Living History RV Trip: Quebec

Following Richelieu’s Route

Historic treasures abound as you trace the waterways that made Quebec the stuff of legend. The Route du Richelieu is famous as the first official cross-border “tourist highway,” and for good reason: remarkable military structures, compelling cultural attractions and sublime natural beauty make this a truly unforgettable drive.

Drive 63.3 miles, 1 hour, 39 minutes

1. Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Starting Point

The waterways of “SJR” provide endless activities for every visitor. A historically important trade route connecting the St. Lawrence River with the Hudson River via Lake Champlain, the Chambly Canal is now home to dinner and wine-and-cheese cruises under starry skies. The banks of the canal double as hiking and bicycling routes that connect to the Route Verte, an unpaved path winding through the tranquil countryside. Narrated boat tours are also available on the picturesque Richelieu River.

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2. Fort Chambly National Historic Site

12.9 miles, 30 minutes

Home of the famed Fort Chambly National Historic Site, there is no better place to learn about the rich military history of the region. Overlooking the Richelieu River, demonstrations of life in the barracks, military drills and craftsmanship by staff dressed in 17th- and 18th-century garb transports visitors to a bygone era. Performances by the fife and drum corps are a special treat. During the summer, Richelieu Street east of the park becomes pedestrian-only and the perfect place to explore the centuries-old homes and churches that line the riverside route.

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3. Sorel

50.4 miles, 1 hour, 9 minutes

Where the Richelieu and St. Lawrence Rivers meet, you can expect lots of outdoor adventures. Canoeing or kayaking is the best way to explore the islands and marshes at the confluence of the two waterways—a truly unique environment that’s home to the largest heron nesting ground in the world. Nature tours are also available, and the guides are experts on the area’s ecology and endangered flora and fauna. For a different take on the river valley’s ecosystem, visit the Biophare, an interactive museum with exhibits on history, science, shipbuilding and animals that call the area home.