Let's explore the Quebec, this generous territory where one breathes freedom with full lungs. From a flowery spring to a fiery Indian summer, the province is lived intensely, between vibrant cities, wide open spaces and lifestyle refined. For ten days, we traveled through an exceptional Quebec, aboard an exceptional vehicle, between luxury hotels, gastronomic experiences and memorable encounters.
Montreal: Urban elegance and first local flavors
Our journey begins in Montreal, a cosmopolitan and artistic city. Upon landing, we pick up our travel companion: a sumptuous diamond-white Mercedes Coupé AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+, which combines power and comfort. Its engine roars elegantly over the Quebec asphalt, ready for adventure.
A few hours allow us to immerse ourselves in the Montreal atmosphere. Mount Royal, a true natural lookout, offers us a breathtaking view of the skyscrapers. Below, the cobblestones of Old Montreal lead us to our first cultural stop: at Grégoire & Fils, in Mercier, where we enjoy a generous poutine, a jewel of Quebec cuisine.
Parc Oméga & Mont-Tremblant: Wild Immersion and Luxury at Altitude
The next day, we head into the backcountry. After a 90-minute drive, we enter the 900-hectare Parc Oméga. An unforgettable Quebec safari, where caribou, bison, and wolves parade just meters from our vehicle, along a 12-kilometer route. A unique immersion in Canadian wildlife.
We then take the road back to the village of Mont-Tremblant, nestled in the Laurentians. On the shores of the eponymous lake, theQuintessence Hotel opens its doors to us. We drop off our suitcases in the Presidential Suite, a haven of serenity with panoramic views of the peaceful waters and a private hot tub on the terrace. In the evening, the La Quintessence restaurant enchants us: trout ceviche, veal flank steak, and chocolate fondant punctuate a dinner of delicate flavors, overlooking the shimmering lake.
Trois-Rivières & Quebec: between old-world charm and modern refinement
On the road to Quebec City, Trois-Rivières offers a pleasant break between charming alleys and lively terraces. The next stop takes us to the Auberge Saint-Antoine, a jewel of Old Quebec classified as Relais & Châteaux. In the Innkeeper's room, our private terrace overlooks the St. Lawrence River. In the evening, the restaurant Le Muffy surprises us with a blind tasting menu. Poached oysters, sashimi cod, tender beef, and a cocoa-flavored wild mushroom dessert follow one another in a contemporary chalet setting, lulled by timeless French songs.
Tadoussac: magical encounter with the giants of the seas
Day is barely breaking when we leave Quebec City for what promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Heading northeast, towards Tadoussac, a small coastal village with old-world charm, where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence River. It's one of the best places in the world for whale watching, a claim that takes on its full meaning as soon as you set eyes on it.
Upon our arrival, the air is crisp and thick with sea spray. We board ALM Croisières' VIP boat, certified Biosphère, committed to preserving the region's fragile marine ecosystem. The ship's interior is cozy, equipped with large bay windows, a panoramic lounge, and a deck reserved for VIP passengers. Everything is designed to allow for observation without disturbing others.
On the calm waters of the St. Lawrence, the silence is punctuated by the cries of gulls and the gentle surf. Then, suddenly, a white fin breaks the surface: a group of belugas, those arctic cetaceans with mischievous smiles, are swimming very close to our boat. Their whiteness contrasts magnificently with the deep blue of the river. A little further on, it's the turn of the fin whales, nearly 20 meters long, to emerge in a slow and majestic ballet. Their powerful breath resounds, and their shiny backs disappear once again beneath the surface, for long breath-holds.
Our guide, a passionate naturalist, shares anecdotes and scientific data with us: here, 13 species of cetaceans cross the waters between May and October, attracted by the 16 tons of krill they feed on each day. The boat's speed is carefully adjusted to avoid disrupting their natural behavior, a respectful approach that enhances the quality of the experience.
The highlight of the show: the entrance to the Saguenay Fjord, with its dizzying cliffs and mystical atmosphere. As we approach the shore, a colony of bronze-gray seals rests on the rocks, peacefully indifferent to our passage. Nature seems to reign supreme here. Then, gushing from the forest heights, the famous “pissing caribou” waterfall, 92 meters high, appears like a mirage. Visible only during certain seasons, this waterfall owes its name to local legend and its wild flow, fueled by melting ice.
As night falls, we rediscover the refinement of the Manoir Richelieu, the historic flagship of the Fairmont chain, perched on a cliff overlooking the river. Behind its Belle Époque façade, the hotel boasts an elegant decor featuring velvet, wood paneling, and panoramic views. We dive into the light-filled indoor pool, savor a signature cocktail at the bar, and then sit down at the Le Saint-Laurent restaurant for a table d'hôte menu. Local products are featured in carefully prepared dishes, enhanced with a creative touch. A chic and soothing interlude, perfect for ending this magnificent day in the arms of Quebec nature.
Montmorency, Île d'Orléans & Château Frontenac: a Quebec-style grand finale
On the way back to Quebec City, a majestic stop is a must at Montmorency Falls, a true natural monument of the region. Standing 83 meters high, 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls, they soar with impressive power, especially in spring, when the melting snow fuels their thunderous flow. We take the suspension bridge overlooking the crest of the falls: the crashing water mixes with the humid breeze, providing an exhilarating sensation. From there, a stepped path descends to the base, offering striking views from different angles. For the more adventurous, a zip line even crosses the void on the side of the waterfall, a unique experience for those who want to combine adrenaline and raw nature.
Just a few minutes away, a bridge leads us to Île d'Orléans, a rural gem nestled in the heart of the St. Lawrence River. Barely 34 kilometers long, the island is a peaceful place to explore, dotted with 18th-century ancestral homes, flowering orchards, artisanal farms, and gourmet restaurants showcasing Quebec's local produce. We stroll from a cider producer to a strawberry stand, discover an artisanal jam workshop, and stop at a family cheese shop. Along the coast, every turn reveals a striking view of Quebec City, as if the city were floating on the water, its bell towers and ramparts standing out against the horizon.
The return to the city marks the final act of this journey, and not the least: we head to the legendary Château Frontenac. Standing proudly on Cap Diamant, overlooking the river, this century-old hotel is the absolute symbol of Quebec City. Inaugurated in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it has welcomed royalty, heads of state, writers, celebrities, and filmmakers. We access our suite 1705, nestled in the prestigious Fairmont Gold floors, where guests enjoy personalized service, a private lounge with an exclusive buffet, and a dedicated concierge. The view, meanwhile, is breathtaking: below, the St. Lawrence River winds its way, while the old city reveals its copper roofs and cobblestone streets.
That evening, we chose to dine at Bistro Le Sam, one of the hotel's restaurants, nestled under a large glass roof with a panoramic view of the river. The menu is a refined tribute to local gastronomy: foie gras crème brûlée, subtly enhanced with pineapple chutney, whisky, and maple, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth maple-glazed pork belly, then a dark chocolate tartlet that concludes this feast on a gourmet and elegant note. The precise and warm service completes this exceptional evening in this living historical monument, which embodies the spirit of Quebec: grandiose, welcoming, and deeply rooted in its history.
In ten days, Quebec won us over with the raw beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its wildlife, the sincere welcome of its inhabitants and the finesse of its lifestyleThis road trip, between unspoiled nature and discreet luxury, will remain as an exceptional journey where each stage has written an unforgettable page in our travel diary.
Report & Photos: Maxime Dobremel
