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. The city also presents itself as the capital of regional development.

  • 🌍 Office du tourisme de Drummondville (Drummondville Tourist Office), 1350 rue Jean-Berchmans-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. This tourist information office provides the public with tourist information on the city of Drummondville and the Centre-du-Québec region, particularly on events, attractions and business tourism activities. (updated Aug 2019)

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. Autoroute 20 is part of the Trans-Canada Highway between Longueuil and Rivière-du-Loup.

By train
See also: Rail travel in Canada
  • 🌍 Drummondville station, 263, rue Lindsay. (updated Mar 2022)
    • VIA Rail Canada, toll-free: +1-888-842-7245. Operates train routes across Canada. (updated Mar 2022) Routes operating to Drummondville:
      • Between Quebec City and Ottawa including stops in Drummondville, Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Lambert, Montreal, Dorval, and Alexandria. Multiple trains per day travel the entire route and some additional trains travel between Montreal and Ottawa. Travel time to Drummondville from Quebec City is 2-2.25 hours, from Montreal is 1.25 hours, and from Ottawa is 3.75-4 hours.
      • Between Halifax and Montreal on The Ocean service, including stops in Moncton and Sainte-Foy (near Quebec City). Operates three trips per direction per week. Travel time to Drummondville from Halifax is 20.5 hours, from Moncton is 16 hours, and from Montreal is 1.5 hours. A shuttle between train stations in Sainte-Foy and in Quebec City is available for The Ocean trains, but must be reserved in advance.

By bus
  • Orléans Express, ☏ +1-450-640-1477, toll-free: +1-833-449-6444. Operates bus routes within Quebec and to Ottawa. (updated Apr 2022) Routes to Drummondville:
    • Operates a route daily between Montreal and Quebec City including a stop in Drummondville. Travel time to Drummondville from Montreal is 1.25 hours and from Quebec City is 2 hours.
    • Operates a route two days per week Montreal and Quebec City including a stops in Saint-Hyacinthe, Drummondville and Victoriaville. Travel time to Drummondville from Montreal is 1.5 hours and from Quebec City is 2.75 hours. For the Victoriaville stops, it is pick up only to Montreal and drop off only to Quebec City.
  • Autobus La Québécoise, ☏ +1-418-872-5525, toll-free: +1-888-872-5525. Operates bus routes in southern Quebec. (updated May 2022) Operate the following routes to Drummondville:
    • Operates a bus route several days per week between Trois-Rivières and Sherbrooke including at stop in Drummondville. Travel time to Drummondville from Trois-Rivières is 1-1.25 hours and from Sherbrooke is 1 hour.
    • Operates a bus route two days per week between Quebec City and Sherbrooke including a stop in Drummondville. Travel time to Drummondville from Quebec City is 2 hours and from Sherbrooke is 1 hour.

By plane

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

  • 🌍 Drummondville airport and seaplane base (Aéroport de Drummondville et hydrobase), 4789, boulevard Allard (close to Saint-François River course (west bank)), ☏ +1 819-472-1011, . The asphalt runway at this airport has been completely rehabilitated (widening to 100 feet (31 meters) and extension to 6000 feet/1829 meters). While the hydrobase on the Saint-François River is the only one in Centre-du-Québec. Aviation enthusiasts can park their aircraft (including helicopters and pleasure planes) and purchase land and even one of the hangars. This airport offers many specialized services, including customs and aircraft removal from the water. (updated Oct 2022)

Get around
  • Drummondville Transit, ☏ +1 819-478-6550. 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, ☏ +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. 
  • 🌍 Maison des Arts Desjardins, 175, Rue Ringuet, toll-free: +1-800-265-5412. Performing arts theatre (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 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. (updated Apr 2019)

Do
  • 🌍 The Autodrome Drummond, 1155 Boulevard Saint-Joseph Ouest, ☏ +1 819-474-2222. 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)

Events
  • Festival de la Poutine, behind the Marcel-Dionne center, Drummondville, ☏ +1 819-967-1423, . 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). (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
  • 🌍 Brasserie Daniel Lapointe Drummondville, 114, rue Hériot, ☏ +1 819-477-6111. Restaurant. (updated Oct 2022)
  • 🌍 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. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 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. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 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. (updated Apr 2019)

Drink

Sleep
  • 🌍 Hotel-Motel Drummond, 105 Blvd Saint Joseph West, Exit/Sortie 177 N., St. Majorique, 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. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 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. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Hôtel et Suites Le Dauphin Drummondville, 600, boulevard Saint-Joseph, ☏ +1 819-478-4141, . This hotel offers reception rooms (capacity up to 500 people) for various group events (weddings, banquets, corporate meetings, conventions, training, receptions). Main services: indoor heated swimming pool, Globe-Trotter restaurant, boutique... (updated Oct 2019)
  • 🌍 Motel Blanchette, 225, blvd St-Joseph Ouest, ☏ +1 819-477-0222. 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)

Go next
Routes through Drummondville
Montreal ← Saint-Lambert ←  W  E  → Sainte-Foy → Rimouski
Montreal ← Saint-Lambert ←  W  E  → Sainte-Foy → Quebec City
Montreal ← Mont-Saint-Hilaire ←  W  E  → Quebec City → Rivière-du-Loup
Shawinigan ← Trois-Rivières ←  N  S  → Sherbrooke → Magog
Saint-Gérard-Majella ← Saint-Germain-de-Grandham ←  W  E  → Saint-Valère → Victoriaville
END ← Roxton ←  N  S  → Bromont → Abercon
Saint-François-du-Lac ← Saint-Majorique-de-Grantham ←  N  S  → Sherbrooke → Stanstead


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