Steeped in history, the Montérégie region is Québec’s cider, wine, maple and apple country. Monteregie is decidedly European … the food is phenomenal, the wine is exceptional and the poutine is undeniably the best. Music, art and architecture flow beautifully and vibrantly in the blood of the region. There is such a wide range of choices when it comes to deciding What to do In the Monteregie Region, that it almost guarantees a 2nd, 3rd and 4th trip.
In Monteregie, the outdoors are as much a part of the culture of the region as anything else…the choices are endless and span all seasons. A stone’s throw from Montreal, Monteregie is a family destination in and of its own. With a diverse mix of things to do in Monteregie, Quebec, you will come back time and time again.
- Hotel de Rive
- Sratera
- Lunch at Ferme Guyon
- Butterfly Pavilion at Ferme Guyon
- Beehive Clinic at Ferme Guyon
- Camp Fun at Domaine Pourki
- Sleep in a Tipi on the Richelieu River
- Dinner at Domaine Pourki
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Go Ziplining at Arbraska
- Visit a Historic Fort
- Beer Tasting at Fourquet Fourchette
- Paddle at Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles
- Dine at 1909 Taverne Moderne
- Cosmodome
- Maeva Surf
- Learn to Fly at SkyVenture
- Dine at Enoteca Monza
- Breakfast at L’Entre Nous
Table of Contents
Where is Montérégie, Quebec?
Montérégie is the region of Quebec immediately east, south and west of Montreal. Monteregie extends to the borders of Ontario and New York State. It is essentially located between Ontario and Quebec City. And while it offers plenty of opportunities suitable for a day trip, you will find the region beckons you to stay, to explore, to discover and enjoy.
After 4 action-packed days in the region, I was astounded at the number of things To do in Monteregie. You will find our top favorite below, sorted by city/village so you can follow our itinerary. I would suggest adding an extra couple of days if you want to tour the entire region. We had allocated 4 full days and it was not quite enough to allow for much rest.
Sorel-Tracy – Southwestern Quebec, Canada
Sorel-Tracy is a city in southwestern Quebec, Canada and the geographical end point of the Champlain Valley at the confluence of the Richelieu River and the St. Lawrence River, on the western edge of Lac Saint-Pierre downstream and east of nearby Montreal. It is a city rich in history, beauty and culture.
Hotel de Rive
We landed in Montreal around 4 pm and bee-lined north about 60 miles or so to the quaint village of Sorel-Tracy. I’m not sure if it is actually a village, but I call it a village because it had a very beachy feel to it. Our hotel, Hotel de Rive, was on the St Lawrence River and the views were simply unbelievable. The room faced out over the water, and the deck was perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or a morning coffee.
When talking about the Hotel de Rive, I cannot leave out the restaurant. Mind you, this will be a theme throughout this blog. I have never eaten so well or had continuously amazing food and service before in my life. Everything we ordered was superb.
Stratera
When in Sorel-Tracy, you must take your family to the Stratera, the 104th Island … one of the must-see Things To Do In Monteregie. Less than a year old, (it just opened to the public on June 29, 2018), Stratera is one of the most eagerly awaited experiences in Sorel-Tracy.
A multimedia immersive experience encompassing both facts and fiction to introduce locals and visitors alike to the flora and fauna and history of this very intriguing community. Presented on a wharf overlooking the mighty St Lawrence River, the Stratera is a spellbinding adventure. I highly recommend the Stratera for ages 6 and up.
Chambly – an off-island suburb in southwestern Quebec
Chambly is an off-island suburb in southwestern Quebec, Canada, about 25 km to the south east of Montreal. It is an historical mega center for Canadians and tourists alike.
Lunch at Ferme Guyon
The next morning we rose and had a superb breakfast at the Hotel de Rive. Maddy had the most delectable Strawberry and Chocolate pancakes … so much chocolate!!
We checked out and headed toward the charming town of Chambly, destination Ferme Guyon. Who would imagine that a Garden Centre would make it into a blog about the best Things To Do In Monteregie? But this is no ordinary garden centre!
We ate lunch here, and, of course, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, the presentation, and the wine… oh, the wine was so very good. A little bit of red, a little bit of white…so good.
Butterfly Pavilion at Ferme Guyon
Apres lunch, we visited the butterfly pavilion where there were over 500 butterflies, a bearded dragon, a turtle, a stick bug, parrots and more. Here the kids were in awe. It was beautiful, really. Then we went to see the farm animals. There was every animal you would imagine – chickens, roosters, bunnies, baby chicks, a peacock, llamas, goats, even a cow, named Clementine and her calf. We were actually able to hold the animals and feed them!
Beehive Clinic at Ferme Guyon
Then we moved on to the beehive, where even I was fascinated. I learned more about bees in the mini-workshop than I had in my entire life! The concept of the queen bee was so interesting and, of course, getting to taste honey was the kids’ favorite part. We also made butter and bread! We then walked around the garden centre and bought a few super cute souvenirs, and some candy made by the local monastery … a place I’d love to visit the next time we are in Monteregie.
Sainte Anne-de-Sabrevois
Sainte-Anne-de-Sabrevois is known for its vibrant agricultural community, as reflected in its growing agri-tourism industry. Meet craftsmen and artisans who’ll introduce you to local products in horticulture, catering, and grain, dairy, vegetable and wine production.
Camp Fun at Domaine Pourki
After 1.5 days of educational fun, it was time for our kids to get around water and run around. So we hit up Domaine Pourki, one of the most diverse Things To Do In Monteregie! Think kids camp with so many fun things to do.
In case, you are inquiring, as I was, about the name, let me give you the quick 411. The owner Jean-Guy is a mason who has dedicated his life to children, and specifically, children who are sick. His alter ego is Pourki the clown. So, House of Pourki is, fittingly, is the name of his outdoor center.
Sleep in a Tipi on the Richelieu River
Here we reserved a tipi on the Richelieu River and spent the night. During the day, the kids ran around and played in the huge bounce house, gave archery a go, swam in the swimming pool, even paddled a canoe, and a rabaska on the river! And, much to the kids’ delight, there was a farm with horses, pigs, llamas, chickens, baby bunnies, a pig, and alpacas! Maddy loved the baby bunnies the most.
Dinner at Domaine Pourki
In the evening, we were treated to a lovely dinner on the patio overlooking the river. For a camp, I was, again, blown away by the quality of the food. The chicken was divine, and the wine … well, we all know how much I enjoyed the wine. That evening, after dark, we hung out around the campfire and roasted marshmallows. When it was time to go to sleep, we paddled out to our tipi and crawled into bed, exhausted from the day’s activities. There is nothing better than sleeping under the stars. ON the river! We were lulled to sleep by the lapping of the current and woke with the sun as it signaled a new day. Very similar to below..
Hot Air Balloon Ride
While here in Sainte-Anne-de-Sabrevois, we got to experience flying in a hot air balloon, something that’s been on our list for a long time! Our flight was perfect, from the take off to the landing and everything in between. La Magie de l’air made the entire experience next level, even toasting at the end with a glass of sparkling cider … something else the region is well known for. In fact, drinking the local wines and ciders is a locals favorite of the Things to Do In Monteregie.
Mont-Saint-Grégoire
Each year, Mont-Saint-Grégoire welcomes thousands of visitors to the beautiful orchards and maple shacks that have made its reputation over the decades. Mont-Saint-Grégoire is an awesome place for outdoor activities, including bike trails throughout the region, guided mountain nature tours, a golf course, hot air balloon flights, and ATV and snowmobile trails.
Go Ziplining at Arbraska
The next morning we rose very early, around 5:30 am eager to start the day. Maddy and I decided to paddle back to the camp and charge up all our devices for our departure to Mont-Saint-Gregoire.This is where we planned one of the most anticipated of all the Things To Do In Monteregie … the zipline and ropes course at Arbraska.
It’s funny because we thought we’d been ziplining and thought we had done a few rope courses over the years, but none of them were quite like this. We were beginning to realize that in Quebec, the Monteregie region, in particular, children are never left out. All these amazing activities are built with adults AND children in mind. The entire region is family oriented, and for a traveling family like ours, this really stood out as unique!
Arbraska was a ton of fun and we were not ready to leave when our time was up … a clear indication of a good time, for sure. And, like I said, it was not like other courses we had ever been too. It is a lot like climbing, in that you have two carabiners (and a zip) attached to your harness, and rather than stay clipped in the entire time, you clip in and out as you climb, always being sure to leave one biner attached at all times.
The courses were fun and challenging, you even get that jolt of adrenaline that we love so much and we never even went into the adult section of the park.
Back to Chambly
We doubled back to Chambly to immerse ourselves in some of Canada’s most historical spots and dabble in a little (or a lot) of the area’s local beer!
Visit an Historic Fort
After Arbraska we went straight to Fort Chambly Historic Site. Fort Chambly is a historic fort in La Vallee-du-Richelieu. The fort is a series of five forts built along the Richelieu River to protect the soldiers from the Iroquois Indians at first, then European attacks, after peace with the Iroquois.
I have to tell you, the entire historic site was so well done, that it made it into this guide of Things To Do In Monteregie.
I have written about how family oriented is this region and Fort Chambly is no exception. In fact, there is a treasure hunt within the fort and upon completion, the kids get a prize at the end. There is also an interactive activity revolving around the smuggling trade. At the end, you are either arrested or free to go on your way.
The Chambly Fort reinforced how interesting history really is if it is presented in an intriguing way. As a homeschool family, these gems are the foundation of our kids’ education. I am very thankful to those who have the foresight and the creativity to captivate the attention of, not only children but adults as well.
Beer Tasting at Fourquet Fourchette
After Fort Chambly, we had the privilege of dining at Forquet Forchette. This restaurant overlooks the Richelieu River and is housed in an old church. Again, the food was beyond comprehension and the wine absolutely delicious. It was a beautiful atmosphere to enjoy a meal, dining inside or outside on the patio overlooking the Richelieu River.
The name is of interest as it describes the unique focus of the restaurant. Fourquet is an instrument that a brewer uses to mix water and grain in a bowl to transform the starch into fermentable sugar. And, fourchette means fork.
So, beer and food! When the owner offered a sampling of local beers from the Quebec brewery, Unibroue, there was no way I was going to pass up this opportunity. Of them all, I was surprised to find I actually enjoyed La Fin Du Monde the most. And 9% alcohol content made it just that much more enjoyable if you get what I’m saying.
Laval – across the Prairies River from Montreal
Previously known for its pastoral charms and as a summer resort haven for Montrealers, Laval has become a large suburban city with an important manufacturing and industrial base.
Paddle at Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles
After lunch, we drove to Laval, a metropolitan city in its own right, a mere 20 minutes outside of Montreal. We checked into our hotel, the Hilton, which was so luxurious. Private floor, full kitchen (not that we used it at all), spa, pool, workout room and the most comfortable beds in the world. Then we went to discover Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles (Park of The River of One Million Islands). This park is full of natural areas, islands, marshlands and inhabited by beavers, turtles, frogs and more.
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles is a destination for many in the warm months and we’d be remiss if we didn’t include it in this blog about Things To Do In Monteregie. Take out a canoe, a rabaska, a pedal boat or a rowboat and tour the islands, some of which have little hikes, and enjoy the cool breezes on the river. Of particular note, we paddled right past Celine Dion’s old residence.
Dine at 1909 Taverne Moderne
After paddling, we worked up an appetite, and so we dined at 1909 Taverne Moderne. Sports Fans unite. 1909 Taverne Modern is renowned for not only its gourmet home cooking but also because it boasts a 33′ TV screen. This screen is the largest on the North Shore!
And, one cannot discuss 1909 Taverne Moderne without mentioning the menu. Meat lovers will delight in the Carnivores Feast, and the Poutine will satisfy everyone’s taste buds! The entire atmosphere was very family friendly, the food was delish … highly recommend!
Education, Fun and Food In Laval
Cosmodome
The next morning we enjoyed a full day of fun, discovery, and adventure in Laval. We woke and had a delightful buffet breakfast at the hotel, and enjoyed some delicious chocolate filled croissants.
Our first stop was the Cosmodome. Now, the Cosmodome is the most ingenious space museum I’ve ever visited. As a family, we are fascinated by space. Everything from the lives of the astronauts to imagining life on other planets is of great interest. We absolutely did not allocate enough time here, it is definitely a must see in terms of the Best Things To Do In Monteregie!
There are interactive missions, 3D films, Virtual Reality experiences, interactive games and re-creations of experiences in space. What’s more is that there are not only day camps, but overnight camps, and even overnight camps for entire families! Oh, if I’d been exposed to something like the Cosmodome as a child … my life might have taken a totally different turn!
Maeva Surf
After the Cosmodome, we went to Maeva Surf, and this turned out to be more fun than we anticipated. We practiced flowboarding, a mix between skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. Of course, we loved it, as it’s our thing. But, Maeva Surf separates themselves from other shops because they offer so much more than just the wave, At Maeva Surf, their goal is to help you improve upon your skills. If all you do is crash, you will eventually burn out and never want to return. Here you have legit instructors who actually teach. By the end of our hour, I was carving left and right! Personal goal for next time? Learn to spray!
Learn to Fly at SkyVenture
Apres Maeva Surf, we walked through Centropolis, the center of town, to SkyVenture where we went indoor skydiving. Now, I had been once before in Las Vegas, but let me be the first to tell you, SkyVenture is on a whole different level. This place was modern, it was clean, we were even offered a healthy smoothie while we waited our turn.
The staff was not only very kind and eager to answer our questions, but incredibly knowledgeable and shockingly talented!
After a 10 minute intro, we got suited up and we hit the tunnel and started to fly! It’s not the hardest thing to do, so it’s easy to catch on and have a ton of fun…like a ton of fun. You are literally flying and in control of how high or how low, though, take it from me, if you go too high the instructors will retrieve you and bring you down, kicking and screaming, if necessary!
Dine at Enoteca Monza
And then, of course, we ate, a lot, at the most family-friendly restaurant, Enoteca Monza. They had hands down the best wood-fired pizza in Laval, the best wine in the country (maybe the world), and the most friendly and competent staff. I am a newly inducted fan of the family dining style that is so popular in Monteregie. Big platters are brought out and placed on the table for all to share. I’m such a fan, I’ve been serving my family this way since we returned. I have yet, however, to find a wine that is as good as anything we tried at Enoteca Monza, or anywhere else, for that matter.
Breakfast at L’Entre Nous
The next morning we woke and headed to L’Entre Nous, the most amazing creperie I have ever had the privilege of eating in. There were outdoor tables, but the morning was already too warm due to the heatwave that was set to hit that weekend. We chose a lovely table and ate the most delicious crepes ever … family style. We enjoyed the sparkling cider and pink lemonade as well. This was our last stop before the airport and really, I don’t think I’ve ever NOT wanted to leave a locale as much as I didn’t want to leave this one.
1 thought on “19 Of The Best Things To Do in the Monteregie Region of Quebec, Canada”