Boats dock at Montreal's Old Port near the the city's popular Clock Tower.
Travel
A Quebec Road Trip: Discovering the Charm Between Montreal and Quebec City
Embarking on a journey between Montreal and Quebec City is more than just a drive along a highway or a quick commute. It's a chance to uncover the hidden gems nestled within Quebec's picturesque countryside, from historic towns to lush wineries and quaint shopping districts. The choice is yours.
While Montreal and Quebec City leave a lasting impression, Quebec's allure extends far beyond these vibrant urban centers. So why not take the scenic route and immerse yourself in the slower pace of the province's countryside? As you traverse this captivating landscape, prepare to be enchanted by the majestic woods and indulge in farm-to-table gastronomy. You can find some charming accommodations in Quebec City for a perfect rural getaway surrounded by nature. Look for the options on http://www.quebechotels.info/en/quebec-city-hotels-30579/.
Unravel the stories of New France through historic sites, and embrace the enchanting Québécois culture. To add a touch of luxury to your countryside exploration, check out some of the finest accommodations at tophotels.com where you can experience the best of Quebec's countryside and hospitality.
Passing through charming towns and villages, you'll have the opportunity to explore local markets brimming with fresh produce and artisanal products. For a truly immersive experience, consider visiting award-winning wineries scattered along the route, where you can partake in tastings and learn about the art of winemaking directly from passionate vintners.
Montreal
Cosmopolitan Montreal is a beguiling blend of old and new, where North America's largest concentration of historic buildings rubs shoulders with a towering modern metropolis. And the whole is infused with a diverse cultural mélange that's reflected in its food and art and expressed through the francophone city's unique joie de vivre. (Dive into the international restaurant scene of Montreal or discover the charm of its many urban parks.)
The Diverse Landscapes of Montérégie
As you journey east away from Montreal via the A-10, the abundant agricultural land of the Richelieu River Valley gradually comes into view, extending southward right up to the border of the United States and the shores of Lake Champlain. The river widens and forms a captivating basin as it reaches Chambly. This bustling commuter town also holds an intriguing history in its heart. The verdant stretches of Chambly Canal National Historic Site offer the ideal setting for a serene walk. Finished in 1843, the canal and its nine-lock system continue to hoist boats just like ages past, however, these days, the journey is for sheer enjoyment rather than commercial purposes. Standing tall in Chambly is an ancient stone fortress, the Fort Chambly National Historic Site. Constructed in 1711, the fort runs interpretative programs, offering visitors an immersive experience of the past, particularly the lifestyle of the New France soldiers.
The picturesque Richelieu River Valley, located a short drive south of Montreal, is bisected by an impressive river.
Heading east from Chambly, the road paves the way into a paradise for culinary adventurers. Welcome to Quebec's bounty of wine, maple, and apples; a spectacle that is particularly satisfying and pleasing both visually and gastronomically during the fall foliage season. The clearly delineated Cider Route provides an enticing journey interspersed with diverting experiences. Expect to make ample stops at local makers of distinctive regional foods and beverages, including cheese and honey. Of course, the Cider Route features over a dozen cider makers offering an extensive range of ciders. You'll find options to suit any preference, from alcoholic to non-alcoholic, effervescent to ice cider. Michel Jodoin, located in Rougemont, a mere 20-minute journey down the Cider Route (Rte. 112) from Chambly, is worth noting. One of the oldest and most respected cider producers, it is not alone in Rougemont, which proudly houses at least four other cideries.
The Eastern Townships
From Rougemont, the A-10 leads east into Quebec's beloved Eastern Townships (Les Cantons-de-l'Est), a rolling region of farms, forests, and sparkling lakes that's an all-season escape for many citizens of Montreal. The bustling town of Magog, at the north end of Lake Memphrémagog, is about an hour from Rougemont and a great base from which to begin your adventures in the area—or simply enjoy the many outdoor activities that the lake and nearby Parc National du Mont-Orford have to offer.
But before arriving in Magog consider leaving the A-10 in Eastman for a 15-minute detour down Rte. 245 to Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac (St. Benedict Abbey). It’s perched on a spectacular lakeshore site, but the real attraction here is a chance to hear the monks' Gregorian chants, attend a service (plan well in advance), and visit the shop for blocks of the award-winning cheese made on-site. From the abbey, enjoy a 20-minute drive up the lake's west side to reach Magog.
Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is about 40 minutes east of Lake Memphrémagog via Rte. 141. The park is famous for its suspension footbridge—one of the world's longest—that spans the 164-foot deep gorge and definitely isn't an experience for the faint of heart. But the dramatic views here are well worth a few knocking knees, and they might inspire you to further stretch your legs by exploring the park on foot, mountain bike, or horseback.
From the gorge it's about a 70-minute drive east to Parc National du Mont-Mégantic—but that short journey opens a window to an entirely different world. The park is located in the heart of the world's first International Dark Sky Reserve. That means stargazing doesn't get much better than you'll find here, and the AstroLab astronomy center is a fun way to make sense of all the celestial scenery. From its perch near the park's entrance station, AstroLab buzzes day and night with a wide range of exhibits and activities that explore the cosmos.
Exploring the Chaudière-Appalaches Region
After your heavenly experience at Mont-Mégantic, a plethora of scenic paths unveil themselves, meandering their way northward toward Quebec City—an estimated drive of three hours. Adventurous souls seeking a subterrestrial exploration can make a pit stop at the Thetford Mines Mineralogy and Mining Museum. This hub of geological wonder breaks down the minutiae of the local mining industry, gives an insight into the regional geological prominence, and boasts an impressive collection of minerals from every corner of the globe.
As you edge closer to Quebec City, the journey takes you through the heart of Beauce. This charming hamlet, flanked by stunning forests and valleys, is also home to a plethora of maple trees. In fact, the region is renowned for contributing a staggering 20 percent to the worldwide yield of the sweet nectar that is maple syrup. An extra treat awaits those who venture here in early spring as this is when the abundance of local sugar shacks are embroiled in a hive of activity and festivity, offering a cornucopia of culinary delights, with maple taking center stage.
Prior to crossing the mighty St. Lawrence River and making your final stop at Quebec City, take a breather at Lévis. Situated on the south shore, this quaint town invites you to unwind at the Terrasse de Lévis (Terrace of Lévis) and drink in the breathtaking vistas of the old city sprawled across the water, not to mention the captivating sight of the powerhouse river, a marvel to behold particularly when speckled with ice.
Quebec City
It's clear from first sight that Quebec City offers a touch of Europe that's distinct on this side of the Atlantic. Dominated by the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, it's the only existing walled city north of Mexico, and the city's extraordinary people and attractions—as well as its architecture—will tempt you to linger. (See how to spend three excellent days in Quebec City.)
Montmorency Falls, via Rte. 440 just a few miles northeast of downtown Quebec City, is a cataract of serious size—at 272 feet it's actually higher than Niagara Falls, though its water volume is far lower. If time allows, consider continuing north of Quebec City for an extended trip along the shores of the St. Lawrence. As the great river widens on its journey to the Atlantic, visitors soon find themselves in one of the world's best whale-watching areas. Visit the enchanting, historic communities of Charlevoix, and venture farther along the St. Lawrence by driving the Whale Route.
Chemin du Roy
The route back toward Montreal is, in some ways, also a trip back in time. The Chemin du Roy (King's Road) is one of the oldest highways in North America and opened to traffic in 1737. Much has changed since then, but some things have not, including some of the picturesque homes that line the route and the wonderful views of the St. Lawrence River at lookouts along the shore.
Be sure to pause during your drive along the King's Road and discover photogenic villages like Cap-Santé (Cape Health), with its ancient church. Farther down the river, Trois-Rivières (Three Rivers), dating back to 1634, is among the oldest towns north of Mexico. The historic quarter here can be explored with guided tours, by foot or bus, that showcase notable homes and deliver visitors to the town's many galleries and museums.
Exploring Lanaudière
Just a stone's throw away from Montreal, to the north of Trois-Rivières, lies the captivating region of Lanaudière. A sanctuary of nature, this area presents numerous outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and canoeing, not to mention a plethora of winter sports as well. Recuperate from the adventures in the many relaxation retreats set amidst these natural wonders. Diverge from Route 138 at Berthierville and engage in an approximately 45-minute drive on Route 345/348, leading to Rawdon and La Source Bains Nordiques. This splendid indoor and outdoor spa complex, crafted to blend with the serene environment, provides an assortment of pools, tubs, and revitalizing treatments. It's the perfect spot to rejuvenate before embarking on the subsequent segment of your expedition.
Discover the Incredible Laurentian Mountains
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Laurentian Mountains. While Mont-Tremblant is undeniably a popular highlight of the region, there is so much more to explore beyond its renowned ski slopes and charming village. Plan an idyllic day exploring the wonders of the Laurentians with their lush forests, glistening lakes, and captivating European-inspired mountain retreats.
For an extraordinary adventure, take a ride along the P’tit Train du Nord bike path, a former railway track that played a pivotal role in the development of the region. This picturesque route allows you to meander through postcard-worthy villages, conquer majestic mountains, and indulge in authentic Québécois cuisine at quaint trailside inns. Mont-Tremblant serves as the ideal starting point, conveniently positioned in the middle of the path, enabling you to uncover the hidden gems in either direction at your own leisurely pace.