Frequently Asked Questions

Initiated in 1706 and inaugurated in 1737, the King’s Road was the longest road built north of the Rio Grande at the time, offering 280 km of history to explore along the St. Lawrence River.

The name “Chemin du Roy” was given to all roads developed by the Grand Voyer in the days of New France. Many “chemins du Roy” were established across the colony, but this one is the only route of its scale that follows the St. Lawrence River, recognized as a primary transport artery.

Inaugurated in 1737, the Chemin du Roy became a true link for communication, trade and culture. Today, this historic route is a tourist road that invites you to discover, at your own pace, picturesque landscapes, charming village centres and a rich heritage spanning several centuries.

“Roy” is the old French way of writing “Roi” (King). When the Chemin du Roy (King’s Road) was named in the 18th century, that spelling was common in New France. Over time the modern spelling “roi” replaced it in French, but the original “Roy” was retained to honour the route’s heritage and its historic origins.

In 1706, the Superior Council of New France decided to build a road along the St. Lawrence River. However, it wasn’t until the appointment of the Grand Voyer Eustache Lanouiller de Boisclerc in 1731 that the long-awaited project became a reality.

Lacking a dedicated workforce, the grand voyer organized massive “King’s chores”, requiring each tenant with land along the route to maintain their segment. The road was finally inaugurated in 1737. Learn more about the Chemin du Roy’s history here .

The route of today’s Chemin du Roy largely follows that of the road built in the 18th century. Over time, some portions of the historical route have disappeared or been diverted, especially with the development of Route 138. However, many segments still follow the original path, allowing visitors to discover villages by car or bike.

In the past, the journey between Quebec City and Montreal could take 4 to 6 days. Times have changed, but the joy of covering 280 km along the St. Lawrence River remains!

If you drive without stopping, the trip takes just over 3 hours by car. To truly savour the experience, however, we recommend taking your time: allow several days to visit village centres , museums , heritage buildings , markets and parks along the way. After all, the Chemin du Roy is an invitation to slow down and enjoy every turn!

The King’s Road connects the cities of Quebec City and Montreal, mainly along Route 138 on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River. It begins in Quebec City and ends in Repentigny at the gateway to Montreal.

Along the way, you’ll pass through 26 village centres , allowing you to take a real trip back in time… just a few kilometers from the city!

The Chemin du Roy is served by several electric-vehicle charging stations. Municipalities along the route provide stations, often near attractions, restaurants or tourist information offices.

To plan your stops, download the Circuit électrique or Tesla app, which show real-time availability of charging stations along your route.

Yes, many cyclists do it every year! However, the King’s Road is not a dedicated bike path: some segments share the road with cars, while others offer shoulders or bike-path segments.

Many of the accommodations and attractions along the route are cyclist-friendly, allowing you to break the trip into manageable stages. For a safer experience, avoid rush hours and, if necessary, opt for secondary roads.

Most buildings and attractions are accessible to wheelchair users and families with strollers. However, accessibility may vary from place to place, especially in the case of historic buildings.

Before your visit, we recommend visiting the relevant websites or calling ahead to check which on-site facilities are available (parking, ramps, accessible restrooms, etc.). Local tourist information offices can also provide guidance.

No, we no longer offer paper brochures for the King’s Road. Please use our online tools in the Itineraries or Online Map sections.

Absolutely! Several tourist information offices line the King’s Road. Stop by for maps, brochures, personalized recommendations and locals’ favourites. They’re open during the high season, from June 24 to Labour Day, and some remain open year-round.