FRENCH CULTURE, LOBSTERS & LIGHTHOUSES, DISCOVER THE MARITIMES & QUEBEC - SELF DRIVE

Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s Quebec Province, is famous for its arts, design, and fantastic cuisine. Visitors can discover the country’s history along the cobbled streets of Old Montreal, with show-off buildings like the Basilique Notre-Dame stupefying its guests with its intricate domes. Gourmands delight in sensational Canadian food as well as everything from irresistible patisseries, to old Jewish delis, to hipster bars serving spectacular flavours all night. Art and design adorn the city, from sensational raw street art to chic, modern galleries. Featuring around 250 theatre and dance companies and more than 90 festivals, Montreal overflows with the arts. Explore the city by climbing or taking a bus up Mount Royal to scan the horizon or cycling along the picturesque riverside pathways on a public bike.

Located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec in southeastern Canada, Riviere-du-Loup is a scenic destination on the banks of the St. Lawrence River that will appeal most to outdoor enthusiasts. With ferry connections to Tadoussac and Saint-Simeon readily available, Riviere-du-Loup makes a great base for exploring the region’s charming villages and beautiful natural scenery. The Parc Cotier Kiskotuk offers supreme walking trails with spectacular sunset views over the St. Lawrence, while Ile aux Lievres - a wild and enchanting island located within the river - is an idyllic retreat, with unspoilt forests and coastlines to explore. Finally, the coastal Parc de la Pointe is a famous whale-watching destination, with cruises and guided tours offered between May and October.

Tucked away in New Brunswick's northernmost county, the city of Edmundston is one of Madwaska's hidden gems. Home to a rich history, a diverse culture, delicious cuisine and scenic landscapes, this laid-back city is a convenient stopover for those travelling east from Quebec. Catering to every type of traveller, visitors can stroll through the stunning New Brunswick Botanical Gardens, an extensive arboretum stretching over seven hectares, view the Gothic-style Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, and visit the Fortin du Petit-Saul, built in 1841. Adventure seekers and nature lovers can look forward to hiking, cycling, kayaking, skiing, and canoeing. Cycling through the Petit Temis Interprovincial Linear Park is one of the most famous outdoor activities. At the same time, those interested in history and culture can partake in a scenic walking tour of historic Edmundston to discover an array of heritage buildings, sample local cuisine, and explore the bustling shopping areas. Don't miss the chance to walk along Edmundston's section of the world-renowned Trans-Canada Trail.

Resting along the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay in southern New Brunswick, St. Andrews, affectionately known as ‘St. Andrews By-the-Sea’, is a quaint and inviting seaside town. This designated National Historic District is famously known for its colourful boutiques, contemporary galleries, and delightful eateries. Travellers wanting an explorative experience can meander along the famed Water Street, beginning at the historic commercial district and ending at the 185-year-old Pendlebury Lighthouse; or roam around the spectacularly vibrant Kingsbrae Garden, a lush 11-hectare oasis home to beautiful flora and fauna including alpacas. Additionally, travellers can enjoy a comfortable round of golf at the superb 18-hole Algonquin Golf Course, admire the diverse marine life at The Huntsman Marine Science Centre, or take a drive out to the famed Hopewell Rocks.

Resting on the western shore of the picturesque Annapolis Basin, Digby is the largest town in Digby County, in southwestern Nova Scotia. It serves as the gateway to Nova Scotia for visitors travelling from the town of Saint John on the daily ferry. This port town boasts a rich fishing heritage and offers a charming waterfront lined with lively restaurants serving the freshest seafood and old-fashioned maritime hospitality in a lovely, relaxing setting. Digby is home to the world’s largest inshore scallop farms, so make sure to try the local scallop dishes. From the shoreline and ocean-facing restaurants, you may even be able to spot whales. Other excellent itinerary ideas include a drive down the remote Digby Neck for sensational views, sunset picnics at Point Prim, or visiting the relaxing spa and championship golf course, Digby Pines.

Presided over by the spooky hilltop Halifax Citadel, Halifax Nova Scotia harbour town has long been a key trading port, but today is more popular for its fresh sea air and lively buzz. It is a mix of historical heritage and modern seaside chic, with quaint old buildings, arty boutiques and gourmet eateries. Encompassing four universities, it is also a vibrant student town with nightlife to match – there’s plenty of after-hours entertainment in the city’s profusion of bars, night clubs, live music venues and revamped waterfront area.

Baddeck is an attractive shire town conveniently located just 80 kilometres west of Sydney, on Cape Breton Island in Victoria County. It’s claim to fame is the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, a museum commemorating the work of this famous former resident. Explore the endless rolling hills, soak up the enchanting views, and stroll along the shoreline of this quaint Gaelic community. Travellers to this shire can look forward to an array of activities and wonderful sights to enjoy from 5-star accommodations, boutiques, galleries, spas, and fine dining; to sailing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, golfing, and skiing. Don’t miss the world-renowned Cabot Trail, which starts and ends at this unique little town.

Shediac is a seaside town located in the province of New Brunswick in southwest Canada, most easily accessed from the nearby metropolitan area of Moncton. Calling itself the ‘Lobster Capital of the World’ - and boasting a World’s Largest Lobster statue to prove it - Shediac is known for its fresh local seafood and its annual and well-loved Lobster Festival. A popular hub, especially during the sunny summer months, Shediac is home to the Parlee Beach Provincial Park, a gorgeous sandy beach offering the warmest swimming waters in the area; the further-flung beaches at Cap-Pele; and Plage L'Aboiteau, another picturesque stretch of shoreline located just ten minutes from Shediac. All visitors must be sure to visit the booming Pointe-du-Chene Wharf, where many restaurants and bars exist.

The charming town of Caraquet enjoys an idyllic location, set on the beautiful shores of Chaleur Bay, on the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick, Canada. Dubbed the 'Cultural Capital of Acadia', it is known to be the oldest of the Acadian villages. Today, it serves as the laid-back hub for the peninsula's French community. This charming town features a fascinating maritime history, a rich cultural heritage and a colourful artistic atmosphere. Visitors can look forward to exploring an array of interesting attractions, including the lively fishing port, the constant flow of festivals celebrating Acadian traditions and culture, and the Acadian Historical Village featuring recreated buildings dating between 1770 and 1950. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the delicious blend of flavours of the local Acadian cuisine.

Located on the Gaspe Peninsula in the province of Quebec in southeast Canada, Perce is a major tourist hub. However, it is worth braving the crowds for the opportunity to visit Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock National Park, an area of astounding natural beauty located within the city of Perce. Bonaventure Island is one of the world’s premier destinations for aquatic bird-watching, with hundreds of thousands of cormorants, puffins and gannets using the island as a stopover on their migratory journeys. Meanwhile, Rocher Perce (‘Pierced Rock’) is a giant monolith in the Atlantic Ocean with a 20-metre arch in its base. The Park is also home to the Charles Robin Sector, a series of lovingly-restored 19th-Century warehouses, and there are charming villages (such as L’Anse-a-Beaufils) to visit south of the city of Perce.

The town of Matane is located in the province of Quebec in southeast Canada. Attractively situated on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River on the Gaspe Peninsula, Matane is known for its outstanding local seafood, its excellent cultural sights, and its beautiful natural surroundings. The Matane Lighthouse, an impressive 1906 structure with a 20-metre tower, offers enthralling views as well as an interesting maritime museum, while the Jardins de Doris is a must-see, full of flowers and butterflies. The highly diverse Reserve Faunique de Matane contains the densest population of animals in all of Quebec and offers black bear viewing, as well as kayaking, fishing, camping and hiking on thickly-forested peaks.

The popular resort of La Malbaie is located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River in the province of Quebec in southeast Canada. With a history as a tourist destination dating back to the 1700s, it is unsurprising that the town remains a popular hub to this day. As well as a wonderful waterfront walkway, La Malbaie boasts some good cultural attractions: begin at the Musee de Charlevoix, which details local history and folk art, and continue to the Forge-Menuiserie Cauchon, a working forge on the riverbank offering guided tours and scenic picnic areas. The area is also blessed with outstanding natural beauty: be sure to explore the Saguenay Fjord and the Parc des Hautes Gorges de la Riviere Malbaie, or go whale-watching in nearby Tadoussac.

The capital of the province by the same name, Quebec is an exciting, ever-growing city often compared to a European village, yet distinctly Canadian. The photogenic Old Town is the primary drawcard for many tourists - an incredible, UNESCO-listed living museum, filled with 17th- and 18th-century houses and decorated by pretty cobbled lanes and charming boutiques. A strong French-Canadian culture is well celebrated through a sublime culinary scene and wonderful festivals and carnivals. Architecture enthusiasts can visit extraordinary grand hotels (and an ice hotel), art lovers have a world to explore in the Le Quartier Petit-Champlain, filled with galleries, and hikers and photographers can head to stunning Montmorency Falls, or explore the breathtaking trails of the Jacques-Cartier National Park among glacial valleys.