Overnight Trips from Quebec City

October 20, 2026

Quebec City is a good base for one or two nights along the St Lawrence to the northeast. The classic loop covers Charlevoix and Tadoussac, with the city as the starting point. Prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and most operator prices are before tax. Winter storms from November to April can close coast roads, so build in a spare day if you travel in the cold months.

Charlevoix by road

Route 138 runs northeast from the city to Baie-Saint-Paul, a small town known for its galleries and the Musée d’art contemporain. From there the coastal Route 362 passes through Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive on its way to La Malbaie.

Île-aux-Coudres can be reached only by the free ferry from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, a crossing of about 15 to 20 minutes. There is no causeway or bridge, so check the ferry timetable before planning a day on the island.

Charlevoix by train

The Train de Charlevoix leaves from Montmorency Falls and runs on a seasonal schedule, from early June to about 1 November in 2026. The listed round trip to Baie-Saint-Paul leaves at 8:00 and returns at 15:00, with fares from about 169 CAD on the operator’s site. It does not run in winter. Check the train’s website for 2027 dates.

Tadoussac and the Saguenay

Tadoussac is about 210 to 215 km from Quebec City, roughly 3 hours by road plus a free ferry of about 10 minutes between Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac. A same-day return means about 6 hours of driving on top of the cruise, so most itineraries stay a night. Croisières AML also notes that sailing from Baie-Sainte-Catherine saves time for people coming from Quebec.

In 2026 AML sailings ran from 2 May to 1 November, and 2027 dates were not yet published. A Zodiac cruise of about 2.5 hours was listed from 134.99 CAD for adults, at 10:15 and 13:30, and children under 6 may not ride. A boat tour of about 3 hours was listed from 134.99 at 13:00, with an upper deck at 169.99 and a VIP lounge at 209.99 to 219.99. Prices were before tax. The company offers a free return trip on most tours if no whales are seen. Species listed include minke, fin and humpback whales, porpoises, harbour seals and belugas, and possibly blue whales. Dress warmly, even in summer, because it is cold on the water. Book at Croisières AML .

A winter overnight

For a winter night, the Hôtel de Glace at Valcartier, about 30 minutes north of the city, offers overnight suites from 4 January to 13 March 2027, from about 485 CAD before tax. Day visits run from 26 December 2026 to 21 March 2027, and the dates were still to be confirmed. See the Valcartier ice hotel page .

Linking to Montreal

Montreal is a separate trip, about 250 km by road. VIA Rail trains from Gare du Palais take roughly 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes, but timetables change, so check before you book.

Search places to stay in Baie-Saint-Paul on Booking.com .