Located near Montréal, Montérégie is brimming with life, culture, heritage, flavors, and vast natural spaces. Behind every product and local businesses are passionate individuals who shape the region’s vibrant identity. Who better than these community builders to reveal its treasures?
Gourmet Getaway
Marie Daudelin, originally from Montréal and now a proud Montérégie adopter, moved to Saint‑Anicet with her partner, chef Guillaume Asselin, to bring a dream to life: opening an agri‑tourism farm that also includes a guesthouse and a rustic dining experience. In a few days, Le Mangeoir will celebrate its fifth anniversary, a testament to how well this grand venture is flourishing.
From spring through autumn, the farm buzzes with activity. From the fields to the kitchen, the owners greet guests with warmth and bring rustic, flavorful meals straight to their tables. But whenever there’s a break, Marie loves exploring this peaceful region she chose to call home.
The couple frequently drives Route 202, passing through the villages of Elgin and Franklin, a scenic route dotted with agri-tourism attractions.
“You can pick your own produce, but also enjoy tastings of Québec-made spirits, including the delicious ciders from La Capsule Temporelle and Entre Pierre & Terre,” the innkeepers share.
Up on the heights of Covey Hill, Livingstone Brewing is well worth a visit: “Savoring a tasting platter in the sunshine — nothing better for unplugging!”, they add.
Cyclist’s Favorite Spot
The Ferme Guyon is a must-visit agri-tourism destination in Montérégie. Under one roof, you’ll find a garden center, a farmer’s market, a conservatory with some 500 exotic butterflies, an educational farm, and workshops dedicated to predatory birds.
The owner, Sébastien Dion, notes that the farm attracts more than 75,000 visitors each year. A lifelong resident of Chambly, he’s convinced the region is full of hidden gems:
“Most visitors pass through Montérégie via Route 112 and don’t get to see the most beautiful sides of our amazing area,” he says. That’s why he strongly recommends exploring the Canal‑de‑Chambly bike trail.
He has been riding the trail along the Richelieu River and its locks for over 40 years: “It’s such a pleasant ride you can do it often as a family, because the scenery changes week by week,” he emphasizes.
As the season progresses, lush vegetation, migratory birds, and boaters fill the waters — but some things stay constant, such as the traditional gourmet break at the Boulangerie du Vieux‑Chambly before getting back on the bike.
A Nature Sanctuary
Les Sanctuaires du fleuve highlights an important aspect of the region’s religious and cultural heritage. Inaugurated in 2016, this unique circuit in Québec now includes seven iconic sites, each rich in history. Michel Couturier, a proud ambassador of the trail, promotes the route that stretches along Saint-Lawrence River’s South Shore, from Châteauguay to Varennes, passing through Kahnawake, La Prairie, Longueuil, and Boucherville.
True to his deep attachment to the region, the president of Les Sanctuaires du fleuve says: “In my opinion, what makes Montérégie truly worth visiting is the remarkable variety of experiences it offers. That’s the core strength — heritage, cultural attractions, Indigenous tourism, gourmet spots, cycle tourism, festivals, nature, and much more!”
Now, his personal favorite? “Mont‑Saint‑Bruno National Park, one of the jewels managed by SEPAQ [Société des établissements de plein air du Québec],” Michel Couturier replies. Situated just outside Montréal, the park features five lakes, a historic orchard, a mill, kilometers of hiking trails, and even a cave that fascinates children every time. “It’s a place of reflection reminiscent of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes,” says this religious heritage enthusiast.
