If you’ve never spent time in Quebec’s Victoriaville region, here are nine reasons to add it to your travel musts. Just two hours from Montreal, this area is one of the most charming corners of the province I’ve had the pleasure of discovering. There really is something for everyone—whether you’re into food, wine, and cocktails (like me!) or craving outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, and simply being immersed in nature. The region is dotted with picturesque towns, scenic parks, rolling mountains, and sustainable farms. Originally named after Queen Victoria, Victoriaville is now part of a larger territory that includes 22 municipalities—though honestly, it feels like one big, welcoming community. 

1. Fromagerie du Presbytère
   Cheese lovers, rejoice! This artisan fromagerie in Sainte-Élizabeth-de-Warwick is housed in a beautifully restored church and rectory, making it as enchanting as it is mouthwatering. For over 20 years, Jean Morin and his family have been turning fresh milk from their nearby dairy farm into award-winning cheeses like: Louis d’Or, La Religieuse, and Bleu d’Élizabeth. Pick up a charcuterie-and-cheese platter from the old general store-turned-gourmet boutique, then enjoy it at a picnic table out front—or better yet, visit on a festive Friday for a giant picnic with live music. It’s a true pilgrimage for the palate.
2. Parc Marie-Victorin
   In Kingsey Falls, this botanical garden is both peaceful and jaw-dropping. Stroll among 12 giant plant sculptures (Mosaicultures), more than 50,000 annuals, and even a current collection of 1,200 carnivorous plants. Highlights include the Path of Curiosities and the Cascades Garden, which overlooks the Nicolet River. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, admire the beautiful landscaped gardens, to take a few pictures, and to simply allow yourself to slow down.
3. Miellerie King
   The bees are busy here—and so is this family-run honey shop and distillery. Everything revolves around pure, unpasteurized honey, used not only for gourmet products like artisanal sauces and dandelion honey but also for unique spirits and meads crafted “from bee to bottle.” Their award-winning honey cream liqueur is a standout and makes the perfect souvenir.
4. Mont Arthabaska Park
   Just minutes from downtown Victoriaville, Mont Arthabaska is where locals and visitors alike go for fresh air and fun. You’ll find mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, and even a recycled house built entirely from discarded materials. The bistro-bar, Le Mont, makes a great pit stop, especially on Thursday evenings when live music fills the patio. Similar to Montreal’s Mount Royal Park, it has a giant cross, great views, and sunsets worth sticking around for. Plus, parking is free!
5. La Pivoinerie Lili
   Once a city girl, Lizianne Fortier followed her passion for flowers and created one of Quebec’s first pick-your-own flower farms. From May to September, fields bursting with colour and fragrance, offer visitors the chance to gather their own bouquets. Her honour-system boutique, open year-round, features floral creations and a line of vegan beauty products made from flowers grown on site. It’s as charming as it sounds—and the perfect spot to stroll and savour the beauty.
6. Euclide Distillery
   This eco-conscious distillery proves that sustainability and flavour can go hand in hand. Their gin, Les Éléments No. 1, is made with cranberry seeds and pulp repurposed from juice production, while their cranberry-pineapple liqueur reuses by-products from nearby dried cranberry production and pineapple cores from local smoothie makers. In just two years, they’ve repurposed nearly 10 tons of compost. The result? Spirits that are as responsible as they are tasty.
7. La Chevalerie de Jade
   Animal lovers will adore this zootherapy sanctuary. Stroll among llamas, Highland cows, and majestic horses, or step inside the exotic pavilion to discover even more delightful creatures. The experience is designed to be calming, joyful, and respectful—an unforgettable way to connect with animals and nature.
8. Les Côtes du Gavet Vineyard
   Set on 130 rolling acres, this vineyard feels like a slice of Europe in the Bois-Francs. From May to December, you can sip their wines in the boutique (don’t miss the sparkling “Osez”), stroll among the vines, or sign-up for their summer wine-and-painting classes. On weekends, pizza and wine evenings draw both locals and visitors—it’s a soirée you won’t want to miss.
9. Balade Gourmande
   If you can time your visit for fall, don’t skip this epic gourmet tour. Held over two weekends in the first half of October, it spans six routes, 42 sites, and more than 125 agri-food exhibitors and artisans. Under a canopy of autumn leaves, you’ll sample local specialties, meet passionate producers, and experience the region’s food culture in the most delectable way possible.

Sometimes, the best trips really aren’t that far away! I’d like to thank Tourisme Victoriaville et sa région for hosting me (twice!) and for introducing me to these wonderful places that I’ve shared with you here.
– Carrie

 

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