Things To Do
in Drummondville
Drummondville is a mid-sized city in the Centre-du-Québec region known for its mix of francophone small-city life, riverfront scenery and cultural events. It is home to the Village Québécois d'Antan, an open-air living history museum that recreates 19th-century Quebec life. The city sits along the Saint-François River and offers parks, cycle paths and easy access to nearby natural areas.
Drummondville balances local industry with festivals, family attractions and a growing craft-food scene.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Drummondville's historic center. Enjoy a fresh pastry and coffee from a local café while taking in the charming architecture that reflects the city's rich history. Don't miss the chance to visit the impressive Saint-Frédéric Church, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.
After lunch, explore the Musée de l'érable to learn about the history and significance of maple syrup in the region. Participate in a syrup tasting session and discover how this sweet treat is made. As you wander through the exhibits, you'll gain insight into the agricultural practices that make Drummondville unique.
For dinner, indulge in a meal at a local bistro that features traditional Québécois cuisine. After your meal, take a relaxing walk along the Saint-François River, where you can enjoy the sunset views reflecting on the water. Cap off the evening with a visit to a nearby bar or pub, where you can enjoy live music and mingle with locals.
Begin your day by heading to Parc Woodyatt, a lush green space perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a morning walk or jog along the scenic trails surrounded by nature's beauty, breathing in the fresh air. Don't forget to pack a picnic breakfast to savor in one of the park's serene spots.
In the afternoon, engage in various activities such as bird watching or cycling along the designated paths. Explore the park's diverse ecosystems and keep an eye out for the local wildlife. For a little adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboat to glide along the beautiful waters of the river.
As the sun sets, gather your picnic supplies and set up a cozy dinner at one of the park's picnic areas. Enjoy a meal while listening to the sounds of nature and the gentle lapping of water nearby. End your day with stargazing, as the park's open spaces provide a perfect view of the night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (pub) | $5-8 |
| 🚌Local bus fare / short taxi ride | $2-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small-city atmosphere with strong local culture and festivals
- Easy access to riverfront and nearby natural parks for outdoor activities
- Authentic Quebec food traditions and a growing craft-beer/food scene
- Limited late-night and big-city amenities compared with Montreal
- Fewer direct flights — longer transfers if flying internationally
- Seasonal closures for some attractions outside summer and major events
Places to Visit in Drummondville
Visit one of these nice places.
A living history village with period buildings, costumed interpreters and photogenic rustic scenes—excellent for detail shots and environmental portraits.
Riverside paths, small locks and bridges provide reflections, long vistas and active boating scenes—good light in early morning and late afternoon.
Green spaces, tree-lined paths and river views that are attractive year-round for landscapes and family photography.
Colourful murals, heritage façades and quaint storefronts make for lively street and architectural photography.
In maple season, sugar bushes and tapping equipment provide classic rural Quebec imagery.
Food in Drummondville
Drummondville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The Quebec classic of fries, cheese curds and gravy; available at diners, bistros and many street-food stalls—try variations with local ingredients.
Must-Try!
A savory meat pie traditionally served at holidays but available year-round in bakeries and some restaurants; good to try at a local pâtisserie or family restaurant.
A sweet, rich pie made with local maple or brown sugar—find it in bakeries and at farmers' markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market stalls sell cheeses, breads, produce, maple products and prepared foods—great for sampling regional specialties and buying picnic supplies.
In summer and during festivals you’ll find pop-up food vendors offering everything from poutine to crepes and ice cream near parks and event sites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French is the primary language—use 'Bonjour' to greet people and try polite French phrases; many locals speak some English but starting in French is appreciated.
Quebeckers value politeness and clear communication; use 'vous' for formal interactions and with elders unless invited to use 'tu.'
Residential neighbourhoods observe quiet hours in the evening—keep noise down and follow local recycling and waste-sorting rules.
Safety
Tipping in Drummondville
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping for table service is around 15–20% of the pre-tax bill; smaller amounts for bar service and cafe counter service are appreciated but not mandatory. Tip delivery drivers and taxi drivers (10–15%) for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; Interac debit is common across Canada. Contactless payments (tap, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are readily used. Keep a small amount of cash for markets, small vendors and rural spots.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, often humid weather with long daylight hours—ideal for festivals, river activities, cycling and outdoor dining. Expect higher visitor numbers during events and weekends.
Cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage make for beautiful drives and hikes. Layers are recommended; some attractions reduce hours after Labour Day.
Cold and snowy with temperatures often below freezing; great for skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter festivals. Dress warmly with waterproof boots and traction for icy sidewalks.
Variable conditions—muddy trails and cool mornings give way to blossoming trees and maple-syrup season. Check local opening dates for seasonal attractions.
Drummondville at Night
Hiking in Drummondville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About an hour's drive from Drummondville, this national park offers extensive trails, lakes, viewpoints and backcountry options—excellent for day hikes and longer outdoor adventures.
Local park with shorter loops suitable for family hikes, birdwatching and river vistas close to the city.
Trails and paths along the Saint-François River provide easy, scenic walks and cycling with opportunities for wildlife and river photography.
Various municipal and regional trails in the Centre-du-Québec area offer more secluded routes through forests and farmland—check local trail maps and seasonal access.
Airports
How to reach Drummondville by plane.
The largest nearby international airport (about 1–1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic). Good flight connections and car-rental options; reachable by shuttle or train plus a drive.
Major regional airport to the northeast (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car). Offers domestic flights and some connections to larger hubs.
Smaller regional airport and service area; closer by car for regional connections and sometimes charter services.
Drummondville has a VIA Rail station and intercity bus links that provide convenient ground access to Montreal, Québec City and other regional centres.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents speak French as a first language and are culturally Québécois, influencing local commerce, media and public signage.
There are smaller English-speaking and immigrant communities contributing to cultural diversity and additional language use in some services.
The broader Centre-du-Québec region has Indigenous presence and heritage; local museums and events may highlight this history and contemporary culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is the dominant sport culturally; Drummondville supports junior and youth hockey programs and has a local QMJHL team that draws fans to games.
Baseball and soccer are common community sports with leagues and fields for families and youth.
Several local golf courses are popular for recreational play in spring through fall.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Drummondville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many cafés and bistros offer vegetarian options (salads, sandwiches, poutine with vegetarian gravy); always confirm with staff and look for menus marked with vegetarian symbols.
Vegan choices are less ubiquitous but available at progressive cafés and some restaurants—ask about dairy-free cheese or plant-based protein swaps.
Gluten-free options are increasingly available; bakeries may have dedicated items or clearly labeled products. If you have celiac disease, call ahead to ensure cross-contamination precautions.