I am in the early stages of planning some Quebec trips with my wife. We traditionally ride Vermont and Maine. She is good for 200-250 miles a day. What are some must see attractions that we can plan trips around? Views, vistas, caves, pieces of history, etc.

Thanks in advance.

There will be lots of people here that can make good suggestions.  Just to make it easier, what regions were you thinking you wanted to travel in and how many days were you planning per trip?

Everyone has there favourite areas of Quebec , here’s some of ours.

1. Gaspe Bay, I would say the most scenic region of Quebec. The loop shown on the map would be a 5-6 day trip. Every day is scenic riding . 
 

2. Quebec City- Lac St Jean-Mont Valin also a great ride with lots of scenic areas. Loop l show here is trip my wife and l did last March. If you want more miles then include a loop around Lac St Jean, if going around the lake be sure to include riding trail 373 north of the lake.

 

I rode Quebec a number of years ago, but we never stopped to look at anything, we just rode. My wife likes to plan around scenery, etc.

I am not opposed to taking off anywhere. I had the Roquemont or La Pocatiere as potential launch sites.

27 minutes ago, Noreaster said:

La Pocatiere as potential launch sites.

It depends how much time you have and what you are looking for. Personally, If you are going to Gaspe and sticking to trail 5 east from Pocatiere, there really isn't alot of good scenery until the Matane area.  If your time is limited I would suggest a Rimouski or Mont Joli start. JMHO

Saint Donat.  Some good lookouts there.  Can catch the St Come ice festival if you go mid February which is nearby.  Also Devils Mountain and Windigo Chutes.  Book at one of the nicer outfitters in the area.  Ice Hotel is a good spot if in Quebec City.  It's not trail accessible though.

The ‘must see’ list for me includes many of the snowmobile club clubs trail side where they have a place to stop and take in the local feel. So sometimes food, sometimes drink, sometimes a fireplace or wood stove…every one different. It is what we love when you are riding the best trails and nature around in between them.
 

Some are really nice, some simple with folding tables and chairs…some couches, some have a bar with stools, some are along roads and the public drive there too…some remote…but all different. Many have great trail food, some local foods, sandwiches, soups, poutine, sweets, a cold beer or hot coffee. Generally surprisingly good. People running them are nice. Always a treat for us to experience (and support) them.

EastMark's  thinking is right on.  I am along the same lines. Follow the food trail around Quebec.  A scenic mountain sight can't compare to a bowl of hot Poutine on the table encompassing all your senses of pleasure.  Ten years later you won't even remember where that scenic mountain was, but eat Quebec food and you'll remember the where, the when, and who you were with.

Oh, and don't forget to try the crepes!!!

 

The best bowl of French Onion soup I have ever had was at the Motel restaurant at La Pocatiere over 20 yrs ago.  You are right Mike, you never forget exactly where the good food was!

3 hours ago, mikerider said:

EastMark's  thinking is right on.  I am along the same lines. Follow the food trail around Quebec.  A scenic mountain sight can't compare to a bowl of hot Poutine on the table encompassing all your senses of pleasure.  Ten years later you won't even remember where that scenic mountain was, but eat Quebec food and you'll remember the where, the when, and who you were with.

Oh, and don't forget to try the crepes!!!

 

Wow, man how true! I remember so many great meals,people and places that we’ve been to over the years. 

Bumping this thread. Last season we rode the north shore/Mont Valin as our first Quebec trip. We loved it so we will be buying season passes. We are interested in doing 3-4 day bag trips, or just finding a nice hotel or chalet to do day trips out of. We are not afraid to drive, so I’d love some suggestions on must see trails and scenery/food. 

If you want scenery this is the best 3-4 days you can spend in the Gaspe.

To make this route work the Chic Choc trail between LaCache and Murdochville needs to be open. Was closed past 2 seasons.

They hope to have open this season but have two bridges that need repaired which they can’t do until hunting season is over. Hopefully it’s open this winter but until it shows up on the Map App it’s a wait and see.

Guys trips we do this route in 3 days combined with another 3 days in NB.

A couples trip we did same route in 5 days, relaxed days, keeps the wives happy. Could also do in four days as a couples trip.

TQ23 from Saint Raymond to Mont Apica is on my highlight list.  Especially between L’Etape and Mont Apica.  360 west of Mattawin Riviere is also gorgeous along the river.  If you like remote head north from Swisha (north of Pembroke Ontario) on 386 up to Val D’or.  Some beautiful lakes along that route that are very remote.  The wood runner loop north of Sainte Anne du Lac is also awesome.  Lots of great options.

On 11/22/2023 at 5:25 PM, Noreaster said:

I am in the early stages of planning some Quebec trips with my wife. We traditionally ride Vermont and Maine. She is good for 200-250 miles a day. What are some must see attractions that we can plan trips around? Views, vistas, caves, pieces of history, etc.

Thanks in advance.

For scenery, Gaspe is certainly difficult to beat. However, in the world we live in today, trips need to be planned around weather ,trail conditions, trail closures and lodging availability. Hopefully the Chic Choc trail does indeed open, and the other bridge out issue on the North side of the peninsula is fixed.  Good luck with your planning, and 2026 season.