Québec City is close enough to Montréal for a memorable road trip and different enough to feel like a true escape. The fastest and most popular route follows Highway 20 and generally takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic and conditions.
For a slower journey, follow sections of the Chemin du Roy. This historic route connects riverside communities and traces the first road built to carry wheeled vehicles between Montréal and Québec City. It takes longer, so treat the drive itself as part of the experience.
In Québec City, begin with Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure and the only fortified city north of Mexico. Walk rather than drive inside the historic core. A hotel garage or park-and-ride arrangement can remove the stress of searching for a space.
On the following day, drive to Montmorency Falls, only minutes from downtown. The falls reach 83 metres—30 metres higher than Niagara Falls—and viewpoints include paths and a suspension bridge. Continue toward Île d’Orléans for countryside scenery and local food, or visit Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré along the Côte-de-Beaupré.
Before leaving Montréal, check the weather, road conditions, parking rules and attraction hours. Winter travel deserves extra time. A spacious SUV is valuable for family luggage, while a hybrid is a comfortable, efficient choice for the round trip.
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Montréal à Québec : l’escapade routière idéale
La route la plus rapide entre Montréal et Québec suit l’autoroute 20 et prend généralement de 2 h 45 à 3 h, selon la circulation. Pour une expérience plus lente, empruntez certaines sections du Chemin du Roy et découvrez les villages riverains.
À Québec, commencez par le Vieux-Québec, site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO et seule ville fortifiée au nord du Mexique. Le lendemain, conduisez jusqu’à la chute Montmorency, haute de 83 mètres, puis poursuivez vers l’île d’Orléans ou Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
Avant de partir, vérifiez la météo, l’état des routes, les règles de stationnement et les heures d’ouverture. En hiver, prévoyez davantage de temps.
Plan before you go. Hours, admission, parking and road conditions can change. Confirm current details with the attraction or official tourism source.