Want to get away from it all and plan your next getaway just a stone's throw from home? Take a trip to Lanaudière and create unforgettable memories with our 5 suggestions for getaways less than an hour from Montreal!
1. TO TERREBONNE AND MASCOUCHE
Close to Montreal, these two towns are full of charm, with their historic buildings, numerous restaurants, museums, cultural venues and wooded parks.
To get your day off to a good start, head to La Bine for brunch in the heart of Vieux-Mascouche. Discover their delicious freshly baked breads and homemade products in a place of undeniable charm, plus the barn for a 100% farmhouse atmosphere. What's more, they offer a wide range of products for sale, including natural wines and Quebec ciders.
Afterwards, head to Groupe plein air Terrebonne (Parc de la rivière), on the banks of the Mille Îles River, for an afternoon in the great outdoors. Once there, you'll have plenty to do: watercraft rentals, canoeing or kayaking down the river, archery, disc golf, a GPS rally or a trail walk to observe the flora and fauna. You'll also find a 12-metre-high observation tower offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Then, for a good meal, head to Terrebonne's Île-des-Moulins, renowned for its many restaurants and lively terraces. Within walking distance of each other is a vast selection of restaurants: Bâtiment B, La Confrérie, Pub Ruisseau noir are excellent choices if you want to grab a bite to eat before continuing the evening at Théâtre du Vieux-Terrebonne, where they offer a diverse program for all tastes: theater, song, comedy and more. Discover the full program and reserve your tickets in advance HERE.
2. TO REPENTIGNY
Located northeast of Montreal, Repentigny is bordered by the waters of the St. Lawrence and L'Assomption rivers, and offers a unique urban experience.
Start the day with a visit to the Centre d'art Diane-Dufresne, in the heart of the Espace culturel, to enjoy current exhibitions of contemporary art. This culturally effervescent venue offers a wide range of events to suit all tastes. See the complete program HERE.
Afterwards, break bread with a delicious sandwich from Espace Comptoir or a pizza from Piazzetta, before heading to Parc de l'Île Lebel, a superb 15-hectare riverside park. Here you'll find a 3 km hiking trail, a picnic and children's play area, a pétanque court and many other amenities.
3. TOWARDS L'ASSOMPTION
A peninsula bathed by the waters of the river of the same name, L'Assomption is a vibrant, lively and totally laid-back town renowned for its beautiful boutiques and warm atmosphere.
Why not pamper yourself and start the day off right at the spa? Indulge in a treatment, massage or a few hours in the Nordic baths at Spa Santé Corps et Âme. If you're feeling peckish, you can then plan dinner at the Fermentor microbrewery, where you can enjoy a good beer and a good meal on the sunny terrace. Once you've had your fill, head to Ferme Cormier to pick your own fruit and vegetables and/or visit the Têtes au vent vineyard, where you can discover organic wines and taste them on their welcoming terrace.
For a snack, take advantage of L'Assomption's impressive gastronomic offering and opt for Bistro l'Ange Cornu, Taboo Cuisine Rebelle, Le Vice-Caché or Maître Edgar to round off the day with a good meal. In the evening, head to Théâtre Hector-Charland, within walking distance of most of these restaurants, and buy tickets for one of the many shows presented throughout the summer. See the full program HERE.
4. TO RAWDON
Just under an hour from Montreal, Rawdon offers a host of outdoor activities perfect for unwinding close to nature.
You can't pass through Rawdon without stopping to witness the majestic spectacle of Dorwin Falls. Continue on to the Rawdon Golf Resort for a delicious meal at its Gordie's restaurant, before discovering the Townships Tour, a vast network of over 50 km of eco-responsible trails where you can hike or mountain bike in summer.
In the afternoon, thrill-seekers will be tempted to try the tree-to-tree zip-line at Arbraska. For those who prefer to relax, La Source Bains Nordiques is the ideal place to enjoy nature. Baths, beauty treatments, massages and refined health cuisine at the bistro await you in an enchanting, relaxing setting.
5. TO JOLIETTE
Joliette boasts a dynamic downtown core, close proximity to nature and year-round cultural events.
Start the day with a visit to the Musée d'art de Joliette, one of the most important art museums in the region, with a collection of over 8,300 works. It offers a diversified program divided into four areas: Canadian art, European art, contemporary art and archaeology. Consult the current program HERE. What's more, a host of cultural activities are offered for young and old alike. To find out more, click HERE.
The day continues with a visit to a few gourmet addresses. Stop for a bite to eat at Bistro La Belle Excuse or Brasserie Albion's pub, where you can enjoy the terrace in good company. Got a sweet tooth? Let yourself be tempted by one of the chocolates or an ice cream at Choco Chocolat or a cone with artisanal ice cream at Glace Nature.
Then round off your escapade with an open-air show organized by the Centre culturel Desjardins, which offers a wide range of off-site programming throughout the summer. Also, as part of Rendez-vous de la place, discover new artists through the various performances taking place in downtown Joliette. To see the program, click HERE.
As you've seen, there are plenty of opportunities for summer day trips near Montreal: hiking, museums, pick-your-own, restaurants, spas and more. There's no shortage of activities to choose from in Lanaudière!
To find out all about our outdoor and urban destinations and discover even more things to do, click HERE.
