Exploring Quebec without a car: tips and tricks for a different way to discover

Quebec is a gold mine of breathtaking scenery and adventure! But without a car, travelling across such a large province can be a bit more complicated. Although we won’t deny that getting around Quebec without a car comes with additional challenges, it's still possible to discover certain regions without depending on a personal car, which can help us save on gas and, in some cases, reduce our environmental footprint. 

Here are a few practical tips on where to start, and some key things to keep in mind to make alternative transportation work for you. So, are you ready to start your adventure and explore Quebec differently? Here we go!

What are my options for car-free travel in Quebec?

When you really think about it, there are actually more options than you might have imagined when it comes to exploring the province without getting behind the wheel. Let’s take a quick look.

City buses and the metro

The best-known option, and probably the most popular! Québec City has a well-developed bus network while Montréal offers both buses and the metro to go exploring downtown and in suburban areas on- and off-island. Some smaller cities, including Mont-Tremblant, Gatineau and Sherbrooke also have their own bus networks. It’s a practical and fairly affordable way to get around.

Commuter trains

Commuter trains, like the Exo network in and around Montréal, provide easy access to the outskirts of the city. Mainly used by workers and students, they’re also a great way to quickly and comfortably reach the suburbs! These are particularly interesting if you’re visiting on a weekday, when service is more frequent.

Trains

Via Rail trains offer spacious layouts, seat configurations that accommodate small groups or families of four, and on-board services. The Montréal-Québec City link makes it easy to visit both cities, while the route to Ottawa opens the doors to the neighbouring Outaouais region. In summer, you can even get to the beautiful Charlevoix region from Québec City! And if long-distance travel is your thing, you can even travel to the Saguenay, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Abitibi and Haute-Mauricie regions by train.

Coach operators

Coach buses are a good option when you’re travelling between cities. Companies like Orléans Express, Limocar and Intercar connect many regions of Quebec. The main advantage? The extensive network of municipalities (over 475 across the province!) you can get to by coach.

Ferries and river shuttles

Ferries and river shuttles are perfect for getting across the water while enjoying a change of pace and scenery. You can relax and let yourself be carried along the river while admiring the panoramic views, which is sure to put you in vacation mode even before you reach your destination!

Shuttles

Shuttle services are available in some cases to take you directly to specific attractions such as national parks. This is ideal for nature lovers who want to explore the great outdoors without worrying about transportation. Some festivals also set up shuttle services, so that festival-goers can avoid worrying about parking.

Organized sightseeing

To help tourists take the stress out of planning, some travel companies offer guided tours and take care of most of the travel logistics. Ideal for activities like a gourmet tour or a day trip to an island, for example, these services let you explore hassle free. As an added bonus, you’ll also get tips and suggestions from an expert local guide.

Bike tourism and bike sharing

For adventurous travellers, bike touring is a great way to discover Quebec. Thousands of kilometres of bike paths stretch across regions, inviting you to explore on two wheels. Shorter bike trips are another option for getting from place to place, and bike-sharing services (such as BIXI in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil and surrounding areas, àVélo in Québec City, Accès Vélo in Saguenay and RÉGÎM in Gaspésie) let you stay active as you get around the cities you’re visiting and allow you to explore with ease.

What should I keep in mind when planning a car-free trip?

There are certain aspects you’ll want to consider when going car free to ensure a pleasant vacation experience.

1. Choosing your mode of transportation

As you’ve just seen, the options for getting around vary greatly, and are not all equally accessible depending on the region, the season or the time of day. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework and find the modes of transportation that will get you where you need to go, based on your budget, your travel dates and your ability to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

2. Adjusting your budget

The same way you would budget for gas when you travel by car, you should also think about dedicating a portion of your budget to public transportation if you intend to travel this way. And since fares can vary widely depending on the mode of transportation, it’s best to find out what the costs are before you leave to avoid any surprises.

3. Being flexible

This point is absolutely key: flexibility is crucial when exploring Quebec car free! Since public transit is often slower than car travel, you need to think about scheduling more time and not overloading your itinerary. But you can easily see that as a positive thing, because there are numerous benefits to slow tourism! Embracing slow tourism is a great way to take a breather and really soak up your surroundings.

4. Accessibility

For people with special accessibility needs, it’s important to find out all you need to know before you leave. The Kéroul organization is a good source of information on accessible transportation, and you can also contact transportation companies directly. Accessibility might also be a consideration for you when it comes to choosing accommodations: ideally, they should be close to train stations, terminuses, bus stops, etc., to avoid long taxi rides or walks with luggage.

Do you have any specific suggestions for a car-free trip or vacation?

Definitely! Here are some suggestions of day trips and getaways to explore parts of Quebec without a car.

Day trips

Go to a country festival (departing from Québec City) — Get your country fill in Quebec! Country music stars Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Chase Rice and Matt Lang, among others, will be at the Festival country de Lotbinière from August 21 to 23, 2025. To get there without a car, a shuttle service is in place, with departures from Québec City, Lévis and various municipalities in the Lotbinière area.

Take a historical cruise to Grosse-Île (departing from Québec City) — How about a cruise to learn about history? Until August 31, 2025, Croisières AML is offering a cruise to Grosse-Île, the former quarantine station where thousands of immigrants disembarked. This cruise also comes with bus transportation from Québec City. Once you arrive at the dock in Berthier-sur-Mer, you’ll set course for the island and take in its history and natural environment.

Go for a scenic hike in the Laurentians (departing from Montréal) — What could be better than a beautiful day surrounded by the Laurentians’ abundant nature? Departing from the Montréal bus terminal next to the Berri-UQAM metro station, the Navette Nature whisks you out of the city every Saturday in July and August for a getaway to the Sentier des cimes Laurentides, a treetop walk with a 40-metre panoramic tower. It’s the perfect chance to explore this unique, accessible attraction and take in some of the region’s most breathtaking views.

Explore the suburbs around the metropolis (departing from Montréal) — The Navark river shuttles offer you several routes to and from the docks on the island of Montréal to cross the river and avoid bridges at very affordable prices! You can also take your bike on board. For example, the River by bike shuttle between Repentigny, Varennes and Pointe-aux-Trembles, available until September 21, 2025, is very popular and allows you to combine the attractions of both riverbanks, such as the Sainte-Anne Basilica in Varennes and the Île Lebel park in Repentigny.

For a short getaway

Turnkey trips in Lanaudière (departing from Montréal) — Are you dreaming of a hassle-free trip to the great outdoors? Bonjour Nature offers stays including transportation to explore the region of Lanaudière with ease. Some of the options include a stay at an eco-cabin with a visit to a bonsai nursery and two distilleries, a two-night stay in a yurt on a site with canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, swimming, hiking, ropes courses and more, and an all-inclusive stay at Auberge du Lac Taureau with an agritourism tour. The choice is yours!

So, when’s your next car-free adventure? 🚆🚴🛥️