Roadtrip across Quebec to discover companies

Quebec is full of places to visit in addition to having many businesses to discover. If you are looking for original activities to do this summer, I have the solution for you. Several companies across Quebec offer guided tours or introductory workshops to introduce you to their art. Now is the time to try blowing your own glass or find out where the beer you love is brewed. Take advantage of these excursions across the province to admire the magnificent landscapes while meeting passionate entrepreneurs.

Lower St. Lawrence

Monsooner Coffee

Located in downtown Rimouski, the Café du Moussonneur will charm you with its lounge atmosphere and enchanting decor. You can enjoy roasted coffee blends in their roasting workshop located nearby. Take the opportunity to taste their specialty: monsooned coffee. Its grain is soaked in seawater from the Magdalen Islands before being dried and roasted. This unique drink is recognized for its lightness, its less present acidity as well as for the subtlety of its exceptional flavors.

Mauricie

The Gourmet Factory

La Fabrique Gourmande is the place to stop if you're looking for delicious, nutritious, preservative-free cookies. The richness of its products lies in the ingredients which are fresh and of high quality. When you eat a cookie at La Fabrique Gourmande, you are supporting not just one local business, but many because the ingredients are local and carefully chosen.

Estrie

Boutiterre

If the world of glass has always intrigued you, take part in a private creation workshop at Boutiverre. You will have the choice of blowing and shaping a drinking glass, a syrup jug or a carafe with glass from recycled bottles. A professional glassmaker will guide you through the manufacturing process. You can proudly display your creation once the room has cooled down.

Stagecoach soap factory

La Savonnerie des Diligences recently opened its new workshop-boutique in a three-storey building including the Refuge café. On site, you can observe the production of soaps and discover the history of legends. Unfortunately, there is no longer a manufacturing workshop on site, but you can get a kit of 20 lip balms in a box to make. The place is worth a visit with its rustic charm and intoxicating smells.

Montreal

Cirka

If you are of legal age and you like spirits, you will be delighted to be able to visit the Cirka distillery. You will discover their unique distillation process in Quebec with grain-to-the-bottle. During the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste some products. You can also learn how to make cocktails with a mixologist if you are a group of at least ten people. The visit in this relaxed and dynamic atmosphere is worth the detour.

Abitibi-Temiscamingue

Martine's Chocolates

Les Chocolats de Martine is renowned for its excellent service and delicious chocolates. You can take a guided tour of the chocolate factory and end with a tasting. Recently, renovations were made to add a third floor and build suites with a view of the lake. You can therefore spend the night there after having feasted on chocolate.

Magdalen Islands

A jellyfish

Located in an enchanting setting in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, La Méduse wants young and old to discover its creative universe. Several activities, from free observation of glass work to an introduction to blown glass, have been set up to allow everyone to enjoy it. Immerse yourself in the world of glass in this breathtaking place.

Monteregie

At the Gîte des Oies

Le Gîte des Oies offers two sunny rooms that have a rustic character. On the site, you will find a forest with several trails, a garden, several lakes and lots of geese. You can also take a guided tour of the charming estate. The Gîte is ideal for relaxing and recharging your batteries with its huge grounds and its country charm.

Minot cider house

When you visit the Cidrerie du Minot, you will have the chance to rub shoulders with history and modernity. The equipment used to make the cider is state-of-the-art and housed in older facilities made of stone and wood. On the same site is the museum "Cidrerie du grand-père" where are the instruments of the time which made it possible to produce cider. Something to satisfy your taste buds and your intellectual curiosity.

Signed Local

If you weren't already aware, Signé Local has a physical store in Quartier DIX30 in Brossard. It is worth the detour since it is the largest store of local products in Canada. You will find passionate people there who will make you discover more than a hundred Quebec creators. You can also take the opportunity to have a coffee and a small bite at the gourmet corner.

Boldwin beer

If you've never visited a brewery before, here's your chance. Boldwin is a brewery that makes a point of being responsible. Whether by minimizing its ecological footprint, encouraging the local economy or actively engaging in its community, Boldwin is an agent of change. You can visit the facilities, fill your pitcher and take the opportunity to enjoy a freshly brewed beer.

Good road in Quebec and good discovery of Quebec companies. Looking forward to seeing you there this summer!

Reviewed by Sandrine

Cover photo credit: Unsplash