In Drummondville, the Quality Suites hotel resembles a marvellous French chateau. (Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels Canada)
Vacay.ca has teamed with Choice Hotels Canada to create a series of articles highlighting the best bargain hotel travel experiences in the country this fall and winter. In this installment of the series, Vacay.ca Deputy Editor Rod Charles takes a look at Drummondville, Quebec.
Story by Rod Charles
Vacay.ca Deputy Editor
DRUMMONDVILLE, QUEBEC — Located east of Montreal on the Saint-François River in the Centre-du-Québec region of the province of Quebec, Drummondville has everything you need for a great vacation. From nightlife to golf to exceptional restaurants and family activities like cycling and hiking, Drummondville is a wonderful stop for anyone hoping to see the best Quebec has to offer.
One thing that is hard to miss is the historical contribution this city offers. From the Village Quebecois d’Antan and the Popular Photography Museum, Drummondville has several locations where you can learn about history and have a great time.
Drummondville is also an outstanding place to enjoy outdoor adventure. If you enjoy biking, hiking and sugar shacks you’ll get a lot out of this city. Sports nuts can also get their game face on by checking out The Drummondville, Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Ferme du Bassin (1040 Rang Saint Jean Baptiste, Saint-Joachim-de-Courval – 1-450-568-6991) is a short drive away but it’s worth a trip to Saint-Joachim-de-Courval if you love animals. The pedagogical and educational farm is aimed at young children and school groups where you can see 27 different species, divided into 110 varieties totalling nearly 1,000 animals, including a cow name Chewbacca. Visitors can participate in milking goats, attend a sheep shearing and walk through mazes. Go in July and August and it’s soccer season with the farm’s team of chickens.
A splendid starting point to explore Drummondville is the Quality Suites, located on rue Canadien
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Quality Suites Drummondville
Website: http://www.choicehotels.ca/en/quality-suites-drummondville-hotel-cn541
Address: 2125 rue Canadien
Phone: 1-819-472-2700
Amenities: Free continental breakfast, free weekday newspaper, free coffee.
Click here to sign up for Choice Privileges Loyalty program for free nights!
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All guest rooms have been revamped, including carpet, vinyl, drapes and bedding. Only a short distance from restaurants and shopping, all ground floor rooms have fridges & patio door direct access.
Five Terrific reasons to visit Quality Suites Drummondville
Village Quebecois d’Antan
Address: 1425 Rue Montplaisir
Phone: 1-819-478-1441
What was life like in Quebec between 1810 and 1930? Village Quebecois d’Antan is a fun and educational way to find out. The streets are animated theatrical scenes, period games, traditional music and more, and you can meet villagers in their homes. One great reason to visit right now? With Halloween right around the corner, the attraction is all decked out to make your visit as scary as possible. Open throughout the summer, it also opens in December for Christmas.
Musée Populaire de la Photographie
Address: 217 Rue Brock
Phone: 1-819-474-5782
Located downtown and one of the first museums of its kind in Quebec, Musée Populaire de la Photographie (Popular Photography Museum) has a large collection of devices, from old to modern, as well as several old photographs and ongoing exhibits.
Festival de la Poutine
Address: 1w9, 300 Rue Cockburn
Phone: 1-819-474-2696
Better secure your room early at Quality Suites Drummondville in August. Festival de la Poutine is an awesome draw for some talented musicians including Kaïn, Vincent Vallières and Duas. Food trucks featuring different kinds of poutine are served during the day, and awesome music is played at night. For anyone unfamiliar with this mouth-watering delicacy, poutine is a dish made of french fries and topped with cheese curds and gravy. It’s a Canadian dish, originating in the province of Quebec. If you are a poutine-virgin, then a trip to Drummondville is an excellent way to lose your … amateur status.
Maison des arts Desjardins Drummondville
Address: 175 Rue Ringuet
Phone: 1-800-265-5412
If you love the arts, you’ll love Maison des arts Desjardins Drummondville which features several different shows. This is open all year, but one of the best times to go is for summer theatre.
Mondial des Cultures
Address: 53 rue du Pont
Phone: 1-819 472-1184
If you find yourself in Drummondville for any reason, this is it. For over three decades Mondial des Cultures has been thrilling visitors. More than fifteen countries representing over 200,000 visitors, 450 artistic and interactive activities, and 400 international artists share their culture through dance, music and singing. Just under 4 kilometres from Quality Suites this is a great place to make your base before the party starts.
