On your way out of Montréal, stop in for coffee in the morning at Café Van Houtte. Located in the heart of downtown Joliette, the shop also serves breakfast options to accompany your warm brew. Stop in to smell the sweet, warm aromas, and enjoy a true Quebeçois coffeehouse.

Head north into the Launaudière and Mauricie regions, the areas lying between the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains. Known for its wide farmland, an abundance of lakes, and plentiful outdoor adventures, you'll find comfort in the countryside and get to breathe in the crisp mountain air.
In the summer months, you might want to take your trip into La Mauricie National Park, but if you want year-round fun, go off the beaten path to Lake Sacacomie, a hidden gem nestled in the forests. In the summer, you can enjoy kayaking and hiking, or you can take a guided buggy tour deep into the forest for panoramic views and unreachable destinations. If you're looking to splurge, you can even take a tour of the region by seaplane. The best part of visiting this region is that there are so many fun activities in the winter too, like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and you can even go dog-sledding!
Visit the official website to book your activities through Hotel Sacacomie, a resort located in the region. Note that activities must be booked 14 days in advance by email or phone.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at the restaurant within Hotel Sacacomie, where you can sit on a terrace overlooking the gorgeous views of Lac Sacacomie. In the summer, enjoy a fresh cocktail, and in the winter, you can have a drink at their ice bar, which will be served in an ice glass!

Head out of Lac Sacacomie and pass by near Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, a small village tucked between the mountains and lakes. Visit a unique spot as you pass by: the Pont de broches de Saint-Alexis-des-Monts. This 20th-century bridge links the two banks of the Rivière-du-Loup. The bridge once brought children to school each morning, as the small schoolhouse stood on the other side of the river. Now, the reconstructed bridge stands, and you can cross it yourself, remembering the children who crossed it over a hundred years ago.

Stop off for a stroll through one of the oldest villages, known for its historic sites and being a foodie capital. You can view intact French colonial churches and homes dating back to the 17th century. Begin your walk at Musée des Ursulines, then continue down Rue des Ursulines, the oldest road in the city, which was once a key part of the Chemin du Roy, linking Quebec City to Montreal.

Make a stop at the Grondines Windmill, a historic gem in Quebec and the oldest surviving windmill in the province, built in 1674. This cylindrical, three-story stone tower, finished with whitewashed stucco and topped with a wooden shingle conical roof, stands proudly along the Saint Lawrence River in the town of Deschambault-Grondines. For nearly two centuries, it served as a flour mill before transitioning to a signal station on the St. Lawrence Seaway from 1912 to 1967.

Drive past the impressive Moulin de la Chevrotière, a four-story stone watermill crafted in 1802 by seigneur Joseph Chavigny de la Chevrotière. Located on the historic Chemin du Roy, this heritage site celebrates traditional craftsmanship with exhibitions on wood, iron, and stonework, along with fascinating artefacts from local St. Lawrence pilots.

The historic Chemin du Roy route once connected Montreal and Quebec, passing through the small village of Deschambault. As you drive through the village, you'll pass by ancient churches on Rue de l'Église, dating back to the 18th century.

End your road trip with a dinner at La Fenouillère, where you’ll enjoy a refined menu featuring local ingredients and innovative French cuisine. The menu offers a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to succulent meats, all crafted with seasonal flavours. It’s the perfect way to cap off your trip with an exceptional dining experience.

Quebec City, one of the oldest cities in North America, offers a fascinating blend of history and culture. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, it played a pivotal role in the development of New France. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the imposing Château Frontenac. You can explore landmarks like the Citadel, stroll through the lively Old Port, and experience the city’s French heritage and vibrant culture.