How to have a great family road trip in Quebec

A summer vacation is the perfect excuse to hit the road, and Quebec boasts plenty of amazing roads to travel. Family road trips are always a popular way to make unforgettable memories and new discoveries, but how do you plan an itinerary that each member of the family will want to go along with? Here are a few tips and tricks you’ll want to keep handy as well as some suggestions to pack in with your luggage!

Tips for the road journey itself

To make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination, here are a few tips to keep spirits high on long car rides.

How to pass the time

We all want to avoid the dreaded: are we there yet? So try thinking ahead and coming up with fun activities for all ages that will also keep your kids or teens and even adults interested in something other than smartphones. Go for classics like I Spy, 20 Questions, Car Bingo or any number of word, memory or observation games as well as travel-sized board games. 

While you’re on the road, involve the kids in deciding where to go and how to get there – and leave room for unplanned stops if you can! Buy them a diary so they can write about what they did and saw and anything fun or interesting that happened! It’s sure to be a great conversation starter!

Grab a bite without breaking the bank

The key to success: a well-stocked cooler at all times! Be sure to keep it in a spot that is quickly and easily accessible (store the rest of your luggage in a roof box if you have one). Stock up on ice and easy-to-prepare food when you stop by a grocery store or convenience store so you’ll never run out of snacks!

Food trucks and small snack bars are also hidden gems that can lead to culinary discoveries at a lower cost. 

🚗 Worth a taste: Foodie stops the whole family will love

When it’s time to catch some Zs

Choosing the right place to stay is key. It helps kids recharge after a long drive or a busy day of activities (and gives parents a chance to catch their breath too!).

Accommodations that fit your style

A wide range of accommodation options are available to travellers, depending on what level of comfort you want, what kind of experience you’re after and, of course, your budget. Whether you’re looking for a well-located hotel, a convenient condo, a quiet cottage, a vacation resort with tons of activities or even an outfitter, there are options for every wallet in every category. And in Quebec you’ll also find several unusual types of accommodations such as treehouses, yurts, domes, floating cabins and more.

🚗 Handy tool: Browse accommodations by region and type

Looking for some campgrounds instead? In Quebec, there are endless camping possibilities, including sites at national or regional parks, specialized campgrounds and plenty of sites with ready-to-camp units or even glamping facilities.

Youth hostels can also be an affordable option for families. Many offer private rooms that combine comfort and privacy, which can better suit families.In Quebec, you’ll find, among others, the Saintlo brand, a collective of hostels that are great hubs for discoveries, sharing and meeting fellow travellers.

🚗 To read: Saintlo Montréal: for an urban, local, eco-responsible stay

Any vanlifers out there?

The vanlife movement is more popular than ever. And if you’re already a fan, the iOverlander app will help you find parking spaces where you can legally spend the night. Some tourist associations also offer a directory, such as Destination Québec Cité or Tourisme Outaouais with Route 148, to name but a few. The Villages-relais federation also offers a list by region. 

If you’re travelling in an off-grid RV, Terego is your ally in finding places to sleep on the land and meet local producers for free (for an annual membership fee or 3-day passport). A directory of several hundred host producers is accessible via the hosts map.

For fun-filled days

Out of ideas to keep busy on the road? We’ve got you covered!

National, regional and municipal parks: for easy, affordable outdoor fun

With around 50 national parks and wildlife reserves, plus more than 180 major regional and municipal parks, Quebec is a giant outdoor playground for families. Daily access passes are usually very affordable, and some parks are even free to access! Perfect for stretching your legs, observing the local fauna and flora, or just letting the kids roam and burn off some energy.

Tourism for foodies

The Terroir et Saveurs du Québec association presents some great new summer activities for families. Whether you’re looking to sleep or eat at a farm or follow an interactive guided tour, there are plenty of original, fun activities close to the land where you can take a break from the long hours on the road.

Learn about specialized trades at the economuseums

Travelling with grandma and grandpa? Fill your trip with visits and activities that help to bring generations together thanks to the Artisans at work network. A chance to combine fun, learning and memories.

Festivals for all tastes

Keep an eye on which festivals are happening during your trip and plan to check them out. Many of them cater to families or include kid-friendly programming. 

🚗 Worth checking out: A selection of family-friendly festivals and events to discover

Impress your kids!

This summer, there are some thrilling new activities out there that promise fun challenges! 

Starting in June 2025, a new uplå park – the largest outdoor trampoline centre in North America – will open its doors in the Outaouais region. Young and old alike will be able to connect with nature by bouncing, sliding and climbing in a huge 12,000-square-foot play area. 

Discover a magical place where adventure and learning meet: the brand-new Petraminis Family Park and its obstacle course at Canyon Sainte-Anne, about 45 minutes east of Québec City.

The Old Port of Montréal already had a zipline – now Montréal Bungee is coming in to add to the thrills with a number of packages for adrenaline-seekers.

And if it rains…

No worries: here are some interesting new indoor activities!

The Cosmodôme in Laval is hosting a new exhibition, Destination: Space. Space missions, educational experiments and innovative installations are all part of an exciting journey!

A new permanent exhibition, called W8banakiak, is on view at the Musée des Abénakis in Centre-du-Québec. Firmly rooted in history and tradition, this exhibition takes us to the heart of the human beings who live with this ancestral historical heritage. Their ways of being, knowing, saying and doing are conveyed through sight, touch and even smell.

🚗 For more ideas: Discover tons of suggestions to enjoy summer in Quebec (and filter them to match your interests!)

Ready, set, go! Happy family travels!