Impressions from a Road Trip Along the St Lawrence River

 

I never get tired of driving along the St. Lawrence River in Quebec - not even after taking this route more than a dozen times.  Route #138 on the Northside or route #132 on the Southside of the river -  both lead through the most beautiful villages in Quebec and even Canada.  The country had been populated from East to West, so these towns are also the oldest in the country.

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Most of the first settlers came four hundred years ago, built villages, and over the centuries stayed close to French architecture: Stone buildings with tin roofs, and beautiful churches in every town.  If you would drive on the highway you would never see these precious historic places, nor could you marvel at the mighty St. Lawrence River.  Take your time, at least a week to discover these beautiful spots.

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You could possibly start in Montreal and drive to Taddoussac, watch the whales in summer, and take the ferry to sail to Riviere-de-Loup or Rimouski. 

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Go west along the Southside of the St Lawrence River back to Montreal.  Along the way visit each of the villages and certainly Quebec City's old town, founded in 1608.  

Your trip might combine popular Quebec City attractions with the Montmorency Falls (higher than Niagara Falls),  the Ile d'Orleans, and the amazing Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Discover wineries and micro-breweries, cheese producers, cozy restaurants, coffee shops and chocolate makers, farmers' markets, local producers, old mills, and seafood vendors.  

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Visit small museums, the Casino de Charlevoix, as well as indigenous traditional places near Quebec City.  Or rent sea kayaks or bicycles and explore lighthouses or art galleries by yourself. 

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My favored villages are Kamouraska, Saint-Antoine-siur-Richelieu, Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Berthier-sur-Mer, Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, Yamachiche, and, and, and... I can't name them all.
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Many of these villages have '' Circuit Patrimonial '' which are maps, sometimes with pictures, available on the web or at tourist offices, town halls, or public libraries that indicate the history of the village, the major points of interest, and the description of the buildings.

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Quebec is known for its breathtaking natural geography and maritime views.  Explore it on a marvelous trip and discover the beauty of its villages and towns.  

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And don't forget: You can tour the St. Lawrence River by train or bus too!

Stop at each of these towns.  Or even better: Cycle it all the way!

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