From City Streets to Fjord Views: Toronto to Tadoussac by Motorcycle
A four-day ride through history, coastal charm, and the heart of La Belle province
Looking for the ultimate motorcycle road trip through Ontario and Quebec? This four-day motorcycle itinerary from Toronto to Tadoussac provides an unforgettable blend of scenic highways, charming towns, waterfront views, and exhilarating twisties. Whether you're pursuing the call of the open road, the roar of whales, or the perfect backroad café, this route offers it all.
Four days, Toronto to Tadoussac and back by Motorcycle.
“Go with the flow” is a statement that can be applied to many life situations, and a motorcycle tour is no exception. This adventure went from plan “A” to “C” in less than 24 hours.
Plan A was to ride to the Atlantic Ocean via Nova Scotia. Plan “A” was blown away by the remnants of a hurricane making its way up the East Coast.
Plan “B” was to ride to the Bay of Fundy and follow the New Brunswick coast north. The rain started pouring for hours into day one; a check of the weather forecast revealed that plan “B” was washed away by a huge rain system over New Brunswick for the next five days.
On the morning of day two, with the rain still falling, we searched the map for some clear skies; plan “C” here we go.
Day 1: Toronto to Drummondville – Big Miles, Big Reward
Distance: ~700 km
Route: Highway 401 East → Autoroute 20 East (QC)
Begin your journey early, leaving the hustle and bustle of Toronto behind as you travel east along Highway 401. Glide past the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario, through Kingston, and towards Montreal. Enter Quebec and shift onto Autoroute 20, making your way to your first overnight stop in Drummondville.
Where to Stay
Best Western Hotel Universel Drummondville
Modern, rider-friendly lodging with indoor parking, an on-site restaurant, and an indoor pool to unwind after a full-throttle day.
Riding north along the St. Lawrence River, the views are spectacular. The free ferry across the Saguenay Fjord adds to the adventure.
Day 2: Drummondville to Tadoussac – Ride into Whale Country
Distance: ~450 km
Route: Autoroute 20 → Route 138 East (Chemin du Roy)
Day 2 brings a scenic change of pace as you follow the St. Lawrence River on historic Route 138, also known as Chemin du Roy. Cruise through charming riverside villages like Baie-Saint-Paul, enjoy sweeping views and feel the landscape shift as you approach Tadoussac, where the Saguenay Fjord meets the sea.
I had never heard of Tadoussac until we decided to go there at the last minute. Now, I believe everyone should visit this spectacular spot.
📍 Welcome to Tadoussac
A jewel of the Côte-Nord region, Tadoussac is one of Quebec’s oldest settlements and a top destination for whale watching, fjord views, and outdoor adventure.
Things to Do in Tadoussac
Whale Watching Tours – See belugas, minkes, and even humpbacks with operators like Croisières AML.
Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre – Get up close with whale skeletons and conservation exhibits.
Pointe-de-l’Islet Trail – An easy shoreline hike with epic fjord views and frequent whale sightings.
Where to Eat
Chez Mathilde Bistro – Farm-to-table cuisine and elegant vibes.
Café Bohème – Laid-back, artsy café with local flavours and live music in summer.
Le Chantmartin – Comfort food, big portions, and the best poutine in town.
Microbrasserie Tadoussac - If you are like us and appreciate a local brew after a day’s ride, this place hits the spot.
Where to Stay
Motel de l’Anse-à-l’Eau
This cozy motel is affordable, centrally located, and motorcycle accessible. It offers quick access to the marina and village restaurants. We stayed here, but many other options exist, including the red-roofed and historic Hotel Tadoussac.
Quebec provides another fantastic day on the bikes along Route 172 and Highway 155.
Day 3: Tadoussac to Drummondville – The Long Way Home via Saguenay
Distance: ~500 km
Route: Route 172 → Saguenay → Highway 155 → Autoroute 20
Trade the St. Lawrence for the rugged interior as you navigate the thrilling curves of Route 172 through Saguenay Fjord National Park. Pause in Chicoutimi or La Baie for a café break and enjoy the fjord views. Then, pick up Highway 155, a biker's dream lined with forests and river valleys, before merging back onto Autoroute 20 for your return to Drummondville. This was such a good day on the bikes.
Where to Stay
Return to the comfort and convenience of the Best Western Hotel Universel Drummondville for another relaxing night before your final day.
Take the scenic way back through Ontario along the St. Lawrence River.
Day 4: Drummondville to Toronto – Scenic Detours and Historic Tunnels
Distance: ~700 km
Route: Autoroute 20 → Cornwall → Long Sault Parkway → Brockville → Hwy 401
For the return to Toronto, trade a straight dash for a scenic detour. Cross into Ontario at Cornwall and follow the Long Sault Parkway, a chain of islands with picnic stops and smooth roads perfect for a morning ride. Then head to Brockville to explore the Brockville Railway Tunnel, Canada’s first railway tunnel turned LED-lit walking experience.
📍 Stops Worth Making
Long Sault Parkway – A 10-island detour with water views and twisty roads.
Brockville Railway Tunnel – Walk the historic 1860 tunnel, now an art-lit attraction.
1000 Islands Parkway (optional) – If time allows, this route is a beautiful bonus before rejoining Highway 401 westbound to Toronto.
Final Thoughts: A Motorcycle Loop You’ll Never Forget
This Toronto to Tadoussac motorcycle itinerary blends long-haul highway riding with scenic coastal curves and fjordside detours. Whether you're in it for the thrill of Quebec’s backroads, the taste of coastal cuisine, or the chance to spot a whale from your helmet, this route delivers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and culture.
