From Montreal: Quebec City One Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

If you’re thinking about taking a day trip from Montreal to Quebec City, this tour might catch your eye. It promises to pack in some of Quebec’s most iconic sights in around 13 hours — all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. For those who want a hassle-free way to see the highlights, this experience could be just the ticket. But as with any big day trip, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons before booking.

What we really like about this tour is how it’s designed for convenience. You get roundtrip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and some key attractions included in the price. Plus, the stops at Montmorency Falls and Old Quebec are genuinely beautiful and give a good sense of the area in just one day. However, one thing to consider is the long travel time — around six hours each way — which means this isn’t ideal if you’re craving a relaxed pace or want to explore more leisurely.

This trip works best for travelers who are okay with long bus rides, value a guided experience, and want to tick off Quebec City’s top sights without the hassle of planning. If you’re short on time but still want a taste of Quebec’s charm, or if you prefer organized tours over self-driving, this day trip could be a good choice. Keep in mind, it’s quite full and fast-paced, so if you prefer a slow stroll or deep dive into history, you might find it a bit rushed.

Key Points

• Convenience matters: Hotel pickup and roundtrip transport make logistics easier, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.
• Great for first-timers: The guided walk in Old Quebec and included stops provide a solid introduction to the city’s highlights.
• Long travel time: Expect about 6 hours on the bus each way, which means a full day of travel and sightseeing.
• Flexible options: Some optional activities like river cruises, ice hotel visits, or museums are available, but not included in the base price.
• Group size: The group can be quite large, up to 55 travelers, which might make some feel less engaged.
• Good value: At about $95, including transportation and entrance fees, you’re getting a comprehensive day tour at a reasonable price.

The Itinerary, Broken Down

Stop 1: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

The day kicks off with a visit to Montmorency Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Quebec. The drive from Montreal takes around six hours, but most of that is on the bus, so settle in and enjoy the scenery. When you arrive, you’ll have about 1 hour and 40 minutes to explore. The admission fee for Montmorency Falls is included, so you can walk along the viewing platforms or get a closer look at the spray from the bridge. A popular optional add-on here is the cable car, which many reviews mention as worth considering if you want to experience more of the site.

What travelers appreciate is the way the falls look dramatic, and the spray and sound make it feel lively. Some reviewers note that one hour isn’t enough to fully enjoy everything, especially if you want to walk across the suspension bridge or zipline. A few mentioned they would prefer a longer visit, but since this is a guided tour, the time is somewhat limited.

Stop 2: Old Quebec

After the falls, the bus heads to Old Quebec, which is the heart of the city’s history and charm. You’ll spend about four hours here, including a guided walking tour of roughly an hour. The guide will point out landmarks like the iconic Château Frontenac, the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame, and the lively Place Royale. During the free time, you can wander the cobblestone streets, browse local shops, or sit at a café. The tour includes entry to key sites, so you get a good overview without feeling lost.

Stop 3: Quartier Petit Champlain

This neighborhood is one of the oldest commercial streets in North America and a favorite for many visitors. It’s a great place to stroll, shop, or just soak in the historic atmosphere. It’s small, but full of boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Many reviews mention how relaxing and picturesque this area is, perfect for a leisurely break.

Stop 4: Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral

This cathedral is North America’s oldest and boasts baroque architecture over 350 years old. It’s a quick stop but offers a glimpse into the city’s spiritual history. Passersby often comment on its impressive interior and historical significance, making it worth a visit even if just for half an hour.

Stop 5: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

No visit to Quebec City is complete without a peek at this majestic hotel, which has hosted countless notable guests over its long history. It’s a photo opportunity in itself, and many travelers enjoy walking around the exterior and hearing stories about its past. Some reviewers mention that this stop feels a bit brief, but it’s an iconic backdrop you’ll want to see.

Optional Activities: River Cruise, Ice Hotel, and Museum

Depending on the time of year and your interests, you might choose to add a river cruise (May to October), visit the Ice Hotel (January to March), or explore the Museum of Civilization (March to May and Nov-Dec). The cruise offers fantastic views of the Château Frontenac and falls, although the ticket isn’t included in the base price. Several reviewers recommend the cruise as a highlight, especially with the advice to sit at the front for a better view.

Notes from Travelers

Multiple reviews praise the guides for their friendliness, humor, and knowledge. One reviewer mentioned that their guide William was ‘charming and informative,’ while others appreciated the smooth bus ride and comfortable transport. Conversely, some travelers felt the guide in Quebec City could have shared more historical insights; one noted that their guide in Montreal “didn’t tell us even one word about anything” during the long bus ride, which was a missed opportunity for some.

The long bus ride is a common theme—about six hours each way—which can be a challenge for those with limited patience for lengthy travel. However, many find the stops worthwhile and the ride comfortable, especially with a good guide and a modern bus.

What’s Not Included

The tour price covers some entry fees and guide services but excludes food, drinks, and optional activities like the cruise or ice hotel. Also, travel insurance isn’t included, so if you want peace of mind, consider that separately. Many travelers bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during their free time.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal if you want an organized, all-in-one day to see Quebec City’s main sights without the fuss of planning it yourself. The included hotel pickup and drop-off are a big plus if you prefer not to worry about logistics. It’s suitable for first-time visitors who want a guided overview and are comfortable with a long travel day. Keep in mind, the pace is brisk, and the group size can be large, so if you prefer a more intimate or slower experience, you might find this tour a bit rushed.

Travelers who enjoy a good mix of sightseeing and free time will appreciate the balance here. The optional activities can be a bonus if you’re interested, but note that they cost extra, and time can be tight.

FAQ

How long is the bus ride from Montreal to Quebec City?
Approximately six hours each way, so be prepared for a full day of travel. The journey is on a modern, comfortable bus with amenities like a restroom.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers complimentary pickup and dropoff from hotels within 5 km of Montreal’s departure point, making logistics simpler.

What’s included in the tour price?
Roundtrip transportation, a professional guide, the entry fee for Montmorency Falls, and a 1-hour guided walking tour of Old Quebec are included.

Are there optional activities?
Yes, you can choose to add a river cruise (May to October), visit the Ice Hotel (January to March), or explore the Museum of Civilization (March to May and Nov-Dec). These are paid separately.

What’s the pace of the tour like?
It’s pretty full-on, with about 4 hours in Old Quebec, plus time at Montmorency Falls and other stops. The long bus ride makes it a day best suited for those comfortable with a lot of travel.

Will I have enough time at Montmorency Falls?
Most reviews say about an hour and forty minutes is enough to walk around the falls and even try optional activities like the cable car or zip lining if you want.

Is the group size large?
Yes, up to 55 travelers, which can mean less personalized attention, but also a lively group atmosphere.

What about food and drinks?
Not included, so you’ll need to plan for your own meals or snacks during the day.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, reasonably priced way to see Quebec City in a single day, this tour offers a practical solution. The guides are often praised for their friendliness and humor, and the attractions included are among the most photogenic and historic in the region. Be prepared for a long day on the bus, but with the comfort of good transportation and a structured itinerary, you can relax knowing you’ll hit the highlights.

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or groups who want everything managed for them. It’s less suited for those who prefer a slow pace or want to explore in depth at their own leisure. Overall, it offers good value and a solid overview of Quebec City’s charms—especially if you’re short on time but want to see the best.

Happy travels, and I hope this helps you decide whether a day trip from Montreal to Quebec City suits your style!