Abitibi-Témiscamingue
Getaways for every taste
To the southeast of Montréal stretches a vast, bucolic and hilly territory that’s home to many vineyards, orchards and maple groves. Bordered by the St. Lawrence and bisected by the Richelieu, the Montérégie is an invitation to indulge in relaxation and gourmet discoveries. In the spring, the rising sap puts the local sugar shacks into full swing. Come fall, the humble apple in its many varieties reigns supreme, and city dwellers flock to U-pick farms in search of fresh air and a sense of freedom. Two itineraries, the Countryman’s Tour and the Cider Route shine the spotlight on local products, as do the region’s renowned restaurants. Head off by bike to explore the Montérégie’s impressive 600 km (373 mi.) network of cycle paths that link up to the Route Verte (green route). And to enhance your escape further still, there’s always golf, hiking, cross-country skiing and any number of delightful B&Bs.
A wealth of history and culture
History is everywhere in the Montérégie. The Chambly Canal is a popular place for a stroll. Many of its locks are still operated by hand, to the delight of pleasure boaters! Neighbouring Fort Chambly, another national historic site, attests to the 18th- and 19th-century skirmishes between France, England and the United States. To fully savour the cultural wealth of a region that was home to artists like Paul-Émile Borduas, Jordi Bonet and Ozias Leduc, a trip to the Musée d'art de Mont-Saint-Hilaire is in order.An oasis of greenery
The Montérégie’s magnificent wide-open spaces are the perfect backdrop for outdoor pursuits. Facing the island of Montréal mid-stream in the St. Lawrence, the Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville is ideal for biking, canoeing, kayaking and bird watching. Hikers take to the trails of nearby Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno, while in the winter, skiers flock to its slopes and famous ski school. The Centre de la nature du Mont-Saint-Hilaire, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to some 185 bird species and numerous mammals and amphibians. A boat trip is a pleasant way to discover the fauna and flora of the Sorel islands, which are part of another splendid biosphere reserve: Lac Saint-Pierre. The Montérégie: yours to discover any number of ways!
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