Why My Luxury & Culinary Road Trip in Lanaudière-Mauricie Blew Me Away – Best Things To Do in Authentic Quebec

Luxury Escape in Wellness, Relaxation and Culinary at Le Baluchon Éco-villégiature

After a scenic three-hour drive from the Outaouais region, I arrived at Le Baluchon Éco-villégiature in Saint-Paulin. One of the best hotels in Lanaudiere-Mauricie, it’s only two hours from Quebec City and Montreal, making it the perfect getaway retreat secluded in nature.

Opened in 1990 on the site of a former sawmill, this gorgeous eco-resort spans 1,200 acres of preserved natural landscape. It holds a prestigious 4 Green Key certification for its rigorous environmental policies, ranging from marsh-reed sewage filtration systems to robust composting programs. It is simply the best luxury eco-lodging Lanaudiere-Mauricie has to offer. 

I could easily spend a whole week at this unique eco-resort because there is just so much to do and the food is incredible. I haven’t found a resort where I can do everything I did here.

Le Baluchon Amenities: Accommodations and Activities

Le Baluchon operates several distinct lodges designed to blend seamlessly into the boreal environment. The architecture heavily utilizes local artisanal craftwork and regional antiques.

I stayed two nights in an Ambiance Room, which provides a comfortable base for the stay. These rooms are brilliantly outfitted with one standard queen bed and a supplementary queen Murphy bed, maximizing floor space.

The resort acts as a comprehensive outdoor playground year-round, representing some of the Lanaudiere-Mauricie must do activities. I spent plenty of time exploring the main grounds and squeezing in some jacuzzi time before dinner on the first night.

One morning, I did the guided horseback riding tour through the agricultural and forested lands, and this is such a great way to explore the massive property.

The other morning, I tried my hand at archery for the first time. It was surprisingly hard! I was able to shoot the arrow, but I simply couldn’t get it to stick to the target post.

After archery, I took a peaceful walk along the extensive boardwalk system leading directly to the dramatic Trembles Falls to take in the breathtaking natural scenery.

Le Baluchon Wellness: Massage and Nordik Spa

A core component of the luxury weekend getaway in the Lanaudiere-Mauricie region is holistic wellness. After lunch, I decided to have the ultimate relaxation afternoon, which started with a Massage by the Water.

It was my first time getting a massage in this kind of outdoor setting, and let me tell you, it is quite an experience being massaged while being lulled by the sounds of local birds and the gentle breeze sweeping off the river.

Afterward, I took full advantage of the Nordik spa thermal experience, cycling through the dry sauna, two heated pools, the cold plunge, and a bracing cold waterfall. Le Baluchon also has fantastic indoor and outdoor resting areas complete with refreshment stations for water and tea

Le Baluchon Eco-Cafe: Comfort Food and Cocktails

The culinary program at Le Baluchon begins at the Au bout du monde Éco-café. The morning service features a sprawling gourmet breakfast buffet where you’ll find rotating meat, egg, and carb dishes, alongside staples like fried potatoes and crispy bacon.

The spread is loaded with yogurt, in-house bread, local cheese, charcuterie, fruits, and fresh baked goods like muffins and croissants. For coffee lovers like me, you’ll be thrilled to know they roast fair-trade coffee directly on-site.

I also had lunch at the Eco-Café, and it was a wonderfully comforting meal with surprisingly massive portions. Dishes I tried included:

• Truffle Fries: So delicious! Fresh, thick-cut fries served with truffle mayonnaise and local Louis d’Or cheese.
• Brussels Sprouts: Elevated with Elizabeth blue cheese, tamari-roasted almonds, and fermented garlic sour cream.
• Tartare: It was a salmon tartare during my visit, and it was fresh and flavorful.
• Smash Burger: A flavorful beef patty with the proper smash and caramelized crust, topped with homemade sauce and lacto-fermented pickles.
• Guinea Fowl Wings: These wings were much bigger than usual! They are great for sharing, or hearty enough as your own entree, coated in peppers and a creamy chive sauce.

They also have a craft cocktail program. I tried the Boreal Sweetness cocktail (gin, blueberry and lime syrup, haskap liqueur, lemon, and grapefruit juice), which had a refreshing flavor profile.

Le Baluchon Dining Room: Eco-Gastronomic Fine Dining 

For dinner, I experienced the absolute pinnacle of Le Baluchon‘s gastronomic offering: their exclusive chef’s signature eight-course gastronomic tasting tasting menu in the Dining Room.

I met Executive Chef Alex Hanna who graciously gave me a kitchen tour, even trying a fresh cherry tomato right from storage. As visionary behind Le Baluchon’s gastronomy, he won the prestigious Myco culinary competition by championing Nordic and boreal flavors deeply rooted in self-sufficiency.

The dining experience is strictly limited to 10 guests per night, and reservations are required 24 hours in advance. If you’re not doing the tasting menu, they also have a three-course table d’hôte supper experience.

The tasting menu, beautifully hand-drawn by Chef Hanna and titled the “Walk of the 5 Senses,” is a masterful reflection of Indigenous traditions, French and English influences, and immigrant heritage.

The farm-to-table courses are so hyper-local that the vast majority of ingredients are sourced from within a 100-kilometer radius of the estate. I genuinely did not expect this immense level of fine dining, uniqueness, and creativity at an eco-resort.

8-Course Boreal Tasting Menu by Chef Alex Hanna at Le Baluchon

The tasting menu kicked off with Sous les Épinettes, which was one of my favorite courses. It featured a delicately smoked fresh scallop accompanied by sabayon, caviar, and fermented boreal porcini mushrooms. I went behind-the-scenes with Chef Alex Hanna in the kitchen preparing this dish.

Next was the Équilibre du Saint-Laurent, showcasing St. Lawrence redfish marinated in wild rosehip with a fireweed beurre blanc. Chef Alex explained that this redfish is quite unique because it consumes northern shrimp, lending it a delicate sweetness.

The third course, Sous-Bois, was the award-winning dish from the Myco competition. Plated to look exactly like a rustic forest log, this boreal tartare was made from Quebec-raised sika deer and lacto-fermented porcini. You rarely see deer tartare on a menu so this was a massive treat, only my second time having it since visiting Perch in Ottawa!

For a palate cleanser, we were served Sérum Floral, a creatively playful garden of elderflower liqueur gel, edible petals, and popping finger lime in a test tube.

Another standout for me was the fifth course, Roche Carbonée, a playful blind tasting (“Service à l’aveugle”) inspired by carbonaceous rocks. I loved the guessing game aspect of this dish, which was ultra-crispy on the outside but bursting with creamy, vibrant flavor on the inside.

We then moved on to De Chasse et de Cueillette, a plate of charcoal-grilled boar, served with a rich foie gras sauce, peppery lion’s mane mushroom, and tart wild cranberries.

Then we kicked off dessert with Morceau de Forêt, a sweet evocation of the woods combining a dark chocolate tartlet with porcini mushroom praline ganache and the bright acidity of sea buckthorn.

Finally, the meal concluded with the Coffre aux Trésors, an open treasure chest of mignardises that reinvented traditional sugar and maple sweets.

Quebec’s Only Restaurant with a Michelin Star and Green Star at Auberge Saint-Mathieu

Roughly two hours from Montreal and Quebec City, tucked away on the scenic shores of Lake Bellemare is one of the very best restaurants in Lanaudière-Mauricie, Auberge Saint-Mathieu.

This stunning gastronomic destination sits at the gateway to La Mauricie National Park in the rural municipality of Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, which has a population of only 1,500 residents. Auberge Saint-Mathieu initially launched in the 1990s as a humble local inn, and now it’s a bucket list restaurant in a Quebec Michelin Guide road trip itinerary.

At the helm, self-taught Chef Samy Benabed approaches his deeply locavore menu through an intuitive, artistic lens. His culinary philosophy marries the smoky, fire-driven aromas of traditional barbecue with precise, Scandinavian-inspired methods such as lacto-fermentation, dehydration, and curing.

In 2026, this intimate 24-seat tasting menu restaurant made history as the only Michelin Starred restaurant in all of Quebec that also holds a Michelin Green Star for its rigorous sustainable gastronomy. It also ranked #98 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. Chef Samy also won the Michelin Young Chef Award in 2026.

The rustic yet highly inviting dining room features furniture crafted by local artisans and offers breathtaking sunset views over the water. Travelling Foodie Tip: Book the table near the windows for the best sunset viewing experience. For Michelin enthusiasts, you can spot a vintage Michelin Bibendum figure from Japan in the living room.

Driving 30 minutes from Le Baluchon to Auberge Saint-Mathieu, I did the 8-course tasting menu with a thoughtful wine pairing that included sake. One thing that really stood out was how delicious all the sauces were across the courses, a feat I’ve rarely experienced in other Michelin star restaurants around the world.

Auberge Saint-Mathieu Tasting Menu: Amuse Bouches to Green Peas

The meal began with a creative trio of amuse-bouches presented on a single plate.

I absolutely loved the Asian touches incorporated here, especially the mochi with cream cheese and the delicate tomato served on Japanese shokupan (milk bread). The biggest surprise, however, was the tomato cigarette filled with smoked halibut mousse.

We then moved to the Jardinière, a light and flavorful bowl of julienned vegetables lightly vinegared with white spruce pine and tossed with grilled sunflowers. The accompanying baba and chive oil sauce was so addictive that I found myself scooping up every last drop.

One of my absolute favorite dishes of the night was the Pétoncle (Scallop). Sourced fresh from the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, the scallop was dressed in a yuzu and kanzuri (a Japanese fermented chili paste) vinaigrette. Despite the intricate garnishes of ash-infused duck fat crumble and lemon verbena sugar, the natural sweetness of the incredibly fresh scallop shone right through. 

Next was the Petits Pois (Green Peas). I’ll admit I was initially worried because I’m not usually a fan of green peas, but this turned out to be the best pea dish I’ve ever eaten. The partially charred peas swam in a highly concentrated pork jus topped with a rich ajo blanco inspired sauce.

Auberge Saint-Mathieu Tasting Menu: Capon to Peach Dessert

For the poultry course, we were served Chapon (Capon), a slow-confited capon presented as a brilliant deconstructed Caesar salad with charcoal-grilled Little Gem lettuce and bacon grease crumble. We were tipped off to save some of our local sourdough bread to soak up the dark chicken reduction and Caesar sauce, and I am so glad I did because it was delicious.

The fish course, Bar (Sea Bass), easily rivaled the scallop as my top pick. The sea bass was grilled flawlessly over hot charcoal, yielding an ultra-crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and flaky. It was served with a highly unique fermented beetroot miso sauce and a red wine beurre blanc that provided the perfect creamy balance.

To refresh the palate, the seventh course was a Melon transition. It featured compressed honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon layered under a light honeydew and sakura (Japanese cherry) mousse and sorbet. Seasoned brilliantly with Korean gochugaru and heatless habanada pepper, it was incredibly refreshing.

Our finale at Auberge Saint-Mathieu was the Pêche (Peach) dessert, an intricate assembly of sweet corn crème caramel and compressed peaches alongside house-made peach ice cream. A concentrated peach gel, rich caramel, and fragrant cardamom oil tied the whole dish together for a spectacular finish.

Fly N’ Dine with Bel Air Aviation

If you are looking for thrilling Lanaudiere-Mauricie activities, you must book a flight with Bel Air Aviation. Based at the Café des Pilotes in Shawinigan, this iconic company has been operating for over 50 years.

I’ve done a seaplane flight before in Timmins, but I never knew you there was such a thing as a “Fly N’ Dine” until this trip. As a travelling foodie, having the Dine portion makes it one of the most unique culinary experiences I’ve done in Canada.

Shawinigan is historically significant as the birthplace of Canadian commercial bush aviation, dating back to a pioneering 1919 forest-fire reconnaissance flight. The Fly N’ Dine seaplane excursion taps right into this rich heritage.

Hydravion Bel Air: Seaplane Flight with Gourmet Lunch

During the seaplane flight, we flew over the majestic Saint-Maurice River, historical coastal villages, and the beautiful Mauritian region to the edge of La Mauricie National Park, where the vastness of the forest and its lakes opens up for spectacular aerial views.

The aircraft then touched down directly on the water at the Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire for a 3-course gourmet lunch. It’s a stunning hotel with beautiful views, and the restaurant overlooks the water, so we could even spot our docked seaplane while we ate.

• Appetizer: I went with the vegetable soup, which was incredibly flavorful and comforting.
• Trout Fillet: Served with orzo and salad. This was perfectly cooked, moist and flaky, and the orzo was spot on. Highly recommend. Travelling Foodie Tip: If you order this, definitely get the soup for the appetizer so you don’t end up with two salads.
• Cod Fish and Chips: A massive portion! This is great if you’re looking for fried food or a much heavier meal.
• Dessert of the Day with Coffee/Tea: A berry trifle

The Fly N’ Dine experience is unequivocally one of the best things to do in Authentic Quebec. I can only imagine how breathtaking the views would be during the peak of autumn foliage!

Immerse in History and Dine at the Second Oldest French Speaking City in North America in Trois-Rivières

Transitioning to the urban core, Trois-Rivières serves as the perfect historical and cultural anchor for luxury weekend getaways. As Quebec’s second oldest city, its heritage architecture has been beautifully transformed into a vibrant hub for gastronomy, art, and boutique hospitality all while admiring the St. Lawrence River.

Michelin Gastronomic Wine Bar at Épi, Buvette de Quartier

Opened in 2017, Épi, Buvette de Quartier proudly stands as the only Michelin Recommended restaurant in Trois-Rivières. Operating as a highly elevated gastronomic pub or buvette, food is the main attraction here, and wine is the absolute focus for drinks rather than traditional beer. It truly is the kind of spot that makes you feel like a local in-the-know.

Housed in a chic industrial-style loft featuring exposed brickwork, you can even dine right at the pass, which is amazing for solo foodie diners as you can see the chef in action in the tiny kitchen. Chef Simon Lemire leverages his past skills as a pastry chef to execute farm-driven sharing plates that celebrate local produce, with a menu that rotates almost weekly along with wines that pair with it.

I had dinner here and started with freshly shucked oysters. The gnocchi were light and pillowy, served in a highly addictive, rich sauce featuring the famous Louis d’Or cheese, fresh thyme, and chanterelle mushrooms.

I also tried the Lotte (Monkfish), which was pan-fried and served simply with a vibrant tomato sauce, onions, and blistered cherry tomatoes. One of my favourites, the Bourgots (Whelk) was glazed with an umami-rich miso sauce, served with beans, and topped with a spicy chili crunch. I loved how it was grilled with thin slices, heavily reminding me of Japanese izakaya skewers.

Another favourite, the Ris de Veau (Sweetbreads) was pan-fried to a crisp exterior giving way to a rich, creamy center that’s perfectly balanced by smoky bacon, cabbage, and an acidic caper sauce.

Curious about their wines, I tried a complex German orange wine called Jan-Philipp Bleeke Captain Lucy. I also enjoyed a rich French red wine called La Ferme du Mont Jugunda Gigondas that was woodsy yet smooth.

Brunch and Coffee with a View at Orelys Café

I always start my day with coffee. If you’re looking for best coffee shops in Trois-Rivières, you absolutely have to stop at Orelys Café. Known for its cozy atmosphere and scenic views, it provides the perfect fuel for exploring the historic city.

Opened in April 2026, Orelys Café is a modern addition to the downtown cafe scene right on Rue des Forges. I had the last meal of my Lanaudiere-Mauricie trip here before driving back to Toronto, and the breakfast menu is a simple one-pager with quick casual food that’s well crafted.

• Les Tacos: Soft corn tortillas loaded with scrambled eggs, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, crispy bacon, red cabbage, and a spicy mayo.
• Chia Bowl: A lighter and healthy option combining coconut and maple chia pudding with bananas, jam, granola, and pumpkin seeds.

Where To Stay in Trois Rivieres: Luxury and Convenience at Delta Hotels by Marriott

When deciding where to stay in Trois-Rivières, Delta Hotels Trois Rivieres Conference Centre is one of the best hotels situated right in the heart of downtown, just a 30-minute drive from the Bel Air Aviation meeting point at Café des Pilotes.

This 4-star hotel is located just a short walking distance from the St. Lawrence River waterfront and Des Forges Street, the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly street is densely lined with boutiques, bars, and top-tier restaurants like Orely Cafe.

Pro Tip: Leave your car at the hotel and just walk everywhere to avoid downtown parking hassles. There are even electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the garage.

I stayed in a 2 Queen Guest room that was spacious and modern. I particularly loved the thoughtful touch of having a hydration water station on every floor, and I made sure to take advantage of the indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi to unwind after a long day.

Quebec Road Trip: Getting to Lanaudière-Mauricie

Planning a Quebec road trip from Toronto, Ottawa, or the USA is incredibly straightforward. The region acts as the vital connective tissue between Montreal and Quebec City.

• From Montreal or Quebec City: The drive takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours via Highway 40.
• From the Outaouais: Depending on where you are from the region, it can take as quickly as 2 hours from Montebello or 3 hours from Gatineau.
• From the Laurentians: As the bordering neighbour west of Authentic Quebec, the drive can take from 1-1.5 hour depending on where you are.
• From Ottawa: You can expect a highly scenic 3-hour journey crossing the provincial border.
• From Toronto: The drive takes around 6 to 7 hours, making it an ideal distance for a substantial long weekend escape.

For a historic and scenic journey, I highly recommend driving sections of the Chemin du Roy (Route 138). Completed in 1737, it’s the oldest road designed for wheeled vehicles in North America and passes right through 26 preserved time-capsule villages.

Planning Your Luxury & Culinary Road Trip in Authentic Quebec

I spent 3 days in Lanaudière-Mauricie, and I can’t wait to go back and explore again. Authentic Quebec redefines that true luxury isn’t about standard opulence but in hyper-local sourcing, profound historical resonance, and uncompromising connection to the land. 

From Michelin Guide restaurants to a relaxing farm-to-table eco-resort, a Lanaudiere-Mauricie road trip will undoubtedly stand out as one of the most unexpected getaways in Quebec especially for travelling foodies.