Drummondville

Drummondville is a city of 68,000 people (2016) on the Saint-François River in the Centre-du-Québec region of Quebec.

Understand

Drummondville markets itself as Quebec's Capital of Expression and Traditions, with attractions focusing on culture, past and present.

History

Drummondville was founded in June 1815 by Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Heriot. The purpose of the town was to provide a home for British soldiers in the War of 1812, and to guard the Saint-François River against American attacks. The town was named after Sir Gordon Drummond, the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada between 1813 and 1816.

The construction of the Hemmings Falls hydro-electric dam in 1920 brought a new wave of industrial growth to the Drummondville area.

Get in

By car

Drummondville is at the junction of Autoroutes 20 and 55. The city is about 100 km east of downtown Montreal, 150 km southwest of Quebec City and 70 km north of Sherbrooke.

By train

VIA Rail provides daily train service between Montreal and Quebec City. Trains run at a rate of about five per day in either direction from the Drummondville railway station.

By bus

Intercity highway coach service is provided by Orléans Express and Groupe La Québécoise. Major destinations include the nearby cities of Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Victoriaville, Saint-Hyacinthe, and Thetford Mines.

By plane

General aviation services are available at the Drummondville Airport and the Drummondville Water Aerodrome.

Get around

• Drummondville Transit. City bus services on six routes headquartered at the main bus terminal at Des Forges and Lindsay Streets. Service runs M-F 07:00-23:00 at half-hour intervals, Sa 08:00-18:00 at half-hour intervals, and Su 09:00-18:00 hourly. Cash/ticket prices: adult $2.60/2.35, student $2.35/1.85, 65 and over $2.35/1.85, child 0-5 years (accompanied) free. (updated Apr 2019)

See

• Le Village Québécois d'Antan, 1425, rue Montplaisir, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Late June to end of Aug: daily 10:00-17:30. A re-creation of village life in the 19th century. Includes an old farm, period costumes, a restaurant and several festivals throughout the year. Child $11, adult $21; $20/37 if meal included. 
• Maison des Arts Desjardins, 175, Rue Ringuet, toll-free: [phone]. Performing arts theatre (updated Apr 2019)
• Musee National de la Photographie - National Museum of Photography, 400 Rue Heriot, ☎ [phone]. Tu-F 11:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-17:00. Its permanent exhibition looks at the history of the inventors of the camera, their processes and techniques. It includes original devices from these first black rooms and a large collection of cameras, from the oldest to the most modern. It's temporary exhibitions throughout the year are at the crossroads of art, history and science. Adults $10, children 12 and under free. (updated Apr 2019)

Do

• Festival de la Poutine, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. towards the end of August. During three days people are invited to attend concerts, and to savour several kinds of poutine, a Canadian dish of Quebecois origin. $23 day pass, $38 weekend, free for kids under 13 (2018 prices). (updated Apr 2019)
• The Autodrome Drummond, 1155 Boulevard Saint-Joseph Ouest, ☎ [phone]. Automotive races throughout the summer season. (updated Apr 2019)
• La Courvalloise, 1985 Boulevard Foucault, Saint-Charles-de-Drummond. Winter only, dependent on snow conditions, Sa Su and holidays 10:00-17:00. A winter outdoor sports destination. Family atmosphere, tube sliding, snowshoe trails and fatbike trails on the edge of the Spicer Rapids of the Saint-François River. Tubing: adults $12, children $10 for 4 hours;. (updated Apr 2019)

Buy

• Promenades Drummondville, 755 René-Lévesque Boulevard. M-W 09:30-17:30, Th F 09:30-21:00, Sa 09:00-17:00, Su 10:00-17:00. 109 stores. (updated Apr 2019)

Eat

• Restaurant L'Odika, 1116 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, ☎ [phone]. Su 09:00-21:00, M-W 11:00-21:00, Th F 11:00-22:00, Sa 09:00-22:00. Market cuisine using fresh seasonal producez vegan recipes, allergen-free foods, and gourmet and healthy dishes. Raclettes, fondues, Wagyu burgers, fish, pizza. (updated Apr 2019)
• Rose Cafe, 210 Boulevard Lemire Ouest, ☎ [phone]. M-F 07:00-17:00, Sa Su 08:30-17:00. Gluten-free bread available. Most dishes are available in vegan and non-dairy versions. Breakfasts, salads, sandwiches $8-12. (updated Apr 2019)
• A La Bonne Votre, 207, rue Lindsay, ☎ [phone]. M-W 11:00-21:00, Th F 11:00-22:00, Sa 17:00-22:00. Regional cuisine. Mains $16-38, lunch $13-33. (updated Apr 2019)

Drink

• Microbrasserie le BockAle, 2400 rue Canadien, Suite 201, ☎ [phone]. W 16:00-22:00, Th 15:00-00:00, F 15:00-00:00, Sa 12:00-22:00. Microbrewery with meals available. (updated Apr 2019)
• Le Baboune Bar Tapas, 104 Rue Marchand, ☎ [phone]. Tu W 16:00-23:00, Th F 16:00-01:00, Sa 11:30-01:00. Tapas and drinks. (updated Apr 2019)

Sleep

• Hotel-Motel Drummond, 105 Blvd Saint Joseph West, Exit/Sortie 177 N., St. Marjorique, toll-free: [phone]. Free high speed internet (WiFi); free parking; bar/lounge; breakfast included; hot tub; pets allowed; air conditioning, microwave and refrigerator in room; accessible rooms; suites. From $79. (updated Apr 2019)
• Grand Times Hotel Drummondville, 530 Rue Saint Amant, toll-free: [phone]. Connected to the Centrexpo Cogeco Drummondville convention centre. Pool. Free parking and high speed internet (WiFi); fitness centre; business centre; golf course; heated pool; hot tub; air conditioning, minibar and refrigerator in room. From $139. (updated Apr 2019)
• Motel Blanchet, 225, blvd St-Joseph Ouest. Free parking, 24-hr restaurant, bar/lounge, free high speed internet (WiFi), breakfast included, business centre; air conditioning and refrigerator in room. From $75. (updated Apr 2019)

Connect

Go next

Routes through Drummondville

END ← Montreal ←	W  E	→ Lévis → Rimouski
END ← Montreal ←	W  E	→ Lévis → Quebec City
Montreal ← Mont-Saint-Hilaire ←	W  E	→ Quebec City → Rivière-du-Loup
Shawinigan ← Trois-Rivières ←	N  S	→ Sherbrooke → Magog