Between Montreal and Quebec City, Lanaudière and Mauricie form a link in the shape of a cornucopia. Running alongside the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, the Chemin du Roy (King’s Road) is brimming with history and vibrant culture, while the countryside offers countless temptations for food lovers in search of authenticity, right up to the edge of the forest, which itself invites you to discover even more flavours…
Set Off on a Sensory Journey in Trois-Rivières, in the Heart of the Mauricie Region!
In the second-oldest city in Quebec, it’s our sixth sense that is most stimulated: curiosity. Since its founding by Laviolette in 1634, the beautiful Trois-Rivières city has stood as the main stop between Quebec and Montreal on the King’s Road, an official tourist route following the path of the very first carriage road in Nouvelle-France, built at the start of the 18th century. Its rich historical heritage, museums, gourmet addresses, laid-back lifestyle, and cultural vitality make Trois-Rivières a dynamic regional capital and an exciting destination. Here, you can step back in time in the heart of the historic district, visit the Musée des Ursulines, and discover a sumptuous sacred heritage in the form of the Assumption Cathedral and St. James Anglican Church. You can also unearth unspoiled witnesses to the golden age of New France, such as the Manoir Boucher de Niverville and the Manoir de Tonnancour, now home to the Galerie d’art du Parc. You will also love strolling through the harbour park, where you can gaze out over the St. Lawrence, gracefully spanned by the Laviolette Bridge. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Trois-Rivières poetry, which extends well beyond the period of the famous Festival International de la Poésie de Trois-Rivières, held every autumn for over 40 years. And then there’s the endless charm of downtown Trois-Rivières, which comes alive with major cultural events such as DANSEncore, the FestiVoix and the Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, as well as the International Poetry Festival. This city teems with temptations all year round, from concert halls and art galleries to the many restaurants, bars, cafés, ice cream shops and other gourmet haunts that dot the city’s skyline. In Trois-Rivières, a stopover always makes you want to put down roots! But what if you had to choose just a few attractions?
Four of Trois-Rivières' Best Experiences
Visit Boréalis
One of a kind, the Boréalis museum invites us to delve into a key chapter in the history of Trois-Rivières, which was considered the global pulp and paper capital in the mid-20th century. Boréalis offers an in-depth look at the paper industry on the very grounds of the former Canadian International Paper filtration plant. Designed as an immersive journey through time, its permanent exhibit “Transformations” gives insight into the day-to-day life of the men and women who worked in this industry, from the lumberjacks and CIP labourers to the log drivers, all the way to modern-day issues. It’s an intensely human story told through an innovative presentation. The museum’s activities appeal to young and old alike, whether inside the building (paper-making workshop, interactive challenges under the vaults, escape game…) or outside (urban trail and immersive cruise on the Saint-Maurice River in summer).
Treat Yourself at Cabane à sucre Chez Dany
While spring is the perfect time to embrace tradition, Cabane à sucre Chez Dany sugar shack invites visitors to celebrate sugaring season in Trois-Rivières all year round. Here, you’ll find the quintessential sugar shack experience – truly an icon of Quebec’s art of living. On your plate, you’ll sample the very best of tradition: an excellent maple syrup (of course), as well as all the classics – crispy salted pork rinds, baked beans, pea soup, meat pie, and maple-smoked ham, all served generously. At Chez Dany, the décor, ambience and the team’s warm hospitality all fit the bill: authentic and comforting. Think cozy wood panelling, a crackling fireplace, checkered tablecloths, and live music provided by fiddlers, accordionists, and singers. They even go the extra mile to serve maple taffy on snow… even in summer!
Discover Original Exhibits at Musée POP!
Dedicated to Quebec’s popular culture, Musée POP! is well worth a visit for the daring nature of its exhibits. Its permanent exhibit, “Attache ta tuque,” sets the tone. It humorously explores a range of 100% Quebec themes. The temporary exhibits are equally inventive. One of them, focusing on prison life, makes you want to explore the neighbouring building, the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, which operated from 1822 to 1986 and brings an intelligent and poignant awareness of the reality of prison life. A doubly captivating visit!
Keep an Eye on Amphithéâtre Cogeco’s Program
Inaugurated 10 years ago, this majestic amphitheater at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saint-Maurice rivers operates in outdoor mode during the summer, with its bleachers and beautiful grassy area, and converts into a giant indoor cabaret the rest of the year. Stunning architecture, impressive acoustics, state-of-the-art equipment, and top-tier performances: the city’s main venue earns plenty of praise. Each summer, it hosts Cirque du Soleil for its tribute series (this year featuring composer-performer Daniel Bélanger).
And Where to Tuck Into Bed in Trois-Rivières?
Located on rue Notre-Dame in a proud heritage building, Hôtel Oui GO! is the chic option for a laid-back stay in the heart of downtown Trois-Rivières. Historical character and contemporary design harmonize beautifully here, complemented by the comfort of its 28 rooms and suites. And don’t forget to savour the homemade waffles at its restaurant, Le Bistroquet!
For a comfortable stay in the perfect spot near downtown attractions and the Amphithéâtre Cogeco, there’s no better choice than Delta Trois-Rivières by Marriott. Recently renovated, it also offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. Its spa, indoor pool and Le Brasier 1908 restaurant-bar add to the pleasures of your stay.
Two Places and One Experience to See La vie en vert in the Lanaudière-Mauricie Countryside!
We love these Maskinongé-area resorts that reconnect us with nature while delighting our taste buds and bringing us serenity and well-being. In Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, the Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire inn is one of those places that literally blends into the landscape – a giant estate of some 2,500 hectares – by combining upscale comfort, delicious dining and all kinds of outdoor activities, no matter the season. Several types of accommodation await vacationers, from cottages and condos to inns and lodges. Fishing, hiking, nature observation, water sports… the Auberge du Lac-à-l’eau-Claire’s activity menu is brimming with ideas, not to mention the magnificent indoor pool and a winter program that covers all the classic Quebec winter activities. Special mention goes to the local trout and other terroir products that are expertly featured on the menu.
From the guest room to the dining room, from the spa to outdoor activities, Le Baluchon Eco-Resort also offers a unique vacation experience, entirely imbued with a sustainable and eco-responsible philosophy. Based in Saint-Paulin and a pioneer of its kind, this vast estate with its country and forest character, which has just added several new accommodations, keeps pace with the changing seasons. With more than 400 hectares of green space traced by 35 km of trails, you can hike on foot or on horseback, go biking, cross-country skiing, fatbiking, snowshoeing, or dog sledding, not to mention enjoying the river’s meanders for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, or simply admiring the view. Here, eco-responsibility translates into a thousand daily gestures, whether in the 89 Le Baluchon rooms spread across four inns and two chalets, at the spa, in the dining room that honours local produce in gastronomic mode, or at the Eco-café Au Bout du monde, where local and organic choices reign supreme. You’re sure to feel reconnected!
Before leaving the region, we’ll let you in on an increasingly poorly kept secret: the incredible dynamism of the Filière mycologique de la Mauricie. More and more activities feature mushrooms and other forest edibles, especially from late summer to early October, when the MYCO – Rendez-vous de la gastronomie forestière event takes place. From introductory outings led by mycologist guides to gourmet meals served in the heart of the forest, there’s a whole world of knowledge and flavours to discover. In this respect, Lanaudière also offers wonderful experiences, such as the guided gourmet hikes organized by the team at Marcheur des bois in Saint-Côme.
In Lanaudière, Country Roads Taste Good!
The epicurean countryside of Lanaudière-Mauricie still has plenty of surprises in store. Just a stone’s throw from Montréal, Lanaudière boasts countless ways to slow down and savour the true flavour of the scenery through agritourism. The Goûtez Lanaudière! gourmet tours offer inspiration for every itinerary and every taste. Five circuits along the region’s St. Lawrence coastline, plains, foothills and mountains introduce visitors to some forty local artisans, producers and processors. The City and Countryside Delights circuit (five stops), which stretches 99 km from the city to the agricultural plain, is perfect for filling the picnic basket of your dreams: fruits and vegetables (pick-your-own strawberries and pumpkins), cheeses, craft beers and spirits… Also with five stops, the Local Delicacies Along the River circuit (98 km) highlights chocolates, wines, cheeses, and an eco-friendly farm. With six stops along 65 km, the Flavours of the Foothills circuit lets you discover a microbrewery, farms, gardens, and a honey house. Lastly, the Mountain Aromas circuit (115 km, five stops) showcases orchards, terroir shops, vineyards, and microbreweries. While exploring these Goûtez Lanaudière! routes, you’ll be delightfully surprised around every turn, surrounded by inspiring landscapes. The distance between farm and plate is reduced to a minimum, and each stop is unlike the last, yet they all share an endlessly appealing trait: authentic encounters with artisans who are passionate about their terroir and their region.
Two Stops to Amaze Your Taste Buds
For lovers of artisanal spirits, but also of history and culture, visit Distillerie Grand Dérangement, which also houses the distiller’s Economuseum. Its name pays homage to the Acadian imprint so prevalent in the village of Saint-Jacques, and its products – gin, vodka and now whisky – are distinguished by their organic certification… and their high quality!
What do four thousand walnut and hazelnut trees planted with love in Saint-Ambroise-de-Kildare produce? Let’s go to Jardin des noix to discover it with our eyes and our taste buds. The different varieties of these Nordic nuts can be tasted in a variety of mouth-watering variations, and there’s a café-boutique on site to showcase other local wonders.
