Myself living in the greater Montreal area (north shore), definitely avoid the Island with the TT during traffic time. I'm used to it, still when I head out for the week-end I leave early. Definitely use the new Highway 30 (as previously mentioned), great to avoid the Island mess. Same for Quebec City, great CGs on the south shore with bus access to the Old City.
We went to the Gaspe Peninsula last summer, great easy ride along Highway 20 / 132. Loved the area - and no worries about the language if you stick to the South shore of the St-Lawrence river, and the Maritimes are mostly English-speaking anyway.
Enjoy the trip, I sure did.