Do you usually take Highway 40 on your trip between Montreal and Quebec City? Why not switch to a route brimming with treasures that lets you discover the real, authentic Quebec? Here are ten great reasons to embrace this enchanting journey!
1. Enjoy Spectacular Views of the St. Lawrence River
A line of trees or a majestic river? The choice is easy! Follow Route 138 along this iconic waterway and discover breathtaking panoramas. Passengers can admire the ever-moving river while the driver can make welcome stops to savour stunning viewpoints, capturing the very essence of this legendary waterway. Some of the best spots to take in these grand vistas include the Trois-Rivières Harbourfront Park, the Cap-Santé wharf, the Portneuf marina and the Jacques-Cartier beach in Cap-Rouge. Each of these places invites you to take a contemplative break, where the river unfolds in all its splendour and natural beauty.
2. Explore Quebec’s Most Beautiful Villages
Travelling the King’s Road gives you the unique chance to discover charming Quebec villages you might otherwise overlook. From the character-filled architecture of the houses to the local shops and, above all, the warm welcome of the residents, there are countless irresistible reasons to stop along the way. Get ready: you may find yourself wanting to visit every single one! If you must choose, don’t miss Cap-Santé, Deschambault-Grondines, Champlain and Louiseville, which are among the province’s most picturesque villages.
3. Stretch Your Legs with Short Hikes
On long car journeys, both passengers and driver need frequent stops to stretch their legs. Instead of choosing a basic highway rest area, take advantage of the Chemin du Roy, which abounds in picturesque spots perfect for short hikes. Examples include the Passerelle Pointe-Yamachiche footbridge, the Parc de l’Île-Lebel park, the Parc Familial des Berges park, the Marais-Léon-Provancher Nature Reserve and the Berthier Islands hiking trails. Each offers easily accessible paths rich in remarkable biodiversity.
4. Hunt for the Best Poutine
In summer, what could be more delicious than enjoying a poutine in a snack bar? Roadside diners have always competed for the title of best poutine. To find out for yourself, make stops at various establishments along the Chemin du Roy, such as the Casse-Croûte de Neuville, Casse-Croûte Les Écureuils or Casse-Croûte Chez Micheline. It’s the perfect opportunity to form your own opinion and enjoy this iconic dish at spots renowned for their expertise.
5. Enjoy a Picnic in Picturesque Parks
If you’re planning a picnic, rest stops along Highway 40 will do the trick, but let’s be honest, there are far more enchanting settings! The King’s Road is teeming with magical places where you can share an outdoor meal. Whether by a marina, in a park at the heart of a charming village or on the banks of a serene river, you’ll find an idyllic spot to unfold your checkered blanket. Parc Saint-Laurent in Repentigny, Parc des Terrasses-du-Fleuve near Trois-Rivières and Parc des Anglais in Donnacona are just a few examples of the many lovely stops along the way.
6. Discover Roadside Farm Stands
Roadside market stalls are the perfect symbol of summer. Nothing beats the pleasure of tasting freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. Along the Chemin du Roy, you’ll find numerous stands offering an impressive variety of produce, from juicy berries and new potatoes to sweet corn and homemade preserves. Don’t miss the Royaume Bleuets et Fraises kiosk in Champlain, the Frigon farm market in Louiseville or Le Jardin de Saint-Augustin just before you reach Quebec. Each stop promises a gourmet, authentic experience showcasing local delights.
7. Take an Apéro Break at a Microbrewery
Quebec is home to over 300 microbreweries, and the King’s Road could easily be dubbed a beer route in its own right. Establishments such as Brasserie La Fosse, Microbrasserie La Shed, Microbrasserie l’Esprit de Clocher, Brasserie Dépareillée, Microbrasserie Locomotiv and many others are located directly on the Chemin du Roy or in its immediate vicinity. These microbreweries not only offer a wide range of quality craft beers, but also often feature inviting terraces and spaces in which to relax after a day on the road.
8. Visit Tourist Attractions Along the Way
The whole point of taking the King’s Road is to slow down and savour the journey. It’s the ideal route for an authentic road trip. From Route 138, you’ll have more than enough to keep you entertained with stops at the various tourist attractions along the way. For a quick educational visit, stop off at the Cap-Santé salmon fishway. To learn more about an iconic figure in Quebec culture, explore the Musée Gilles-Villeneuve museum. Prefer something completely off the beaten track? Take a guided tour of the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières!
9. Stay in a Charming Inn with Character
Highway-side accommodation often comes down to functional, but sometimes impersonal, hotels and motels. For a more genuine experience and enriching encounters, opt for a night in one of the charming inns nestled along the Chemin du Roy. You’ll be delighted by the warm welcome of your hosts and pleasantly surprised by the comfort at places like the quaint Auberge Yamachiche P.Q. inn, the welcoming Auberge de L’Ouest inn, the lively Auberge le MusicHall inn or the prestigious Auberge du Lac Saint-Pierre inn.
10. Reconnect with Our History Along the Route
More than just a link between two points, the King’s Road is a route steeped in history that invites you on a truly authentic journey of our past. Along the way, several heritage buildings and museums offer opportunities to reconnect with our collective history. Be sure to discover the exhibits and tours at La Chapelle des Cuthbert and its museum, the Moulin de La Chevrotière mill, the Maison Rosalie Cadron-Jetté museum and the Maison Henry-Stuart museum, to name just a few. So, which route will you take next?