On your way out of Montréal, stop in for coffee and sweets in the morning at Brûlerie Du Roy, a quaint little coffee shop nestled in a white and red historic old home. Located in the heart of downtown Joliette, the shop also serves breakfast options to accompany your warm brew. Stop in to smell the sweet, warm aromas, and enjoy a true Quebeçois coffeehouse.
If the shop is not open, you can pop in at Café Van Houtte down the street.

Head north into the Launaudière and Mauricie regions, the areas lying between the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains. Known for its wide farmland, an abundance of lakes, and plentiful outdoor adventures, you'll find comfort in the countryside and get to breathe in the crisp mountain air.
In the summer months, you might want to take your trip into La Mauricie National Park, but if you want year-round fun go off the beaten path to Lake Sacacomie, a hidden gem nestled in the forests. In the summer, you can enjoy kayaking and hiking, or you can take a guided buggy tour deep into the forest for panoramic views and unreachable destinations. If you're looking to splurge, you can even take a tour of the region by seaplane. The best part of visiting this region is that there are so many fun activities in the winter too, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and you can even go dog-sledding!
Visit the official website to book your activities through Hotel Sacacomie, a resort located in the region. Note that activities must be booked 14 days in advance by email or phone.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at the restaurant within Hotel Sacacomie, where you can sit on a terrace overlooking the gorgeous views of Lac Sacacomie. In the summer, enjoy a fresh cocktail, and in the winter you can have a drink at their ice bar, which will be served in an ice glass!

Head out of Lac Sacacomie and pass by near Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, a small village tucked between the mountains and lakes. Visit a unique spot as you pass by: the Pont de broches de Saint-Alexis-des-Monts. This 20th-century bridge links the two banks of the Rivière-du-Loup. The bridge once brought children to school each morning, as the small schoolhouse stood on the other side of the river. Now, the reconstructed bridge stands and you can cross it yourself, remembering the children who crossed it over a hundred years ago.

Stop off for a stroll through one of the oldest villages in Québec, Trois-Rivières, known for its historic sites and being a foodie capital. You can view intact French colonial churches and homes dating back to the 17th century. Stroll through the historic district starting at Musée des Ursulines, and continue your walk down Rue des Ursulines, which is the oldest road in the city.

Have a delicious French-Canadian dinner at Bistro La Ferme. Located near Deschambault, a quaint little village, stop to enjoy a hearty warm meal before continuing on with your journey. The restaurant overlooks the St. Lawrence River for views that cannot be beaten.

After dinner, follow the historic Chemin du Roy route, which once brought settlers from Montréal to Québec City, towards the little village of Deschambault. You will drive through the village and pass the old churches on Rue de l'Église, which date back to the 18th century.