The Ultimate Guide to Road Tripping from Ayer's Cliff to Saint-Georges

Quebec is a stunning province in Canada known for its picturesque countryside roads, historic towns, and charming villages. If you're looking for a scenic and enjoyable road trip, then driving from Ayer's Cliff to Saint-Georges is an excellent option. Along the way, you'll encounter beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, and delicious food.

Before you head out on the open road, we've compiled a list of top places to see during the drive so you don't miss out on anything. So, buckle up, and let's embark on an adventure!

Scenic Routes to Take and Photo Opportunities

Lake Memphrémagog: Starting from Ayer's Cliff, take Highway 141 and head towards Lake Memphrémagog, one of the most scenic drives. The lake stretches for 35 miles and provides stunning views. You'll also find several piers where you can stop and take photos, enjoy paddleboarding or swimming.
Mont-Orford National Park: Next, take Route 220 through Mont-Orford National Park, Montréal's closest national park, and one of Quebec's gems. It's an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs, go for a hike or have a picnic in the park. The trails provide extraordinary views and connections with nature, lush forests, and wildlife sightings.
The Devil's staircase: Route 162 will take you up a steep mountain, which is known as the Devil's Staircase. This road is a paradise for adventure seekers and breathtaking elevation offers a panoramic view of the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll want to take your time and drive at your own pace so you can see the winding roads and the forests surrounding the area.
Chaudière-Appalaches region: As you get closer to Saint-Georges, you can follow Route 173 through Quebec's beautiful Chaudière-Appalaches region. This region is home to some of the most stunning drives in the province. The route is dotted with charming villages, rolling hills, and picturesque rivers. Be sure to take time to stop by the roadside viewpoints for capturing the memorable photo moments.
Montmorency Falls: Finally, visit Montmorency Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that's taller than Niagara Falls. The falls offer a fantastic view of the entire valley and are surrounded by walking trails, a suspension bridge, and several lookout points.

Historical Landmarks and Cultural Attractions

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House: If you're a book lover or an architecture enthusiast, don't miss out on the Haskell Free Library and Opera House, located on the border of Canada and the United States. This historic library was built on the border, with half of the building in Stanstead, Quebec, and the other half in Derby Line, Vermont. There is no border control inside the building, and it has a stunning interior design with marble floors, stained glass windows, and intricate chandeliers.
Fort Ingall: Next, head to the historic Fort Ingall, located in Cabano, Quebec. It's a well-preserved British garrison built-in 1839 to defend the area from American invasions. The fortress marks an important chapter in Canadian history, and today, it's a popular tourist site that offers tours and reenactments.
The Vieux Bureau de Poste: The Vieux Bureau de Poste in Saint-Romuald is one of the most beautiful venues in Quebec City. The building is a former post office built-in 1903 and has been transformed into an art and cultural center. It's an ideal spot for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and architecture lovers.
Moulin La Lorraine: Located in Lac-Etchemin, Moulin La Lorraine is a historic flour mill that dates back to 1845. It's now a museum and cultural center that offers guided tours, exhibits, and workshops for visitors to learn about the history of flour milling and the surrounding area.
Le Petit Théâtre de Saint-Narcisse: If you're looking for a unique cultural experience, visit Le Petit Théâtre de Saint-Narcisse, located in Saint-Narcisse-de-Beaurivage. The theatre is a small, rural theatre that showcases the works of local and international playwrights and music concerts.

Culinary Gems and Local Flavors

La Fromagerie La Station: Cheese lovers will be delighted by the array of cheeses produced at La Fromagerie La Station, located in Compton. This family-owned cheese maker offers award-winning cheese, including Camemvert, a soft ripened cheese with a creamy texture that can be paired with local wine.
L'Espace Public - Broue-Pub: Located in Quebec City, L'Espace Public - Broue-Pub is a charming brewpub that offers a wide selection of local beers. The pub has a cozy ambiance and is the perfect place to spend an evening with friends or family. They offer a range of beers with unique flavors, and you can even enjoy live music on selected nights.
Boulangerie-Patisserie La Boulangere: For those with a sweet tooth, make a stop at Boulangerie-Pâtisserie La Boulangère, located in Lac-Etchemin. The bakery is famous for its delicious pastry treats and offers an array of delicacies, such as croissants, Danish pastries, and macaroons, to name a few.
Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean: Beer lovers should visit Microbrasserie du Lac Saint-Jean, a microbrewery located in Saint-Gédéon. They produce a range of craft beers, including IPAs and stouts, and each beer comes with a unique story and history, making it even more special.
Les Viandes Biologiques de Charlevoix: Finally, stop at Les Viandes Biologiques de Charlevoix, a farm located in Baie-Saint-Paul, that's famous for its organic meat offerings. The farm raises a variety of animals such as elk, bison, and sheep, and their meat is of the highest quality. You can stop by the farm's boutique, which offers a range of organic meat products.

Conclusion

Driving from Ayer's Cliff to Saint- Georges is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. This road trip will allow you to see some of the best scenic routes, historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and culinary hotspots that Quebec has to offer. Our list of top places to visit is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the best of Quebec during their drive. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to make unforgettable memories on your journey through this stunning Canadian province.