Lévis

1 km/0,62 miles

You’ll take your leave of Québec City through Lévis, a town that’s reached by ferry. Known for its excellent bicycle paths, Lévis will give you hours of pleasure on the Parcours des Anses or various themed itineraries. You can also stop by the Lévis Forts National Historic Site of Canada.

Montmagny

55 km/34 miles

Its gaze turned to the waters, Montmagny is known as the “snow goose capital.” With a history that stretches back 350 years, the city boasts many heritage buildings of great architectural interest, including Étienne-Paschal-Taché House, a national historic site that was once home to a Canadian Father of Confederation.

Saint-Jean-Port-Joli

91 km/57 miles

As you make your way to Gaspé, don’t miss Saint-Jean-Port-Joli! Incorporated in 1721, the entire town was reduced to ashes during the Conquest of 1759, when British General James Wolfe ordered it burnt to the ground. Today, you can visit the local church — a masterpiece of Québec’s religious architectural heritage — as well as the Épopée de la Moto (a vintage-motorcycle museum) and the Musée des Anciens Canadiens (the most prestigious woodcarving museum in North America).

Rivière-du-Loup

185 km/115 miles

Its extraordinary beauty and riverside location make Rivière-du-Loup a must-see! Any reason is good enough to make the detour. Whether it’s to sweeten your smile with a pâtisserie at café/bakery La Seigneurie, snag a sudsy souvenir at handcrafted soap-makers’ Saponaria, or take in some art and ethnology at the Musée du Bas-Saint-Laurent, you won’t regret a single moment!

Rimouski

293 km/183 miles

Québec’s “seaside capital,” Rimouski is the natural habitat of the nature buff — and an enchanting setting for anything from sea kayaking to golf to a nice long walk on the banks of the St. Lawrence. You can also follow the Route des Métiers d’art (arts & crafts route) or take in the Festi Jazz International de Rimouski — time permitting, of course!

Grand-Métis

333 km/207 miles

This small Gaspésian town is home to the Reford Gardens, a unique mixture of art and horticulture whose reputation needs no introduction. With over 3,000 plant species and a historic, 37-room villa, it’s a veritable earthly paradise!

Matane

386 km/240 miles

Your next stop is Matane, which means “beaver breeding ground”in the language of the Mi’kmaq Indians. Known for its shrimp factory, Matane also offers a lookout from which to watch the Atlantic salmon battle their way upstream.

Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

473 km/294 miles

The perfect blend of mountain and sea, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts welcomes you with open arms. Stop by the Exploramer interpretation centre and get a feel for the astonishing biodiversity of the St. Lawrence. The town is also your entry point to Parc de la Gaspésie and the Chic-Chocs wildlife reserve.

Gaspé

714 km/444 miles

It was here at Gaspé that Jacques Cartier took possession of Canada in 1534, planting his cross in the name of the king of France. Known as the “cradle of Canada,” Gaspé has come a long way since Cartier made his claim. Today it offers up a range of interesting attractions, including the Musée de la Gaspésie, the Jacques Cartier monument, the Gespeg Mi’kmaq interpretation centre and — last but not least — magnificent Forillon National Park of Canada.

Percé

790 km/491 miles

Here you are! After those long hours on the road, the grandeur of Percé Rock will bring you right back to life. You can also take the boat to Île Bonaventure, where you’ll come face to face with thousands of Northern Gannets. Other options include sea-going excursions, diving, kayaking and hiking — not to mention the lip-smacking local cuisine!