Looking for an easy, romantic, quaint, foodie, and historic weekend getaway? Then consider Montreal to Quebec through the Eastern Townships wine region. With nonstop flights on Air Canada from New Orleans available on select days, it's definitely the perfect spring or fall escape!
Wayne and I enjoyed six incredible nights roaming the countryside, soaking in the scenic views of the hilly area with flowers filling the small towns and plenty of beautiful streams and lakes.
Day 1: Arrival in Montreal
- Morning: Flight into Montreal, Arrive in Montreal, and pick up a rental car at the airport.
Afternoon: Explore Old Montreal, stroll along Rue St-Paul, and feel the historic charm. Enjoy lunch at Bistro-Brasserie Les Soeurs Grises.
- Evening: Embark on a journey through time with a visit to Notre Dame Basilica, one of the most breathtaking examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Be sure to pre-purchase tickets for "Aura," an enchanting light show at 6 PM that magnificently showcases the cathedral’s beauty. Afterward, indulge in a delightful dining experience at Bonaparte, where the charming historic ambiance creates the perfect end to your evening.
- Accommodations: Hotel Nelligan with Rooftop terrace, fine dining, and cozy, elegant rooms OR Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal with spacious suites, a beautiful courtyard, and an excellent bistro.
Day 2
-Drive to Eastern Townships & Vineyard Visit (approx. 1.5-hour drive)
-Lunch: La Bodega Restaurant is a restaurant with Spanish and Latin American influence in the heart of the Eastern Townships, in the authentic town of Dunham.
Afternoon: Visit Le Vignoble Du Ruisseau - as a patent-pending technology to grow a large volume of Vinifera grapes varieties in Quebec, all possible due to a geothermal system. An unusual and ingenious way to grow grape varieties in cold climates. Covered bridge, vaulted barrel cellar, wine cellar on two levels, tasting room, boutique showcasing more than fifty products from our winery, new-style sugar shack, and cider house.
-Accommodations (2 Nights): Manoir Hovey (Relais & Chateaux Property): Gourmet dining, beautiful lakeside setting, outdoor activities, and elegant rooms.
Day 3: Hiking & Historic Sites
-Morning: Hiking in Mont-Orford National Park. Take a leisurely hike on one of the scenic trails, perfect for all levels, OR head to Cidrerie Milton for Apple Picking (Seasonal) and cider tasting. Learn about the orchard and cider production process. Browse for ciders, local products, and apple-based delights.
-Afternoon: Visit Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac – A beautiful abbey known for its stunning architecture and Gregorian chants. 11 am Catholic Mass daily. The abbey sells its cheeses, apples, chocolate-covered blueberries, and wine. Bring some snacks and enjoy a picnic lunch on the property. Visit Bleu Lavande... Stroll through the breathtaking lavender fields in Fitch Bay, especially picturesque in the blooming season (mid-June to August). Prebook a guided tour to learn about the cultivation and distillation process of lavender.
-Evening: Relax at your hotel and savor the renowned bistro on-site. Alternatively, indulge yourself with a spa treatment reservation.
Day 4: Drive to Quebec, stop at Trois-Rivières along the way (2 hours drive)
Lunch: Cabane A Sucre Chez Dany Rustic sugar shack offering classic Canadian comfort dishes, housemade maple syrup & taffy on snow.
Evening - take an enjoyable walk around Old Town and enjoy dinner at Chez Boulay
Accommodations: 3 nights - Fairmont Le Château Frontenac:- An iconic and luxurious castle-like hotel offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. Indulge in world-class dining, spa services, and elegant rooms that exude historic charm. - OR Auberge Saint-Antoine: A boutique hotel combining historic artifacts with contemporary comforts, situated in the heart of Old Quebec. This Relais & Châteaux property offers exceptional dining, a cozy atmosphere, and uniquely decorated rooms.
Best Restaurants Inside Quebec Walls
Day 5: Montmorency Falls & Île d'Orléans
With its breathtaking height—90 feet taller than Niagara Falls—Montmorency Falls is a must-visit in Quebec City. For the thrill-seekers, zip-lining across the falls is an exhilarating option (but make sure to book in advance!). If you prefer a more relaxed experience, take the tram to the top and enjoy a walk across the suspension bridge for spectacular views.
Île d'Orléans --Alongside fresh berries, homemade jams, maple syrup, wine, and cheeses, Québec’s Île d’Orléans serves up a side of nature and history. There are plenty of places to stop and taste local produce or learn more about the history dating back to 1535 when the first European explorers set foot on the island mainly inhabited by Indigenous groups. They don’t call it the “garden of Québec” for nothing. The fertile soil of the Île d’Orléans means abundant produce: corn, potatoes, rhubarb, pumpkins, tomatoes, and, above all, berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. You’ll be stopping and sampling from the ubiquitous fruit stands, but if you’re one to get in on the action, make a stop at Ferme Léonce Plante. The pick-your-own berry farm grows the unique Authentic Orleans strawberry variety that’s known for its antioxidants and found only on the island. (Strawberry-picking season runs roughly from late June through mid-October.)
Day 6: Old Town Quebec: This is the perfect day to explore the quaint shops and cozy cafes of the Petit-Champlain District and Rue Saint-Jean. Enjoy the scenic promenades like Dufferin Terrace, historic sites such as Place Royale, and stunning views from the Citadel in Upper Quebec City. A Self-Guided Walking Tour The upper Old Town, home to the Château, is linked to the lower Old Quebec and Petit-Champlain by several stairways and a convenient funicular. ($5 cash)
Day 7: Fly Home
Flights Information:
Air Canada flights (MSY to YUL): Direct flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday.
Air Canada flights (YUL to MSY): Non-stop flights on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Train to Montreal to Quebec. 3 daily trains taking about 3 hours. The business class car gives you more space with only 3 across and a business class lounge at Montreal station to wait. Drinks & Meals similar to airline service are provided. The train station in Quebec is beautiful and within a 10-minute taxi drive to your hotel in Old Quebec.
