Summer Made Easy: Our Top 6 Picnic Spots
In the summer, there’s no shortage of opportunities to eat outdoors. But you still need to know where to go.
Whether you’re putting together a homemade picnic basket, stopping by the market to pick up some local produce, or simply grabbing a meal to go, there are several spots in the Haut-Richelieu region that offer the perfect setting for a bite to eat in the sunshine.
To save you the trouble of scrambling to find the right spot at the last minute, here are six places where you can spread out a blanket or sit down at a picnic table while enjoying the region’s most beautiful scenery.
- Jameson Park: Lake Champlain as a backdrop
In Venise-en-Québec, Jameson Park offers a prime vantage point for enjoying the scenery of Lake Champlain. With its unobstructed view of the water and areas set up for a quick bite to eat, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic in the great outdoors. Once you’ve finished your meal, take the opportunity to explore the many summer activities that enliven the area or simply soak up the unique atmosphere for which Venise-en-Québec is famous.
- Trinity Estate: Culture and Relaxation by the Stream
A former Anglican church converted into a cultural venue, the Domaine Trinity is one of the treasures of the Iberville neighborhood in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Its expansive grounds, bordered by Hazen Creek, provide the perfect setting for outdoor meals. After your picnic, why not extend your outing with an exhibition, a show, or a cultural activity?
- Parc des Éclusiers: To the Rhythm of the Chambly Canal
Situated along the Chambly Canal, Parc des Éclusiers offers one of the most beautiful views of the pleasure boats passing through Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu during the summer. Whether you bring your own picnic or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafés in Vieux-Saint-Jean, this is the perfect spot to take a break by the water. Then, take the opportunity to admire the spectacular 200-foot illuminated bench that tells the story of the Richelieu River, or continue your stroll through downtown.
- Le Refuge de l’Île: A Break by the River
In Saint-Paul-de-l’Île-aux-Noix, the Refuge de l’Île (or marina) is much more than just a place to stop for a meal. Settle in along the banks of the Richelieu River for a picnic, then enjoy the site’s trails, volleyball courts, and recreational areas to extend your outing. It’s an easy way to turn a simple meal break into a full afternoon.
- Mont Saint-Grégoire: A Picnic You Have to Earn
Around here, climbing Mount Saint-Grégoire is practically a tradition. After a hike to the summit, the reward is well worth the effort: a spectacular view of the valley and the landscapes of the Haut-Richelieu region. All that’s left to do is break out the food and enjoy the view.
- Le Mas des Patriotes: The Art of Taking Your Time
Located in the L’Acadie area of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Le Mas des Patriotes offers a unique setting to enjoy a delicious meal. Settle in at one of the designated picnic areas in the vineyard, surrounded by grapevines and a rustic atmosphere, and pair your meal with a glass of wine produced on-site. A gourmet stop that perfectly showcases the terroir of the Haut-Richelieu region.
