utrechtman

Will be driving from Montreal to Quebec City in early August this year [2013]. Goggle Maps is showing me two routes to take: (a) the Trans Canada Highway that basically goes south of the St. Lawrence River, and (b) the Auto Route Metropolitaine that runs north of the river. My questions are:

(1) Which route is better if I want to get to Quebec City in the shortest amount of time?
(2) Is either route more scenic than the other?
(3) Are there tolls to pay?
(4) Is major road work [construction] happening on either route?

Thanks for your responses!

Southam

No tolls, and not much travel-time difference between south and north banks. However, access to the main highways from inside Montreal can be a pain thanks to clogged traffic so your departure point will determine the more efficient route to some extent. Same is true for arriving in Quebec City, although on a lesser scale since it is a smaller urban area. On a sunny day I think the south shore is a little more scenic, despite substantial city and industrial sprawl. North shore drives through more bush, but has the advantage of offering a break from driving in Trois-Rivieres.

zootsi

We've always taken the southern route, since I believe it's a little shorter. It's a straight, flat, and somewhat boring drive. Drummondville makes a good stopoff spot - lots of options for a quick lunch.

utrechtman

thanks Southam & zootsi.