From outdoor adventure to all-inclusive forest resorts, this is your guide to one of the best road trips from Montreal.
Montreal is one of the most beautiful Canadian cities to visit. But sometimes it’s nice to get out of the hustle and bustle and explore the countryside, smaller towns, and natural beauty that make Quebec such a top destination. One of the best places to bask in the beauty of Quebec is the Lanaudiere-Mauricie region, which can be reached within two hours of Montreal and offers loads of beautiful resorts, unique accommodations, and more.
Although the region is quite large, many of its highlights can be explored within a two-hour drive of Montreal or Quebec City. This Lanaudiere-Mauricie region stretches from the Saint Lawrence River north of Montreal towards the beautiful Laurentian mountains. This region is a hot spot for fall colours, rural adventure, nature, small towns, and more. Some of the more popular or bigger towns include Trois-Rivières, Shawinigan, Repentigny, Terrebonne and Joliette.
We just got back from exploring this region and it’s such a spectacular place for outdoor adventure, which is why we rank it as one of the best road trips from Montreal.
Some of the places we’d recommend visiting are:
Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc
Spread out over 3,500 hectares of wilderness in addition to 12 lakes, this private resort is a great place to spend some time. Not only do they offer several chalets or lodge-style rooms, but they also offer so many activities, including clay pigeon shooting, side-by-side rentals, pontoon boat rentals, paddled watercraft, bear-watching tours, helicopter tours, and more. They also have a great restaurant serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and supper, which means you really don’t have to leave the resort once you check in. Whether you’re looking for a summer retreat, a place to witness the fall colours, or a place to experience the Canadian winter, this resort is one for the bucket list.
Incredible Forest Inns of the Lanaudière-Mauricie Region
As much as we loved Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc, this region of Quebec is home to many beautiful forest inns, which blend nature, wellness, cozy nights, gastronomy and all-around outdoor activities. Surrounded by lush boreal forest, these accommodations are like living emblems of the Quebecois art of living: pristine nature for outdoor play and the warmth of immersive lodging for rest. Blending high-end comfort with stunning natural beauty, they are like a wild all-inclusive resort just a short drive from the major urban centres of Quebec City and Montreal.
For a list of all the best accommodation options, click here to visit the official tourism website.
Les Boisés de la Rivière Noire
If you’re looking for a beautiful cabin to spend a few days, it’s hard to beat Les boisés de la Rivière Noire, which offers 9 stunning fully-equipped chalets that have everything you need, including a deck with a private hot tub. There are also private campfires and free kayaks for those wanting to explore the gentle that runs throughout the property.
Unique Accommodations Next to Lakes and Forest
As much as we loved Les boisés de la Rivière Noire, this region is home to many unique accommodations, all located next to peaceful lakes, stunning rivers, or forests. From isolated cabins to groovy yurts, cool domes, amazing pods, Indigenous tipis, or beautiful mini-chalets, we really can’t think of a better place in Canada to experience the great outdoors comfortably and excitingly. Click here to see a list of all the best accommodations.
Grand Labyrinthe de Lanaudière
If you’re looking for the ultimate corn maze, this is it. Spread out amongst a 6-hectare cornfield, there are 8km of cut trails to explore. Along the way, you’ll find several questions to answer to help you find your way out. In addition, they offer other fun things to do depending on the season, including sunflower and pumpkin picking.
La Terre des Bisons
La Terre des Bisons is a 400-acre dynamic, innovative family farm that’s been working in the big-game breeding industry since 1994. They offer truly unique interactive museums where you’ll learn about the history of bison in Canada as well as walking trails to see the bison and elk roaming the fields. Plus, if you’re looking for products made with bison, elk, and other game, they have an on-site store with all the good stuff.
Chute-à-Bull Park
If you’re wanting to see a beautiful waterfall, this is a great option. The hike to get there only takes about 1-hour return and is mostly flat, making it accessible for most people. We even took our babies along for the journey and they had a blast. If you want to do a longer hike, you can continue on the trail to see much more.
Explore the City of Trois-Rivières
Nestled halfway between Montreal and Quebec City, Trois-Rivières is a hidden gem that radiates charm and history, perfect for any traveller looking to experience authentic Quebecois culture. With its roots dating back to 1634, it is the 2nd-oldest French-speaking city in North America, boasting a vibrant old town filled with picturesque streets, centuries-old architecture, and fascinating museums like the Musée POP, which delves into the cultural identity of Quebec, and Borealis, a great museum for families. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the nearby St. Lawrence River, perfect for waterfront strolls and river cruises, while food enthusiasts can savour delicious local cuisine in cozy bistros and cafés.
In addition, the city’s lively festivals, such as the FestiVoix Music Festival and the International Poetry Festival, add an exciting rhythm to the town throughout the summer. With its blend of history, culture, and fun, Trois-Rivières offers a unique travel experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Explore the City of Shawinigan
Another vibrant destination is Shawinigan, which packs a punch with its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. Nestled in the heart of Mauricie, this city is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, boasting breathtaking landscapes and the spectacular La Mauricie National Park just a stone’s throw away. Here, visitors can hike forested trails, paddle across pristine lakes, and catch glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat. For those seeking a cultural twist, Shawinigan’s Cité de l’Énergie is a must-visit, showcasing the region’s fascinating industrial heritage with interactive exhibits and an observation tower offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding wilderness. Foodies will love sampling local Quebecois flavours at charming eateries, while adrenaline junkies can try thrilling activities like zip-lining and white-water rafting. Shawinigan’s unique mix of nature, culture, and excitement makes it the perfect place to experience Quebec and is easily one of the best road trips from Montreal.
Conclusion
While there are many other road trips from Montreal to consider, it’s really hard to beat the Lanaudiere-Mauricie region. Whether you’re looking for stunning nature, beautiful resorts, or charming small cities, this is a region you shouldn’t miss.
If you’re keen on learning even more about road trips from Montreal, check out these other articles below:
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