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Every year, Canada's warm seasons infect us with a vibrant joie de vivre that entices us to get out and see the splendour around us. In the spring and summer, Québec blooms with attractions to explore, from breathtaking nature to a host of renowned epicurean delights that get our tummies rumbling.
The province is brimming with fresh local eats to discover; you’ll find everything from European-style fare and world-class wine to exceptional sweet treats and baked goods.
Québec local eats: Fromageries
Québec produces more than 500 different world-renowned varieties of cheese. In 2023, over 25 different Québec cheeses — like bufarela, rang des îles and chèvre-vache — won awards. It doesn’t get any better than sampling fantastic fresh fromages directly from the source. No matter where you travel in the province, you're never far away from a cheese producer. Try organic mozzarella in the Laurentides region at Les Fromagiers de la Table Ronde, or sample tortillard at Fromagerie le P’tit Train du Nord. There are countless cheesemakers in the stunning Eastern Townships, too, like the award-winning Fromagerie La Station.
Québec local eats: Seafood
The St. Lawrence River ensures eastern Québec has access to mouth-watering seafood, year-round. From April to May, dine on the freshest snow crab of the year. From April to October, Northern shrimp are tastiest, and Atlantic and Greenland halibut are in season May to October; for fresh lobster, head to eastern Québec’s seafood restaurants from May to July. Oysters and blue mussels are delicious year-round.
Québec local eats: Breweries and distilleries
Say ‘santé’ as you raise a glass while touring through Québec’s picturesque countryside, which is home to more than 100 wineries and 150 breweries. Plus, across Québec, nearly 50 micro-distilleries produce over 200 spirits, including blackcurrant liqueur, maple whisky, ice cider, Caribou, tomato wine and gin. Find them at distilleries, markets or the SAQ, Québec's liquor stores.
We’ve raved about the food in Québec’s cities before, but there’s so much more to discover beyond the urban centres. On your spring or summer getaway this year, head out on a self-guided culinary trail to fully immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of local flavours, and foodie culture. These multi-day trips will guide you through stunning Québec landscapes to hidden gems off the beaten path, all at your own pace.
Québec's Gourmet Routes
1. The Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route
The quaint Eastern Townships, just under two hours from Montréal and 25 minutes from Sherbrooke, will win your affection with their numerous lush vineyards. This 165-kilometre route takes about five days to complete, with nine activities in the itinerary like wine-tasting at Vignoble de l’Orpailleur vineyard, horseback riding or guided wagon tours at Vignoble de la Bauge and a “flying bike” ride at Au Diable Vert mountain lodge. Plus, don't forget to stock up on gourmet farm meat at Canards du Lac-Brome boutique.
2. The Flavour Trail
From Petite-Rivière-Saint-François to La Malbaie, head out on a gastronomic adventure on the Route des Saveurs. This epic agrotourism circuit has more than 30 stops. Snack on delicious country-style fromage at St-Fidèle cheese shop, swig flights of craft beer at Microbrasserie Charlevoix and then meet quirky birds at Charlevoix Emu Centre. Boulangerie Bouchard awaits with home-baked breads and treats, plus comforting coffee. Then, pick up gourmet truffle products at Truffe Charlevoix.
3. The Chemin du Terroir
Spanning 226 kilometres, this is the ultimate way to experience Québec’s Laurentides region. Best travelled by car, the Chemin du Terroir takes four days to complete. You’ll meet artisans and producers who are contributing to the province’s rich food landscape today. Don’t miss Moulin Légaré, the oldest water-powered mill in North America, where you can stock up on freshly ground flour after the tour.
4. The Countryman’s Tour
If three days frolicking through orchards and sampling crisp ciders sounds like your kind of getaway, head out on the Countryman’s Tour in the Montérégie region. Don’t miss the ice cider or fresh-pressed apple juice at Petch Orchards — there’s nothing quite like it. Plus, there are also plenty of tipples for you to savour, like the quality honey wine at Brasserie Saint-Antoine-Abbé.
Discover more about Québec’s unique culinary landscape by visiting bonjourquebec.com
