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Canada Quebec
Road trip between the St. Lawrence, forests and Gaspé

Motorhome hire in Quebec

The St. Lawrence River, Laurentian forests and the Gaspé Peninsula, departing from Montreal

departure cities
5
rental partners
3
branches
3
rental companies in Montreal: Canadream, Cruise Canada and Fraserway
3
average July high in Montreal
26.7 °C
  • Pick-up in Montreal, the province's only rental city
  • Three rental companies: Canadream, Cruise Canada and Fraserway
  • Laval, Dorval, Saint-Constant and Mont-Saint-Hilaire: no depot
  • Charlevoix, Laurentians, Eastern Townships, Gaspé
  • Highs of 26.7 °C in July, -4.2 °C in January in Montreal
  • Road signs and services in French, distances in kilometres
  • Driving on the right, as in France

Hiring a motorhome in Quebec means driving through a province bigger than France, with the St. Lawrence River as your guiding thread: Charlevoix villages clinging to the hills, maple forests in the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships, then the Gaspé coast all the way to Percé Rock. The only pick-up city is Montreal, where three rental companies have a depot: Canadream, Cruise Canada and Fraserway.

Laval, Dorval, Saint-Constant and Mont-Saint-Hilaire are part of the Montreal urban area but have no depot: they are nearby towns, handy as places to stay before departure. Distances are long and the season is short: between the northern summer, the autumn colours and the very cold winters, choosing your dates matters as much as choosing your route.

Our partners

Our 3 rental partners in Quebec

Quebec

Where to pick up your motorhome in Quebec?

Choose your departure city: the map shows where rental companies hand over their vehicles.

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Road trip ideas

The best itineraries in Quebec

1 Charlevoix and the St. Lawrence, from Montreal to Tadoussac 7 to 10 days about 1,000 km round trip
  1. Montreal
  2. Trois-Rivières
  3. Quebec City
  4. Baie-Saint-Paul
  5. La Malbaie
  6. Tadoussac
  7. Montreal

The road follows the north shore of the river through Trois-Rivières to Quebec City, with its fortified old town. It continues towards Charlevoix: the Beaupré coast and Montmorency Falls, Baie-Saint-Paul and its galleries, La Malbaie, then Tadoussac, at the mouth of the Saguenay, where you set off whale watching.

Charlevoix is best driven on Route 138, which is narrow and hilly, with steep descents into the villages. The return trip is by motorway or, for a change, along the south shore. A one-way hire to Quebec City is not always possible: it depends on the rental company and the dates.

Distance
about 1,000 km round trip
Recommended vehicle
Coachbuilt motorhome or campervan
2 The Eastern Townships, from vineyards to lakes 3 to 5 days about 400 km
  1. Montreal
  2. Mont-Saint-Hilaire
  3. Granby
  4. Magog
  5. Sherbrooke
  6. Montreal

East of Montreal, the route passes Mont-Saint-Hilaire and its mountain, then Granby and its zoo. It reaches Magog, on the shore of Lake Memphremagog, and Sherbrooke, before returning through the villages of the wine and cheese route. The hilly landscapes recall neighbouring New England.

This is the easiest loop for a first trip, with short stages and plenty of private campsites. It suits a long weekend well, especially in autumn, when the maples turn red and the roads empty after the start of the school year.

Distance
about 400 km
Recommended vehicle
Any type of motorhome
3 The Laurentians and Mont-Tremblant, due north 4 to 6 days about 450 km
  1. Montreal
  2. Saint-Sauveur
  3. Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
  4. Mont-Tremblant
  5. Saint-Donat
  6. Montreal

Heading north, the P'tit Train du Nord valley leads from Saint-Sauveur to Mont-Tremblant along a former railway line turned cycle path. Mont-Tremblant National Park offers lakes, trails and canoeing, then the road heads deep into the countryside towards the villages of Saint-Donat and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.

Water is everywhere: you can rent a canoe for a few hours, and swimming is possible in summer. In June, mosquitoes and black flies are numerous; bring repellent and insect screens. Nights can stay cool at altitude, even in July.

Distance
about 450 km
Recommended vehicle
Compact motorhome or campervan
4 Around the Gaspé Peninsula, to Percé Rock 10 to 14 days about 2,300 km round trip
  1. Montreal
  2. Quebec City
  3. Rimouski
  4. Matane
  5. Forillon
  6. Gaspé
  7. Percé
  8. Matapedia
  9. Montreal

This is the big trip: you follow the St. Lawrence through Rimouski, then loop around the peninsula via Matane, Gaspé and Forillon National Park, before reaching Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island, a seabird colony. The return uses the Baie des Chaleurs and the Matapedia Valley.

Allow around ten days at the very least, with long driving days. Petrol stations and campsites become scarcer east of Rimouski: fill up whenever you can. Moose cross the road frequently, especially at dawn and dusk.

Distance
about 2,300 km round trip
Recommended vehicle
Coachbuilt motorhome
Weather and seasons

When to go in Quebec?

Best time

May and June

May to June
highs of 19 to 24 °C, nights between 8 and 15 °C

Spring arrives late but fast: in Montreal, highs climb from 18.9 °C in May to 24 °C in June, and the sun shines for nearly eleven hours a day. Nights stay cool in May, with lows of 8.3 °C. It is the season of fresh foliage and swollen waterfalls, but also of biting insects in the forests.

High season

July and August

July to August
highs of 25 to 27 °C, nights at 17 or 18 °C

This is high season, with campsites booked well in advance, especially in Gaspé, Charlevoix and the national parks. In Montreal, highs reach 26.7 °C in July, with 11.9 hours of sunshine a day, but thunderstorms and humidity are common: August gets 119 mm of rain. The days are long, ideal for covering distance.

Best time

September and October

September to October
highs of 15 to 22 °C, lows of 7 to 13 °C

In Montreal, September is the driest month: 69 mm of rain over 8.2 days, with highs of 21.5 °C. The forests change colour from late September, then in October depending on the region: this is the most photographed period. October turns wet, with 127 mm, and nights drop close to 7 °C. Many campsites close after Thanksgiving.

Winter

November to April

November to April
highs of -4 to 11 °C, lows of -13 to 1 °C

Winter is long and harsh: in Montreal, January has a high of -4.2 °C and a low of -12.5 °C, with less than five hours of sunshine a day. April only reaches 10.9 °C and 116 mm of precipitation. Almost all campsites are closed and motorhome hire becomes rare: check the depots' opening dates before choosing this period.

Step by step

Renting in Quebec, step by step

  1. 1

    Choose your season before your route

    The date decides everything: campsite closures, park openings, insects, foliage. For Gaspé, aim for July to early September; for the autumn colours, late September. Set your dates first, then compare the offers from the three Montreal rental companies on the search page.

  2. 2

    Arrive in Montreal and plan the pick-up

    The depots are in the Montreal area, often on the outskirts: confirm the exact address in your confirmation before booking your transfer. Allow half a day from arrival to pick-up for the vehicle check, the handover of the keys and essential shopping.

  3. 3

    Book campsites, parks and ferries

    Book nights in the Sépaq parks and the campsites in Charlevoix or Gaspé first, then the ferries if your route includes any. Leave some flexibility between stages: a closed road or a storm can change your plans.

  4. 4

    Return the vehicle

    Return the motorhome to the Montreal depot at the agreed time, with the tank and waste water dealt with according to the rental company's instructions. Plan a stop the evening before to empty and clean it, then sleep nearby rather than driving late after a long trip.

Practical tips

Everything to know before hitting the road

Moose, deer and bears

Moose are a real danger on the roads of the Laurentians, Charlevoix and Gaspé, especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down as soon as you see a crossing sign. At campsites, store food in the closed vehicle, never in a tent or outside, as bears live in the forests.

Rules of the road to know

Road signs are in French, and a stop is marked by an octagonal "ARRÊT" sign. Speeds are in kilometres per hour. Turning right on a red light is allowed almost everywhere in Quebec, but banned on the island of Montreal. Pedestrian crossings are strictly respected: stop as soon as a pedestrian steps out.

Winter tyres and the driving season

Winter tyres are compulsory for vehicles registered in Quebec from 1 December to 15 March. If you are travelling outside high season, ask the rental company how the vehicle is equipped. In winter, snow and ice make driving a large vehicle difficult, especially on the mountain roads of the Laurentians.

National parks and campsites: book early

Quebec's national parks, such as Forillon, Mont-Tremblant or La Mauricie, are booked online through Sépaq, sometimes several months ahead for the summer. Waste-water emptying and hook-up facilities are mostly found at campsites, which are scarcer in the north and in Gaspé. Overnight parking at the roadside or in towns is often prohibited.

Borders, bridges and ferries

Montreal is an hour's drive from the US border: crossing with a hired vehicle requires the rental company's approval and suitable insurance. The St. Lawrence is crossed by bridges around Montreal and Quebec City, but also by ferries, such as the ones at Tadoussac or Matane. Queues get longer in summer.

What travellers ask

Your questions about a road trip in Quebec

How many days should I allow in Quebec?

Allow a week for Charlevoix or the Laurentians, ten to fourteen days for Gaspé. Distances are big: Montreal is about 260 km from Quebec City. It is better to explore one area well than rush through four.

Do I have to depart from Montreal?

Yes, it is the only pick-up city in the region. Laval, Dorval, Saint-Constant and Mont-Saint-Hilaire are towns in the urban area with no depot. They can serve as an overnight stop before or after the hire, depending on your flight and accommodation.

Which is the most beautiful route?

Charlevoix and Tadoussac combine river, mountains and whales, and suit a first visit. Gaspé is wilder and more remote, with Percé Rock as the highlight. The Eastern Townships are gentler, with easy roads and lovely villages.

When can I see the autumn colours?

Late September in the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships, early October around Montreal. In Montreal, September is the driest month with 69 mm. Book early: the prettiest campsites fill up for the colour weekends.

Can I travel in winter?

It is possible but demanding. In January, Montreal has an average low of -12.5 °C, and most campsites are closed. Motorhome hire is limited: check the depots' opening dates before planning a trip between November and April.

Verified customer reviews

They travelled in Quebec with CoolDrive Nomad

4.3
818 reviews

First rental of this type of vehicle in a professional context where the rental must take place from France to Canada. Many questions and Cooldrive (Marlène) has been a valuable support in guiding my choices. Efficiency and responsiveness beforehand, and on-site a vehicle and service that met our expectations. No complaints. Great!

Alain L.
Canada · Oct 2025
Avis Vérifiés

super

Hamed C.
Canada · Aug 2025
Avis Vérifiés

Professional, always available

Denis F.
Canada · Aug 2025
Avis Vérifiés
All Avis Vérifiés reviews All Trustpilot reviews
Frequently asked questions

FAQ — Motorhome hire in Quebec

Is my French driving licence valid?

For a tourist stay, a French licence is generally accepted, but the rules depend on the length of your stay and the rental company. Check the conditions before booking, and bring your licence, your passport and your booking confirmation.

Can I do a one-way hire?

It depends on the rental company and the dates: the region's only depot is in Montreal, and a return elsewhere, for example in Quebec City, is not always offered. Enter the drop-off location in the form: the offers shown take it into account.

Can I sleep outside campsites?

Overnight parking outside campsites is often regulated, and towns frequently ban it. On public land, wild camping follows precise rules depending on the area. Check with tourist offices or parks before stopping.

Where are the depots in Montreal?

The three depots are on the outskirts: boulevard Curé-Labelle, chemin de Chambly and rue Dubois. Their exact address is in your confirmation. Plan on a taxi or ride share from the centre, as none is in the heart of the city.

Can I drive to the United States or Ontario?

Neighbouring Ontario is reached by motorway, with no formalities. For the United States, ask the rental company for permission before booking, and check your insurance and entry documents. Vermont and New York State are about an hour from Montreal.

Can I watch whales from the motorhome?

You can see them from the shore at Tadoussac and in the surrounding area, or on a boat trip. The season generally runs from May to October. Trips are booked separately and depend on the weather: allow a margin of two days.

About us

Why take a motorhome trip in Quebec

Quebec offers the space, forests and water you look for in North America, in a French-speaking province where you order, read the signs and ask for directions in French. In a motorhome, you sleep beside a Laurentian lake, facing the river in Charlevoix or at the foot of a Gaspé cliff, with no hotel to find.

Montreal brings together three rental companies and is the single gateway. From there, a short circuit of a few days in the Eastern Townships or a big loop to Gaspé are both possible: it all depends on the season, far more than on distance.

Other destinations

Fancy exploring other regions?