Boucherville Travel Guide

Explore the must-visit attractions, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and other essential tips for traveling to Boucherville.


Introduction to Boucherville

Boucherville is a charming suburb located in Montérégie, in Southwestern Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1667, it is one of the oldest communities in Quebec and has a rich history and culture. Boucherville is known for its beautiful green spaces, diverse wildlife, and various attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Boucherville

Boucherville has plenty of attractions, including museums, historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, and memorable activities for visitors to experience. Here’s a list of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Château Dufresne: Built-in the early 20th century, this impressive mansion now serves as a museum, showcasing the lives of wealthy Montrealers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Moulin Banal: A restored 18th-century flour mill that offers guided tours and demonstrations on how flour was made in the olden days.
  • Ile-de-la-Commune: A small island located in the Saint Lawrence River, accessible by ferry, with picturesque landscapes, scenic picnic areas, and plenty of wildlife.

Natural Attractions of Boucherville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Îles-de-Boucherville National Park: With over 5 islands, this beautiful park is perfect for hiking or cycling on the trails, bird-watching, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking.
  • Parc de la Rivière-aux-Pins: A lovely park with fantastic trails for hiking or cycling, observation towers, and picnic areas.
  • Domaine des Artisans: A picturesque farm that allows visitors to pick their apples and strawberries.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Boucherville

Boucherville has plenty of stunning hiking and biking trails that offer beautiful scenic views. Visitors can choose from the following routes:

  • Sentier des Îles: A route that takes visitors through the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park, where they can explore the various trails, forests, and marshlands.
  • Sentier Rivière-aux-Pins: A scenic trail that winds through Parc de la Rivière-aux-Pins park and offers beautiful views of the river and wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Boucherville: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to experience while in Boucherville:

  • Boucherville Adventure: A mini-golf course, indoor playground, and arcade that is perfect for families.
  • Boucherville VeloBike: Rentals available for individuals or large groups, with tours around town or the National Park.
  • Flamenco en Rouge: A local dance school that offers flamenco classes and dance events throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Boucherville

Here’s a seven-day itinerary to make the most of your trip to Boucherville.

Day Activity
1 Visit Château Dufresne, have lunch at Café DaCapo, and explore the Old Port of Montreal.
2 Go bike riding on the Sentier des Îles, explore the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park, and have a picnic.
3 Hike the Sentier Rivière-aux-Pins, discover the Parc de la Rivière-aux-Pins, and have an afternoon picnic.
4 Head to the Domaine des Artisans to pick your own strawberries. Enjoy a lunch out and do some shopping in Montreal afterward.
5 Go kayaking or canoeing in the Saint Lawrence River. Head to Olympic Stadium for evening sports or to the Botanical Gardens.
6 Visit the Moulin Banal and grab lunch at the Poubelle du Ski.
7 Spend the day exploring the island of Ile-de-la-Commune and finish the trip with a round of mini-golf back at Boucherville Adventure.

Food and Drink Scene of Boucherville

Boucherville offers a diverse food and drink scene, with many delightful restaurants, cafes, and bistros. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A Canadian classic that consists of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
  • Tarte au Sucre: A traditional Quebec pastry made with maple syrup and brown sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Cidrerie Milton: A local cider distillery that produces various ciders made from Quebec-grown apples.
  • Le Bière Au Menu: A popular brewery that offers various beer tastings and tours.

Where to Stay in Boucherville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Boucherville has several great options for accommodation, from hotels to guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Le Manoir du Lac William: A luxurious hotel located near the Parc de la Rivière-aux-Pins and Domaine des Artisans.
  • Gîte du Hu-Art: A charming and cozy bed and breakfast located near the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park.
  • Hostel Brockville: A well-equipped hostel located in the heart of Boucherville that offers affordable private rooms as well as shared dorms.

What to Buy in Boucherville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Boucherville offers plenty of souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring home, including:

  • Maple Syrup: A delicious sweetener made using the sap of maple trees, which is native to Canada.
  • Quebec Cheese: A variety of locally made cheeses that visitors can enjoy or take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Boucherville

The people of Boucherville have a deep connection to their history, with a love for their culture and traditions. Visitors should be prepared for the following customs:

  • Quebeckers are highly respectful of their French heritage and language.
  • Visitors should always greet locals with a polite “Bonjour” when entering a shop or restaurant.

Best Time to Visit Boucherville

The best time to visit Boucherville is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and many outdoor activities are available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Boucherville

Do:

  • Learn some French words and phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Take a bike ride through the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park.
  • Try the local cuisine, including Poutine and Tarte au Sucre.

Don’t:

  • Speak too loudly in public.
  • Fail to tip your waiter or waitress when dining out.

Safety and Health

Safety in Boucherville

Boucherville is generally considered a safe place to visit. However, visitors should take standard safety precautions while exploring the town, such as not leaving valuables in plain sight and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Boucherville

Boucherville has several medical centers and clinics where visitors can receive medical care if needed. Visitors should also make sure they have medical insurance coverage before traveling to Boucherville.

Getting to Boucherville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Boucherville is conveniently located in the Greater Montreal area, making transportation easy. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Boucherville

  • Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport: The largest airport in Montreal and the closest to Boucherville.

Bus Stations Near Boucherville

  • Gare d’autocars de Montreal: One of the largest bus stations in Montreal, with buses that connect to the Greater Montreal area and beyond.
  • Gare Ste-Julie: A smaller bus station that offers regional services and local transport.

Other Options

  • Car: Visitors can also rent a car to explore the area at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Boucherville

Boucherville has an efficient public transport network, including buses and trains. Visitors can also hire taxis, opt for car rentals, or cycle through the town to get around.

Where to Go Next from Boucherville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Boucherville, visitors can consider the following nearby destinations:

  • The charming town of Longueuil, just 10 minutes away, where they can explore museums, parks, and cultural attractions.
  • Historic Montreal, just 15 minutes away, where they can visit Notre-Dame Basilica, explore the Old Port, and dine at some of the city’s finest restaurants.

Conclusion

Boucherville has something for everyone, whether it’s outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or local food and drink. Visitors should plan to spend at least a few days exploring the town and its surroundings to make the most of their trip to this lovely Canadian suburb.

Sainte-Famille's church and the former convent of Boucherville Sainte-Famille's church and the former convent of Boucherville View (looking east) of the banks of Boucherville, near boulevard Marie-Victorin View (looking east) of the banks of Boucherville, near boulevard Marie-Victorin Monument erected along boulevard Marie-Victorin in honor of Jeanne Crevier and Pierre Boucher Monument erected along boulevard Marie-Victorin in honor of Jeanne Crevier and Pierre Boucher Shelter on the edge of boulevard Marie-Victorin opposite the quay of the river shuttle Shelter on the edge of boulevard Marie-Victorin opposite the quay of the river shuttle Louis-Hippolyte-Lafontaine's house on the edge of boul. Marie-Victorin in Old Boucherville Louis-Hippolyte-Lafontaine's house on the edge of boul. Marie-Victorin in Old Boucherville View of de la Perrière Nord street (corner of boulevard Marie-Victorin) View of de la Perrière Nord street (corner of boulevard Marie-Victorin) Centre culturel Mgr Poissant Centre culturel Mgr Poissant Boucherville Rowing Club Boucherville Rowing Club Marina de Boucherville Marina de Boucherville Quai municipal de Boucherville Quai municipal de Boucherville View to the west of Route 132 and the bike path, from the boul. Marie-Victorin View to the west of Route 132 and the bike path, from the boul. Marie-Victorin link= link= link= link= link= link= link= link= link= link=


    Boucherville Islands National Park