Saint-Basile-le-Grand Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally significant attractions, food and drink scene, places to stay, transportation options, and more in Saint-Basile-le-Grand with our ultimate travel guide.


Introduction to Saint-Basile-le-Grand

Saint-Basile-le-Grand is a small municipality located in Montérégie, Southwestern Quebec, Canada. It is situated along the Richelieu River and is home to various outdoor recreational areas and cultural attractions. This delightful town offers beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere to its visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Saint-Basile-le-Grand

Saint-Basile-le-Grand offers a variety of attractions for its visitors. Below we’ve listed down some of the top places to visit in Saint-Basile-le-Grand.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Maison amérindienne: A museum showcasing the history, culture, and traditions of the Aboriginal peoples of America.
  • La Ferme Guyon: A farm-inspired attraction spot consisting of gardens, animals, and a playground for kids, all showcasing Quebec’s agricultural traditions.
  • Fort Chambly: An iconic fort, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, which served to defend the town from the Iroquois and the British.

Natural Attractions of Saint-Basile-le-Grand: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mont Saint-Bruno National Park: A national park featuring three lakes and five large hills, which offers ample opportunities for hiking and cycling.
  • The Richelieu River: An iconic river in Quebec, offering scenic views of the Saint-Basile-le-Grand town.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint-Basile-le-Grand

If you’re a hiking and biking enthusiast, Saint-Basile-le-Grand can offer you an excellent outdoor experience. Some of the top recommended hiking and biking routes are:

  • Les sentiers du mont Saint-Bruno: A 11.4 km hiking route crossing five hills of Mont Saint-Bruno National Park.
  • The Grand Sentier: A 58 km recreational hiking and biking trail that runs along the Richelieu River.

Best Things to Do in Saint-Basile-le-Grand: Activities and Tours

Saint-Basile-le-Grand offers numerous fun activities to its visitors. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Soap-making workshop at Les Savons des Cantons: Learn how to make your own scented soap bar at this unique workshop where you can create your own scented soap bar.
  • Parachute Montreal: Experience the thrill of freefalling at the world’s largest skydiving school, located in Saint-Bruno-Lac-Saint-Jean.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint-Basile-le-Grand

If you have a week off and plan to visit Saint-Basile-le-Grand, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you plan your trip better. | Day | Activities | | — | — | | Day 1 | Visit Fort Chambly and walk along the Richelieu River | | Day 2 | Head to La Ferme Guyon and learn about Quebec’s agricultural traditions | | Day 3 | Hike Les Sentiers de Mont-Bruno National Park | | Day 4 | Learn to make soap bar at Les Savons des Cantons | | Day 5 | Explore the La Maison amérindienne Museum | | Day 6 | Go skydiving at Parachute Montreal | | Day 7 | Bike along the Grand Sentier recreational trail |

Food and Drink Scene of Saint-Basile-le-Grand

Saint-Basile-le-Grand offers a range of dining options, from cafes to high-end restaurants. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A classic Quebec dish consisting of fries and cheese curds covered in gravy.
  • Tourtière: A savory meat pie that’s popular in Quebec.
  • Sugar Pie: A sweet dessert pie with a filling made from maple syrup and cream.

Local Beverages

  • Maple Syrup: Quebec produces over 70% of the world’s maple syrup. So, don’t forget to try this local specialty.
  • Ice Cider: A sweet dessert drink made from apples that freeze during the winter.

Where to Stay in Saint-Basile-le-Grand: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From budget accommodation to luxury hotels, Saint-Basile-le-Grand offers various options for visitors to stay. Some options include:

  • Hotel Mortagne: A 4-star hotel with modern rooms and a great location, close to Mont Saint-Bruno.
  • Motel R-100: A budget-friendly motel with clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast.

What to Buy in Saint-Basile-le-Grand: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking for souvenirs and local products to bring back home, here are some recommendations.

  • Maple Syrup: Québec produces over 70% of the world’s maple syrup. So, don’t forget to buy a bottle of this sweet syrup unique to the region.
  • Ice Cider: A unique creation of Quebec made from frozen apples is an excellent gift to bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint-Basile-le-Grand

Saint-Basile-le-Grand has a rich culture and traditions that visitors can explore. The festivals and celebrations of Saint-Basile-le-Grand include cultural and recreational events such as Fête Nationale, an annual celebration of Quebecois culture.

Best Time to Visit Saint-Basile-le-Grand

The best time to visit Saint-Basile-le-Grand is between the months of May and October when the weather is milder, and both indoor and outdoor activities are available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint-Basile-le-Grand

Do:

  • Do explore the natural scenery of Mont Saint-Bruno National Park.
  • Do try some of the locally made maple syrup while you’re in the area.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be rude or disrespectful to fellow visitors or locals.
  • Don’t litter or damage the environment in any way.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint-Basile-le-Grand

Saint-Basile-le-Grand is a safe city, but as with any destination, visitors should remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions, especially when walking alone at night.

Health in Saint-Basile-le-Grand

No special vaccinations are required to visit Saint-Basile-le-Grand. However, travelers should observe basic health precautions like drinking bottled water and carrying a small first-aid kit to avoid any inconvenience or emergencies during their trip.

Getting to Saint-Basile-le-Grand: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saint-Basile-le-Grand

  • Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport: The closest international airport located 45 minutes away from Saint-Basile-le-Grand.

Bus Stations Near Saint-Basile-le-Grand

  • Terminus Centre Ville: The Central Bus station located in Montreal’s downtown core, 30 minutes away from Saint-Basile-le-Grand.

Other Options

  • Car: Saint-Basile-le-Grand is easily accessible by car, being located along Quebec’s Route 116, which connects to Quebec’s highway system.

How to Get Around in Saint-Basile-le-Grand

The best way to get around Saint-Basile-le-Grand is to rent a car or bike. As it’s a small town, you can easily get around on foot as well.

Where to Go Next from Saint-Basile-le-Grand: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

For visitors looking to explore the nearby destinations, here are some recommendations.

  • Montreal: A vibrant and bustling city, Quebec’s largest and located only 30 minutes away from Saint-Basile-le-Grand.
  • Quebec City: A historic and charming city, the capital of Quebec, located three hours away.

Conclusion

Saint-Basile-le-Grand is a charming destination with a rich culture and history, natural beauty, and plenty of outdoor activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to Saint-Basile-le-Grand, and we wish you a wonderful stay.

The Saint-Basile-le-Grand train station The Saint-Basile-le-Grand train station Entrance arch to Place Aimé-Lambert in Saint-Basile-le-Grand in May 2022. This historic site served as the first schoolhouse and the first general store. Entrance arch to Place Aimé-Lambert in Saint-Basile-le-Grand in May 2022. This historic site served as the first schoolhouse and the first general store. Saint-Basile-le-Grand-Montée Robert (corner of Principale Street)-View to the North Saint-Basile-le-Grand-Montée Robert (corner of Principale Street)-View to the North Saint-Basile-le-Grand-rue Principale (corner_Montée Robert)-Vieux-Village Saint-Basile-le-Grand-rue Principale (corner_Montée Robert)-Vieux-Village Building of the town hall of Saint-Basile-le-Grand on rue Principale opposite the church Building of the town hall of Saint-Basile-le-Grand on rue Principale opposite the church Rear view of the catholic church of Saint-Basile-le-Grand Rear view of the catholic church of Saint-Basile-le-Grand Bike path along Montée Robert, seen from the intersection of Chemin St-Louis, in the village of Saint-Basile-le-Grand Bike path along Montée Robert, seen from the intersection of Chemin St-Louis, in the village of Saint-Basile-le-Grand Saint-Basile-le-Grand-View of the Parc de la Seigneurie from Montée_Robert Saint-Basile-le-Grand-View of the Parc de la Seigneurie from Montée_Robert