A Budget-Friendly Road Trip Along the King’s Road

Start your day at the Parliament Building of Quebec, where free guided and self-guided tours are available year-round. Explore the visitor pavilion exhibition, discover the building's most iconic spaces or join a guided tour of the National Assembly Library. Be sure to take some time to stroll through the gardens and admire the statues surrounding this impressive landmark.

Next, head to Parc nautique de Cap-Rouge and nearby Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier for a pleasant walk along the St. Lawrence River. Stretching for 2.6 kilometres along the shoreline, the park offers a seaside atmosphere surprisingly close to the city. Climb the observation tower for sweeping views of the river. An added bonus for budget-conscious travellers: parking is free.

After lunch, enjoy a walk through nature at the Marais-Léon-Provancher nature reserve. Admission is free, although voluntary contributions are appreciated. Dedicated to protecting local wildlife and plant life, this 125-hectare reserve offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, so don't forget your binoculars. Before continuing your journey, stop at Ferme Langlois et fils, Chez Médé to pick up fresh local products for dinner.

After enjoying the complimentary coffee included with your stay, begin the day with a stop at Le Soleil Levain bakery to treat yourself to a pastry fresh out of the oven. Croissants, chocolatines, almond pastries and apple turnovers offer a delicious and affordable way to start the day.

Continue along the King’s Road toward the Hangar de Batiscan. This heritage site houses the free Office des signaux de Batiscan museum, where visitors can learn about maritime monitoring and the region's river history through either self-guided or guided tours.

After lunch, stop at Royaume des bleuets et fraises in Champlain for a little fruit picking. Beyond being an enjoyable activity, it is also a practical way to stock up on snacks and dessert for the road. Strawberry, raspberry and blueberry seasons follow one another from June through late August.

For the afternoon, make your way to Parc de l'Île Saint-Quentin. Admission is inexpensive at just $2 per adult, while parking costs only $7 per vehicle. For that modest fee, you'll have access to the beach, swimming pool and walking trails – more than enough for a relaxing afternoon outdoors!

Located in the heart of downtown Trois-Rivières, Auberge du Monde is an excellent choice for travellers looking to keep costs low. Choose between a dormitory bed, a private room or a family room. Its central location makes it easy to enjoy an evening stroll before settling in for the night.