10 Activities
Montreal to Quebec City: A Drive Along the Historic King’s Road
Starts from
Montreal
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
10
Duration
9 hrs 40 min
Length
156 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Montreal
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
9 hrs 40 min
Length
156 mi
- History and Culture
- Relaxation
Monika Fuchs
Travel Expert
- Explore life as it once was in Quebec through historic buildings.
- Enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Visit one of Quebec’s few remaining examples of New France religious architecture.
The early settlers called the road they built between Montreal and Quebec City the King’s Road. This route connected the three key centres of French Canada: Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, and Montreal, and it always hugged the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Instead of taking the highway, follow in the footsteps of these settlers. Along the way, you’ll pass historic buildings from that era and charming villages right on the river’s edge, with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence around every turn.
For the best experience, travel in the summer when most sites are open to visitors.
For the best experience, travel in the summer when most sites are open to visitors.
Categories
- History and Culture
- Relaxation
The early settlers called the road they built between Montreal and Quebec City the King’s Road. This route connected the three key centres of French Canada: Quebec City, Trois-Rivières, and Montreal, and it always hugged the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Instead of taking the highway, follow in the footsteps of these settlers. Along the way, you’ll pass historic buildings from that era and charming villages right on the river’s edge, with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence around every turn.
For the best experience, travel in the summer when most sites are open to visitors.
For the best experience, travel in the summer when most sites are open to visitors.
Monika Fuchs
Travel Expert
- Explore life as it once was in Quebec through historic buildings.
- Enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Visit one of Quebec’s few remaining examples of New France religious architecture.
Day Itinerary
10 Activities
Day 1
156 mi0.1 mi
Exploring Quebec’s Past: A Road Trip on the King’s Road
The drive along Chemin du Roi, or the King's Road, is full of diverse sights. This historic route, named by French settlers, connects Quebec City to Montreal via Trois-Rivières. Along the way, you’ll see mills, manors, chapels, and churches that stand as reminders of the events and people that have shaped this region since the days of New France.
10:0030 min
Grenier Windmill
Outdoor
Your first stop along the King's Road is Grenier Windmill, easily spotted from afar thanks to its distinctive red roof. Built in 1820 by François Grenier, the mill offers guided tours, but be sure to check the schedule on the official website first.
If you happen to be driving by when it’s closed for visits, it’s still a great spot to snap a memorable shot.
If you happen to be driving by when it’s closed for visits, it’s still a great spot to snap a memorable shot.
27.3 mi
32 min
11:1515 min
Cuthbert Chapel
Architecture
The Cuthbert Chapel, also known as St. Andrew’s Chapel, is a unique part of Quebec’s history as the province’s oldest Protestant chapel. Built in 1786 by James Cuthbert in memory of his wife, the chapel has a modest, almost home-like appearance, with only its bell tower hinting at its purpose. Inside, the decor remains simple, featuring an unusually high pulpit and an elegant balustrade. For many years, it served as the primary place of worship for local Protestants until the opening of Saint James Anglican Church in 1856.
Please note that the chapel has seasonal opening hours, so be sure to check them in advance.
Please note that the chapel has seasonal opening hours, so be sure to check them in advance.
28.9 mi
29 min
12:0045 min
Pointe-du-Lac Seigneurial Mill
Outdoor
The Pointe-du-Lac Seigneurial Mill was built around 1765 and the grinding mechanism of the mill still works today. Today, you can watch the miller grinding the flour. There is also a sawmill. There you get an insight into the early wood processing.
Please note that the mill has seasonal opening hours, so be sure to check them in advance.
Please note that the mill has seasonal opening hours, so be sure to check them in advance.
10.8 mi
16 min
13:1545 min
Manoir du Spaghetti
Food
Stop for lunch at Le Manoir du Spaghetti in Trois-Rivières. Housed in a historic building on Hart Street, this spot offers a fantastic menu of pasta and pizza.
If you’re there in the summer, the terrace is a great place to relax and enjoy the vibe of one of Canada’s oldest cities.
If you’re there in the summer, the terrace is a great place to relax and enjoy the vibe of one of Canada’s oldest cities.
0.1 mi
1 min
14:151 hr
Manoir Boucher de Niverville
History
Just a stone's throw from the restaurant, you’ll find the Boucher de Niverville Manor – a great place to learn about middle-class life in New France. The permanent exhibition offers a glimpse into their everyday lives. You can explore the manor with an audio guide by downloading the program to your phone at the museum. The audio tour lasts about an hour.
Please note that the manor is open only during the summer.
Please note that the manor is open only during the summer.
3.9 mi
13 min
15:3030 min
Our Lady of the Cape Shrine
Culture
On your way out of town, stop by Our Lady of the Cape Shrine along the St. Lawrence River. As Canada’s National Shrine to Our Blessed Mother, it’s a place full of history. Begin at the Old Shrine, built in 1720 and still hosting daily Mass – the oldest church of its kind in Canada. Nearby, the Basilica has lovely stained-glass by Father Jan Tillemans and a powerful 5,400-pipe Casavant organ that fills the church with rich, resonant sound.
14.9 mi
22 min
16:3030 min
Vieux Presbytère de Batiscan
History
The old Bastican rectory has stood on this site since 1816. However, the place has been a meeting place for the people of this region since the time of Samuel de Champlain in the 17th century. Fur traders traded furs from Indians here long before any priest or farmer settled here.
Please note that it has seasonal opening hours, make sure to check them on the official website in advance.
Please note that it has seasonal opening hours, make sure to check them on the official website in advance.
36.3 mi
36 min
17:4530 min
Church of the Holy Family
Culture
Continue along the route to Cap-Santé, where the Church of the Holy Family, typical of old villages along the Saint Lawrence River, stands proudly above the Cap. This historic church, built between 1754 and 1767, is one of Quebec’s few remaining examples of New France religious architecture, with its tall stone walls, twin bell towers, and unique Latin cross layout. Inside, you’ll find fascinating historic pieces, like an 18th-century candleholder and sculptures by renowned Quebec artists. Below the church is the quay, offering direct access to the Saint Lawrence River—perfect for watching the large container ships as they journey from Montreal to the Atlantic through Quebec City.
28.1 mi
29 min
18:451 hr 30 min
Le Galopin
Food
Stop for dinner at Le Galopin restaurant. Located in the Sepia Hotel, this spot serves creative French dishes in a warm, relaxed setting. With over 30 years of experience, they've built a reputation for great service and quality food, making it a top choice in Quebec City.
Please note that the restaurant may not be open every day for dinner. Make sure to check its operating hours on the official website. If you happen to be travelling on a day when Le Galopin is closed, you can have dinner at the Michelangelo restaurant, located just across the street.
Please note that the restaurant may not be open every day for dinner. Make sure to check its operating hours on the official website. If you happen to be travelling on a day when Le Galopin is closed, you can have dinner at the Michelangelo restaurant, located just across the street.
6.3 mi
22 min
20:45
Québec City
Accommodation
After a day of driving and exploring, spend the night in Quebec City. Founded in 1608, it’s one of North America’s oldest cities and has a little something for everyone – from the stunning Château Frontenac to the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, where you can lose yourself in local shops and cafés. Don’t miss Dufferin Terrace for beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River, or take a short trip out to Montmorency Falls for some adventure on the suspension bridge or zip line.