Have you decided to leave Montréal for a getaway to Québec? The road is beautiful, but it’s also long — about 2h40 on Highway 20. What if you turned this trip into a true coffee adventure? Here is our guide to the best places to stop, warm up, and enjoy a good espresso or specialty coffee between the two capitals.

Why take a coffee break on the road?

Between Montréal and Québec, the long hours on the road can weigh on you. Instead of stopping at a fast-food chain, why not enjoy the coffee artisans along the way? Québec is full of passionate roasters and independent cafés worth the detour.

1. Drummondville: the heart of the route

Drummondville is halfway between Montréal and Québec. It’s the perfect place for a first coffee break. The city has a few independent cafés offering quality espressos and homemade pastries. A 20-minute stop to stretch your legs and recharge.

2. Trois-Rivières: a detour worth taking

If you have time, a detour to Trois-Rivières is a must. The Old Capital of the Woods has a great café scene, with some well-known spots for quality coffee lovers. Allow an extra 20 minutes — you won’t regret it.

3. Saint-Nicolas / Lévis: the gates of Québec

Approaching Quebec from the south, the Saint-Nicolas and Lévis area offers some nice stops before crossing the bridge. It’s also here that you’ll start to feel the unique atmosphere of the Old Capital.

The final stop: Carrera Café in Quebec

Once you arrive in Quebec, the must-stop for serious coffee lovers is Carrera Café. Inspired by a passion for car racing and the art of coffee, Carrera Café offers bold espressos, specialty filter coffees, and carefully sourced beans from around the world.

Whether you’re looking for a coffee to go while exploring Petit-Champlain or want to sit down and enjoy a relaxing moment after the drive, Carrera Café is here to welcome you.

Tips for the Montreal–Quebec trip for coffee lovers

Leave early: the best specialty cafés often open as early as 7 or 8 a.m. Avoid peak hours: Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons can be busy. Order beans to go: at Carrera Café, you can take home locally roasted specialty coffees to extend the experience.

The route between Montreal and Quebec is much more than just a trip — it’s an opportunity to discover the richness of Quebec coffee. And in Quebec, Carrera Café awaits you to crown your journey with an exceptional cup.

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