Gaspésie, Québec & Ontario Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour

Welcome to Canada’s financial powerhouse on the shores of Lake Ontario. Toronto, aka the “Queen City”, is a dynamic metropolis with a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower. Toronto also has many green spaces, from the orderly oval of Queen’s Park to 400-acre High Park and its trails, sports facilities and zoo.

After breakfast pick up your motorcycle. Once the formalities are out of the way, you’re off! Leaving urban Toronto behind, you ride through a true jewel of natural beauty, Algonquin National Park, 7700 sq. km of lakes and forests. If time allows, take a short hike or cycle ride in this wonderful landscape.

A long but fairly gentle ride through northern Ontario’s landscape of forests and lakes brings you back to Canada’s capital. Take time to explore Ottawa, with sights such as the Rideau Canal, the War Museum, the Museum of Civilizations, the Byward market and the parliament tower.

Ride north into the beautiful Laurentians, a region of rolling forested hills, sparkling lakes and winding roads that has long been a favourite escape for Québec’s city dwellers. Leaving the bustle behind, the scenery becomes increasingly wild as you ride deeper into this spectacular landscape, with every bend revealing another inviting view.

The highlight of the day is the Mont-Tremblant area, where mountains, forests and water combine to create some of the most impressive scenery in southern Québec. Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, Québec’s oldest national park, covers more than 1,500 km² and is home to over 400 lakes and six rivers, along with countless waterfalls, streams and an abundance of wildlife.

Expect relaxed riding through a landscape of dense woodland, open countryside and countless lakes, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the views and enjoy the fresh air.

This morning head ‘downhill’ towards Montréal, enjoying a scenic ride through the changing landscapes of Québec. After the forests, lakes and rolling countryside of the Laurentians, the landscape gradually becomes more urban as you make your way back towards the city.

Arrive in Montréal in time for lunch and enjoy some time in the city. Explore the cobbled streets of historic Old Montréal, wander along the Old Port or visit the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica. Alternatively, head up to Mount Royal for panoramic views across the city, or simply soak up Montréal’s lively atmosphere with its cafés, restaurants, shops and distinctive blend of French and North American culture.

Your route takes you from Montréal to Québec City, covering ground through the heart of Québec. There’s time to enjoy the ride at a relaxed pace and take in the changing scenery as you leave Montréal behind.

On arrival in Québec City, step back in time as you explore the beautifully preserved streets of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow lanes of the Upper Town, admire the impressive Château Frontenac and soak up the atmosphere of Place Royale and the Petit-Champlain district. Take a stroll along the Dufferin Terrace for wonderful views over the St Lawrence River, or explore the historic fortifications and city gates that surround the old city.

There’s plenty to see and do beyond the historic centre too. Visit the Plains of Abraham, explore the Citadelle or take a walk along the St Lawrence waterfront. With its cafés, restaurants, galleries and lively street life, Québec City is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon and evening, combining European charm with a distinctly Québecois character.

Leave historic Québec City behind and head east into the great outdoors, following the St Lawrence River towards the spectacular Charlevoix region. This is a wonderfully scenic ride, with the river providing a constant presence as the road winds through forested hills, picturesque villages and dramatic coastal landscapes.

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Charlevoix is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery as the St Lawrence widens and the mountains rise around you. This is also a fantastic road for motorcycling, with plenty of sweeping bends and opportunities to stop and appreciate the views.

Your destination is Tadoussac, one of Québec’s most famous wildlife-watching destinations and a spectacular place where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St Lawrence River. The waters here attract a remarkable variety of whales, including minke, humpback and fin whales. If time allows, consider an afternoon whale-watching cruise, or save it for tomorrow morning before continuing your journey.

Tadoussac itself is a charming historic village, with waterfront walks, cafés and beautiful views across the river — a fitting place to relax after a memorable day in the saddle.

Cross the mighty St Lawrence by ferry to the northern shores of the Gaspésie Peninsula, where the landscape becomes wilder and the sense of adventure really begins. As you ride along the coast, keep an eye out for the imposing lighthouses that have guided ships through these waters for generations, standing proudly against the backdrop of the river and rugged shoreline.

From the coast, the route takes you through the vast Matane Wildlife Reserve, a spectacular wilderness of forests, mountains and lakes. This is prime wildlife country, so keep your eyes peeled as you ride — with a little luck, you may catch your first glimpse of a moose in its natural habitat.

As you make your way through the Gaspésie region, be sure to sample some of the local seafood. Gaspésie shrimp are particularly renowned, considered by many to be among the finest and most delicious in the world. After a day of coastal scenery, wilderness and wildlife, they make a very fitting taste of the region.

Ride through some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery on the Gaspésie Peninsula. The route winds through the luxuriant flora and fauna of the Chic Chocs Wildlife Reserve.

On towards the coast, you’ll reach Forillon National Park, where the mountains meet the sea in dramatic fashion. From Forillon, the route follows the shores of Gaspésie Bay, an area steeped in history. It was here in 1534 that French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived and claimed the territory for France, making Gaspésie an important landmark in Canadian history.

Your destination is the legendary town of Percé, famous for its spectacular coastal setting and, of course, the immense limestone arch of Percé Rock rising from the waters just offshore. Take time to explore the waterfront and enjoy the views — particularly as the changing light transforms this iconic landmark towards the end of the day.

Today offers the chance to experience one of the Gaspésie Peninsula’s great natural attractions. Allow time for a boat trip to Bonaventure Island, just off the coast from Percé, where dramatic cliffs, spectacular sea views and one of the world’s largest and most accessible colonies of Northern Gannets provide an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Back on the mainland, get back in the saddle and continue around the Gaspésie Peninsula. The route takes you along the coast through a succession of picturesque fishing communities, forested landscapes and sweeping views across Chaleur Bay. This is classic Gaspésie riding — relaxed roads, beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the landscape.

As the day draws to a close, you arrive in the seaside town of New Richmond, a charming community on the shores of Chaleur Bay. Take some time to unwind, enjoy the waterfront and perhaps sample some of the region’s excellent seafood after another memorable day exploring the Gaspésie Peninsula.

Leave the coast behind and head inland, crossing the Gaspésie Peninsula as you complete your circuit of this spectacular region. The scenery changes once again as coastal landscapes give way to forests, rolling countryside and the quieter roads of rural Québec.

It’s a chance to experience a different side of the Gaspésie, riding through peaceful communities and wide-open landscapes as the route gradually turns west towards the St Lawrence River. After several days following the coastline, the inland ride provides a refreshing change of pace and plenty of opportunities to simply enjoy the road and your surroundings.

As you reach the shores of the mighty St Lawrence once again, the familiar river provides a spectacular backdrop for the final part of today’s journey. Our destination is Rivière-du-Loup, a historic town overlooking the river, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences of the Gaspésie Peninsula.

There are two ways to enjoy today’s journey. If you’d like to arrive in Montréal earlier, the main roads provide a more direct route and give you extra time to enjoy the city at your leisure. For a more relaxed ride, choose the quieter backroad route along the south shore of the St Lawrence, winding through small riverside communities, farmland and peaceful Québec countryside.

Whichever route you choose, today provides a fitting contrast to the remote landscapes experienced earlier in the tour — from open countryside and small communities to the increasingly energetic surroundings of Montréal.

Depart Montréal and follow the St Lawrence west towards Kingston. As you ride through the Thousand Islands region, hundreds of wooded islands and rocky outcrops appear across the water, creating one of the most picturesque stretches of the St Lawrence.

Arriving in Kingston, you’ll find a city steeped in Canadian history and full of impressive architecture. Once the capital of the Province of Canada, Kingston is known for its elegant limestone buildings, historic streets and lively waterfront. Take time to explore the city on foot, wander along the harbour and enjoy the cafés, restaurants and galleries around the downtown area. The waterfront is particularly inviting, with views across Lake Ontario and the islands beyond.

Today’s ride takes you from Kingston into the USA, crossing the St Lawrence on the Wolfe Island ferry. Follow the shores of Lake Ontario, passing through Sackets Harbor, a small historic village that played an important role during the War of 1812 and was once one of the largest military installations on the Great Lakes.

Continue along the southern shore of Lake Ontario towards Rochester, known by the contrasting nicknames of the ‘Flour City’ and the ‘Flower City’. Rochester has a fascinating industrial and cultural heritage, with strong connections to photography, optics and the development of xerography, as well as a number of interesting museums and historic sites.

Beyond Rochester, the ride follows along the lakeshore towards Fort Niagara, one of the oldest military sites on the Great Lakes. From here, the excitement builds as you follow the Niagara River towards one of the world’s great natural wonders.

Niagara Falls is the spectacular highlight of today’s ride. Take time to experience the Falls from the American side before crossing back into Canada. Whether you view them from the shore, take a boat trip close to the roaring waters or simply stand and watch the sheer scale and power of the Falls, this is a sight that you won’t forget. With the spray rising into the air and millions of litres of water plunging over the precipice every minute, Niagara provides a truly memorable finale to the day.

Return to Toronto, hand over the keys to your motorcycle. Your journey through Québec and Ontario to Canada’s largest city is complete.

With the rest of the day to explore, there’s plenty to choose from. Take in the views from the iconic CN Tower, wander through the lively waterfront, explore the Royal Ontario Museum or Art Gallery of Ontario, or simply discover the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, cafés, restaurants and shops.

If you’re a sports fan, Toronto is home to major professional teams across hockey, baseball, basketball and football, so there may even be an opportunity to catch a game. Alternatively, take a stroll around the harbour or explore the historic Distillery District before enjoying a final evening in one of Canada’s most cosmopolitan cities.

The end of an incredible journey through Québec and Ontario, from the forests and mountains of the Laurentians and the rugged coastline of the Gaspé Peninsula to the historic cities, mighty rivers and spectacular natural wonders along the way. By now, you’ll have a collection of memories that will stay with you long after you arrive home.

Take the airport shuttle for your flight home, taking with you those memories of an unforgettable Canadian motorcycle adventure.