Canada's Oldest Highway: A Journey Through 300 Years of Quebec Heritage

Stretching 280 kilometers along the north shore of the mighty St. Lawrence River, the Chemin du Roy (King's Road) is Canada's oldest highway and one of its most historically significant drives. Built between 1731 and 1737 under the orders of the French King, this heritage route connected the colonies of Montreal and Quebec City when Canada was still New France. Today, following Route 138 through 26 charming village centers, the Chemin du Roy offers a genuine journey back in time—past ancestral stone homes, centuries-old churches, working mills, and landscapes that have changed little since horse-drawn carriages first traveled this royal road.

Key Stops

Repentigny - Centre d'art Diane-Dufresne - Your journey begins at this stunning contemporary art venue, a modern architectural gem hosting exhibitions by emerging and established artists. Creative workshops and art activities make this an engaging first stop, especially for families.

Lavaltrie - One of the first seigneuries along the route, featuring heritage homes and river views that set the tone for the journey ahead.

Maison Rosalie-Cadron (Lavaltrie area) - Step into this circa-1790 historic home and experience life as it was in 1822. Traditional workshops demonstrate period crafts, and regional products are available for purchase.

Berthierville - Home to the SCIRBI nature preserve on the Berthier Islands, offering walking trails through wetlands—a paradise for birdwatchers. The Gilles-Villeneuve Museum honors the legendary Formula 1 driver who grew up here.

Maskinongé - Magasin général Le Brun - A living museum featuring three authentic general stores, the oldest dating to 1803. The 45-minute guided tour showcases over 7,000 period objects from the 19th and 20th centuries. Café Chez Eugène offers refreshments in a historic setting.

Louiseville - Stop at a traditional cabane à sucre (sugar shack) like Chez Dany for folk music, pea soup, meat pies, and the quintessential Quebec experience of taffy-on-snow.

Domaine du Lac Saint-Pierre - This UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve offers bayou safaris, fishing excursions, and sunset pontoon cruises on the vast lake formed by the St. Lawrence. In winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling take over.

Yamachiche - Don't miss the unique Enfilade-de-maisons-en-brique-rouge—a distinctive row of red-brick houses that stands out along the route.

Trois-Rivières - Quebec's second-oldest city (founded 1634) deserves at least half a day. Key attractions include:

• Musée POP - Interactive museum with six themed exhibits plus tours of the historic 1822 Old Prison
• Ursuline Monastery - Dating to 1697, one of North America's oldest religious institutions
• Boréalis - Paper industry museum in a century-old filtration plant, with artisanal paper-making workshops
• Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap - One of Canada's most important pilgrimage sites

Moulin seigneurial de Pointe-du-Lac - This beautifully preserved 1765 flour mill offers exhibitions on traditional milling and woodworking, plus 6 km of marked forest trails.

Deschambault-Grondines - Founded in 1640, this village is a heritage treasure. Visit:

• Grondines Windmill - Built in 1674, the oldest of Quebec's 18 surviving windmills
• Moulin de La Chevrotière - A historic mill designated a national monument
• Old Presbytery - Summer exhibitions on local history

Cap-Santé - The Vieux Chemin (Old Road) section here has been called "one of the most beautiful streets in Canada" by The Globe and Mail. This stretch of the original Chemin du Roy is a virtual open-air museum of heritage homes. The Holy Family Church dates to the French Regime era.

Donnacona - Another original way station survives at Pointe aux Écureuils (980 Notre-Dame Street). The Passe Migratoire offers wildlife viewing opportunities.

Neuville - One of Quebec's most beautiful villages, featuring heritage homes and gardens overlooking the river. Stop at the local microbrewery and village pub for craft beers with creative influences.

Cap-Rouge - Visit Maison Léon-Provancher and explore Parc des Voiliers before the final approach to Quebec City.

Quebec City - Your journey ends in the heart of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The walled city's cobblestone streets, Château Frontenac, and 400 years of history provide a fitting finale to your voyage through time.

Historic Significance

The Chemin du Roy was completed in 1737 under Grand Voyer (road surveyor) Eustache Lanouiller de Boisclerc. At 7.4 meters wide and crossing 37 seigneuries, it was an engineering marvel of its era. For over 150 years, the road served as the main artery connecting the colonies:

• 29 relay stations provided fresh horses, meals, and overnight lodging
• Standard journey: 2 days by horse—lunch at Berthier, overnight in Trois-Rivières, meal stop at Deschambault
• Historic moment: In 1967, French President Charles de Gaulle traveled the entire route during his famous visit, culminating in his "Vive le Québec libre!" declaration from Montreal's City Hall balcony

Driving Tips

• Follow the Blue Signs - Official Chemin du Roy heritage route signs guide you through the villages and past key attractions.
• Trois-Rivières Stopover - Plan at least half a day in Quebec's second-oldest city. It was the traditional overnight stop for a reason—there's much to see.
• Cycling Alternative - The entire route is integrated into Quebec's Route Verte cycling network, with wide shoulders on busy sections and quiet country roads elsewhere.
• Autumn Colors - Late September through mid-October brings spectacular fall foliage. The maples along the route are among Quebec's finest.
• Sugar Shack Season - Visit in March–April to experience traditional cabanes à sucre at their peak, with fresh maple syrup and taffy.
• Heritage Accommodations - Several historic inns and B&Bs along the route offer overnight stays in period buildings—book ahead in summer.
• For more information visit: lecheminduroy.com