La Belle Province 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 will drive approximately 1-hour, 45-minutes from Montreal to North Hatley. Your drive will lead you through several quaint rural villages, past local farmland and wineries, and through forests dotted with lakes.

The charming village of North Hatley, population 750, is situated on the northern shores of beautiful Lake Massawippi in the Eastern Townships and is also known as Estrie or Cantons de l'Est in French. It features elegant heritage residences, cosy bed and breakfasts, quaint boutiques, bistros and coffee shops, historic churches, and waterfront parks with sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Be sure to enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality of the locals. Activities in the local area include boat tours, fishing, golfing, and wine tasting, or take a tour of Capelton Mine or visit Galerie Jeannine Blais.

Today, you will drive approximately 2-hours, 45-minutes from North Hatley to Quebec City. Activities en route include 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.

"Today you may choose to enjoy an optional day tour to the Beaupre Coast. Running through Beaupre Coast's picturesque countryside is one of North America's oldest roads. Avenue Royale (Route de la Nouvelle-France) winds itself along the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. The route travels through a region steeped in heritage and culture where you will discover magnificent homes from the 18th and 19th centuries, 200-year-old churches, historic family farms, and adventure activities abound. Highlights include Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum & Studio, Saint-Anne-de-Beaupre Shrine, Park de la Chute-Montmorency, Canyon Sainte-Anne, Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, or Mont-Saint-Anne."