Best Cafés for a Road Trip in Quebec: Our Favorite Stops Across the Province

Always up for exploring every corner of Quebec, one of our favorite things about a road trip is trying the best cafés along the way. From Montreal to Percé, through the Eastern Townships, Quebec City, and the Laurentians, we’re sharing our go-to stops for your next adventure across the province! Specialty coffee shops, local roasters, artisan bakeries, and cozy hideaways, there’s something for every taste!

Best Cafés in Montreal

Hélico Café and Aube Boulangerie, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve

Open in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood since spring 2018, Hélico Café quickly became one of our favorite spots in the city. A true third-wave café, Hélico sources its beans from a rotating selection of local roasters, changing week to week for an ever-evolving coffee experience. Beyond excellent coffee, you can indulge in a wide selection of sweet and savory pastries and baked goods, or pick up a few gourmet items and a bottle of local wine from their grocery section for an easy, flavor-packed dinner.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Part of the same group, we also love Aube Boulangerie, just a few steps from Hélico. Equal parts bakery and charming café, it’s the perfect spot to stock up on pastries, artisan breads, viennoiseries, and seasonal products on your next visit to the neighborhood. Their bright, airy space is also ideal for a remote work session, a coffee break, or a delicious sandwich at lunch.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Café Alphabet, Mile End

If you’re passing through Mile End, Café Alphabet is a must. On our visit, we went for their signature drink, the Freddo, a beautifully crafted cold foam coffee that instantly brought back memories of our trip to Greece. Served either hot (Zesto) or iced, the Freddo will quickly become your new obsession, no matter the season. If you want to recreate the experience at home, grab a bag of their beans from Ambros Coffee before you leave.

For a little snack to go with it, cross the street to Bernie Beigne, a neighborhood classic, and pick up one of their fresh daily doughnuts, the perfect pairing with your Freddo.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Café Constance by BAZIN, Quartier des Spectacles

Nestled in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, this beautiful café-bistro won us over the moment we walked in. With its stunning decor and exquisite sweets, it was the perfect setting for a wildly productive afternoon that flew by. During our visit, we tried their amazing cortado (all coffee comes from Canal Roasters, located near the Lachine Canal), a delicious iced matcha latte, and a strawberry fraisier that was absolutely divine. All pastries and viennoiseries are made by chef Antonio Park’s team at their Westmount location.

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to write, work remotely, or simply enjoy a great coffee in an inspiring setting during your Montreal getaway, Café Constance by BAZIN is a true gem worth adding to your list.

Best Café on the South Shore, Montérégie

Saint-Laurent Café, Boucherville

With its charming decor and a menu that’s refreshing and comforting, Saint-Laurent Café is one of our favorite addresses on Montreal’s South Shore. Whether you’re setting up for a remote work session with an iced latte or stopping in for an apéro with seasonal, colorful plates, it never disappoints. Located in Vieux-Boucherville, it’s an ideal gourmet stop before continuing your adventures through the region.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Best Cafés in the Laurentians and on the North Shore

La Bête à Pain, Laval

La Bête à Pain is the perfect spot for brunch and a great coffee on Montreal’s North Shore. While the restaurant menu is packed with well-balanced sweet and savory options, the counter also offers an impressive selection of private-import wines, artisan breads, fine products, decadent pastries, and takeaway meals. With its relaxed vibe and a florist right next door, it’s a must-stop on any visit to Laval.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Prana Café, Saint-Jérôme

On your next adventure into the Laurentians, we highly recommend stopping by Prana Café, in downtown Saint-Jérôme. This multi-purpose space is an ideal pit stop to recharge with a delicious vanilla-pistachio matcha or a satisfying smørrebrød. You can also take a moment to slow down and get some work done by the fire on colder days, or soak up the sun on their indoor swings. Definitely a laid-back, feel-good stop before hitting the road!

Best Cafés in the Eastern Townships

La Shop, Magog

This charming café in Magog is a stop you don’t want to miss if you’re passing through the Eastern Townships. Beyond their excellent coffee, you can fuel up on one of their famous grilled cheese sandwiches. Our best picks are the Scandinave with smoked salmon, the Petit Canard, and the Belle Bette with beets and sun-dried tomatoes. If you stop by for lunch or happy hour, make sure to also check out their rotating selection of local craft beers.

We also had the chance to brunch here during a press trip in Memphrémagog. Open from 9am, the restaurant offers a fantastic breakfast menu. We especially loved the Poêlon skillet dish, and their maple caramel is truly out of this world.

Bowen Café, Eastman

Combining café, wine bar, and local grocery in one space, Bowen Café in Eastman is a wonderful place to settle in, chat, get some work done, and discover great local products. The decor is genuinely charming, and their focaccias are outstanding, as are the drinks. This is a new favorite we fully intend to revisit on our next road trip through the area!

Must-Visit Café in Centre-du-Québec

Rose Café, Drummondville

The moment you step through the greenhouse doors of Rose Café, you feel instantly transported to an oasis, surrounded by tropical plants, colorful flowers, and warm, flooding light. Set inside Rose Drummond’s greenhouses, this café offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience in Quebec.

Whether you order a cortado, a matcha latte, or another of their carefully crafted drinks, you’ll sip it amid roses, cacti, and exotic plants that make you feel like you’ve landed somewhere far more tropical. The menu highlights fresh, flavorful options with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices, including their incredible Rose Vegan sandwich.

It’s definitely a revitalizing and soothing pause to add to any Centre-du-Québec road trip itinerary.

Best Coffee Roasters in Quebec City and Île d’Orléans

Nektar Café and Roaster, Quebec City and Lévis

In operation since 2009 and roasting their own beans since 2018, Nektar Café is always on our itinerary whenever we drive from Montreal to Quebec City. With three locations in the greater Quebec City area (Limoilou, Saint-Roch, and Saint-Nicolas in Lévis), Nektar showcases around twenty third-wave roasters alongside their own product line. Coffee lovers will also appreciate their subscription service, which lets you receive bags of freshly roasted coffee at whatever frequency suits you.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

La Maison Smith, Île d’Orléans and Quebec City

A firm favorite since our road trip on Île d’Orléans, La Maison Smith is an absolute must on the enchanted island. Offering responsibly roasted, 100% local coffee, you’re sure to find a flavor profile that matches your preferences. If you have a bit of time, treat yourself to one of their pastries and browse their lovely boutique. Beyond the Île d’Orléans location, you can also visit six other locations across Quebec City such as the one on Place Royale, a classic that never disappoints.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Where to Get a Great Coffee in Charlevoix

Mousse Café, Baie-Saint-Paul

If you’re passing through Baie-Saint-Paul on your road trip, Mousse Café is a stop we highly recommend. We discovered it during a stay at the Hôtel Le Germain Charlevoix and were immediately smitten. Set in a converted former convent, it’s a perfect spot to start the day with a quick breakfast or stock up before heading out to explore the region’s peaks and trails. Pastries, sandwiches, granola, salads, iced matchas, you’ll find everything you need right in the heart of this charming village.

Best Cafés in Chaudière-Appalaches

Herbarium Café Floral, Beaumont

On a summer escape through Chaudière-Appalaches, Herbarium Café Floral in Beaumont is an absolute must. In its beautifully peaceful space, you’ll find a gorgeous flower garden, a warm café, and a delicious menu that puts edible flowers and local ingredients front and centre.

We loved their Brussels waffles and their waffle-sandwich, both absolutely divine. On the drinks side, don’t miss their rose latte and their purple sparkling lemonade. Herbarium Café Floral is a truly lovely and special place where you lose track of time over a beautiful meal.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Café Babel, Cap-Saint-Ignace

Housed in a former presbytery in the MRC de Montmagny, Café Babel has become an essential stop in Chaudière-Appalaches for a bite to eat and a coffee in a bright, welcoming setting. During our visit, we couldn’t resist their decadent ham grilled cheese made with local ingredients, paired with a chai latte and a classic cappuccino. A true delight!

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Best Café in Bas-Saint-Laurent

Café Culturel de la Pointe, Rivière-du-Loup

If you’re wondering how to start the day in Rivière-du-Loup, the answer is simple: Café Culturel de la Pointe. With its terrace offering a stunning view over the St. Lawrence River, you’ll have a gorgeous setting to enjoy your coffee and a pastry at a pace that feels just right. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger at a little longer than planned. Beyond the breakfast menu, you can also stop by for lunch or dinner, or catch one of their cultural events held throughout the year.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Best Cafés for a Gaspésie Road Trip

Brûlerie du Quai, Carleton-sur-Mer

If you’re heading out on a road trip toward Gaspésie or New Brunswick, a stop at Brûlerie du Quai is non-negotiable. We especially loved their espresso and London Fog, two winning options to savor on the outdoor terrace before hitting the road again. Located in Carleton-sur-Mer, right by the Baie-des-Chaleurs, their roasting workshop has been crafting exceptional coffee since 2005. Don’t miss the chance to bring a bag home or pick up one of their adorable reusable coffee cups as a souvenir.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Café Librairie Nath et Compagnie, Percé

Once you reach Percé, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Nath et Compagnie, a café-bookshop where you can browse a book while savoring a warm drink and a pastry. We absolutely loved their matcha latte (genuinely one of the best we’ve ever had) and their cortado, not to mention the cozy atmosphere and decor. A true gem to visit in Percé! The owners also run a fine dining restaurant just steps away, Maison Black Whale, where you can discover creative dishes celebrating the best of Gaspesian cuisine.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Now you’re ready to hit the road and discover Quebec’s incredible café scene on your next road trip! We hope our picks lead you to some wonderful discoveries across the province!

Planning Your Quebec Road Trip?

Bookmark this guide and use it as your coffee compass from Montreal to Gaspésie. And if you’re looking for places to stay along the way, check out our other Quebec travel guides for accommodations and itinerary inspiration.