9 Activities
Journey Through The Quebec Countryside: the Cider Route and Historic Sights
Starts from
Montreal
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
9
Duration
9 hrs 45 min
Length
181 mi
Route details
Starts from
Montreal
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
9 hrs 45 min
Length
181 mi
Tugce Ertan Meric
Travel Expert
- Watch how the locks are used in the historic trail of Chambly Canal.
- Taste apple vermouth while passing through the infamous cider route of Quebec.
- Get lost in the small historic towns of Quebec and experience the lives of New France soldiers.
- Admire the majestic St Lawrence River and take in the views from special lookouts.
Driving from Montreal to Quebec City can be a boring flat trip on a highway or you can create a great day that takes you through lush countryside, gastronomic spots and historic towns. Montreal and Quebec City are major destinations but there is much more the province can offer. The natural beauty of Canada is renown worldwide. However, the boutique cider and cheese producers are waiting to be discovered in hidden corners of the country. So, buckle up and hit the road from Montreal to explore the rural and slower life of Quebec's villages. On the way, you'll discover a historic canal trail, taste the famous ciders of Quebec and experience the history of New France, all adorned with the unique Quebecois culture. No trip to Quebec would be complete without tasting the local delicacy poutine and this trip is no exception!
Driving from Montreal to Quebec City can be a boring flat trip on a highway or you can create a great day that takes you through lush countryside, gastronomic spots and historic towns. Montreal and Quebec City are major destinations but there is much more the province can offer. The natural beauty of Canada is renown worldwide. However, the boutique cider and cheese producers are waiting to be discovered in hidden corners of the country. So, buckle up and hit the road from Montreal to explore the rural and slower life of Quebec's villages. On the way, you'll discover a historic canal trail, taste the famous ciders of Quebec and experience the history of New France, all adorned with the unique Quebecois culture. No trip to Quebec would be complete without tasting the local delicacy poutine and this trip is no exception!
Tugce Ertan Meric
Travel Expert
- Watch how the locks are used in the historic trail of Chambly Canal.
- Taste apple vermouth while passing through the infamous cider route of Quebec.
- Get lost in the small historic towns of Quebec and experience the lives of New France soldiers.
- Admire the majestic St Lawrence River and take in the views from special lookouts.
Day Itinerary
9 Activities
Day 1
181 mi
Quebec Countryside Nestled With Gastronomic Stops, Industry, and History
Enjoying the Quebecois culture and farm to table gastronomy stops, this route will offer a scenic drive through Quebec countryside. It will pass from Rougemont, which is famous for its cider route, then will head to Chambly, a bustling historic town and after stopping by an ancient Quebecois village, you will admire the views of St Lawrence River and arrive in Quebec City in the evening.
Viridi Café
Café
Open Details
Take your morning coffee as take away from this small and cute cafe. Their baristas are friendly and the coffee here is great. Having a short walk combined with the smell of coffee will be a perfect start for your trip.
1.1 mi
5 min
Chambly Canal National Historic Site
Park
Open Details
Take a walk on the historic trail of Chambly Canal and stretch your legs before the busy day trip ahead of you. This heritage site was originally built in 1843 and it is still actively used for lifting boaters with a system of nine locks. You can observe the locks and relax with the green quiet atmosphere while you greet the bikers that pass by you. Although the area is maintained for a certain period of the year, it is accessible at all times.
0.4 mi
5 min
Fort Chambly National Historic Site
Sights
Open Details
A well-known historic site on the Chambly Canal Trail is the Fort Chambly National Historic Site, an old stone citadel built in 1711. Travel back in time and imagine the life of New France soldiers. The fort was mostly restored to its original architecture, and the site also offers an urban park.
The opening hours vary by season but even if it's closed, you can admire it by seeing it from outside. It's an important heritage site of Canada.
The opening hours vary by season but even if it's closed, you can admire it by seeing it from outside. It's an important heritage site of Canada.
12.7 mi
25 min
Cidrerie Michel Jodoin
Sights
Open Details
From Chambly, head to the cider route, Quebec's apple, maple and wine country. It's a perfect place for gastronomic enthusiasts. There are more than a dozen of cideries in this region, in addition to local cheese and honey producers.
Cidrerie Michel Jodoin in Reougemont is among the oldest and most famous producers. It offers a variety of sparkling, alcoholic and nonalcoholic ciders. Try apple vermouth and enjoy the view around the estate, it pleases the eye especially during fall.
Cidrerie Michel Jodoin in Reougemont is among the oldest and most famous producers. It offers a variety of sparkling, alcoholic and nonalcoholic ciders. Try apple vermouth and enjoy the view around the estate, it pleases the eye especially during fall.
49 mi
1 hr 10 min
Le 200 Brock
Restaurant
Open Details
It's time to continue the journey towards Quebec City. Drummondville is one of the major towns on this route. Stop in this pub style restaurant and have your lunch on the pretty terrace should the weather permits. You can opt to try a delicious poutine, which is an advanced french fries dish unique to Quebec.
0.9 mi
5 min
Village Québécois d'Antan
Sights
Open Details
Drummondville is famous for its re-created historic Quebecois village. IT offers ane exciting insight to the village life in Quebec in the 19th century. There is a farm and staff members wear period costumes. It's a lovely experience but they are only open on weekends and yearly festivals. Still, Drummondville is a perfect place to experience the rural side of Quebec and admire the classic prairie houses around.
38.4 mi
50 min
Musée Laurier
Museum
Open Details
Musee Laurier was actually the former home of Canada's first French-Canadian prime minister. It was built in Victorian style in 1875. Today, the patrimonial historic site offers a well-chosen collection of Canadian artists and prestigious exhibitions. Enter the historic house of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and learn about the history of Quebec. There are also tours offered in English at this site.
17.5 mi
25 min
Plessisville Waterfall
Waterfall
Open Details
Stop by this small and secluded waterfall to take a break and listen to the water flow. This waterfall is surrounded by such a relaxing atmosphere and lush greenery. If you happen to be there after dark, you can catch the light shows as well.
61.2 mi
1 hr 10 min
Terrasse du Chevalier-de-Lévis
Park
Open Details
Before crossing to Quebec City, take a break in Levis on the south bank of the St. Lawrence River and stop at the Terrace of Levis. This riverside park was opened by Queen Elisabeth and King George VI in 1939 and the views are stunning. It offers a great view of Quebec City and Levis as well as the grandiose Chateau Frontenac across the St. Lawrence River especially during sunset. Although the view after dark becomes another delight.