Varennes Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Varennes, Quebec, Canada with this comprehensive travel guide that covers everything from must-see attractions and outdoor adventures to local culture and customs.


Introduction to Varennes

Nestled in Montérégie in southwestern Quebec, Canada, Varennes is a charming city with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions that showcase Quebec’s heritage and way of life. This guide will help you explore the best of Varennes, from must-see attractions and outdoor activities to local cuisine and customs.

List of Places to Visit in Varennes

There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Varennes, from historical landmarks and natural wonders to outdoor adventures and unique cultural attractions. Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Varennes:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Château Saint-Louis - a historic mansion built in the 17th century that now serves as a museum showcasing the rich heritage of Varennes
  • Maison Saint-Louis - a heritage house that showcases the life and times of Louis-Joseph Papineau, a key figure in Quebec’s political history
  • Sainte-Anne-de-Varennes Basilica - a beautiful church that dates back to the 18th century and is a testament to the city’s deep religious roots
  • Espace culturel Sainte-Anne - a cultural center that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and other events throughout the year

Natural Attractions of Varennes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Îles-de-Boucherville National Park - a beautiful park with hiking and biking trails, canoeing and kayaking opportunities, and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River
  • Varennes Islands Wildlife Reserve - a wildlife reserve that is an important habitat for many species of birds and other animals, as well as a great place for hiking and birdwatching
  • Parc de la Commune - a beautiful park with walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of the St. Lawrence River

Hiking/Biking Routes of Varennes

Varennes has a wealth of hiking and biking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Piste cyclable Mont-Saint-Bruno - Chambly - a 22 km bike path that takes riders through beautiful nature reserves and wildlife areas
  • Parcours riverain de Varennes - a 10 km walking and cycling trail that runs along the St. Lawrence River, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes
  • Sentiers pédestres de l’Érablière - a beautiful hiking trail that winds through a maple forest, offering views of the river and nearby island

Best Things to Do in Varennes: Activities and Tours

In addition to outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, Varennes also offers a variety of activities and tours that are great for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Varennes:

  • Kayak and canoe tours - explore the St. Lawrence River and nearby nature reserves with kayak and canoe tours that showcase the area’s natural beauty and wildlife
  • Wine tasting tours - discover Quebec’s wine country with tours of nearby vineyards and cellar doors that offer tastings and insights into the local industry
  • Horseback riding - take a trail ride through the beautiful countryside with one of Varennes’ many horseback riding tour operators

Week-Long Itinerary for Varennes

If you’re planning to spend a week in Varennes, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:

  • Day 1: Explore Château Saint-Louis and Maison Saint-Louis and learn about the rich history of the area
  • Day 2: Hike or bike through Îles-de-Boucherville National Park and enjoy stunning views of the St. Lawrence River
  • Day 3: Take a kayak or canoe tour of the river and nearby nature reserves
  • Day 4: Discover Quebec’s wine country with a tour of local vineyards and cellar doors
  • Day 5: Visit Sainte-Anne-de-Varennes Basilica and Espace culturel Sainte-Anne
  • Day 6: Explore the natural wonders of Varennes Islands Wildlife Reserve and Parc de la Commune
  • Day 7: Take a horseback riding tour of the surrounding countryside and experience the beauty of Quebec’s rural landscapes

Food and Drink Scene of Varennes

Varennes has a thriving food and drink scene that celebrates local ingredients and culinary traditions. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tourtière - a traditional Quebec meat pie that is typically made with ground pork, beef or veal, and a mix of herbs and spices
  • Poutine - French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, a classic Quebecois dish
  • Sugar pie (Tarte au sucre) - a sweet pie filled with brown sugar, cream, and butter, and baked until golden brown

Local Beverages

  • Ice cider (Cidre de glace) - a sweet dessert wine made from apples that have been left on the tree to freeze and concentrated the flavors
  • Maple whiskey (Whisky à l’érable) - a unique Quebecois whiskey that is aged in barrels made from maple wood to impart a sweet, woody flavor and aroma
  • Craft beer (Bière artisanale) - Quebec has a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering unique and flavorful brews

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

Varennes has many accommodation options that cater to a variety of travelers, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and charming guest houses. Here are some top picks:

  • Hôtel Brossard - a modern hotel located just a short drive from Varennes, with comfortable rooms and on-site amenities like a restaurant and fitness center
  • Auberge Harris - a charming guest house in nearby Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, known for its cozy rooms and warm hospitality
  • Motel R-100 - a budget-friendly option with clean, comfortable rooms and easy access to area attractions

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

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and local products to take home from Varennes, here are some top picks:

  • Maple products (Produits d’érable) - Quebec is known for its maple industry, and you can find a wide variety of maple-based products like maple syrup, candy, and butter in Varennes and surrounding areas
  • Local wine (Vin local) - Quebec’s wine industry is growing in popularity, and many vineyards offer cellar-door sales of their wines that make great gifts or treats for yourself
  • Handmade crafts (Artisanat) - Quebec is home to many talented artisans, and you can find beautiful handmade crafts like pottery, woodworking, and jewelry in Varennes’ many markets and boutiques

Local Culture and Customs of Varennes

Varennes is known for its rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience this through many local customs and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Quebecois French (Français québécois) is the primary language spoken in Varennes, so it’s helpful to know a few key phrases to communicate with locals
  • Quebec has a strong sense of identity and cultural pride, so visitors should respect local traditions and customs
  • Quebecois cuisine is a unique blend of French, English, and Indigenous culinary traditions, and visitors should try to sample local specialties whenever possible

Best Time to Visit Varennes

The best time to visit Varennes depends on what you want to experience. Summers are the most popular time to visit, with warm temperatures and a range of outdoor activities available. Fall is a great time to visit for the stunning foliage and harvest festivals, while winter offers winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. Spring is a quieter time to visit, but offers mild weather and beautiful blooming flowers and trees.

Do’s and Don’ts of Varennes

When visiting Varennes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try local cuisine and beverages
  • Take advantage of outdoor adventures and cultural attractions

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly or disrespectfully in public places
  • Leave trash or litter in natural areas
  • Ignore safety guidelines for outdoor activities

Safety and Health

Varennes is a safe and healthy destination for travelers, but it’s important to take certain precautions to stay healthy and safe during your trip.

Safety in Varennes

  • Always wear appropriate safety gear when participating in outdoor activities like hiking or biking
  • Be aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night
  • Keep valuables locked up or secure at all times

Health in Varennes

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months
  • Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when spending time outdoors
  • Seek medical attention if you experience any health concerns during your trip

Getting to Varennes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Varennes is easily accessible from many major cities in Quebec and Canada, and there are a variety of transportation options available.

Airports Near Varennes

  • Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) - the nearest international airport, located about 35 km west of Varennes
  • Montreal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX) - a smaller airport located about 70 km northwest of Varennes

Bus Stations Near Varennes

  • Gare d’autocars de Montréal - the main bus station in Montreal, about 25 km northwest of Varennes
  • Gare autobus Longueuil - a smaller bus station in Longueuil, about 12 km north of Varennes

Other Options

  • Car rentals are available at both airports and in surrounding cities
  • Taxi and shuttle services are available for transportation to and from the airports and bus stations

How to Get Around in Varennes

Varennes is a walkable city with many attractions located within a short distance of each other. However, if you want to explore further afield, there are a few transportation options available:

  • Car rentals are available in Varennes and surrounding cities
  • Bicycle rentals are available for exploring local trails and parks
  • Taxi and ride-sharing services are available for transportation around the city

Where to Go Next from Varennes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Quebec after your trip to Varennes, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Montreal - a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage and famous attractions like the Old Port and Notre-Dame Basilica
  • Quebec City - a historic and charming city with a UNESCO-listed Old Town, famous festivals, and the beautiful Chateau Frontenac
  • Eastern Townships - a scenic region known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and outdoor adventures like skiing and hiking

Conclusion

Varennes is a beautiful and charming destination that showcases the best of Quebec’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary traditions. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the top attractions, activities, and logistics for planning your trip to Varennes, so you can make the most of your time in this wonderful city. Bon voyage!

Pano Parc de la Commune, on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, in Varennes Pano Parc de la Commune, on the shore of the St. Lawrence River, in Varennes