The Terroir Route highlights country treasures in the Lower Laurentians and Argenteuil region. Of course, the circuit puts agritourism in the spotlight, but it also includes many historic and cultural attractions. This itinerary was inspired by the route, which runs over 225 kilometres (140 miles), so you can discover the rich gourmet side to the Laurentians.

1. After having thoroughly explored the streets of Montréal, why not escape to the countryside and discover the Laurentians region? Your point of departure for the Terroir Route is at the heart of Old Saint-Eustace, at Légaré Mill, the oldest flour mill in North America. It has been functioning since 1762. There, wheat and buckwheat flour are produced using traditional techniques.

2. Head west on Saint-Eustache Street, which turns into Chemin de la Rivière Nord. A little further, you will come across the Rivière du Chêne Vineyard, which is an absolute must for wine lovers. During the tour, you won’t be able to help but notice how passionate this family is about making their product.

3. You can now go on to the next step of your adventure, which will carry you off to animal country! Get back on Chemin de la Rivière Nord heading towards Montée Laurin, where you will take a left until Chemin de la Rivière Sud. Turn right onto this road (it will turn into Chemin Fresnière) and shortly thereafter you will find Nid’Otruche, a farm that is home to 200 ostrich, emu, nandu and ponies for guided tours. You can also enjoy the boutique and country meals made from ostrich products. Right next door, you will find the Exotarium, where you can observe more than 300 animals: pythons, boas, crocodiles, lizards and other cold-blooded creatures.

4. A little further on your right, you can visit the Roland Cloutier Farm, which proudly presents its products grown in the fields. Here, you can pick your own strawberries, pumpkins and tomatoes. A wide array of homemade products, made on site, is also offered.

5. You are now just a few minutes’ drive from admiring the Laurentians’ agricultural landscapes. At your next stop, you can discover the wonderful world of bees at Intermiel, which is home to 4,000 hives. The guided tour of the facilities features the opening of a hive and a trip to the meadery. A wide array of honey and maple products is available at the boutique.

6. To get to your next stop, navigating several turns will be required! Turn right off Rang Fresnière onto Chénier Street, then left on Dumouchel, right on Saint-Jean-Baptiste, right on Sainte-Madeleine and finally left on Sainte-Angèle Street, which will become Chemin du Grand-Brûlé. After a few kilometres, you can discover two attractions by turning left on Rang Saint-Vincent: Route des Gerbes d’Angelica, eight theme gardens featuring works of art; and the Négondos Vineyard, a producer of wine that is made from organic grapes.

7. Backtrack to Rang Saint-Vincent and continue straight on toward Rio Street, taking the fork in the road that leads back to Route Arthur-Sauvé. Take a right to find yourself at the Parc regional éducatif bois de Belle-Rivière, the high point of the circuit. Considered to be one of the most beautiful forest areas in the province, you can enjoy many activities, such as hiking and horseback riding. Once your visit is over, the great Laurentians opens before you so you can continue your stay in the region by heading to Saint-Sauveur or Mont-Tremblant, with their myriad of attractions, each more interesting than the last.