Between river and mountains, Côte-de-Beaupré is dotted with farmland revealing agrotourism stopover treasures. Under 30 minutes from downtown Québec City, the region once known as Québec’s food basket in the days of New-France is now celebrated for the diversity and quality of its local incredible edibles, derived from human-scale farm harvests.
Main Photo : Alysson Gallant
An escapade on the all-new Circuit gourmand de la Côte-de-Beaupré transports you into a world of foodie discoveries, brimming with grower and producer savoir-faire. Bakeries, beekeepers, pastry shops, microbreweries, vineyards, cafés, creameries, breeders, U-pick produce farms and even an organic kombucha brewer with an interpretation centre.
Côte-de-Beaupré’s Circuit gourmand proposes fifteen agrotourism experiences along with a string of seasonal producers and farmstands well worth the visit. Its 110 km itinerary takes you out to explore the authentic aromas and flavours of the Dégustons Côte-de-Beaupré products. Proud of the history and unique character of their farm culture, its growers and producers have assembled under a new regional brand to underscore the authenticity and long-standing savoir-faire of the Côte-de-Beaupré farm scene.
Photo: Jennifer Dore-Dallas
Côte-de-Beaupré’s terroir artisans and chefs have teamed up to propose a far-reaching foodie tour: From cakes, tarts, viennoiseries and fine chocolates at bakery Praline et Chocolat to old-fashioned breads, custom sandwiches and decadent desserts served up at Les Trois Becs, visitors can sink their teeth into a long list of fresh, ready to eat fare.
Photo : Dominic Courchesne
For top dining addresses, simply choose between the Shack à Patates’ gourmet chip-stand fare, Brasseur Des Monts‘ pub menu or fine dining at Bistro Nordik and Auberge Baker. Food lovers will also be charmed by the gourmet evenings hosted at the Auberge et Campagne restaurant, where local products take center stage in a warm and authentic atmosphere. Mont-Saint-Anne hikers and riders may want to hit pause at third-wave Café Apollo, sip on Microbrasserie Beaux Prés’ craft brews or relax over one of Vignoble Domaine l’Ange-Gardien’s fine wines.
Photo : Dominic Courchesne
In season, U-pick farms are one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Strawberries, apples, pears, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, squash and pumpkins along with a cornucopia of fresh vegetables can be found at the Ferme Le Comte de Roussy farmstand, in l’Ange-Gardien. As a bonus, enjoy a slice of fresh-baked pie on the patio overlooking the St. Lawrence and Île d’Orléans, while admiring their petting-farm goats. The Hébert family has worked the land for 365 years − across 11 generations! Many seasonal farmstands also dot the way along the foodie tour. Not to forget duck farm Ferme Les Canardises and goose farm Ferme Québec-Oies that both concoct exquisite specialty foods, and offer their flock or gaggle high-quality living space, in an exceptional environment.
Photo : Étienne Dionne
A 110 km flavour trail − now that’s an experience worth pairing with a two- or three-night stay, or on a one-day multi-stop tour! The circuit forms a loop pairing both la Route de la Nouvelle-France between Boischatel and Beaupré, and on the way back the Mountain Route between Beaupré and Saint-Tite-de-Caps on Route 138, along the St. Lawrence.
Grandiose lookouts over peaceful landscapes are also part of Côte-de-Beaupré’s Circuit gourmand, like the vistas at Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area and Grande Ferme – Historic Site, nearby. Then there’s the summit of Mont-Sainte-Anne with its 360° views, the 300 m Quai de Sainte-Anne pier for walking out to the middle of the seaway, Vignoble Domaine l’Ange-Gardien’s unsurpassed scenery and Microbrasserie Beaux Prés’ riverside patio.
So, time for a road trip?
This project was funded by the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation as part of the Initiative ministérielle Proximité.
