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.
- Office du tourisme de Drummondville, 1350 rue J.-B. Michaud, toll-free: 1-877-235-9569. Sep to early Jun: M-F 08:30-16:30; mid-Jun to mid-Aug: daily 08:30-18:00; mid-Aug to early Sep: daily 08:30-16:30.
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
As of March 2021, intercity highway coach service provided by Orléans Express and Groupe La Québécoise is suspended.
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.
See
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- 1 Le Village Québécois d'Antan, 1425, rue Montplaisir, ☏ 1 819 478-1441, toll-free: 1 877-710-0267. 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.
- 2 Maison des Arts Desjardins, 175, Rue Ringuet, toll-free: 1-800-265-5412. Performing arts theatre
- 3 Musee National de la Photographie - National Museum of Photography, 400 Rue Heriot, ☏ 1 819-474-5782. 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.
Do
- Festival de la Poutine, ☏ 1 819-967-1423, ✉[email protected]. 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. The basic dish is a mess of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds that melt to bind the cacaphony of fat and salt. $23 day pass, $38 weekend, free for kids under 13 (2018 prices).
- 1 The Autodrome Drummond, 1155 Boulevard Saint-Joseph Ouest, ☏ 1 819-474-2222. Automotive races throughout the summer season.
- 2 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;.
Buy
- 1 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.
Eat
- 1 Restaurant L'Odika, 1116 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, ☏ 1 819-850-8221. 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.
- 2 Rose Cafe, 210 Boulevard Lemire Ouest, ☏ 1 819-474-3488. 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.
- 3 A La Bonne Votre, 207, rue Lindsay, ☏ 1 819-474-0008. 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.
Drink
- 1 Microbrasserie le BockAle, 2400 rue Canadien, Suite 201, ☏ 1 819-857-4857. W 16:00-22:00, Th 15:00-00:00, F 15:00-00:00, Sa 12:00-22:00. Microbrewery with meals available.
- 2 Le Baboune Bar Tapas, 104 Rue Marchand, ☏ 1 819-850-0607. Tu W 16:00-23:00, Th F 16:00-01:00, Sa 11:30-01:00. Tapas and drinks.
Sleep
- 1 Hotel-Motel Drummond, 105 Blvd Saint Joseph West, Exit/Sortie 177 N., St. Marjorique, toll-free: 1-855-536-5434. 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.
- 2 Grand Times Hotel Drummondville, 530 Rue Saint Amant, toll-free: 1-844-474-5550. 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.
- 3 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.
Connect
Go next
| Routes through Drummondville |
| END ← Montreal ← | W   E | → Lévis → Rimouski |
| Ottawa ← Montreal ← | W  E | → Lévis → Quebec City |
| Montreal ← Mont-Saint-Hilaire ← | W   E | → Quebec City → Rivière-du-Loup |
| Shawinigan ← Trois-Rivières ← | N  S | → Sherbrooke → Magog |