It’s Construction Holiday in Quebec! Explore the Trans Canada Trail While It’s Easy to Get Around!
This year, Quebec’s construction holiday runs from July 22 to August 2. Fun fact: approximately 25 per cent of Quebecers take their vacation during those two weeks! And we all know what that means: with no construction and fewer commuters on the road, it’s easier to get around in urban centres, and it’s great weather to galivant on Quebec trails. Here are our tips for exploring sections of the Trans Canada Trail in la belle province while the vibes are chill.
Urban fun: Old Montreal, the Plateau and beyond
Start out in Old Montreal, where the Ville de Montreal Trail takes you through the Old Port. Enjoy views of the Saint Lawrence River and wander along cobblestone streets, stop at bakeries or restaurants, or even at the spa. At the Pointe-à-Callière museum, learn more about Montreal’s history at this national archaeological and historic site, and about cultures and civilizations worldwide, and explore underground tunnels. Or take the kids to the Montreal Science Centre, also along the Trail!
Continue northwards to the Plateau neighbourhood, where the Trail takes you alongside two great city parks – Parc La Fontaine and Parc Laurier – both of which are great picnic and hangout spots. Grab a coffee at one of what seems like one million cafés along Rachel, Mont-Royal or Laurier streets, all of which are prime people-watching locations. If you like, continue all the way north to the neighbourhood of Ahuntsic, where the Trail takes you along the Rivière-des-Prairies, offering lovely water views and more excellent picnic and hangout spots.
Quebec City splendour: Corridor du Littoral
The Corridor du Littoral section of the Trans Canada Trail starts out right next to several popular highlights. From the Trail section’s starting point at the Québec-Lévis ferry, you can head over to the Promenade Samuel de Champlain, where you’ll find an infinity pool, sports stations and gorgeous views. Also nearby: the iconic Château Frontenac, the Musée de la Civilisation, charming boutiques and restaurants, and tons of historical monuments.
The Corridor du Littoral continues through Quebec City to Limoilou, and all the way to the famed Montmorency Falls, which are definitely worth a stop – and photo op!
Explore epic bike routes
During the construction holidays, explore popular bike spots along the Trail when they’re relatively simple to reach! Head out along the Parc linéaire le P’tit Train du Nord in the sector of Sainte-Adèle, where you’ll find picnic benches and easy parking adjacent to the Trail, plus you can easily detour and head into town for lunch or coffee.
For those opting to explore farther south in the province, la Montérégiade, running between St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Granby, offers 51 kilometres of paved, aggregate and gravel routes that take you through beautiful farmland and rural areas – hello, summer berries! –in the Montérégie region of Quebec.
