Five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Carignan, Quebec and Candiac, Quebec
Québec's south shore is often a neglected region. However, there are a few charming places to see on the way from Carignan to Candiac that are wonderful, even unexpected. To explore this route, the author got on Quebec Autoroute 10 and pulled off exits to St-Hubert and Saint-Hilaire. Then they continued driving on QC-112 and QC-116, eventually reaching Candiac. This journey took 3 hours in total, with several stops en route.
The halfway point: Saint-Hubert, QC (make this bold)
This small town in the Montérégie region of Quebec is renowned for all the right reasons. The township has a historic flavor, old stone buildings, and a serene vibe. It is very close to Montreal but doesn’t feel like a bustling city. For visitors, St-Hubert is best explored on foot. A leisurely stroll through the Old Saint-Hubert district provides visitors with an intimate sense of the storied past and the monumental French architecture of the area. Drinking in the neighborhood's grand sense of scale, visitors should feel encouraged to stop by popular landmarks such as St. Hubert Church.
Food and drink enthusiasts should check out La Tasse de Café. This classic café is famous for its perfect cappuccinos and relaxed setting. Stop by for a short coffee break and gaze outside at the historic St-Hubert surroundings.
1. Mont-Saint-Hilaire Nature Reserve (make this bold)
Mont-Saint-Hilaire is a protected wildlife area and is considered one of North America's unique mountains, in part because it has granite. The flora and fauna there are diverse, from bears and lynx to all sorts of birds and squirrels. The area has 'gentle hiking' paths ranging from the publicly accessible low mountain to the more challenging Park Canada area. Individuals can enjoy the lakes and streams as they amble up the mountain and learn about their ecosystem. The mountain is unique because it rises like an upside-down cake. It tapers towards the top, making this location a challenging but peaceful experience.
Among all the decent restaurants in this area, Restaurant Le Coureur des Bois' food stands out. A local favorite, this eatery serves a superb variety of dishes that are seasonal and locally sourced. The woodsy atmosphere soothes the soul, with bright accents of the bespoke local artwork. Also, their wine list features various local Quebec wines to try.
2. Centre de la Nature du Mont Saint-Hilaire (make this bold)
This enormous outdoor public park is a haven for visitors of all sizes and ages, located at the base of Mont St-Hilaire. It's open throughout the year and offers an area for swimming in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter, snowshoeing, and taking leisurely walks in the fall. For a picnic or a little half-day riding, this spot is fantastic. The park's serene environment is the perfect place to clear your head and enjoy the great Quebecois outdoors.
For lunch or brunch, La Vieille Maison du Spaghetti in Mont-Saint-Hilaire is a sure crowd-pleaser. This venerable pasta emporium has conquered Quebec households' hearts since 1982. Their hand-made additions, such as lasagna, fettuccine, and ravioli, fulfill anyone's craving for homemade pasta. Be sure to reserve ahead of time to secure a table in the library or the glass-enclosed terrace overlooking the river.
3. Vignoble Domaine Cartier-Potelle (make this bold)
An excellent stop that's as unexpected as it is enchanting is the Vignoble Domaine Cartier-Potelle. This terrific vineyard offers tours of the grape-filled grounds throughout the year. Tastings feature some of the finest red and white wines, with exceptional views of the breathtaking property. Visitors are free to browse the vineyard, ask the owners questions about Quebec wine practices and production, and snag a bottle or two of locally created wine to savor at home.
To accompany the wine, the inevitable cheese plate is always the best option. That's why Cheese House in Mont St-Hilaire is a fantastic stop for those who love cheese. A definite must-stop, Cheese House contains hundreds of Quebec-made types of cheese that can be tried while visiting.
4. Canal de Chambly (make this bold)
The Chambly Canal stretches almost 20 kilometers, with biking and walking paths to explore alongside. Visitors can admire the scenic views and watch boats on the water while enjoying a relaxing, stress-free day. If you want a longer break from driving and feel the need to stretch your legs, hiking, picnicking, and cycling are popular activities at Canal de Chambly.
Numerous tasty restaurants line the canal, but the top pick is Le Fourquet Fourchette, a comfort-food restaurant that serves beautifully presented meals. A rather pleasant way to digest the water views and a sandwich is to sit by the canal and watch the boats pass by.
5. Candiac wood (make this bold)
Located in the city of Candiac, a few kilometers from the Saint Lawrence River, the Candiac Wood has three lakes, several aquatic animals, and over four kilometers of paths. It is an inviting and picturesque site that’s great for hiking, skiing, or birdwatching. There are plenty of places to sit and relish the tremendous greenery.
While in Candiac, a visit to Loui Pizzeria will impress pizza lovers. Their traditional pizza, with all its warmth and delicious cheese, is ideal for dinner. Loui Pizzeria is a large establishment that fits in nicely with Candiac's relaxed dining scene.
Conclusion
This route is an outstanding opportunity to appreciate the outstanding Quebecois outdoors and its rich history. To experience these five distinct stops, drive through Carignan, Quebec, and Candiac, Quebec. Explore restaurants like La Tasse de Café and Loui Pizzeria to some excellent local delights, such as French pastries and salads. For individual scenery that is peaceful but adventurous, pack some cozy clothes, good shoes, and take the ride yourself!