From Montreal: Quebec City One Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

Explore Quebec City in a Single Day from Montreal for $95.62

This full-day trip from Montreal to Quebec City offers a comprehensive experience packed into approximately 13 hours. For $95.62 per person, travelers enjoy roundtrip transportation, hotel pickup within 5 km of Montreal, and an expert guide who leads the way through iconic sites. The tour includes admission to Montmorency Falls, a 1-hour guided walk in Old Quebec, and optional activities such as a river cruise from May to October. While the long bus ride (around 6 hours each way) is a consideration, the schedule offers enough time to explore key attractions and enjoy scenic views.

This tour suits those who prefer a well-organized, guided day trip that handles logistics, allowing more focus on sightseeing. It’s particularly appealing to visitors who want to see Quebec’s highlights in a single day without the hassle of planning, but it’s best for travelers comfortable with long bus rides and group tours.

Key Points

• Cost-effective day trip from Montreal for $95.62
• Approximately 13 hours duration, including hotel pickup and dropoff
• Visit Montmorency Falls, with admission included
• Explore Old Quebec on a guided walking tour and enjoy free time to discover landmarks
• Optional river cruise available from May to October
• Group size limited to 55 travelers for comfortable experiences

Starting at Montreal with Convenient Pickup

The tour begins early at 68 Boul. René-Lévesque O in Montreal, with hotel pickup offered within 5 km of the departure point. The 7:00 am start time ensures an early departure, maximizing your time in Quebec City. The roundtrip transportation takes around 6 hours each way, so prepare for a long bus ride but relax knowing the modern, comfortable transportation is well-reviewed for its smoothness and amenities like restrooms.

The courtesy hotel pickup is appreciated by many, simplifying logistics and saving the bother of navigating public transit. The group size of up to 55 travelers keeps the experience manageable, although some reviews note that larger groups can make guiding less personal.

Montmorency Falls: The First Scenic Stop

The trip heads first to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, just outside Quebec City. Known as Quebec’s tallest waterfall, it offers spectacular views and photo opportunities. Visitors spend about 1 hour 40 minutes here, exploring the park and enjoying the admission included in the tour price.

A highlight is the river cruise option from May to October, offering breathtaking views of Montmorency Falls and the surrounding scenery. Since the cruise is not included in the base price, travelers can choose to add this experience during the trip. The cable car and other activities at Montmorency Falls are available but are not part of the tour package.

Walking Through Old Quebec’s Historic Streets

After Montmorency Falls, the tour moves into Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 4-hour visit includes a 1-hour guided walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide, during which visitors learn fascinating stories behind landmarks like Place Royale and the Château Frontenac.

The self-guided free time of about 3 hours allows for wandering narrow cobblestone streets, shopping at Quartier Petit Champlain, and visiting notable sites such as the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame de Quebec, which is over 350 years old and features baroque architecture.

Discovering the Château Frontenac and Notre Dame Basilica

Within the Old Quebec area, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a major photo stop. Known for its historic significance and distinctive architecture, the hotel has witnessed events dating back to the Hundred Years War. The tour also includes time to admire the Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica, the oldest cathedral in North America, with more than 350 years of history.

While entry is not included for these landmarks, the exterior views and stories from the guide enrich the visit. The guide shares insights that bring these historic structures to life, making the walk more than just sightseeing.

Optional River Cruise and Other Activities

From May to October, the tour offers an optional 2-hour river cruise departing from Old Quebec. The cruise passes Île d’Orléans and provides breathtaking views of Château Frontenac and Montmorency Falls. Although admission is not included, many find it a rewarding way to see Quebec from a different perspective.

Other optional activities include a visit to the Museum of Civilization (available March to May and November to December) and the Hôtel de Glace, the ice hotel open from January to March. These attractions require additional tickets and are best booked separately if interested.

Logistics and Group Dynamics

The tour includes roundtrip transportation with modern, comfortable buses. The bus driver has earned praise for smooth rides, and guides like William and Felix are frequently commended for their knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor. Many reviews note that guides provide interesting insights about Quebec City’s history and culture.

While most travelers find the pacing appropriate, some mention the long bus ride can be tiring, especially for those less accustomed to extended travel. The timing at Montmorency Falls and the length of free time in Quebec City are generally seen as sufficient, though a few suggest that more time at Montmorency would be ideal.

Pacing and Tour Flow

The balanced schedule allows enough time for sightseeing, walking, and optional activities. The 1-hour guided walking tour in Old Quebec offers a structured introduction, followed by ample free time for personal exploration. The long bus ride is the main downside, but many appreciate the organized nature and professional guidance that make the trip less stressful.

Some reviews highlight that group size can affect the experience, with suggestions to split larger groups or provide more personalized guiding for enhanced engagement. The tour guide’s storytelling style is often praised, especially when guides like William use humor and local knowledge to enrich the visit.

Who Will Appreciate This Quebec Day Trip?

This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking a hassle-free way to see Quebec City in a day, especially those who prefer organized logistics and guided insights. It caters to people comfortable with long bus rides and group tours. The inclusion of hotel pickup, admission to Montmorency Falls, and guided tours adds significant value for the price.

However, those looking for more flexibility or less time on the bus might find the schedule somewhat packed. The optional activities, like the river cruise, are perfect for adding extra memories if booked in advance.

Final Thoughts on the Quebec City Day Trip

Priced at $95.62, this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of Quebec City’s most famous sites, with the convenience of transportation and guided commentary. The major highlights—Montmorency Falls, Old Quebec, Château Frontenac, and Notre Dame Basilica—are all covered, giving visitors a well-rounded experience.

The long travel hours are a notable factor, but most reviews confirm that the professional guides, comfortable buses, and scenic stops make the journey worthwhile. The optional cruise and other activities enhance the experience for those wanting to extend their adventure.

This tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors or anyone seeking a guided, stress-free day to explore Quebec City from Montreal. It offers value for money, especially considering the included attractions and the hotel pickup convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, courtesy hotel pickup and dropoff are provided within 5 km of the departure point in Montreal.

How long is the bus ride from Montreal to Quebec City?
The roundtrip transportation takes approximately 6 hours each way, making the entire day about 13 hours including stops and sightseeing.

Are the optional activities included in the price?
No, activities like the river cruise, Ice Hotel, or Museum of Civilization are not included and require separate tickets if you wish to participate.

What is the best time of year to join the river cruise?
The river cruise operates from May to October, offering scenic views along the Saint Lawrence River during those months.

Who is the tour suitable for?
This tour suits those comfortable with long bus rides and group tours, especially travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided experience of Quebec in one day.