Québec City walking tour; 3 miles, easy city walking (sneakers are acceptable)

The tour begins with a guided exploration of Québec City. You visit and learn about its first settlements from the early 17th century to the present, and in particular, the struggle for control of the continent between the French and English in the 18th century. As a result, Québec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico. Its charming “Lower Town” and the Place Royale date to the earliest days of the French colony. Architectural landmarks, winding streets, and outdoor cafés are all a part of the tapestry of this French-speaking city.

You break for a picnic lunch on the Plains of Abraham, site of the Battle of Québec in 1759, which forever changed the fate of North America. Enjoy a bountiful lunch featuring locally made products before an easy afternoon stroll along the Saint Lawrence and a visit to the Montmorency Falls, also known as Chute Montmorency. This waterfall is the highest in the province of Québec—at just over 275 feet, it is some 88 feet higher than Niagara Falls. You walk around the falls, taking in some of the many observation points. Today provides a perfect introduction to the culture, history, and beauty of Québec City.

Your home for the next two nights is in the heart of the lower town of Québec City. The Auberge Saint-Antoine was built on the ruins of an old warehouse—today more than 700 priceless items that were uncovered remain on display.

Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier; 5-6 miles, moderate with short ascents, rocky terrain, tree roots, and loose gravel; approximate 1,500-ft elevation gain

Waking to fresh fruit and sustaining breakfast fare prepares you for an invigorating day of walking.

Less than one hour from the inn lies Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, which features a remarkable landscape characterized by contrasts: mountainous uplands fractured by steep-sided valleys. A river winds through the most spectacular of them, the Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier, a trench more than 1,800 feet deep. In forests of yellow birch, sugar maples, and black spruce, nature inspires peace and respect.

The trail, which leads to some lovely views of this valley, starts with a good climb to warm up and then gradually evens out. A trailside lunch is unpacked at a scenic point.

This afternoon, you return to your inn to freshen up before an evening out in Québec City for a little time to wander followed by dinner at your guide’s favorite restaurant, where warm hospitality and exquisite French cuisine provide a welcome entrée into this wonderful corner of North America.

Sentier des Caps; 3-4 miles, moderate. Transfer to La Malbaie

This morning you depart Québec City and head east along the northern bank of the Saint Lawrence River toward the quiet charm of the countryside in Québec’s Charlevoix region.

After a drive of approximately one hour to the Sentier des Caps for the start of a morning walk. The park is situated on the shore where the mountains meet the river, offering comprehensive views of the majestic Saint Lawrence. The park is home to giant, ancient yellow birches and located at the heart of an immense geological fault. In late autumn, you may be able to see some of the many thousands of snow geese as they migrate south on their route that passes directly above the park.

You arrive at your next inn with time to relax before enjoying a meal of fine French cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant.

River walk along the Malbaie; 5-7 miles, easy. Moderate to challenging option of 6 miles available

After a bountiful breakfast, your destination is the Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. With a name that translates to “the great gorge,” this breathtaking park boasts an extensive trail system. You walk to the misty base of hanging waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet into Canada’s largest canyon east of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This park is a true ecological gem situated in the heart of the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve. The walk is a long, easy stroll along the Malbaie River with a more spectacular view offered around every bend. You enjoy a picnic lunch at a gentle bend in the river.

This evening you are on your own for dinner, with the option of enjoying the hotel’s restaurant or venturing into the charming town.

Dunes Walk; 2 miles, easy to moderate. Zodiac Whale Watch

The final day of walking begins with an early morning breakfast, followed by a transfer (1 hour 15 minutes) to the spectacular Saguenay Fjord. You embark on an exciting whale watch by Zodiac (water taxi) into the Saint Lawrence and along the high, granite cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord. With luck, you may spot Minke or Beluga whales, just two of ten different species which make their summer home in these rich waters. The small Zodiac boat allows for up-close encounters with these large mammals and your experience is enriched by commentary from an expert naturalist on board.

The walk this afternoon leads you along the dunes this region is known for. You may spot eagles and other birds along the way. At a lookout to the Saint Lawrence you unpack your trailside lunch and take in the expansive views. After lunch, you return to the riverside town of Tadoussac with time to explore. A late afternoon arrival back to the 3 Canards allows time to enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool or expansive common spaces and gardens before settling down to a farewell dinner of refined Québecois cuisine.

Baie-Saint-Paul and Orleans Island. Return to Québec City

A leisurely mid-morning drive back to Québec City includes a brief leg stretch in the historic village of Baie-Saint-Paul. Settled in 1678, Baie-Saint-Paul is an artist’s paradise—a colorful mosaic of art, nature, and culture. You have the opportunity to explore some of the remarkable galleries and art centers, shop for and sample the locally made products, or perhaps enjoy the panoramic views of the majestic Saint Lawrence one last time. En route back to the city, you cross the mighty Saint Lawrence to the beautiful and fertile Île d’Orléans, the jewel of Québec’s Saint Lawrence River. First settled by the French over 350 years ago, this treasured island produces much of the fresh fruits and vegetables for Québec City. Here you enjoy a light picnic lunch, sampling local favorites from select island farms.

Arriving at the train station in Québec City by 2:00 pm, you can catch a taxi to the airport or to a hotel if you are extending your stay. Those staying at the Auberge Saint-Antoine will be brought to that hotel by 2:30 pm.