8 Must-Visit Stops on the Chemin du Terroir Flavour Trail in the Lower Laurentians 

Located just north of Montreal, in Quebec, Canada, the Chemin du Terroir is a 226-kilometre trail through the Lower Laurentians region, where small villages and rolling farmland open onto lakes, orchards, and vineyards. It’s a route designed to showcase the area’s local products, rich culture, and connection to the great outdoors. From lavender fields and apple orchards to cideries, chocolate makers, and microbreweries, the trail celebrates the wealth of flavours and traditions that define this corner of Canada.

On our recent visit, we based ourselves at the Abbaye d’Oka, the perfect starting point for exploring the route. 

Over two days, we followed the trail across nearby towns and countryside, meeting artisans, sampling regional flavours, and enjoying the Laurentians’ mix of food, history, and landscapes. 

Whether you’re coming from Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto, the Chemin du Terroir offers an easy weekend escape into Quebec’s flavours and culture. Read on as we share our favourite stops as well as advice on how to craft your own Chemin du Terroir itinerary for your next trip to Quebec. 

Unique Stay: Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka 

Abbaye d’Oka is a historic monastery on the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes. Founded in the late 1800s by Trappist monks, the abbey is best known as the birthplace of the original Oka cheese. While production has since moved elsewhere, the site remains one of the region’s most fascinating cultural landmarks.

During our stay, we joined a two-hour historical tour and were completely engulfed by the abbey’s story, from its founding by monks from France to its role in shaping the surrounding community. Learning about the history of the building and its people gave our visit a deeper dimension and made our stay feel that much more unique.

The rooms themselves are simple yet inviting: spacious, nicely decorated, and comfortable. In keeping with the abbey’s monastic roots, many bathrooms are shared and located down the hall, though everything is clean and well maintained. Some rooms, however, do include an ensuite bathroom or a private toilet and sink for added convenience. The on-site Le Sacré Bistro serves modern cuisine rooted in Quebec traditions, giving guests a chance to taste regional flavours without leaving the abbey grounds.

As a base, Oka Abbey is hard to beat. Located just 45 minutes from Montreal, it sits at the gateway to the Chemin du Terroir, making it easy to set out each morning to explore nearby villages, taste the region’s flavours, and return at night to a place rich in history and atmosphere.

The Chemin du Terroir links 25 official stops across the Lower Laurentians, from orchards and vineyards to distilleries and lavender fields. You could easily spend a week exploring them all, these are the places that stood out most during our two-day visit — a mix of must-visit producers and bonus stops that capture the region’s flavours and culture. 

Fays, Terroir Chocolaté

One of the sweetest discoveries on the Chemin du Terroir was Fays, Terroir Chocolaté in Oka, the gourmet chocolate factory created by chocolatier Mathilde Fays. Her approach blends classic French techniques with Quebec terroir, resulting in flavours that are as inventive as they are rooted in the region.

During our visit, we sampled a few standouts: a milk chocolate infused with basil and layered over strawberry jelly; the delicate Mammaia pastry, with white chocolate mousse, strawberry mousse, and a lemon cake base; and a cassis (black currant) nougat with nuts, rich and wine-like in flavour. But perhaps the highlight was the fresh blueberries dipped in dark chocolate — picked one day, dipped the next, and sold within the week for ultimate freshness.

What impressed us just as much as the flavours was the philosophy behind them. Nothing goes to waste here — leftover fruit finds its way into pastries, and the team is actively working to make packaging more eco-friendly. You can stop by the boutique to stock up on chocolates, cakes, and pastries, or linger over a coffee or matcha latte on the patio.  

Labonté de la Pomme

At Labonté de la Pomme, orchards stretch across the hillside in Oka, offering a modern take on Quebec’s traditional apple culture. Known for its cidery and its twist on the Sugar Shack tradition (called the Apple Shack), this family-run spot celebrates the region’s harvest in every season.

We spent a leisurely afternoon here, starting with a beautiful picnic lunch made up of their ciders and goodies from the farm and other local producers. It was the perfect way to enjoy the orchard setting – relaxed, rustic, and bursting with flavour. Afterward, we wandered the rows of fruit trees to pick sour cherries, a seasonal highlight. 

Labonté de la Pomme is more than just an orchard — it’s an experience. You can shop for apple products, jams, and baked goods, sit down for a hearty meal in their Apple Shack, or spend time outdoors picking fruit in season.  

Côte des Saints Distillery

Founded in 2016 by six lifelong friends, Distillerie Côte des Saints in Mirabel has quickly become one of the most ambitious distilleries in the Lower Laurentians. Their vision was bold — to produce whisky in Quebec that could rival the best of Scotland — and they built a grain-to-glass operation to make it possible. Today, they focus primarily on single malt whisky, but also produce gin and liqueurs to showcase their craftsmanship while their whiskies age.

The distillery grows and harvests its own barley in surrounding fields, malts and ferments it on-site, and produces over 1,000 barrels a year. Their process includes a five-day fermentation and very precise cuts, keeping only the “heart” of the distillate — a method that results in smoother spirits that mature more quickly. It’s an approach that has already earned them international awards.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the distillery and barrel warehouse, learning how each step — from the mash to the cask — shapes the final spirit. Tastings highlight the variety of cask expressions, including whiskies aged in ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, and port casks, alongside seasonal releases of gin and liqueurs. 

Maison Lavande

Few places on the Chemin du Terroir are as photogenic as Maison Lavande. Located in Saint-Eustache, this family-run estate is home to more than 125,000 lavender plants, transforming the fields into a sea of purple each summer. The sight and scent are unforgettable, especially when the blooms peak in July, drawing both locals and travelers looking for a magical setting. 

We spent time wandering the trails through the lavender rows and sampling lavender-flavoured goodies at the shop. The yogurt-based ice cream was the standout — refreshing, subtly floral, and perfect on a hot afternoon. 

Many others were using the grounds as picnic sites, with blankets and family picnics among the fields. 

The on-site boutique is popular and busy (be prepared to wait in line) and stocks everything from essential oils and soaps to culinary creations like lavender honey, while outdoor stands sell seasonal treats. 

Noire et Blanche Microbrasserie

Set along the river in Saint-Eustache, Noire et Blanche Microbrasserie is a lively spot to end a day on the Chemin du Terroir. Housed in a heritage building with a spacious terrace overlooking the water, it combines atmosphere with a solid lineup of craft beers.

We ordered a tasting flight that showcased their range — from crisp, hoppy IPAs to smooth dark ales — and paired it with a sampling platter of local bites and a classic Quebec poutine. 

The portions were generous, the flavours bold, and it all made for the perfect finish to a day of exploring. With its riverside setting and welcoming vibe, Noire et Blanche offers a taste of both the region’s local products and its relaxed evening culture.

Le Sacré Bistro

Housed within the historic Oka Abbey, Le Sacré Bistro brings a culinary flair to the Chemin du Terroir. Stepping inside feels like entering a historic château — which, in many ways, it is. With stone walls, dim lighting, and a romantic atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for a special meal after a day of exploring.

The menu blends modern cuisine with a strong farm-to-table philosophy. Much of the produce comes directly from the gardens on-site, complemented by ingredients from local producers along the trail. We had a great meal here, enjoying the rich and flavourful steak tartare, burrata and duck confit, accompanied by a plate of beautifully grilled vegetables from the garden.  Each dish highlights the freshness of the region’s local products, presented with elegance and care. A meal worth adding to your itinerary! 

Bonus Stops Worth Adding to Your Route

If you have extra time on the Chemin du Terroir, here are a few other producers worth adding to your itinerary.

Vignoble Rivière du Chêne

As one of the largest vineyards in Quebec, Vignoble Rivière du Chêne has become a flagship stop for wine lovers. You can tour the cellar, walk among the vines, and enjoy tastings of their red, white, and sparkling wines. The scenic terrace overlooking the vineyard makes it an ideal place to linger over a glass on a sunny afternoon.

This family-run orchard and cider house has been producing artisanal ciders for generations. Stop in to sample a range that includes both traditional and modern styles, or time your visit with the fall harvest to take part in seasonal apple picking and festivals. Their cidery shop is also stocked with apple-based products that make great souvenirs to bring home.

Part orchard, part distillery, Vergers Lafrance is best known for its crisp ciders and the award-winning Dandy Gin. The property combines fruit-growing traditions with Quebec’s evolving craft spirit scene, offering visitors the chance to taste both classic orchard products and innovative spirits 

Our Tips: How to Explore the Chemin du Terroir

The Chemin du Terroir is well signposted and easy to follow by car, making it ideal for a weekend road trip from Montreal, Ottawa, or a weekend trip from Toronto. 

• The trail is accessible year-round. In summer, lavender fields and patios come alive in the sun. Fall brings the apple harvest in September and vibrant colours in the mountains. Winter offers snowy landscapes and cozy meals, while spring is ideal for orchard blossoms. 
• We found that most producers welcome English speakers, so don’t worry if your French is limited.
• Maps are available online and at visitor services, showing the 226-kilometre route and its 25 official stops. We recommend starting in the town of Oka, on the edge of Lac des Deux-Montagnes, and exploring north through small villages and countryside.
• If you enjoy getting active outdoors, combine a visit with the P’tit Train du Nord cycling trail. 
• History buffs may want to link their trip with the Route des Belles Histoires, which highlights the region’s past.

Final Thoughts

With its blend of local products, historic sites, and the great outdoors, the Chemin du Terroir offers a perfect slice of Quebec’s culture and countryside. Over two days, we enjoyed everything from gourmet chocolates and lavender ice cream to cider, spirits, and craft beer — and left with a deeper appreciation for the artisans who keep these traditions alive.

Whether you base yourself at Oka Abbey or simply pass through the surrounding villages, the trail makes for an easy, flavour-filled escape from the city.  

Have you explored the Chemin du Terroir? Which stop would be first on your list?

Disclaimer: Our visit to this region was sponsored courtesy of the Laurentians and Bonjour Quebec, but as always, all opinions expressed in this article are our own.