Tourisme Centre-Du-Québec 20, Boul
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2015-2016 OFFICIAL TOURIST GUIDE Centre-du-Québec tourismecentreduquebec.com contents 148 4 Travel tools discover the region 6 Can’t-miss experiences 8 Portrait of the region 54 visiting and having fun 54 Events 64 Culture and heritage 66 Nature and outdoor activities 74 Winter fun 64 78 Regional delights 82 Various activities 66 accommodation and food services 86 Food services 92 Accommodation useful 74 information 102 General information 104 Travelling in Quebec 106 Key to symbols 107 Index 110 Regional map 86 Photo credit: GrapheStudio, Michel Julien TRAVEL TOOLS Web resources to help you plan your trip Tourism Centre-du-Québec offers several web-based tools for visitors seeking trip planning information in the area. Web site: tourismecentreduquebec.com You can download this guide and the following brochures in a PDF version. These tools are also available in paper versions in the region’s different tourist information offices (see the list on page 102). Follow us @CentreduQuebec /Tourismecentreduquebec /ATR Centreduquebec Share your best moments and memories using hashtag /centreduquebec /centreduquebec #centreduquebec /centreduquebec /centreduquebec Photo credit: Buzz Productions discover the region 6 Can’t-miss experiences 8 Portrait of the region 10 Drummondville and the surrounding area 18 Victoriaville and the surrounding area 28 Plessisville and the surrounding area 34 Bécancour and the surrounding area 42 Nicolet and the surrounding area Photo credit: GrapheStudio discover the region Can’t-miss experienCES 1 2 3 CAN’T-MISS EXPERIENCES 4 5 1 > The Village Québécois does this sound enticing? The Hôtel Montfort d’Antan Pioneer Village Nicolet, the Auberge Godefroy in Bécancour, and the Manoir du lac William in Saint- Discover the history of Quebec from 1810 Ferdinand provide all this and more. to 1930 through captivating stories told by the Set time aside to relax and treat yourself colourful characters of the Village Québécois to a well-deserved break! d’Antan Pioneer Village in Drummondville. The streets of the Village Québécois d’Antan bustle with events, period games, music, 4 > Poutine traditional song and dance, theatrical skits, Whether poutine originated in Drummondville, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Some 70 heritage Warwick, or Princeville, everyone agrees that buildings have stories to tell you about the the best in Quebec is found in the Centre-du- customs and traditions of our Québécois ancestors! Québec region! The Drummondville Festival Come and see us! de la Poutine honours this local delicacy with a program loaded with activities for the whole 2 > The Navigators’ Route family, including evening shows and invited chefs who are keen to show you different Enjoy exploring the Navigators’ Route in the versions of this famous dish. Centre-du-Québec region by travelling down the St. Lawrence River between Baie-du-Febvre and Deschaillons-sur-Saint-Laurent. Along 5 > Events the 90-km Navigator’s Route through the The Centre-du-Québec holds more than Centre-du-Québec region, discovery the trades 40 festivals and events covering a broad array and businesses that developed here, and the of themes. The Mondial des Cultures (world natural habitat that brings the countryside to life. culture festival) in Drummondville, the Festival du Cochon (pig festival) in Sainte-Perpétue, 3 > Romantic Getaways and the Festival des fromages fins (fine cheeses festival) in Victoriaville are just A quiet inn, a massage, a candlelight dinner, a few examples. cosy surroundings, a romantic getaway… 6 tourismecentreduquebec.com Photo credit: Michel Julien; Buzz Productions discover the region Can’t-miss experienCES 6 7 10 8 9 6 > Outdoor Activities circuit) is a great way to meet our local producers and discover their products. Enjoy nature while walking through the forest on well-kept trails in the Parc Régional de la Rivière Gentilly. In this park, you can enjoy 9 > Cultural Activities lots of activities, whatever the season. The park will appeal to the nature lover in you, whether Discover an impressive cultural environment you are looking for cross-country skiing, in the Centre-du-Québec. The Musée des snowshoeing, or tobogganing in winter Abénakis d’Odanak, the oldest Amerindian or fishing, hiking, or camping in summer. museum in Quebec, will introduce you to Aboriginal culture. The Musée des religions du monde (museum of world religions) in 7 > Winter in the Nicolet—the only museum of its kind in North Centre-du-Québec America—unveils the foundations of the great religious traditions of the world. In the evening, Experience a winter adventure in the Centre-du- get ready to have fun. The summer theatres Québec with the Grand raid motoneige VIP present original plays full of hilarious scenes (grand VIP snowmobile tour) offered through to entertain you. Laughs guaranteed! outfitters Pourvoirie Destination le Mirage. Admire beautiful landscapes along well- maintained trails accompanied by an 10 > Family Activities experienced, nature-loving guide. Make the most of your precious family time by experiencing a Centre-du-Québec adventure! 8 > Agrotourism The Centre de la Biodiversité du Québec (biodiversity centre) is an interpretive centre Taste the Centre-du-Québec! The region has with a unique concept, offering direct contact so much to offer. Treat your sweet tooth to our with nature and its living species. Discover maple products, taste our famous local cheeses, the plants and animals of Quebec! Nature and savour our wines! Several events and at the tip of your fingers! Discover the treasures festivals highlight the rich flavours of our in our ecosystems! region. The Balade gourmande (gourmet Photo credit: Michel Julien; Buzz Productions tourismecentreduquebec.com 7 discover the region PORTRAIT OF THE REGION PORTRAIT OF THE REGION On the Road Again! You’re bound to make interesting discoveries no matter which road you choose. For example, The roads are beautiful in the Centre-du-Québec, Route 116 will take you through towns and and there are plenty of opportunities to stop by! cities ranging from the most urban to the Why not travel around the region, by car, bike, most rural. Or, if you opt for Route 132, motorcycle, snowmobile, or quad? No matter you will be rewarded with a more panoramic which road you choose, you will discover an view as you hug the St. Lawrence River and authentic and amazing tourist region where travel along the Navigators’ Route. tradition and terroir (local products) go hand in hand. Bounded by the majestic St. Lawrence River and the Appalachian foothills, the region is located just south of the St. Lawrence and the Lac Saint-Pierre Biosphere Reserve and near several major urban centres. As you drive along highways 20 or 55, you will inevitably travel through the Centre-du-Québec. Not far from the highways are the region’s main cities (Bécancour, Drummondville, Nicolet, Plessisville, and Victoriaville) and its many charming quaint towns … yours to discover. The Navigator’s Route 8 tourismecentreduquebec.com Photo credit: Buzz Productions discover the region PORTRAIT OF THE REGION On the Road Again… In This Welcoming Region! The Centre-du-Québec has been a land of opportunity since the 18th century. Reminders of its Scottish, Irish, and British colonial heritage abound. The territory was divided into seigneuries on the plains along the St. Lawrence and, further south, into townships in the Appalachian foothills. The region’s economy took off with the arrival of the railroad, which spurred the development of industries still thriving today. Throughout your travels, heritage tours will enable you to delve into the area’s fascinating history. Here, you’re always greeted with a smile. Wherever the road may take you in the Centre-du-Québec, folks are friendly, and the tourist attractions are many! To add to your pleasure and to entice you to stay for several nights, a number of our hotels and inns have enhanced the quality of their Inverness facilities. Check out the “Accommodations” section for more information and visit our Web site to reserve your package. Whether you’re looking for a hotel, a B&B, a cottage, or a campground, we’ve got whatever suits you! And what brings family and friends together better than sharing a delicious meal? Discover our chefs’ masterful dishes inspired by local products. From country-style dining to all the major chains, our restaurants cater to every taste! Agrotourism Family activities Fun with friends Photo credit: Buzz Productions; Michel Julien tourismecentreduquebec.com 9 discover the region | portrait of the region DRUMMONDVILLE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Rivière Saint-Pie- de-Guire Saint- Saint-François Bonaventure Saint-Guillaume 143 122 Saint- To Majorique 259 Québec 255 Notre-Dame-du- 122 Bon-Conseil Drummondville Saint-Cyrille- Saint-Germain- ( de-Grantham de-Wendover 20 239 To Montréal < 255 139 Wickham 55 143 Rivière L’Avenir Saint- Saint-Félix- de-Kingsey Lefebvre François 243 Ulverton Durham-Sud 116 0 2,5 5 km 10 km Legend Highway Main road Secondary road Border of Sub-region Cycling trail Tourist information permanent Centre-du-Québec Hospital 10 tourismecentreduquebec.com discover the region | portrait of the region DRUMMONDVILLE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA Festival de la Poutine (p. 58), a great occasion Drummondville for getting together and enjoying good food to the sound of performances by major artists from and the the music scene. The Village Québécois d’Antan (p. 13) pioneer village takes a look back at life surrounding area in Québec in the 19th century. Added to this is a Renowned for high energy and a festive dynamic downtown core brought to life through atmosphere, Drummondville invites you to its shows, exhibition venues, and heritage enjoy celebrations in its popular Parc Woodyatt. tour… creating a very vibrant life for tourists. Located near the city’s downtown core with In Drummondville, tourism is a major focus! its terraces and shops, the park is the perfect setting for numerous events.