Visit the Montérégie region in southwestern Québec for lazy days along its riverbanks or active adventures at its numerous attractions. Relax along the Richelieu River, which runs up the middle of Montérégie.
Towns dot the countryside, making road trips interesting and fun. Take the 165-mile-long (265-kilometer) Richelieu Route from the U.S. border to the important St. Lawrence River.
Fort Chambly National Historic Site was built by French troops in 1665 and has become a surprising culinary center. The picturesque Chambly Canal is 12 miles (20 kilometers) long between Chambly and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and has a history as an important commercial waterway between Canada and the United States.
Apple orchards are common in the region. Follow the Cider Route to sample various recipes of this delightful drink. Try apple brandy, ice cider and other beverages at various cideries en route, as well as delicious apple pies. Find this route south of Montréal. In addition, try the maple syrup and cheese that have made the region famous.
Sample award-winning wines on the Wine Route. Sprawling vineyards that are commonly seen from the road identify winery locations. Numerous wineries extend along a 330-mile (530-kilometer) stretch surrounding Montréal, with many of them offering meals in enchanting locations.
Summer brings regional festivals. Many have historical, cultural or culinary themes. In the month of June, Saint-Lambert has a three-week music festival, Festival Classica. Vaudreuil-Dorion welcomes the planting season with period costumes and events at Les Seigneuriales. Learn everything about Québec food at Boucherville’s La Grande Gourmandise. Chambly has its popular Chambly Beer Festival in September.
See Montérégie’s beautiful landscape from high above in a hot-air balloon. The International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is a weeklong event held in August.
Fly to Montréal or travel by car on U.S. interstate highways connecting to the Canadian highway system. Montérégie is about a 20-minute drive northeast of Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.