Road Trips, May 1, 2017 2017-05-01 2017-05-01 Quebecgetaways quebecvacances.com Portneuf Distance : 252 km (157 mi) Linking the cities of Québec and Montréal since the beginning of the 18th century, the King’s Road, the first travelled highway in Canada, has witnessed the evolution of this province. Filled with history, this road will carry you along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, leaving you free to discover our heritage at your own pace! A. The Ancestors’ Road. After having explored Old Québec from the Lower City to the fortifications, we suggest you hit our ancestors’ road leading to Montréal. Take Route 138 West and head out to discover cities and villages, the first markers in the province’s history. The Portneuf Area has its own special charm. It is home to many municipalities including Neuville, Cap-Santé and Deschambault, members of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Québec. The region also has an extraordinary architectural heritage! B. Your Next Stop. The village of Sainte-Anne-de- la-Pérade, where you can visit the superb church bearing the same name. Built in 1855 and exhibiting the features of a neo-Gothic cathedral, the church was modelled on the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal. C. Trois-Rivières, the capital of the Mauricie region, was founded in 1634 and gets its name from the Saint-Maurice River that splits into three where it meets the St. Lawrence. Visit the Québec Folk Culture Museum and Old Prison, and the magnificent Our Lady of the Cape Shrine adorned with magnificent stained-glass windows, or enjoy a walk through Old Trois-Rivières. This is also an ideal place for a little meal break indoors or outdoors at one of the many restaurants downtown. Lac Saint-Pierre As you continue along Route 138, you will catch glimpses of the St. Lawrence River and the magnificent Lake Saint-Pierre. A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Lake Saint-Pierre Archipelago, accessible via Berthierville, is a place all nature enthusiasts should visit. D. Once in Repentigny, you are nearing the end of your trip down one of Canada’s oldest roads. You can continue on in a westerly direction to reach the heart of the metropolis, or decide to head north to Lanaudière. Olympic Stadium, photo credit David Giral E. Montréal! Here you are, finally at the heart of the metropolis, buzzing with boutiques, cafés, bistros, tourist attractions and festivals that take over the city streets all summer long. During your stay, make sure to visit the famous Olympic Park and Space for life, complex now featuring the Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan, or visit the city’s old districts with their many attractions, including the McCord Museum, the Notre-Dame Basilica, or the Old Port of Montreal, a hub for events and activities.