Charlevoix and Tadoussac from Quebec City

October 20, 2026

Quebec City makes a good start for trips of two or three days to the northeast. This page sets out three plans. Prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD), and tour prices are usually before tax. If you go between November and April, allow spare time, because winter storms can close roads.

Plan A: Charlevoix by train

The Train de Charlevoix departs from Montmorency Falls, just outside the city. Its 2026 season began in early June and ran to about 1 November, and it does not run in winter. The listed round trip to Baie-Saint-Paul leaves at 8:00 and returns at 15:00, from about 169 CAD on the operator’s site, so you spend a day in town and keep your hotel in Quebec City. For a night away, stay in Baie-Saint-Paul, which is known for galleries and the Musée d’art contemporain. Check the schedule for 2027 on the train’s site .

By road, take Route 138 to Baie-Saint-Paul, then the coastal Route 362 through Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive towards La Malbaie. A free ferry runs from Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive to Île-aux-Coudres, a crossing of about 15 to 20 minutes. That ferry is the only link, with no bridge or causeway.

Plan B: Tadoussac and the whales

Tadoussac is about 210 to 215 km from the city. Allow roughly 3 hours at the wheel, plus a free ferry of about 10 minutes at Baie-Sainte-Catherine. A same-day round trip would mean about 6 hours of driving, so book a room for the night before the cruise. The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park is the setting for the cruises.

Croisières AML listed these 2026 options, all before tax. A Zodiac cruise of about 2.5 hours is from 134.99 CAD for adults at 10:15 and 13:30, and children under 6 may not board. A boat tour of about 3 hours at 13:00 is from 134.99, an upper deck is 169.99 and a VIP lounge is 209.99 to 219.99. The season ran from 2 May to 1 November 2026, and 2027 dates are not yet published. If no whales are seen, most tours offer a free return trip. The company lists minke, fin and humpback whales, porpoises, harbour seals and belugas, and possibly blue whales. It is cold on the water, so pack a warm jacket. Reserve through Croisières AML .

Plan C: a winter night on ice

The Hôtel de Glace is at Valcartier, about 30 minutes north of the city. Overnight stays run from 4 January to 13 March 2027, with suites from about 485 CAD before tax, and day visits from 26 December 2026 to 21 March 2027 on dates to be confirmed. Parking is free. See the Valcartier ice hotel page .

Beyond the region

A trip to Montreal is a separate journey of about 250 km, and trains from Gare du Palais take roughly three to four hours. Check VIA Rail’s timetable before booking. For places to stay near Charlevoix, search Booking.com .