For many families, vacation starts with a few hours on the road. Whether visiting loved ones, discovering a new region of Quebec, enjoying the cottage, or heading out on an adventure, the journey is part of the trip too.
And while the scenery flies by quickly… the famous “Are we there yet?” arrives pretty fast too!
This year, why not see things differently?
Turn your getaway into a real “Our Quebec Vacation” challenge: discover the riches of our province, support local businesses, meet passionate producers, and enjoy the journey fully, not just the destination.
After all, the best memories are often the ones we didn’t plan.
1. Vacation starts the moment you leave home
We often think vacation begins once we arrive at our destination.
In reality, it starts as soon as the front door closes.
Use the drive to chat, share stories, watch the scenery, or simply laugh together. Kids don’t need to be occupied every minute. They also like feeling part of the adventure.
The journey then becomes a moment in itself, not just a step between two places.
2. Start a few challenges… screen-free
Tablets can help in a pinch, but they’re not essential.
A few classic games span generations:
- Find license plates from different provinces.
- Guess an object someone is thinking of.
- “I’m going on a trip and I’m bringing…”
- Look for cars in a specific color.
- Make up a story, taking turns.
To stay with the Our Quebec Vacation theme, add a few fun challenges:
- Spot only Quebec businesses.
- Photograph signs or logos of local companies.
- Find the most original village name.
- Count the most Quebec products during stops.
Kids play… without always realizing they’re also discovering their province.
3. Prepare a playlist that will stay with you for years
A few days before departure, let each family member choose their favorite songs.
The result will probably be surprising… and that’s exactly what will give it charm.
Add a few Quebec artists and you’ll have the perfect soundtrack for your trip.
In a few years, just a few notes will bring you right back to this vacation.
4. Make stops worth the detour
Breaks aren’t just for filling up the gas tank.
Use them to discover a lookout point, a park, a boardwalk, a small municipal beach, a trail, or simply a spot to get some fresh air for a few minutes.
A few dozen minutes running, walking, or exploring help kids regain their energy… and let parents get back on the road more relaxed too.
These little breaks often become the moments we remember most.
5. Turn the picnic into a discovery
A cooler, a few sandwiches, fruit, crunchy vegetables, and a blanket are often enough to create a much more enjoyable meal than a quick restaurant stop.
And why not complete your picnic by stopping at a farm producer, a family farm, a cheese shop, or a roadside stand?
It’s a great way to discover local flavors, support local producers, and introduce kids to everything Quebec has to offer.
6. Leave room for the unexpected
The best memories rarely come from a perfectly followed schedule. An ice cream recommended by a local. A scenic route chosen at the last minute. A public market spotted along the way. A magnificent view that deserves a few minutes’ stop.
Detours are often part of the best discoveries.
7. And why not make a stop at O-Volt?
If your route takes you near one of our five locations, take the opportunity to give the whole family a real break.
After several hours in the car, kids have only one desire: to move.
A few hours jumping, running, climbing, and burning off energy let you get back on the road with smiles… and often in surprisingly peaceful calm.
Let’s just say the little frogs bouncing in the back seat often become perfect little angels for the rest of the trip! (We speak from experience.)
And since we’re talking about discovering Quebec, O-Volt is proud to be a 100% Quebec company, now present in five regions of the province. One more reason to include a stop at our place in your summer adventure.
Happy vacation… and safe travels!
The best road trips aren’t the ones where everything is perfectly organized.
They’re the ones where you take time to slow down, discover, support local people, savor our regional products, laugh as a family, and fully enjoy the journey.
This year, choose to experience your Quebec vacation.
Because in the end, the destination matters… but the road can be just as memorable.
——————————————————————————————————————————–
References
- CAA-Quebec – Tips for traveling by car, preparing a family road trip, and driving safely.
- Government of Quebec – Tips for travel, tourism, and vacations in Quebec.
- Bonjour Québec – Inspiration for road circuits, villages to discover, family activities, and regional tourism.
- Terroir et Saveurs du Québec – Directory of producers, farms, public markets, and Quebec agri-food businesses.
- Parks Canada – Recommendations for travel, outdoor family activities, and best practices in nature.
- Canadian Paediatric Society – Recommendations on active play, breaks during long trips, and physical activity in children.
- ParticipACTION – Documentation on the benefits of physical activity, free play, and family activities.
- Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) – Information on agritourism, Quebec farms, and local producers.