Looking for a fun day trip from Montreal? Located just one hour away, Drummondville has a lot to keep you busy.
I set out early in the morning for the drive to Drummondville. My plan was to enjoy the outdoors and then check out a few food places.
Parc du Sanctuaire – Saint-Marjorique
In planning this outing, I discovered that Drummondville is home to the largest plantation forest (30 square kilometres) on the south shore of the Saint-Lawrence river between Montreal and Quebec City.
The Parc du Sanctuaire is located in the Foret Drummond which is a section of land that is preserved along both sides of the Saint-François river. This park is free to access and is open all year round.
Since it was early November, the park’s facilities had already closed down for the colder months. The only thing available was a portable bathroom and some outdoor picnic tables. You can do a number of activities in the park depending on the seasons. There is hiking and biking in the warmer months and snowshoeing along with cross country skiing when the snowy weather arrives.
The hiking trails are relatively flat and short in distance, however you can link up a few trails for a longer outing. I ended up doing just under 5 km of walking including a short path that followed the Saint-François river. It’s a great place to get out of the city and take a leisure walk in the woods.
The BockAle Microbrewery (2400 Rue Canadien)
After a morning of walking in the woods, I headed to the Bockale for a cold glass of locally produced beer. The BockAle is a small space with a few long tables, a bar area, and a shop. When I visited, I tried a seasonal beer called the Phoque Datte (love, love the name!), date stout. Given the colder climate, I really enjoyed the rich flavour it had with just a tad of sweetness. Be warned that the bar serves minimal food, with only a few snacks available to accompany the beer. For a late lunch I knew there was only one place I needed to check out…
Restaurant Le Roy Jucep (1050 Boul. Saint-Joseph)
Ever wondered where Poutine came from? While many might claim to be the inventor of this famous Quebecois dish, only one place has the legal goods to back up their claim. Restaurant Le Roy Jucep in Drummondville has the Trademark for the Poutine hanging on their wall as proof. I know I had to check this place out while visiting Drummondville. The poutine definitely lived up to expectations. Freshly cut potatoes, rich and slightly sweet gravy, and of course, loads of squeaky cheese. Aside from the food, I loved the vintage vibe of the restaurant with checkered tiles, orange vinyl seats and old black and white photos that decorate the walls.
Other Stops in Drummondville
If you have more time on your hands, I would definitely check out Rose Drummond (210 Boulevard Lemire O). They are one of the largest producers of roses and they make a number of products derived from the flower. There is also a charming cafe where you can grab a meal.
Another option is to visit the renowned Village Québécois d’Antan (1425, rue Montplaisir), a family friendly attraction that immerses you in the rich history and tradition of Quebec.
