{"id":16970,"date":"2016-08-11T10:00:30","date_gmt":"2016-08-11T09:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/?p=16970"},"modified":"2021-03-25T15:14:42","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T15:14:42","slug":"east-canadian-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/east-canadian-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"East Canadian Road Trip: Montreal and New Brunswick."},"content":{"rendered":"

An East Canadian road trip offers many naturally thrilling sights. Whether you\u2019re a history buff or a fan of flora and fauna, there\u2019s lots to cover and something for everyone. If you\u2019ve considered a Canadian road trip, we\u2019ll have you sold on it with our highlights. Starting in Montreal, we travel east up to Quebec and circle round New Brunswick.
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\nTop tip: <\/strong>Be sure to plan your journey times and allocate enough time for each activity you want to do. You should prepare an itinerary in advance. <\/p>\n

\"EastPhoto by: rabbit75_fot\/Fotolia<\/span><\/p>\n

Starting point: Montreal<\/h2>\n

Montreal is renowned as a festival city so check the exciting event calendar while you\u2019re in town. 60 different vibrant events happen in the summer months alone. You\u2019ll be kicking yourself if you miss out. <\/p>\n

Make sure you try a freshly-made bagel- St Viateur Bagel<\/a> comes highly recommended. They give the New York counterpart a run for their money. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for architecturally pleasing sights, take a walk down Plateau Mont-Royal. It has fantastic brightly-coloured buildings. There\u2019s also the Notre Dame<\/a> and the only environment museum in North America, the Biosphere<\/a>. <\/p>\n

For further historical indulgences, visit the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre<\/a>, assisted by Holocaust survivors who are willing to share their own incredible personal stories.
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The King\u2019s Road- setting off<\/h2>\n

Route 138, or Chemin du Roy, follows the St Lawrence River. Visit the Le Moulin Grenier, a working mill, just north out of Montreal. Further along at Trois-Rivi\u00e8res, there\u2019s Borealis<\/a>, a paper mill museum. <\/p>\n

Stop at Trois-Rivi\u00e8res, the \u2018Poetry Capital of Quebec\u2019 and you may discover poetic verses printed on plaques. Can you find them all?<\/p>\n

For the adventurous among you, you can be temporarily sentenced and spend the night behind bars in Canada\u2019s oldest prison<\/a>.
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Quebec<\/h2>\n

Another Canadian dish to try, which doesn\u2019t look at all appealing (but as it originates in Quebec) it\u2019s worth a try. Poutine is made from French fries topped with cheese curds and light brown gravy. If it\u2019s not for you, you can take a walking tour<\/a> of Quebec and try lots of different food hotspots. You can avoid the poutine if necessary! <\/p>\n

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can still see the stone walls around Old Quebec erected by the British to keep out American invasions.
\nNearby Montmorency Falls are actually higher than Niagara Falls but has shorter queues. You can take your hire car so far before having to hike or take the cable car.
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\n\"EastPhoto by: photorebelle\/Fotolia<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gaspe Peninsula<\/h2>\n

Boasting some of the best scenery Quebec has to offer, this peninsula is home to over 300 species of birds. Birdwatching fans will be glued to their binoculars. On Route 32 you\u2019ll drive through fishing villages and past lighthouses. <\/p>\n

You can spot moose and black bears in the Matane Wildlife Preserve.<\/p>\n

Top tip: <\/strong>We don\u2019t recommend getting too close\u2026<\/p>\n

The oldest lighthouse, Ile Verte<\/a>, can be visited in sailing season, and is located just off the coast between Cacouna and Trois-Pistoles. <\/p>\n

Just after Rimouski, you\u2019ll come across the Pointe-au-P\u00e8re Maritime Historic Site<\/a>. Here\u2019s the first Canadian submarine that was open to the public. If the prison didn\u2019t tempt you, perhaps sleeping underwater will- you can spend the night aboard. Continue round and stop for photos of Perc\u00e9 Rock.
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Salmon run<\/h2>\n

There are several rivers in east Quebec and New Brunswick which are popular for their salmon; Miramichi, Restigouche, Grand Cascapedia, and Bonaventure. Local fishermen flock there but be wary of trespassing on private land or fishing without a guide or license. Specialised fishing retreats are established for visitors to offer aid such as Camp Bonaventure<\/a> or Salmon Lodge<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Head back on Route 132 for a shorter trip to loop round and return to Quebec. Those with a few extra days can travel further south into New Brunswick on Route 134.
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\n\"EastPhoto by: Pavel Cheiko\/Fotolia<\/span><\/p>\n

New Brunswick<\/h2>\n

As well as salmon-spotting, there are lots of other attractions here. Take a hike to the Midland Ice Caves<\/a> or to get your adrenaline running, zip line in Fundy Bay<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Ridgeback Lodge<\/a> near Kingston provides an incredible stay- much more our style. Relax in a stunning geodesic dome or log cabin. Take a break from the road and enjoy staring at the stars or soaking in a hot tub! You\u2019ll be close to nature without being too far from creature comforts.
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Your East Canadian road trip<\/h2>\n

If this is your first road trip, make sure to read up on our top tips for planning a European road trip<\/a>. What are your Canadian road trip highlights? Tell us in the comments (we\u2019ll be dozing in a dome)! <\/p>\n

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