If you’ve only ever thought of Victoriaville as a quick stop between Montreal and Quebec City, it’s time to take a proper road trip to this area. Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to revisit the region during two separate press visits, one in June and another just last Friday. What I discovered was a destination filled with delicious food, fascinating history, passionate local producers, and plenty of unexpected experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys discovering Quebec’s hidden gems, here are nine reasons to visit Victoriaville and the surrounding area.
- Try the Viral (and Sensational) Poutine at Café Anselme
The poutine at Café Anselme has developed something of a cult following, especially after one TikToker’s take on this Québecois fast-food staple. After only one bite, it’s easy to understand why: crispy fries, perfectly squeaky cheese curds, and a rich, flavourful sauce come together in poutine perfection. The secret? It’s all in the sauce. And, no – the owners won’t share their recipe!
- Step Inside the Former Home of Sir Wilfrid Laurier
History and antique lovers won’t want to miss a visit to Musée Laurier, the former home of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada’s 7th Prime Minister and the first Francophone to hold the country’s highest political office. Walking through the beautifully preserved residence offers an interesting glimpse into Laurier’s life and legacy, as well as a fascinating look at Quebec life during the era. The museum also offers unique events and experiences throughout the year and I would happily return for a haunting encounter with one of the nighttime tours, complete with candlelight and a theatrical spooky theme, just in time for Halloween!
- Discover Quebec’s Cranberry Country
The Cranberry Interpretation Centre is one of those attractions that’s both educational and surprisingly fun. Visitors learn how cranberries are grown and harvested while touring a working cranberry farm. Back at the boutique, one can sample cranberry products, and even take a photo in a cranberry tank as if you were submerged in a cranberry harvesting pond. During harvest season, the sight of floating crimson berries covering the flooded fields is absolutely spectacular. Guided wagon tours take visitors right into the heart of the action, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of Quebec’s most unique agricultural products.
- Hang out with Horses at Ranch Kiméyan
Sometimes the simplest experiences are the most memorable. At Ranch Kiméyan, visitors can meet and interact with the ranch’s beautiful horses in a peaceful setting. The ranch is known for its horse therapy programs, which focus on wellness and human-animal connection, but you don’t need to be enrolled in a program to appreciate the calming presence of these magnificent animals. If grooming and petting horses leaves you wanting more, horse-riding lessons and guided trail rides are also available. It’s an ideal way to slow down, disconnect from our screens, and reconnect with nature via these gentle creatures.
- Create Your Own Wellness Experience at Passion Savon
Passion Savon is far more than a boutique. Yes, you can shop for handcrafted organic beauty and wellness products, but that’s really just the beginning. Visitors can also participate in workshops where they’ll learn to create their own natural products while discovering the benefits of plant-based ingredients. What makes Passion Savon especially unique is the variety of wellness experiences offered on-site. Imagine attending a hot yoga session inside a yurt before browsing beautifully scented soaps and self-care products. It’s equal parts relaxing, educational, and inspiring. Their organic products are also available on their website.
- Pick Your Own Bouquet, Pumpkins, and Squash at Ferme Le Pré Gourmand
A visit to Ferme Le Pré Gourmand feels like stepping into a postcard. The family-run farm welcomes visitors throughout the growing season with a variety of pick-your-own experiences. Depending on when you visit, you can harvest flowers for your own custom bouquet, pick seasonal pumpkins and squash, or even gather strawberries directly from the fields. The farm also grows melons, vegetables, and other seasonal produce, many of which are sold through its self-serve farm stand.
- Enjoy a Beer Tasting at La Grange Pardue
One of my favourite discoveries was La Grange Pardue, one of Quebec’s rare farm breweries where the barley and hops used to create the beer are grown right on-site. The tasting room overlooks the fields, the village of Ham-Nord, and the Appalachian foothills, making it one incredibly scenic place to enjoy a pint. I was invited to a tasting followed by dinner thanks to La Balade Gourmande, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my recent visit. The local food was excellent, the atmosphere warm and welcoming, and the beer showcased the unique flavours of local grains and berries.
If you’re planning a fall visit, every Friday in October the brewery hosts its popular “Beer & Blues” evenings featuring free live blues performances beginning at 6 p.m. That and the view are pretty hard to beat.
- Treat Yourself to a Gourmet Dinner at Aux Petits Plaisirs
Who says sugar shacks are only for spring? Aux Petits Plaisirs elevates the traditional cabane à sucre experience with refined farm-to-table dining that celebrates local ingredients and regional flavours. Expect beautifully prepared seasonal dishes, using fresh produce sourced from nearby farms. The “Table Fermière” is the kind of experience that reminds you just how extraordinary Quebec’s terroir really is.
- Experience La Balade Gourmande
If you only visit the region once, make it during La Balade Gourmande. Held over two weekends every October, this beloved food tourism event showcases local producers, farmers, artisans, wineries, breweries, and specialty food makers throughout the region. The experience encourages visitors to hit the road, discover rural communities, meet passionate producers, and taste their way through the countryside. The good news? This weekend’s festivities are still happening, so there’s still time to plan a last-minute getaway.
A sincere thank you to Victoriaville et sa Région, as well as La Balade Gourmande, for hosting me during two wonderful press visits, one in June and another last Friday, and for introducing me to all of the incredible businesses and experiences featured in this article. For more places to explore, here is last year’s article on the Victoriaville region. As their slogan says “Le bonheur est proche” — Happiness is not far away!
– Carrie
