WE are going to take a little road trip up to Chicoutimi and wonder which route back to MOntreal would be the most scenic. My Rand McNally map book shows HIghway 155 designated as 'scenic'. But I've also been told that highways 135 and then 175 down through the Laurentides Prov Wildlife Reserve is a beautiful drive. I'd appreciate any information. And are we likely to see wildlife through the Reserve?

Hi kodi, can you tell us when you're going to take this trip, and what route are you driving to Chicoutimi? I have driven a loop up the 155 and down the 169/175 many times. My favourite part is the 155 that skirts both the Parc National de la Mauricie and the Reserve Faunique du St-Maurice. North of La Tuque it can get monotonous and the road feels hemmed in by trees.

I'm not a big fan of the 169/175. It is a dangerous road, often busy, and I always felt it was a race to get to Quebec City. Both routes can be heavily travelled by large logging trucks, which tends to keep the wildlife and bay. (And you certainly don't want to come across a moose in the black of night). To see wildlife you'll have to park and hike (sometimes not too far).

I am unfamiliar with the 135. Is this a typo?

Hi JQ. No, not a typo....it's me getting old and not being able to see the map properly!!! I'll use my magnifying glass next time!

We are planning a mini trip, at the end of June. We're coming from Ontario, and are planning on drive east from Quebec City on Highway 138 ( I used my magnifying glass!) up to Tadoussac. We're hoping to stop there to take a whale watching tour and then head up 170 to Chicoutimi, perhaps stopping to take a boat ride on the Saguenay.

It's at this point that I don't know which route to take back down towards Montreal, and on home.

Also, the weekend we are thinking of doing this is Saint Jean Baptiste Day.
Would this make a difference with the amount of traffic? Also, will most businesses be closed?
Would it be better to plan this trip either 2 weeks earlier, or one week later? We are trying to avoid the end of school crowd.

Thanks for any help.

Even though it may be cooler, as a personal preference I would go two weeks earlier. There will be fewer people, and depending on how wet a spring, there may be fewer bugs. On St-Jean-Baptiste day, most stores will be closed.

Without knowing how much time you have, here are some ideas: go onto Ile d'Orleans and drive to the northeast point for a picnic. There is a lookout tower with wonderful views up the St-Lawrence. Make sure at Baie St-Paul that you get off the 138 and take the the 362 along the water to La Malbaie. There are fewer trucks and it is very scenic. This stretch is literally one of the most painted landscapes in Canada, and you will see why. Again get off the 138 at Port-au-Persil for the very short drive through this small village. Some places to stop for nature along the 170 are: Le Centre Educatif Forestier des Palissades for an easy walk or moderate hike; L'Anse St-Jean, and into the Parc du Saguenay at Riviere Eternite. If you are active and feel up to it, hike up to Cap Trinite for a spectacular view down and along the fjord.

I have driven some of the 381 that goes from Baie St-Paul to Chicoutimi, but not all. What I drove was quite quiet, but I can't remember if it was on weekend and whether there were any logging operations.

I don't suppose, after driving all that way, that you will continue to Lac St-Jean and make a tour of the lake?

Good luck.

JQ, Thanks so much for the great information. Although we don't have a great deal of time for this vacation, I do think we'll have the time to stop along the way once we are east of Quebec City.

So, do you still recommend returning down 155 instead of 175?
If so, we could see some of the lake before heading down. But aside from seeing the lake, is 155 a prettier route?

We like the idea of going two weeks earlier. I hadn't thought about the bugs, but a good point. And we want to avoid crowds and also we would prefer it to be a bit cooler.

Any other ideas for this area?

I would come back by the 155, unless there is a pressing reason for you to return by Quebec City. A drive through Parc National de la Mauricie would be quiet. And Trois-Rivieres is a nice spot to stop for lunch. It has a small but nice downtown with plenty of restaurants.

JQ, thank you so much for all the help. I really appreciate it. We are looking forward to our trip. Although I am now wondering if we should leave it til we have more time. I think we'd like to spend a lot more time there, than what we have for this trip.
Regardless, I will keep all your information.
Thanks again.