Joliette is an abundance of culture and nature. Between a lively downtown, parks and large green spaces, you'll find a rich and vibrant historical heritage.
Here's an itinerary to discover the urban destination of Joliette, well worth a stopover for a few days.
DAY 1
For your first day in Joliette and the surrounding area, a visit to the Joliette Art Museum (MAJ) is a must. As the largest art museum in Quebec outside of major urban centers, the MAJ boasts a rich collection featuring works by internationally renowned artists. Summer exhibitions complement the museum’s permanent collection, which offers an exceptional overview of art from the 14th century to the present day. If you’re visiting the museum on a Thursday, treat yourself to a summer happy hour on the terrace. During these festive weekly events, admission to the exhibitions is free.
After this moment of artistic contemplation, enjoy the beautiful summer days by exploring the L’Assomption River on a stand-up paddleboard. These increasingly popular boards can be rented at three locations near Joliette: at Louis-Querbes Park, right near downtown; at Maria-Goretti Beach in Saint-Charles-Borromée; and at Champs-Élysées Park in Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, where you can try a board from NatürSup. And what better way to end the day than at one of the downtown restaurants, such as Sim’s Irish Pub, L’Âtre, or Table G, the restaurant at the Hôtel Château Joliette?
DAY 2
For your second day in Joliette, we suggest a tour of the local agritourism spots. There are plenty of culinary discoveries to be made in the area. First, start by treating yourself to some chocolate treats (or ice cream!) at the Choco Chocolat chocolate shop, located downtown. Then, stop by the Vignoble Saint-Thomas to pick up a bottle of their delicious wines. The Jardin des Noix isn’t too far from Joliette either. They grow walnuts and hazelnuts there. The café-boutique lets you discover a wide variety of nut-based products and learn more about how they’re grown. You can wrap up this tour of culinary highlights with a good beer from the Alchimiste Microbrasserie. Their tasting room is located right at the brewery in the city’s industrial district. Finally, if you’re in Joliette on a Saturday, the public market, located downtown on Place Bourget, offers a chance to discover a host of other local gourmet businesses. This market takes place every Saturday during the summer.
DAY 3
This third day in the Joliette area is all about outdoor activities. First, we explore the heritage trail, which takes us from one historic site to another on a walking tour near downtown. Next, we hop on our bikes and explore Joliette’s various bike trails. There are plenty of bike paths in the area, allowing us to discover various parks and sites. We’ll also take the opportunity to stop at the Maison Antoine-Lacombe to visit its lush gardens. You can also visit in the evening for their new attraction, Allégeance – Illuminated Gardens, which offers a free immersive experience combining light and sound, from Thursday through Sunday until fall. The day can also end at the Joliette Golf Course, which also offers a magnificent terrace for after-golf happy hour.
Where to stay in Joliette?
- Château Joliette Hotel
- Libre Entrepreneur
- Le Classique Motel
- Domaine Sentinelle Campground
- Bernard Beach Campground
- Camping Paradis
- Saint-Thomas Motel
Restaurant recommendations in Joliette
- Bistro la Belle Excuse
- Albion Craft Brewery
- Chez Henri Restaurant
- Le C.A. Catering Restaurant
- Sim’s Irish Pub
- L’Âtre
- L’Échappée – Grill and Sports Bar
- La Chaumière
- Lanaudière Hotel School
- La Brûlerie du Roy
- Ras le bol
- Resto Le Traiteur C.A.
- Huit 100 vingt
Must-see events near Terrebonne and Mascouche
- Shows at the Desjardins Cultural Centre
- Bastringue – Circus Festival | June 17–28, 2026
- Joliette Comedy Festival | August 21–23, 2026
- Lanaudière Festival | July 3 to August 2, 2025
- Mémoire et Racines Festival | July 17 to 26, 2026
- Les Mardis d'août | August 4 to 25, 2026
- Waskapitan Indigenous Friendship Centre | June 21, 2026
While you’re in Joliette, take the opportunity to explore the gourmet tour of urban and rural flavors. This Goûtez Lanaudière tour will let you discover a wealth of culinary delights.
To learn everything about Joliette as an urban destination and discover what there is to see, visit the destination page.
