This tourist route, near Montréal, invites you to enjoy the present moment to admire majestic landscapes, discover attractions, savour local flavours, learn about history or contemplate works of art. Explore the vestiges of time at our own pace!
For a full map of this tourist route, visit the official website.
260 km
The Route du Richelieu can be travelled by car, motorcycle or bike. The region’s Richelieu River, landscapes and heritage tell the story of Québec’s history.
Unforgettable moments
Region
Life of soldiers and local products
Terre à boire is a brewing farm and artisanal distillery in Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu. On site, the family business grows and transforms its organic grains into distinctive beers and spirits with typically local flavours.
Nestled next to the Richelieu River, the Fort Saint-Jean Museum presents 350 years of military history through maps, models, uniforms, weapons and artifacts. Make the most of your visit with a guide or audioguide.
Old Saint-Jean
In the heart of Old Saint-Jean in the merged building, which once housed the public market and the Pump Station, there are exhibitions on ceramics, an art and material that has particularly marked the history of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, hub of its manufacturing for decades.
The Galerie du Vieux Saint-Jean is a chance to discover contemporary, emerging and internationally recognized artists. Let’s take inspiration!
By bike on the Canal-de-Chambly
The Chambly Canal National Historic Site has 20 kilometres of cycle paths along the banks of the Chambly Canal up to Lock No. 9, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The signs tell its story. Easy since it’s all flat.
After expending energy on the trail of the Canal-de-Chambly national historic site, treat yourself Garde-Manger de François : sandwiches, toast, pastries, hot or cold dishes that will satisfy the foodies among us!
Indigenous culture, patriotic life and fun on the water
The Route du Richelieu ends with a tour of the Sorel islands, in the Lac-Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve, aboard the Randonnée nature cruise boat. The wildlife in this area is truly impressive.
In the afternoon, visit Maison nationale des Patriotes and jump to the 1800s, to the heart of the patriot movement. Costumed guides explain the social, economic and political context of the events of 1837-1838.
The Maison des peuples autochtones is the ideal place to learn more about First Nations peoples through various exhibitions and activities. Recognized as a site of national historic importance for maple products, its hosted tours, workshops and interpretive trails are sure to fascinate.
