the museum to for shops, cafés and a look at central Montréal.
Evening
Dinner in the Golden Square Mile
Return west on foot or by a short taxi ride; allow 5–15 minutes from depending on where you stop. Budget about C$40–70.
About C$40–70
Plateau Mont-Royal
Spend the day among leafy streets, a landmark park and the Plateau’s independent shops and restaurants.
Morning
Walk the paths of
Take a relaxed circuit of the ponds and gardens; the park is a pleasant starting point for the surrounding Plateau.
Afternoon
Explore
Walk about 15 minutes from the park’s western edge to , lined with neighbourhood shops and cafés.
Evening
Try a Montréal favourite at
Walk about 15–20 minutes east from , or take a short taxi ride. Expect a casual meal to cost about C$15–25.
About C$15–25
Mile End and Little Italy
Follow a relaxed northward route from Mile End’s cafés and bookshops to the market and restaurants of Little Italy.
Morning
Breakfast at
Start with a classic Montréal bagel in Mile End; this is a quick, casual stop.
About C$5–15Afternoon
Browse Marché Jean-Talon
Take a taxi or bus for about 15–25 minutes from Mile End to this lively market in Little Italy; allow time to sample local produce.
About C$10–30Evening
Dinner in Little Italy
Stay nearby after the market; most Little Italy restaurants are a 5–15-minute walk away. Set aside about C$30–55.
About C$30–55
Mount Royal and the Plateau
Trade busy streets for Montréal’s signature hilltop views, then return to the Plateau for an easy evening.
Morning
Walk up Mount Royal
Follow the park paths at a comfortable pace; allow around two hours for the climb and lookout stops.
Afternoon
Take in the view at
Continue about 20–30 minutes on foot through the park from the main lookout paths. The route includes uphill and downhill walking.
Evening
Dinner at
Take a taxi or bus for about 10–20 minutes from Mount Royal’s main paths to this Plateau-area bistro; budget roughly C$45–75.
About C$45–75
Travel to Québec City and settle in
Take the train to Québec City, then keep the first visit to the provincial capital centred on Old Québec.
Morning
Travel from Montréal to Québec City
Take VIA Rail from Montréal Central Station to ; the journey is usually about 3 hours 20 minutes. Book ahead for the best fares.
About C$40–120Afternoon
Walk through
From , take a taxi or local bus for about 10–15 minutes, or walk roughly 25 minutes, to the historic square.
Evening
Dinner at
Stay in Petit-Champlain after your walk; the restaurant is about 5–10 minutes on foot from . Budget around C$35–60.
About C$35–60
Old Québec and the city walls
Explore the upper town’s landmark streets, fortress history and dramatic river views without needing to leave the historic centre.
Morning
Visit Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace
Enjoy the terrace and its broad views over the St. Lawrence; allow about an hour for a stroll and photos.
Afternoon
Tour the Citadelle of Québec
Walk about 15 minutes uphill from Château Frontenac to the fortress; guided tours are seasonal, so check the day’s schedule.
About C$20–25Evening
Dinner at
Walk about 10 minutes back towards the upper town for a traditional Québec menu. Allow roughly C$40–70.
About C$40–70
Parliament Hill and Saint-Jean-Baptiste
See Québec City’s civic landmarks, then spend an unhurried evening in the nearby Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighbourhood.
Morning
Visit the Parliament Building
Join a guided visit if available and admire the ornate exterior; it is about a 10-minute walk from the upper Old Québec streets.
About C$0Afternoon
Stroll the
Walk about 10 minutes from Parliament Hill to the park’s paths and open lawns; allow extra time for the museum if you want a deeper history visit.
Evening
Dinner at
Take a taxi for about 10 minutes or walk around 20 minutes from the Plains to this crêperie in Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Budget C$25–45.
About C$25–45
Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans
Take a day beyond the centre for a waterfall and a scenic island loop, with time to enjoy the countryside at an easy pace.
Morning
See Montmorency Falls
Travel about 15–20 minutes by car or taxi from central Québec City; allow two hours for the falls, paths and viewpoints.
About C$0–15Afternoon
Explore
Drive about 20 minutes from the falls to the island; a car makes stops at farms and viewpoints much easier. Plan 3–4 hours for a gentle loop.
About C$15–50Evening
Return to Old Québec for dinner
Allow about 25–35 minutes by car from , depending on your stops and traffic. Choose a meal near your hotel, around C$35–65.
About C$35–65
Travel to Baie-Saint-Paul
Leave the city for the Charlevoix region, using as a walkable base for galleries and local food.
Morning
Travel to
Take a rental car or a seasonal regional bus; by car, allow about 1 hour 15 minutes from Québec City. Bus schedules vary, so check availability before booking accommodation.
About C$25–80Afternoon
Browse art on Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Walk about 5–15 minutes from the town centre along this main street, known for galleries, shops and cafés.
Evening
Dinner at
Stay in central ; the restaurant is only a short walk from the main street. Budget about C$40–70.
About C$40–70
Charlevoix countryside and return
Finish with a short nature outing and a relaxed local lunch before returning to Québec City or continuing onward.
Morning
Walk at
Drive about 20–30 minutes from to the trail area; choose a route that suits your pace and check trail conditions before setting out.
About C$10–15Afternoon
Have lunch at
Drive about 20–30 minutes back to for a casual final meal and a little downtime. Allow around C$15–30.
About C$15–30Evening
Return to Québec City
Allow about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from ; if taking a bus, check the timetable and connections in advance.
About C$25–80
Good to know
Getting around
Use Montréal’s metro and buses for central neighbourhoods, and walk in Old Québec. A car is the easiest way to explore and Charlevoix; verify seasonal bus options if you prefer not to drive.
Reservations
Book VIA Rail and popular dinners ahead, especially in summer and during Québec City festivals. Check opening hours and tour schedules for museums, the Citadelle and seasonal attractions.
Weather and walking
Bring comfortable shoes for hills and cobblestones, plus layers and a light rain jacket. Outdoor conditions in Charlevoix can change quickly.
Costs
Prices are approximate and can change by season. Restaurant estimates are for a meal before or including a modest tip, depending on the venue; accommodation is not included.