Cafés to discover: Roadtrip edition—by bike or by car
We’re the first to love Montreal, but now and then (especially in the summer) it’s good to get away for a few days! When the heat sets in, we only have one idea in mind: roadtrip! Fortunately for us, Quebec is rich in majestic landscapes and scenic roads. One of our favourite activities on the road is of course to stop at a beautiful café, even if it involves making a small detour!
Like you, we love discovering new cafés, whether they are new openings or simply addresses that we didn’t know existed. Each discovery is accompanied by curiosity and wonder, but above all, by a great gourmet experience. One of our greatest pleasures is to share them with you and take you with us on our gourmet ride.
Cafés have a special place in our hearts. It’s in these spaces where we’ve worked, studied, socialized and much more. They are often the eyes and ears of a neighbourhood or village, places where we gather with our neighbours and friends to take a break and enjoy a good dose of caffeine. To say that we look forward to visiting them again is an understatement.
Here is a list of cafés where it is good to stop for a bite to eat before or after a bike ride, or simply to take a break on the road. A few places to visit when you’re on the road in Quebec this summer.
Autour de la Table
Autour de la Table is a charming little café-boutique in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu with a view on the beautiful Richelieu river. The little green house offers excellent service and a nice offering of drinks and pastries. Our favourite is their iced matcha!
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Café Apollo
Café Apollo is a small neighbourhood café in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. If you’re on a roadtrip to Charlevoix or the North Shore, Apollo will certainly recharge your batteries with its coffee and beautiful space!
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Victoria Café
Located in Chateauguay, Victoria Café is absolutely beautiful! It’s a great place to have a coffee date and their lattes are perfect. In the summer, the house also offers a nice selection of iced drinks.
Châteauguay
Olodge - Café Plein Air
Newly established in Piedmont, Olodge is taking its concept one step further, offering a greater variety of products and services, especially when it comes to gastronomy. Indeed, the owners have created a brand new healthy and unpretentious menu, featuring a lot of local food and their good coffee. It is also the perfect café for sports and cycling enthusiasts. In addition to the café, Olodge has a boutique area where you can find great sportswear and accessories, as well as a terrace where you can sip smoothies and other beverages on your way to or from a day of hiking or mountain biking on the nearby trails.
Piedmont
Ocafé - Vieux Tremblant
Located in the heart of the village of Mont-Tremblant, just steps away from the bike path and Lake Mercier, Ocafé shares its space with the Cybercycle boutique. You will find omelets, smoothies-bowls, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, salads, and… bikes! The perfect place to grab a bite to eat after riding the beautiful roads in the area. They also have an ice cream counter and offer soft serve ice cream dipped in white chocolate maple. Yummy. A must try, preferably after cycling! Psst, we strongly recommend you to go through the bike paths of the Parc National du Mont-Tremblant if you are in the area, breathtaking views!
Mont-Tremblant
Merci la Vie
Merci la vie is undeniably one of the best bakeries in the province. Upon entering, you’ll see a counter filled with breads, pastries and coffees to go. To the left, you’ll be impressed by the huge open and glassed-in kitchen that offers space to all, bakers and cooks alike. Plus, they offer several craft beers if that’s what you’re thirsty for!
Piedmont
Mollies Café Dinette Buvette
Mollies is a charming café, diner, and wine bar in Sutton. In addition to offering excellent coffee, the kitchen is run by chef Jonathan Prima – whose talents were appreciated at Marconi – who prepares a simple, but very tasty menu. The wine list also offers an interesting range of wines. In short, an address to discover without hesitation in the Eastern Townships!
Sutton
