1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
Why It’s Great:
- Spectacular coastal views
- Kid-friendly beaches, aquariums, and wildlife spotting
- Stop at: Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall (May to September)
Montreal to Quebec City via the Eastern Townships
2. Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Why It’s Great:
- Breathtaking ocean cliffs, surfing beaches, and koala sightings
- Family-friendly stops like Otway Fly Treetop Adventures and wildlife parks
Best Time to Visit: November to April
3. Ring Road (Iceland)
Why It’s Great:
- Volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls – nature at its most dramatic
- Educational and safe with well-marked routes
- Popular stops: Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Best Time to Visit: June to August
4. Garden Route (South Africa)
Why It’s Great:
- Combines beaches, mountains, forests, and wildlife
- Kids will love: Cango Caves, Knysna Elephant Park, Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit: September to April
5. The Alps (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
Why It’s Great:
- Fairytale castles, lakes, alpine villages, and mountain fun
- Visit: Neuschwanstein Castle, Lake Lucerne, Innsbruck
Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking, winter for snow adventures
6. Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)
Why It’s Great:
- Rugged coastlines, medieval castles, and charming villages
- Low-stress driving with scenic viewpoints and kid-friendly outdoor activities
Best Time to Visit: May to September
7. Route 1 (Japan – Tokyo to Kyoto)
Why It’s Great:
- A mix of ultra-modern cities and cultural heritage
- Family fun includes theme parks, bullet trains, and temples
- Stops: Hakone, Mount Fuji, Nagoya
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November)
8. Route 66 (USA)
Why It’s Great:
- Iconic American culture, quirky roadside attractions, and varied landscapes
- Family favorites: Grand Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 museums
Best Time to Visit: May to October
9. Canadian Rockies (Banff to Jasper, Alberta)
Why It’s Great:
- Glacier lakes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures
- Top family spots: Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Banff Gondola
Best Time to Visit: June to September
10. Tuscany Road Trip (Italy)
Why It’s Great:
- Rolling vineyards, historical villages, and amazing food
- Family fun with castles, horseback riding, and cooking classes
- Key towns: Florence, Siena, San Gimignano
Best Time to Visit: April to June or September to October
1. What makes the Montreal to Quebec City road trip via the Eastern Townships ideal for families?
✅ Answer:
This route blends beautiful scenery, cultural richness, and family-friendly attractions. Instead of driving straight on the highway, families can explore charming towns, zoos, lakes, bike trails, historical villages, and food experiences — all within short, manageable driving distances.
❓ 2. How many days should we plan for this road trip?
✅ Answer:
Ideally, 5 to 7 days is perfect to explore the towns of Granby, Magog, North Hatley, Sherbrooke, and optionally Valcourt or Drummondville before arriving in Quebec City. This pace allows families to enjoy both sightseeing and relaxation.
❓ 3. Is this road trip suitable for young children?
✅ Answer:
Yes, it’s great for children of all ages. There are kid-friendly attractions like the Granby Zoo, Sherbrooke Science Museum, boat rides on Lake Memphremagog, and hands-on history experiences at Village Québécois d’Antan. The short driving times between towns make it very manageable for families with toddlers or young kids.
❓ 4. What is the best time of year to take this Quebec road trip?
✅ Answer:
Late spring (May) through early fall (October) is ideal. You’ll enjoy warm weather, open attractions, and the full beauty of lakes and forests. Fall offers stunning foliage in the Eastern Townships, while summer provides the best outdoor activities.
❓ 5. Do we need to speak French for this road trip?
✅ Answer:
While French is the main language in Quebec, most tourist destinations and accommodations in this region are bilingual. Learning a few French phrases is appreciated, but English-speaking families will have no problem navigating the route.
❓ 6. What are some must-visit attractions along this route?
✅ Answer:
Top stops include:
- Granby Zoo (Granby)
- Lake Memphremagog Cruise (Magog)
- Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac (near Magog)
- Tomifobia Nature Trail (North Hatley)
- Sherbrooke’s Giant Murals & Science Museum
- Village Québécois d’Antan (Drummondville)
- Old Quebec City and the Aquarium du Québec
❓ 7. Are there any scenic or historic villages on this road trip?
✅ Answer:
Yes! The route includes beautiful villages like Dunham (known for wineries), Magog (on Lake Memphremagog), and North Hatley (a quaint lakeside village). Each town has a mix of historic charm, nature, and local shops or cafés perfect for families.
❓ 8. Is it better to rent a car or drive our own vehicle for this trip?
✅ Answer:
Either works, but a car is essential for this road trip. If you’re flying into Montreal, renting a car is highly recommended. Choose a vehicle with enough space for luggage, and GPS or offline maps are helpful for small-town navigation.
❓ 9. What types of accommodations are available along the route?
✅ Answer:
You’ll find a mix of family-friendly inns, resorts, chalet rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts throughout the Eastern Townships. In cities like Sherbrooke and Quebec City, larger hotels are also available with family suites and amenities.
❓ 10. What are some local foods we should try along the way?
✅ Answer:
Don’t miss:
- Poutine (fries, gravy, and cheese curds)
- Tourtière (meat pie)
- Maple syrup treats
- Artisanal cheeses from monasteries or local markets
- Apple cider from orchards in Dunham or Frelighsburg
- Fresh pastries and crêpes in village cafés
