An epicurean heaven, Quebec offers the discerning foodie an unparalleled culinary experience.
A major producer of wine, cheese and ice cider unique to the region, the Eastern Canadian province is a treasure trove for gourmands looking to try locally produced artisanal treats. Here are three must-drive road trips that will fill up your heart, soul and stomach.
Apples are the new grapes. Famous for its ice cider unique to the Quebec region, travel about 45 minutes outside of Montreal to the fertile soil of the cider route. Along the way, you can stop at numerous cider houses, apple orchards, and pick-your-own farms. A three-seasons experience when the weather is milder, ice cider is one of the Quebec’s fastest growing industries. Starting to gain international recognition, they’ve won a bevy of awards for their sweet after dinner appeal.
Suggested Stops: Vignoble De Lavoie, Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, Cidrerie du Minot, La Face Cachée de la Pomme
Length: 1-2 days
Brome-Missiquoi Wine Route
Also on the sweet side, the cold Quebec climate is ideal for producing ice wine, late harvest wine, aperitifs, and liquors. With sixteen vineyards spread across the Eastern Townships, the Wine Route offers 87 miles of sprawling countryside, mountain vistas, and picturesque New England-style hamlets for a truly epic road trip. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could bike the entire route with cycling maps available for outdoor enthusiasts. To allow ample sampling time, plan on visiting 3-4 wineries a day so you have time to look around the grounds (some even offer guided tours).
Suggested Stops: Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise, Vignoble de l’Orpailleur, Vignoble de la Bauge, Vignoble Pigeon HIll
Length: 3-4 days
Gourmet Route
Dedicated to artisanal bakers, butchers, chocolatiers, and fine food emporiums, Quebec is a haven for foodies. With 25+ stops full of epicurean delights, you could spend your entire trip eating and drinking your way around the province. For cheese aficionados, Quebec also offers an entire road trip dedicated to the art of dairy making and tasting across not just one, but eight different regions on the Route de Fromages. Use this website to plan your trip to the mecca of cheese.
Suggested Stops: Choco-Musée Érico, Bee Museum, Ferme Québec-Oies, Ferme Langlois et Fils (Chez Médé), Cassis Monna & filles
Length: 1-2 days per region
Sponsored by Tourism Quebec.