Why the route between Quebec and Montreal from Montreal is worth it
We have often driven the route between Quebec and Montreal from Montreal. As travel bloggers, we usually start in Montreal. As a tour guide, Monika often drove the shorter routes on the highway or on the south side of the St. Lawrence River. These two routes are fast, but far less interesting. Our tip is therefore: definitely allow two to three days for the route from Montreal to Quebec City. Also pay attention to the opening times of the sights along the way.
The most exciting route, however, follows the St. Lawrence River directly along the Kings Highway. Here you will see small villages and the lovely town of Trois-Rivières. You will have views of the river again and again. Historic buildings line the route, which used to be the only land connection between Quebec and Montreal. You can take a look at them on short detours along the way.
This route allows you to stop often and explore the history of the region, making the journey more varied and exciting. The route along the Kings Highway is a must if you want to see more of the landscape and culture between Quebec and Montreal.
Trois-Rivières also has interesting sights and a beautiful old town. The St. Lawrence River accompanies you the whole way and offers many photo opportunities. So plan time for breaks in the small villages to experience the local culture. The historical buildings also give you an insight into the region's past.
This route is longer, but it is worth it. You will experience more of the beauty and history between Quebec and Montreal. We recommend that you drive this route at least once. This way you will discover many interesting places and learn more about the region.
From Montreal to Quebec City along the King's Road
Most travelers take the highway to get there as quickly as possible Montreal to get to Quebec City. However, they don't know what they're missing. Because there is an alternative to the monotonous motorway journey, for which at least a full day should be planned. However, two days are better if you want to see all the attractions along the route in peace. The King's Road runs directly along the north bank of the St. Lorenz. You pass through idyllic villages and always have beautiful views of the river.
Map of the Kings Road from Montreal to Quebec City
This highway is also the oldest road connection from Montreal to Quebec City. Even when the French were the colonial masters here, they traveled along this road that connected the three most important cities in New France: Quebec City, Trois Rivieres and Montreal. Not only is there a varied route on this road, but you are also following historical traces.
Trois-Rivières, for example, is recommended as an overnight stop on the route. There are other sights there that are worth visiting.
It's best to leave Montreal on Rue Sherbrooke and then follow it towards Repentigny.
The Moulin Grenier in Repentigny
One of the first sights is the Moulin Grenier in Repentigny. This is an old mill from 1820, which can also be visited during the summer months. The old grinder still works today.
Moulin Grenier
912 Notre-Dame Street
Repentigny, Quebec J5Y 1C8
Canada
Opening times: The mill is open on weekends in summer. Exact dates you can find that here.
Churches along the route from Montreal to Quebec City
The road repeatedly leads through small villages with mighty churches, whose facades look out over the St. Lawrence River. Unlike in the English-influenced parts of Canada, the churches here stand out. Their pointed church towers dominate the village landscape of many of the towns we come across along the way.
Along the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec City
On the way there are always views of the St. Lorenz, as the King's Road largely follows the north bank of the river. The south bank is usually as close as in this photo, but at Lac Saint Pierre the stream even widens into a lake.
Mansions on the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec City
The region is also popular as a residential area for Quebecers. On our journey from Montreal to Quebec City, we repeatedly drive past elegant residential buildings with large, almost park-like gardens and see the river behind them.
The Chapelle of Cuthbert in Berthierville
On the route from Montreal to Quebec City you will not only come across large churches. The Chapelle des Cuthbert in Berthierville is the oldest Protestant chapel in Quebec and was built on this site in 1762. At that time it was still called Chapelle St. Andre after the patron saint of Scotland. However, today it is owned by the Quebec government and is a listed building.
Cuthbert's Chapel
461 rue de Bienville
Berthierville, QC J0K 1A0
Canada
The Chapelle des Cuthert is open for events. Please check the current opening hours in advance.
The moulin seigneurial de Pointe-du-Lac
The Pointe-du-Lac mill dates back to 1765. Your grinder works to this day. In summer you can watch the miller grinding flour. If you have the time and inclination, you can even learn how to bake bread. Then you can take your home-baked bread with you for a picnic on the banks of the Sankt Lorenz or at the rest area in front of the mill. There are also hiking trails in the area that invite you to take a walk.
Stately mill of Pointe-du-Lac
11930, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Trois-Rivières (Qc) G9B 6X1
Canada
Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m., from the last Sunday in May to the last Sunday in October. Please check the current opening hours in advance.
The butcher's house of Niverville
In Trois-Rivières stands the mansion of the butcher of Niverville. It is the oldest building in the city and dates back to when this region was still under French rule. Today it is a museum where you can see how the bourgeoisie lived at that time. If you want, you can also view the exhibition with an audio guide that you can download onto your cell phone on site. The tour lasts about an hour.
Manor Boucher de Niverville
168, rue Bonaventure
Trois-Rivières
(Quebec), G9A 2B1
Canada
Opening hours:
From the beginning of June to the beginning of September, daily from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays in September from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m. Please check the current opening hours in advance.
The Ursulines Museum
If you take two days to drive from Montreal to Quebec City, you will have time to visit the Ursuline Sisters Museum. They were one of the orders committed to the education of early settlers and Native American Catholics in New France. They also supported the mother country France to settle the colony in North America.
Musée des Ursulines
734 rue des Ursulines,
Trois-Rivieres, QC G9A 5B5,
Canada
Opening hours:
Labor Day (1st Monday in September) through June 23:
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 17 pm | Closed from 12:00 p.m. to 13:00 p.m
June 24 to Labor Day (1st Monday of September):
daily 10 a.m. to 18 p.m
Please check the current opening hours in advance.
Want to see everything on the Montreal to Quebec City route?
Then you need an overnight stay. Trois-Riviéres is ideal for this. If you still have time, you will also find other sights in Trois-Rivières.
Hotels in the city center are:
- The Four-star Hotel Oui Go* (advertisement) is just 200 meters from the Manoir Boucher de Niverville. It is also close to the Ursuline Museum.
- From the Delta Hotels by Marriott Trois-Rivieres* (Advertisement) It's just a five-minute walk to the riverfront. Shopping, restaurants, and historic districts are also nearby.
- A more extensive selection of hotels* (Advertisement) can be found here.
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
The Sanctuary of Notre-Dame du Cap in Trois-Rivières
The Notre-Dame du Cap pilgrimage church in Trois-Rivières, which is also located on the King's Road between Montreal and Quebec City, is very modern. It was only built in 1964. However, the original church from 1720 still stands on this site. Notre-Dame du Cap is the third largest pilgrimage site in Quebec. Both churches are therefore worth seeing. The new church, which was given the status of a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI, is particularly impressive. It has an unusual floor plan and beautiful stained glass windows. Its size is also enormous. It can accommodate 1800 people.
Sanctuary of Notre-Dame du Cap
626 rue Notre Dame E,
Three Rivers, QC
G8T 4G9, Canada
Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 18 p.m. Please check the current opening hours in advance.
The old vicarage of Batiscan
This lovely parsonage was not only the home of the priest of Batiscan. This place was also important in Quebec's history. For example, French fur traders met their Indian suppliers here and traded furs for European goods. Glass beads and other goods were popular with the Indian hunters. Even Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City, is said to have traded here. In the area there is also an educational trail that leads to the river and a shop that sells local handicrafts.
Presbytery of Batiscan
340 rue Principale,
Batiscan, QC G0X 1A0,
Canada
Opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m., from the last Sunday in May to the last Sunday in October. Please check the current opening hours in advance.
The seigneurial domain of Sainte Anne
Madeleine de Verchères, the seigneur of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Perade, once lived in this house. She was something like the mistress of the seigneury and determined the fate of the people there. But there are other people who made this house remarkable. Elizabeth Hale, a 19th century painter, and Honoré Mercier, who had his second home here. The church of Sainte-Anne with its crypt is also worth seeing. It is especially beautiful here in summer when the garden is in full bloom.
Domaine seigneurial de Sainte-Anne
910 rue Sainte Anne,
Sainte-Anne-de-la-Perade,
QC G0X 2J0,
Canada
Opening hours: 2nd Sunday in June to 1st Monday in September: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 17pm. Please check the current opening hours in advance.
The Deschambault-Grondines watermill
We finally come across a watermill in Deschambault-Grondines. It dates back to 1802 and now houses a small museum. This deals with the history of the mill and repeatedly presents handicraft exhibitions.
Moulin de la Chevrotiere
109 rue de Chavigny
Deschambault, QC G0A 1S0
Canada
Opening hours: The Moulin de la Chevrotiere is open during events. Please check the current opening hours in advance.
The Church of Cap Sante
This church is just representative of the numerous churches along this route. All of them are striking. They are large and tower over the villages in which they are located. Churches like this are definitely typical of the places along the King's route. It is worth seeing such a church from the inside.
The Marais-Léon-Provancher Nature Reserve
Want to get a picture of the St. Lawrence River before it reaches Quebec City? Then you can, for example, take a walk along the banks of the river at the nature reserve of the marshes of Marais-Léon-Provancher. Take your time and don't forget your camera and binoculars, as you can also watch birds well here.
Conclusion of this route from Montreal to Quebec Canada:
Our trips from Montreal to Quebec City were real highlights. We tested the different routes and found that the Kings Highway has its own charm. If you are in a hurry, the highways are a good choice. They get you to your destination quickly. But if you have time and want to enjoy the scenery, we recommend the route along the Saint Lawrence River.
Our own experience on the Chemin du Roy
For us, the drive along the Chemin du Roy was more than just a scenic route—it was like a journey through Quebec's history. On no other route between Montreal and Quebec City have we encountered so many impressive testimonies to the past. The old mills, churches, and historic mansions tell the story from the French colonial period to the present day. We were particularly impressed by how tangible Quebec's development from a small settlement to a major province becomes here.
In Trois-Rivières, for example, you're immersed in colonial life: The Manoir Boucher de Niverville showed us how the upper class lived back then, while the Ursuline nuns in the museum of the same name explore a completely different aspect – education and faith. Even the short stops along the way, such as the Moulin Grenier or the Chapelle des Cuthbert, were real highlights for us. They showed us how important such buildings were for the communities on the St. Lawrence River.
What particularly struck us: No other route offers such an authentic experience of history. The Chemin du Roy connects not only places but also the various eras that have shaped Quebec. Each stop provided us with a new piece of the puzzle of the past – from the beginnings of French colonization through the period of British rule to modern-day Quebec.
Our tip: Take your time to stop at the small historic towns. You'll often discover small museums or conversations with locals that bring history to life. For us, this trip was a real highlight that had a lasting impact on our understanding of the region.
Information about the King's Road:
Questions and answers about the route from Montreal to Quebec City:
How long does it take to drive from Montreal to Quebec City along the Kings Highway?
The drive along the Kings Highway takes about 4 to 5 hours without sightseeing or breaks. However, it depends on how often you stop for breaks or sightseeing. However, the drive only becomes interesting if you plan in hiking, sightseeing and breaks.
What sights are there along the route?
Along the route you will find many interesting places, including the city of Trois-Rivières, historic villages and impressive views of the St. Lawrence River.
Are there good rest areas or restaurants along the way?
Yes, there are many rest areas and restaurants along the route. In Trois-Rivières you will find numerous places to eat and in the smaller villages there are also cozy cafés and bistros.
Is the route well signposted?
The route is well signposted and easy to find. Simply follow the signs to the Chemin du Roy or the St. Lawrence River, and you'll reach your destination without any problems.
Can you plan overnight stays along the way?
Yes, there are many places to stay overnight along the route. In Trois-Rivières and the surrounding villages you will find cozy hotels and bed and breakfasts that are ideal for an overnight stay.
Are you traveling by motorhome from Montreal to Quebec City?
- For example, a beautifully located campsite halfway between Montreal and Quebec City is the Park de Motorisés, 185 Av. Godefroy, Bécancour, QC G9H 1S1, Canada, Tel. 819-606-0200. However, there are other campsites in the area.
- Do you want to rent a motorhome? Then you can find information about it here, for example booking options.
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- Also, don't forget your large backpack not. There are beautiful hiking opportunities in the area.
Canada East
Want to learn more about Ontario and the Montreal to Quebec City region? Explore the cities, each of which is different. The metropolitan city of Toronto is the largest city in the country. Montreal awaits you with a mix of French flair and British lifestyle. The capital Ottawa lures with world-class museums and the centers of power in Canada. Feel transported to 17th-century France in Quebec City.
The nature in eastern Canada is also impressive. Follow the banks of the St. Lawrence River and discover a world that is more reminiscent of the sea and extends far into the continent. Experience the coastal landscapes, the river valleys that run through the interior and the hilly landscapes of the Appalachians. Be impressed by the difference in the tides in the Bay of Fundy. Enjoy the landscapes of Prince Edward Island. Discover the coastal and archipelago region in Nova Scotia. Explore a coastal road that is considered the most beautiful in eastern Canada on Cape Breton Island: the Cabot Trail. Or look forward to meeting the residents in the fishing villages of Newfoundland and Labrador. Their hospitality makes this region so inviting.
Order the Travel Guide Canada - East Here *, which Monika publishes as a co-author.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport before your outbound flight.
Getting to King's Road from Montreal to Quebec City:
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Do you know this?
- Quebec Attractions
- Discover Old Quebec: What is the best way to experience Old Quebec
- The maritime heritage in Montreal on the St. Lawrence River
- Eating in Quebec Canada
- Accommodation in Quebec City for slow travelers: discover hidden corners
- Underwater World of St. Lawrence River in Quebec: Explorative
- The Cabot Trail Nova Scotia
- Never be speechless again: Your survival guide to the Quebec language
- Hotels in Downtown Boston MA
- A weekend in Paris - Advice from a local
- Canada travel tips East for connoisseurs
Source from Montreal to Quebec City: On-site research with support from Bonjour Quebec, for which we definitely thank you. However, our opinions remain our own.
Text from Montreal to Quebec City: © Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline, Wikimedia Commons and Unsplash
What do you prefer? A leisurely drive along a riverside road like this one, or a fast ride on the highway instead?
Updated on 31.08.2024
