Discover French Canada Self Drive Discovery

Welcome to Montreal! Upon arrival at the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, you will pick up your rental vehicle and drive approximately 30-minutes into downtown Montreal.

Montreal was founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, or the City of Mary, it is named after Mount Royal the triple-peaked hill in the heart of the city, and is centered on the Island of Montreal in the Saint Lawrence River. French is the city's official language and the city is the second-largest primarily French-speaking city in the developed world, after Paris. Blessed with one of the most exciting food scenes in North America it is a foodie's dream come true while making sure to try Poutine, a local Quebecois dish made with fries covered in cheese curds and gravy. Montreal is known as Canada's cultural juggernaut and hosts more than 90 festivals every year. It is part old European charm mixed with contemporary design and dotted with a wealth of heritage churches. Highlights include Parc du Mont-Royal, Museum of Fine Arts, Notre-Dame Basilica, Jardin Botanique, Place d'Armes, Pointe-a-Calliere Museum, Old Montreal & Port, Biodome, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Insectarium.

"Today you may choose to enjoy an optional day tour to Mont-Tremblant. Founded in 1938, the resort of Mont-Tremblant is a four-season holiday destination and ski resort and ranks as #1 in eastern North America. Its European-style pedestrian village offers world-class amenities, a wide selection of restaurants, and boutiques. The mountain is the tallest in the region and soars to a height of 2871 feet. In this outdoor playground, you can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities including golfing, the sightseeing gondola, hiking, mountain biking, a variety of water sports, or ziplining. "

Today you will drive approximately 3-hours from Montreal to Quebec City. If you would like to properly experience rural Quebec, ensure to take the scenic route instead through its quaint villages, farmland, and forests. Activities en route include the Strom Nordic Spa and the Gault Nature Reserve of McGill University in Mont-Saint-Hilaire or Village Quebecois d'Antan, in Drummondville, a replica Quebec Village circa 1810-1930 with many vintage buildings and customed actors.

Explore the historic treasures of Canada’s only walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site, which is capped by the soaring turrets of the historic Chateau Frontenac that overlooks the Saint Lawrence River from its cliff-top position. Quebec City is North America's oldest French-speaking city and was founded in 1608. Old Quebec located just below the Chateau Frontenac resembles a European fairy-tale village with its cobblestone streets, manicured squares, historic architecture, charming boutiques, classic bistros, and sidewalk cafes. During the summer, musicians, acrobats, and actors in period costumes take to the streets, while fantastic festivals fill the air with fireworks and songs. Highlights include the National Museum of Fine Arts, Quebec's Legislature, The Citadelle, Battlefields Park, Museum of Civilisation, Terrasse Dufferin, Artillery Park, Plains of Abraham Museum, Quebec Aquarium, and the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site.