Saint-Simeon, Quebec-Saguenay Loop, Quebec
At 595,400 square miles—roughly double the size of Texas—the French Canadian province of Quebec is enormous. Yet, because the vast majority of population centers are in Quebec’s extreme south, it is hard to get a sense of perspective unless you drive north into the oblivion. One such option to experience Quebec outside the Montreal-Quebec City-Sherbrooke triangle is the “Quebec-Saguenay Loop” drive, a 500-kilometer circuit starting and ending in Quebec City. In addition to an endless supply of quaint, small towns, this six-hour circuit provides access to spectacular waterfalls, lush mountains, picturesque fjords, and stunning views of the deep blue Saint Lawrence River.
Montmorency Falls, just 20 minutes northeast of Quebec City
Route 138 heading northeast
Snow-covered mountains along Route 138
Fantastic views of the Saint Lawrence River
L’Anse-Saint-Jean (Saint Jean Cove), flowing into the Saguenay River at Fjord-du-Saguenay
Roadside waterfall along Route 170
La Baie, part of the city of Saguenay
La Baie panorama
Live and Let Hike 
What a beautiful post and what a beautiful province. I was to Quebec just once back in 1979 and I will never forget the beauty of her geography or the kindness of her people. Montreal was very nice but Quebec City was incredible! I remember a little Monastary just outside of a little community of Oka that made cheese. The cheese was amongst the very best cheese I have ever tasted,My visit was a visit I will never forget.
Awesome! Yes indeed Quebec City is terrific, and the countryside is lovably quaint.