A trip on the Route du Richelieu: one road, four sides to discover

The scenery: amazing views to behold

The first thing that strikes you as you embark on the Route du Richelieu is the view. On one side, the magnificent Richelieu River: your partner on this journey. On the other side, a world of discoveries, as you pass through towns and villages steeped in history, farmlands and pretty residences. These bucolic settings are surprisingly exotic considering how close they are to Montreal (only 20 minutes away). A reminder that you don't have to go far to see the countryside.

And if you want to see the region from a different perspective, take a hot-air balloon ride, a themed cruise or a boat tour on Lake Champlain.

The flavours: for a taste of the region

Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop for a bite and indulge in the local terroir. With restaurants, bars, agritourism farms and more, there's something for every appetite. 

Discover a new favourite as you sample the unique terroir wines of Domaine Amalgames, the artisan chocolates of Treize Chocolats, the rural-rooted beers and spirits of Terre à boire, the boreal-inspired flavours of Laboratoire culinaire Nord, or the surprising kiwis (yes, kiwis!) of Ferme du Mihouli.

The hospitality: for a warm welcome along the way

After all that time on the road, you’ll need to take some time to relax, have a chat and feel what this part of the world is all about. You'll meet passionate people whose sense of hospitality will definitely leave an impression. 

To fully immerse yourself in the region, there’s nothing like staying over for a night or two. There are accommodations to suit all tastes, from country inns to floating mini-homes, from ready-to-camp units to hotels with everything you could ask for. And once you've had a chance to reenergize, you’ll be all set to hit the road again and continue exploring.

The discoveries to be made: even more to see and do

Between art, culture, heritage and nature, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a direction to discover even further. All you have to do is let your heart and your desires guide you. 

History buffs will take time to explore the national historic sites and heritage sites along the way, while art enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the galleries and museums. There are plenty of opportunities to venture out into nature as well, thanks to interpretation sites, nature reserves and hiking trails. You can even plan your trip to coincide with one of the region's summer festivals.

The Route du Richelieu: which direction will you take?