Brossard Travel Guide
Explore the rich cultural and natural attractions of Brossard, Quebec with our comprehensive guide. Learn about the best things to do, where to stay and eat, local culture, safety, and transportation options to make the most of your trip.
- Introduction to Brossard
- List of Places to Visit in Brossard
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Brossard
- Best Things to Do in Brossard: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Brossard
- Day 1: Old Montreal
- Day 2: Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans
- Day 3: Mont St Bruno National Park
- Day 4: Quebec City
- Day 5: Biking on Route Verte 1
- Day 6: Museums in Quebec City
- Day 7: Relaxing in Brossard
- Food and Drink Scene of Brossard
- Where to Stay in Brossard: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hôtel Brossard
- Auberge de la Fontaine
- What to Buy in Brossard: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Maple syrup
- Quebec cheese
- Local Culture and Customs of Brossard
- Language
- Tipping
- Best Time to Visit Brossard
- Do’s and Don’ts of Brossard
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Brossard: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Brossard
- Where to Go Next from Brossard: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Ottawa
- The Eastern Townships
- Conclusion
Introduction to Brossard
Nestled in the Montérégie region of Southwestern Quebec, Brossard is a charming and vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of cultural and natural attractions. The city is known for its vast parks, bike trails, cultural museums and heritage sites. It has something for everyone and is popular among tourists throughout the year. Here’s our comprehensive tour guide of Brossard, Quebec, to help you plan your trip.
List of Places to Visit in Brossard
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Brossard has a rich cultural heritage and offers several museums and historical landmarks for visitors to explore. Here are a few notable attractions you should not miss:
Musée de la Civilisation
The Musée de la Civilisation, located in the Old City of Quebec, is a popular tourist spot. The museum features several interactive exhibits, artifacts, and works of art that tell the story of Quebec’s history and culture.
Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
The Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction for history buffs. The site features the only remaining fortified city walls in the Americas and offers guided tours and workshops on the history of the fortifications and Quebec.
La Citadelle de Quebec
La Citadelle de Quebec is another significant historical site located in Quebec City. The citadel is an active military base that is home to the Royal 22nd Regiment, Canada’s only French-speaking infantry unit. Visitors can take a guided tour of the citadel, including changing of the guard ceremonies.
Natural Attractions of Brossard: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
For outdoor enthusiasts, Brossard offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature and scenic views. Here are some must-visit natural attractions:
Montmorency Falls
Montmorency Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Quebec City and is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The waterfall is 83 meters high and features a suspension bridge that offers spectacular views of the falls and surrounding areas.
Île d’Orléans
Île d’Orléans, also known as Orléans Island, is a small island that is located in the St. Lawrence River, near Quebec City. The island is home to small villages, beautiful landscapes, and historic sites. Visitors can explore the island by bike, take scenic drives, or visit the local farms and wineries.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Brossard
Brossard boasts plenty of trails and bike paths that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some popular hiking and biking routes in Brossard:
Route Verte 1
Route Verte 1 is a 4300 km bike route that traverses Quebec. The route passes through Brossard and offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. The trail is well-maintained and has several rest stops, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels.
Mont St Bruno National Park
Mont St. Bruno National Park is a beautiful park located just a few minutes from Brossard. The park has several hiking trails and bike paths, including the 16 km-long L’Envol trail, which offers beautiful views of the park and surrounding areas.
Best Things to Do in Brossard: Activities and Tours
Brossard offers a variety of activities and tours for visitors of all ages. Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss:
Old Montreal Walking Tour
The Old Montreal Walking Tour is a popular walking tour that takes visitors through the city’s picturesque streets and historic sites. Visitors can explore the Old Port, Place d’Armes, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Montreal Science Center.
Explore Montreal by Bike
Explore Montreal by Bike is a great way to explore the city. The tour offers visitors the chance to visit some of Montreal’s most popular attractions, including the Old Port, the Lachine Canal, and the Plateau Mont-Royal.
Week-Long Itinerary for Brossard
If you have a week to explore Brossard and its surrounding areas, here’s a suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Old Montreal
Start your trip with a walking tour of Old Montreal, including the Old Port, Place d’Armes, and Notre-Dame Basilica. End your day with a cruise on the St. Lawrence River, enjoying the panoramic views of the city skyline.
Day 2: Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans
Visit Montmorency Falls in the morning, then head to Île d’Orléans for an afternoon of wine tasting, farm visits, and stunning scenery.
Day 3: Mont St Bruno National Park
Spend the day hiking or cycling through Mont St Bruno National Park, enjoying the natural beauty and fresh air.
Day 4: Quebec City
Take a day trip to Quebec City and explore the city’s historic sites, including the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site and La Citadelle de Quebec.
Day 5: Biking on Route Verte 1
Spend the day cycling along Route Verte 1, taking in the stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
Day 6: Museums in Quebec City
Visit the Musée de la Civilisation in the morning, and tour the Quebec City Museum of Art and Civilization in the afternoon.
Day 7: Relaxing in Brossard
Spend your final day relaxing in Brossard. Visit a local spa, have a picnic in a park, or explore the city’s shops and restaurants.
Food and Drink Scene of Brossard
One of the best things about visiting Brossard is the city’s excellent food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
Poutine
Poutine is a Canadian classic, and you can find it in just about any restaurant or food truck in Brossard. The dish consists of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds.
Smoked Meat Sandwich
Head to Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal for one of Quebec’s most famous dishes, the smoked meat sandwich.
Local Beverages
Unibroue Beer
Unibroue, located in the city of Chambly, Quebec, is one of Canada’s best-known breweries. Try one of their Belgian-style beers, such as La Fin Du Monde, Maudite, or Trois Pistoles.
Ice Cider
If you’re looking for something sweet, try a glass of Quebec ice cider. Ice cider is a dessert wine made from apples that are frozen on the tree and harvested in the winter.
Where to Stay in Brossard: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Brossard offers plenty of accommodation options for visitors, from budget to luxury stays. Here are a few popular hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:
Hôtel Brossard
Hôtel Brossard is a popular hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
Auberge de la Fontaine
Auberge de la Fontaine is a charming guesthouse located in Montreal’s Plateau district. The guesthouse features cozy rooms, a garden, and a continental breakfast.
What to Buy in Brossard: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or gifts to bring home, here are some of our top picks:
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a quintessential Canadian product, and you can find it in just about any store in Brossard.
Quebec cheese
Quebec has a rich tradition of cheese making, and you can find a variety of local cheeses in Brossard’s stores and markets.
Local Culture and Customs of Brossard
Brossard has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should take the time to learn about the city’s customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Language
French is the official language of Quebec, and you’ll hear it spoken in Brossard. Most locals also speak English.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Brossard, and you should tip 15-20% at restaurants and cafes.
Best Time to Visit Brossard
Brossard is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is in the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Brossard
Do:
- Try the local cuisine, including poutine and smoked meat sandwiches.
- Learn a few French phrases.
- Be polite and respectful to locals.
Don’t:
- Speak loudly in public.
- Stare or take photos without permission.
- Leave trash or litter in public areas.
Safety and Health
Safety in Brossard
Brossard is a safe city, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpocketing or theft.
Health in Brossard
Brossard has excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can access medical care if needed. It’s recommended that visitors have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Getting to Brossard: Transportation Options and Logistics
Brossard is easily accessible and has several transportation options for visitors. Here are the best ways to get to Brossard:
Airports Near Brossard
The closest airport to Brossard is Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, which is located about 18 km from the city.
Bus Stations Near Brossard
The Brossard Bus Terminal is located in the heart of the city and offers regular bus services to Montreal and other nearby cities.
Other Options
Visitors can also take the train or rent a car to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
How to Get Around in Brossard
Brossard has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and taxis. Visitors can also rent bikes or cars to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
Where to Go Next from Brossard: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have the time, here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth considering:
Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is located about 200 km from Brossard. The city offers several attractions, including the Parliament Buildings, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Rideau Canal.
The Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships is a picturesque region located just a few hours from Brossard and offers beautiful scenery, vineyards, and historic towns.
Conclusion
Brossard has so much to offer visitors, from its rich cultural heritage to stunning natural attractions. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll know everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Brossard, Quebec.