Summer has finally arrived, bringing sunshine, good vibes… and long weekends! 🙌 Yes, there’s a million things to do around the yard… but those weeds will still be there next week (and if they’re not, we want your secrets! 😄). So why not hit pause and head out on a family road trip?
Here are two getaway ideas filled with adventure, laughter, and lasting memories — all without draining your savings or spending three days stuck in the car! 😉
Destination Tadoussac — via Québec City
Day 1: Québec City (always a good idea)
First stop: our beautiful capital! It’s stunning, easy to get to, and the perfect place to ease into vacation mode.
Wander through Old Québec, get (intentionally) lost in its cobblestone alleys, and enjoy the pedestrian-only streets that come alive in the summer. Want a bird’s-eye view of the city? Head to the Observatoire de la Capitale for a breathtaking 360° panorama of Québec and its surroundings.
Then, add a touch of whimsy to the day with a visit to Minigolf Belleville Plaisirs, an 18-hole course that’s as artistic as it is quirky, located right by, in the Montcalm district. Designed by local artists, each hole is a mini masterpiece: aim at the condiments of your dream hot dog, play through a flaming dollhouse, or putt through a fairytale forest. This is mini-golf like you’ve never seen before!
🛏️ For the night, stay downtown — you'll be in the heart of the action, steps from everything… and zero steps from great restaurants. 😉
Day 2: Tadoussac, Featuring Whales & Bears
Next day, head for Tadoussac! The drive itself is a treat: sweeping views through Charlevoix, gentle curves, and stunning riverside vistas — cue the road trip playlist!
Once you arrive, it’s time for the main event: whale watching! Whether you go by boat or zodiac, keep your eyes peeled — up to 13 whale species roam these waters. Tadoussac is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, and for good reason — expect an experience that’s both awe-inspiring and deeply moving.
But don’t pack away your sense of wonder just yet — another creature awaits at nightfall: the black bear. At Ferme 5 Étoiles, join a guided evening tour into the forest with a passionate local guide. The observation is done respectfully (and from a safe distance! 😄), offering a memorable wildlife encounter.
Arrive a bit earlier to explore their wildlife sanctuary, home to bison, lynx, moose, wolves, and more. It’s like a Québec-style safari… no passport needed!
👉 Go for the combo: Bear Observation & Whale Watching
The next morning, enjoy a peaceful walk along Tadoussac’s scenic boardwalk before heading back to Montréal, heads full of memories.
Berthier-sur-Mer & Grosse-Île — with a Québec City detour
Day 1: Québec City, family edition
Start your adventure with a stop in Québec City, and be sure to visit the Musée de la civilisation — a place that’s just as captivating for kids as it is for adults! This summer, the new Titanic exhibition promises to take the whole family on a journey through the story of the famous ship. Recovered artifacts, immersive sets, passenger stories… your kids will be fascinated (and so will you!).
Next, if you haven’t checked it out yet, the revamped Promenade Samuel-De Champlain is a must: the urban beach and water mirror are perfect for cooling off, while the scenic river views are ideal for photos or a picnic.
🛏️ Stay the night in Québec — you’re on vacation, after all!
Day 2: A journey through history
The next day, head to Berthier-sur-Mer for a cruise to the mysterious Grosse-Île. With the Lachance Captains, let yourself be swept up in fascinating stories, as this former quarantine station is steeped in little-known history.
Once there, join costumed Parks Canada guides for an immersive experience. Historic buildings, moving tales, period costumes — it’s a trip back in time!
🛏️ Spend the night at Hôtel L’Oiselière in Montmagny — a family favourite, thanks to its indoor pool set in a tropical atrium.
🐾 Day 3: Animal Encounters
Wrap up your trip with a visit to Miller Zoo, a wildlife sanctuary perfect for families. Foxes, cougars, raccoons, porcupines — all in natural habitats, for an educational and heartwarming experience.
Bonus: arrive during animal snack time (check the schedule on their website)! It’s the best time to see the animals up close and leave with tons of fun facts.
👉 Go for the combo: Grosse-Île Cruise + Miller Zoo Visit
Then, hit the road back home — with big smiles all around.
In a nutshell?
Two road trips, zero stress, 100% fun.
So… where are you off to? 😊
