As part of my mandate as a Bonjour Québec ambassador, my first trip around the province of Québec led me to discover several businesses in the great Québécois network Terroir et Saveurs du Québec. This organization’s goal is to promote agrotourism and culinary tourism to people who want to discover more about the magnificent Quebec enterprises that make our terroir shine on every horizon.
In this article, you will find 15 locations that have made my heart beat faster and that I absolutely want to share with you. Whether you’re a true epicurean or just beginning to discover the flavours of Quebec, you’ll find something to suit you. Enjoy your discovery!
This article is sponsored by the Alliance de l’Industrie Touristique du Québec and by Terroir et Saveurs du Québec as part of my mandate as a Bonjour Québec ambassador.
Cidrerie Michel Jodoin — Montérégie
Cidrerie Michel Jodoin is a true institution in the world of cider in Quebec. You have probably already seen or even tasted some of their products sold at the SAQ. This love of apples began at the dawn of the 20th century with the purchase of a first orchard in Rougemont by Michel’s great-grandfather. The expansion of their orchards will be done little by little over the years. And then, in 1988, Michel began producing cider, a true pioneer in the production of alcohol in Quebec. To this day, you can taste all their products on site, including those exclusive to the cider factory (those not found in the SAQ). You can also take a short hike on a trail just behind the cider factory. In short, there is something for everyone and the Cidrerie Michel Jodoin is definitely an address to add to your list when you visit the Montérégie.
Le Coureur des Bois – Bistro gourmand — Montérégie
When I went to this restaurant, the staff prepared a plate for me in which I could taste some of their dishes in bite size. It was very tasty and it definitely made me want to go back. For wine lovers, the establishment has one of the largest and most prestigious wine cellars in Quebec. They have been awarded a Grand Award by Wine Spectator for the past 4 years. It is definitely a place to visit!
Manoir Rouville-Campbell — Montérégie
This mythical place is definitely one to add to your bucket list. Whether you want to taste their menu composed almost entirely of local products or to stay in the hotel part, you will not be disappointed. As soon as you enter the place, you feel transported to another era and you start to imagine how people lived a few hundred years ago. I loved their table and the various gardens in which you can wander around the manor. This place embodies peace and tranquility, let yourself be transported to Manoir Rouville-Campbell.
Distillerie B et Miellerie King — Centre-du-Québec
This place is worth a visit in Kingsey Falls on its own. Earlier this year I had the opportunity to meet the fabulous family behind this company. I was truly charmed by their enthusiasm for their extensive use of bee products in all the products they develop. Their bee-to-bottle concept is really catchy and unique and shows an impressive knowledge of their core product, honey. On site you can of course sample their entire range of products and they also offer beautiful picnic baskets of local produce that you can go and enjoy in peace right next to the distillery. I highly recommend going to Parc Marie-Victorin if you take a picnic basket, it’s a beautiful place halfway between a park and a botanical garden, I loved it.
Huiles Champy — Montérégie
This company in Sainte-Christine in the Montérégie region produces organic sunflower oil as well as a wide range of products also made from sunflowers. Take a walk on their land and discover their magnificent sunflower field (in season). Would you like to take some products home with you? Nothing could be easier, you will find their self-service kiosk in the main building where you will find all the products they produce.
La Baboche Bistro à broue — Montérégie
Located in the heart of downtown Saint-Hyacinthe, La Baboche Bistro à broue is the perfect place to make a gourmet stop while driving on Highway 20. You will find a menu made of local ingredients created by a local chef. I particularly liked their decadent beef burger when I visited. If you’re not the designated driver, take the opportunity to try their wide variety of local beers on tap.
Cassis Monna & filles — Québec, ville et région
Cassis Monna & filles is a real must when visiting the Quebec City area. In addition to producing a multitude of totally gourmet blackcurrant products, you can eat on site at the Restaurant La Monaguette. In season, there is even pizza from my favourite pizzeria: Nina pizza napolitaine. Every time I go there, it’s a must, I have to have their famous blackcurrant slush and their soft ice cream also with blackcurrant; a pure delight.
Auberge des Battures — Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
During a recent visit to the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, I had the opportunity to sleep at Auberge des Battures, to eat at the O’Batillage restaurant and to meet the chef Jonathan Grenon. This great lover of the boreal forest knows how to transmit his love of local products through all his dishes. You will find a unique cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with a superb view of the fjord.
Fromagerie des Grondines Boutique-Restaurant — Québec, ville et région
When I lived in downtown Quebec City a few years ago, this cheese shop on St-Joseph Street was a place I visited regularly — it was my go-to spot for good local products in the lower town. In addition to offering their own locally made cheeses in Grondines, you’ll find many products from different businesses in and around the greater Quebec City area. Pick up a few cheeses, a good baguette and you’re ready to have a great picnic somewhere along the St. Charles River. To learn more about the place, I recommend you read the impressions of Bonjour Québec ambassador Jeanne Rondeau-Ducharme on the blog Saison de Terroir et Saveurs du Québec.
Domaine Lafrance — Laurentides
If you find yourself in the Lower Laurentians, you must stop at Domaine Lafrance. There you will find something for everyone at different times of the year: apple picking, sugar shack, wine and spirit tasting, etc. There’s definitely nothing boring about this place. You will discover superb and unique products such as the Dandy Gin or the Rouge Gorge rouge, their famous apple vermouth.
Chez Muffy — Québec, ville et région
If you want to live an extraordinary culinary experience in the Quebec City, the restaurant Chez Muffy inside the Auberge Saint-Antoine is the place to be! Last fall, I had the chance to live the “Supper under the stars” experience in a mini greenhouse located outside. The chef’s seasonal cuisine showcases ingredients grown in their own vegetable garden. I highly recommend reading the article I wrote after my visit last fall.
Domaine Le Cageot — Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
What a great discovery I made during my last visit to Jonquière at Domaine Le Cageot. In addition to discovering products that are all equally delectable, I met Pierre-Philippe, president of the company. He has a passion and an energy that is so contagious that he brilliantly transmits it to all the customers who visit the Domaine. For those who don’t have the opportunity to travel to the Saguenay, you can always buy the products in various outlets, including the Grand Marché de Québec.
Boulangerie du pain… c’est tout! — Chaudière-Appalaches
A real favourite in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. As much for the products as for the adorable couple behind the business, I was totally charmed from my first visit. You absolutely can’t miss their croissants. They are the best I’ve ever had in my life, even including France! In addition, their clever use of local ingredients has the advantage of highlighting different local businesses: “flours from La Seigneurie des Aulnaies (made from organic wheat from the region and stone-ground), butter from La Fromagerie Port-Joli, farm eggs, and Ora milk.” Yasmeen Ghanavi, one of the Bonjour Québec ambassadors, recently visited the place and gives us her impressions on the Saison de Terroir et Saveurs du Québec blog.
Fromagerie au Gré des champs — Montérégie
For more than 20 years now, this cheese factory in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu in the Montérégie region has been offering artisanal organic cheeses. Their reputation is definitely well established. Over the years, they have received an impressive number of awards for their expertise in the world of cheese. You can find their cheeses in many specialty grocery shops throughout Quebec, but the real pleasure is to visit the farm directly and see their magnificent brown Swiss cows in their barn which was designed by La Shed Architecture. Leave with some cheese and you’re ready to roll!
À l’abri de la Tempête — Îles-de-la-Madeleine
If you’re a beer lover, you probably know about this legendary microbrewery in the Magdalen Islands. Founded by two beer-loving women nearly 20 years ago, this is a very popular spot. Islanders and tourists alike flock here in droves to taste all the beers created on the premises. It’s a real must-see when visiting the archipelago. One of my favourite beverages there is definitely Corps Mort, a salty, robust barley wine brewed with smoked malt at the Fumoir d’Antan. It’s definitely one of the most unique bottles I’ve had the chance to drink in recent years.
Now it’s your turn to discover…
I hope I have made your mouth water and given you the desire to explore our beautiful province. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments, and enjoy the discovery!