Between Montreal and Quebec City, a Surprising French-inspired Chateau Beckons with Value and Quality

One look at the façade of the Quality Suites in Drummondville and you would be surprised to learn it’s an affordable hotel. Inside will impress, too.

Built in 2005 and renovated in 2021, the hotel was carefully constructed by its local owners to resemble a classic French chateau. It wouldn’t look out of place in Quebec City, or in the countryside near Paris, for that matter. The picturesque hotel is off the Trans-Canada Highway, though; a seemingly odd location for such an attractive building but one that’s ideal for road-trippers venturing between Montreal and the provincial capital. Adjacent to a gas station and a Tim Hortons, the exit is a popular stopping area for fuel and sustenance. It should be considered for more.

The award-winning hotel, under the Quality brand with Choice Hotels Canada, makes Drummondville intriguing, particularly for solo travellers, and provides a reason why you should consider extending your stay well past a pit stop. Its 71 rooms are all suites with kitchenettes that include microwave ovens, fridges, sinks, and Keurig coffee makers. That’s a lot of convenience, on top of the complimentary breakfast, parking, and WiFi access included with a room night. Most suites offer two queen beds and some are massive units of more than 500 square feet with an additional Murphy bed. For guests who are members of Choice Privileges, the award-winning loyalty program, there are exclusive member rates and promotions, as well as weekday extras for stays Sunday through Thursday that include bonus coffee cards, online shopping credits, and more. Currently until September 4, if you stay twice at participating hotels, you can earn enough points to redeem a $50 gift card. The Quality Suites in Drummondville also provides dining coupons for restaurants in the city.

After you’ve settled into your room, you’ll be curious to explore the mid-sized city (population: 79,258) that has some notable attractions. The hallmark of Drummondville is the public green spaces along or near the Saint-François River. Ideal for strolling and photographing, the park network includes playgrounds and even a beach. The Drummond Forest Regional Park, a short drive beyond the downtown and also on the river, is a lush area with hiking and cycling trails that whisk you into an environment of towering pine and maple trees. All within the city limits.

The river also connects to Drummondville’s history. The city was established as a military outpost to protect the Saint-François from invading American forces during the War of 1812. That history is part of the Village Québécois d’Antan (Village of Yesteryear), an interpretive attraction that gives visitors an in-depth exploration of early settler life in the province. Patrons can get to know more about Quebec’s folklore and deep-rooted culture. Recently, the landmark has engaged with Montreal-based Moment Factory, a global leader in multimedia programs, to modernize the village. Relying on light projections and captivating imagery, the artists and producers have created a pair of virtual experiences, one in the day that accentuates the historical aspects of Village Québécois d’Antan and a quirky fantastical show called “Village Parallele” that takes place at night.

While the village is dedicated to history, Drummondville’s new public library, opened in 2020, is decidedly modern, even futuristic. Designed by Montreal’s Chevalier Morales Architectes, the Drummondville Public Library is an eye-catching architectural gem. Inside are gold-painted statues of whimsical characters hanging between a pair of spiral staircases that form a double helix climbing to the second floor. From there you can explore more shelves or look across and down at the artwork, or the cafe that serves coffee and pastries that you can enjoy while reading or taking out your laptop to complete your digital-nomad tasks. The library has become a central gathering spot in the city for outdoor markets and hockey.

Speaking of Canada’s passion, be sure to catch a game should you be in Drummondville in the colder months. The Drummondville Voltigeurs — named after a regiment of soldiers who defeated the Americans in a battle 200 years ago — have a rich history in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Among their alumni are NHL greats Daniel Brière and Steve Duchesne. Drummondville is also the hometown of legend Marcel Dionne, who played his junior hockey in the city when the local team was called the Rangers.

Besides hockey, other major spectator events take place regularly in Drummondville. Among them are the annual Poutine Fest (August 22-24, 2024) and Trad-Cajun fall music festival (October 11-13). The spring Hello World Festival is a celebration of international music from primarily French language artists.

All that activity will make you hungry, giving you the chance to take advantage of your dining coupons from the Quality Suites. Enjoy a meal at L’Établi, a Cactus Club-style bar that has excellent poutine and pizzas. The restaurant has a large patio and a comfortable spacious interior that accommodates fans looking for a good place to watch a game on TV or visitors who want to get to know the city’s residents.

If you’re a foodie with sophisticated tastes, check out Bistro de la Gare, the fine-dining restaurant that has been a Drummondville mainstay for more than 50 years.

Although Drummondville is not part of the Eastern Townships, it is adjacent to that area, with the closest municipality being Richmond about 30 minutes south by car. Known for its culinary artisans, fantastic golf courses, and spas, the Eastern Townships are worth exploring and Drummondville is a good choice for a base while doing so.

And that may be the best aspect of the Quality Suites in Drummondville. It gives you a home while you immerse yourself in the culture of small-town French Canada, staying in a Parisian-style chateau as you get to tour a part of Quebec not enough people choose to explore.

MORE ABOUT QUALITY SUITES IN DRUMMONDVILLE

Location: 2125 Rue Canadien, Drummondville, Quebec (see map below)
Choice Privileges: Join the Choice Hotels loyalty program to search for savings and book your dates directly through the mobile app to get the best rate.
Amenities: Along with its dining area for breakfast, the hotel has a small pool and a large free parking lot. The breakfast includes quality waffles and pastries, scrambled eggs, a good selection of fruits, and friendly service. Plus, coffee, tea, and juices are available at any time during your stay.

Disclaimer: Vacay.ca and Choice Hotels Canada have partnered to raise awareness about quality accommodations at valuable prices for travellers venturing through the country.

MORE ABOUT CHOICE HOTELS CANADA

Hotels: With over 330 hotels from coast to coast and brands from Comfort to Quality and the Ascend Hotel Collection, and upscale, midscale, economy and extended stay options, Choice Hotels Canada has a stay for every you.

Global Reach: Choice Hotels has nearly 7,500 hotels worldwide, in 45 countries and territories.

Best Rate: Choice Hotel’s lowest price/best price guarantee ensures you will always find the best price on ChoiceHotels.com. If you find a better price from a qualified source, Choice will match it and provide you with a $50 CAD reward card. Full details are available at ChoiceHotels.com/bestrate.