Itching to see more of Québec during your next trip to Montréal? A day trip is the answer! You'll find lots to see and do in the vicinity of Montréal, including fantastic foodie stops just a short drive away in The Eastern Townships, Montérégie, and the Laurentides.
We’ve put together three stellar itineraries for a day off the island of Montréal, so pick a direction and get going!
Southeast: The Eastern Townships
Head southeast off the island towards the border with Vermont and you’ll hit the Eastern Townships. Shortly after the American Revolution, a large number of English Loyalists left the US for Canada and settled in the area northeast of Lac Champlain. In 1791, the British government granted them land in the form of townships.
The first inhabitants of this region were the Abenaki, who travelled the area for hunting and fishing. Click here to learn more about Indigenous tourism in the Eastern Townships.
Today, the Eastern Townships are divided into nine separate regions. This itinerary focuses on an area called Brome-Missisquoi and the village of Bedford, known for its magnificent landscapes and many trail options.
The Eastern Townships Itinerary
- Start the day with artisan coffee and pastries at Café Blinn, a coffee shop located in a former general store in Stanbridge East
- Stop by the Brasserie Dunham Pub & Boutique and sample their delicious beers brewed with local flavours. The boutique next door carries the brewery’s products in bottles or cans, as well as a variety of artisanal products.
- From there, head to Vignoble de l'Orpailleur for a wine tasting and a farm-to-table lunch at Restaurant Le Tire-Bouchon
- Visit Fromagerie Missiska to discover their range of delicious cheeses made from Jersey cow milk, which is considered the “champagne of milk” by connaisseurs!
- End your day with dinner at the Espace Old Mill Restaurant. Hint: Want to stay overnight? La Cecil House Inn is located above the restaurant!
South: Montérégie
The Montérégie region of Québec covers a vast expanse (over 11,000 square kilometers) and with approximately 18.5% of the province's population, it is the second most populous region of Québec after Montréal. The terroir in this region is shaped by the Monteregian Hills, a chain of small mountains with rocky, sandy soil that is perfect for growing fruit, such as apples and grapes.
The Montérégie region sits on the traditional territory of the Mohawk people. Today, three Mohawk communities honour their Iroquois identity by way of traditional celebrations, such as annual Pow Wows and land and water ceremonies: Akwesasne, Kahnawake, and Kanesatake. Click here to learn more about Indigenous tourism in Montérégie.
This itinerary starts in the northeast for an unforgettable cider experience, then heads to the area southwest of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu for the rest of the day.
The Montérégie Itinerary
- Start off with a brisk 4km walk in the hills above Cidrerie Michel Jodoin in Rougemont, then head into the tasting room to sample a few of their award-winning ciders. The boutique offers a range of products that make beautiful gifts for yourself or others.
- Next, travel approximately 40km to the area southwest of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Head to Terre à Boire for a tour of their brewery and distillery, which takes a “farm to glass” approach to crafting their range of beverages with grain grown on the premises.
- Stop by Fromagerie au Gré des Champs to visit their herd of Brown Swiss cattle and sample their handmade raw milk cheeses alongside many other artisanal products from Québec makers.
- Pay a visit to Le Mas des Patriotes, an organic Nordic vineyard with award-winning wines crafted by passionate winemaker France Cliche.
- End your day with a very special meal at Bika Ferme & Cuisine. This restaurant offers an immersive farm-to-table dining experience inspired by Chef Fisun Ercan’s Turkish roots.
Northwest: The Laurentides
The Laurentides, often called the Laurentians in English, is a region of Québec located northwest of Montréal, near the border with Ontario. This area includes Oka National Park and the beaches along the Lake of Two Mountains shoreline. The area is the traditional territory of the Algonquin First Nation. Click here to learn more about Indigenous tourism in the Laurentides.
The Laurentian Mountains are some of the oldest in the world and there are lots of recreation activities for fans of the great outdoors. In March and April, when the maple tree sap starts to flow, the Laurentides become a prime destination for the classic cabane à sucre experience.
This itinerary centers around Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, a small municipality in the hills east of the larger city of Saint-Eustache.
The Laurentides Itinerary
- Start with coffee and delicious baking at Les Hédonistes Café Buvette. Hint: This café has a cute street-side patio space where you can get some sun.
- Head to Intermiel for a beekeeping and honey production tour and tasting. Later in the summer, you can also get some great photos in their giant sunflower field.
- Enjoy a lavish lunch accompanied by wine pairings at Vignoble Rivière du Chêne’s Bistro VDRC (seasonally from April to December).
- Visit the fragrant lavender fields at Maison Lavande and buy some gifts for a friend (or for yourself!).
- Cap off the afternoon with an artisanal cider tasting at Cidrerie Lacroix followed by a farm-to-table meal in their on-site Bistro.
Québec is a world-class culinary destination with an incredible diversity of home-grown products. To learn more about Québec’s unique tastes of place and to start planning your next trip, visit Terroir et Saveurs.
Header Image: The Jacques Cartier Bridge via jacquescartierchamplain.ca
