Authentic Quebec: gems to visit during indian summer
The magnificent Mauricie and Lanaudière regions are sometimes known as Authentic Quebec.
Discover the St. Lawrence River to the south, the countryside in the centre and the forests in the north, the lush Laurentian forest that makes these regions so flamboyant in the fall.
Here are our must-see Authentic Quebec gems that will make your Indian summer experience all the more authentic!
Gourmet gems
Jardin des Noix
The Jardin des Noix is a family-run nut farm specializing in northern varieties of nuts and mushrooms that welcomes gourmet visitors and the curious all year round.
The fall, and especially September, is a great time to visit, because you can pick your own hazelnuts!
You can also take a guided tour of the site, attend workshops on harvesting and preparing a wide range of wild edibles, and stock up on nut, forest and art-related items at the boutique.
If you're feeling peckish after your visit, there's a bistro on site with lunch and dinner options.
If you visit on a chilly autumn day, they also serve excellent coffee!
The Jardin des Noix is open from Thursday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the schedule of activities, click here.
Grand Dérangement Distillery
Grand Dérangement distillery is the first certified organic distillery in Quebec.
It specializes in the production of artisanal spirits, in particular gin and vodka, all the way from the grain to the glass.
The distillery uses local organic ingredients to create quality products while respecting the environment.
Their bottles feature characters from Acadian history, whose identities you can discover by visiting their tasting room.
There you can also find out all about the distillery's history and sample their products for just $10.
Guided tours are also offered for $20, which includes a tasting and a behind-the-scenes look at the production process.
These activities are available from Thursday to Sunday.
Click here to learn more or to book a tour!
Le Presbytère Microbrewery
Le Presbytère microbrewery specializes in creating unique and tasty beers from local, organic ingredients.
The microbrewery is located in a historic presbytery, which explains the name.
Don't expect a church-like atmosphere here, though, as the owners have done a fantastic job of refurbishing the premises, incorporating both key elements of the presbytery and landmarks from the region, along with several works by local artists.
The site includes a restaurant, a Quebec gin bar, a shop selling local specialties and, across the street, an inn belonging to the owners.
If you're a beer lover, you simply must try their delicious, authentic beers in this welcoming environment featuring a number of Quebec products.
They're even more enjoyable after an autumn hike in the Mauricie region!
The microbrewery is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
Cultural immersion gems
Saint-Tite Western Festival
The Saint-Tite western festival, a not-to-be-missed September event, is well known in the region and across the country.
Established in 1967, it's a favourite with country music lovers and rodeo enthusiasts.
More than just a tourist event, the festival is the main raison d’être of this municipality of about 4,000 people.
You'll realise just how hard they work when you see the size of the festival.
The festival features local and large-scale country music shows, exciting rodeo events and a big parade.
You'll also find many artisans, evening dances and even a western wedding.
Whether you're a cowboy at heart or simply curious, there's something for everyone!
The 2023 edition takes place from September 8 to 17 and you can find the full program here.
Parking is available for $10 and includes shuttle service to the site.
POP Museum
The POP Museum in Trois-Rivières is a true immersion in the Quebec of yesterday and today, where you can discover Quebecers’ values and know-how, as well as the major elements of their daily lives.
Don't miss its signature exhibition on the theme of Quebec culture through language, gastronomy, hockey, First Nations, tales and legends, ingenuity, winter, and music.
Then take a more in-depth look with the other exhibitions, ranging from art to more child-friendly exhibits.
You can also visit the old Trois-Rivières prison, on your own or with a guide.
This autumn, the museum is open from Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The old prison is open only on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the online box office, click here.
Maison des Cageux ("Raftsmen House")
Do you know what a raftsman is?
If the answer is no, a visit to the Maison des Cageux will teach you all about these intrepid travellers of the 19th century.
These Quebec forestry workers were in charge of assembling and steering the log rafts that transported cut logs downriver.
Take a guided tour of the exhibition, learn more from the short film, and experience a log raft for yourself.
The Saint-Laurent raft was built just like the ones used at the time.
It's a unique opportunity to connect with the history of these larger-than-life characters who plied the rivers of Nouvelle France!
After your visit, stop off at the café for a snack
Guided tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
"Off the beaten track" gems
MRC Matawinie tourist route
If you love nature and history, you'll adore Matawinie, which covers 50% of the Lanaudière region.
You can explore the region's forests, lakes and rivers through a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and much more.
The hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and allow you to observe a wide variety of birds and wildlife.
The MRC Matawinie Tourist Route is home to the area's only museum in St-Jean-de-Matha, dedicated to the history of Louis-Cyr, the strongest man in the world whose exploits have yet to be equalled.
If you want to prolong the pleasure, I recommend an overnight stay in one of the many refuges in a regional park.
It's so amazing to wake up surrounded by the fall colours!
To see what's on offer in the region and select your stops, click here.
La Tuque
La Tuque may be the very definition of “off the beaten track”, but there's no shortage of things to discover in Quebec's largest city by area!
I recommend the Saint-Maurice wildlife reserve, which offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to see the local wildlife.
It's a must for an autumn hike.
The Chutes-de-la-Petite-Rivière-Bostonnais park is also not to be missed.
Its waterfall will take your breath away, and the trail to get there is easy.
The surrounding trees display a magnificent variety of colours in autumn.
And don't miss the exhibition on Félix Leclerc, one of Quebec's greatest poets!
For something more cultural, the La Tuque nature and science museum presents the natural and cultural history of the region.
La Tuque is also renowned for its outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and camping in the region's many provincial parks, not to mention fishing in one of its many outfitters.
Goûtez Lanaudière tours
I don't know about you, but for me autumn is the perfect time for a gourmet road trip.
The Goûtez Lanaudière gourmet tours offer a unique culinary experience that showcase the region's local produce, just perfect for foodies.
There are 6 tailor-made tours to choose from, which will take you through the picturesque towns and villages of Lanaudière to discover the unique flavours to be found there.
You'll find artisanal cheeses, local ciders, spirits and wines, and many local food specialties.
Farms, vineyards, small local farms, blueberry growers, breweries and more await you in this truly gourmet region, set in rolling countryside with plenty of places to picnic.
You'll be able to meet local producers and learn more about how their products are grown and made... while enjoying the flavours of the region!
Click here for the itineraries.
Now you're all set for an Authentic Quebec road trip this autumn.
Do you have any other favourites in the Mauricie or Lanaudière regions? Share them with us in the comments area below!
An enthusiast of both our vibrant cities & great oudoors, my life revolves around travel & adventure. It's a no brainer that I have to share the wonders & secrets of my neck of the woods with other travelling souls. Enjoy the journey!
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