Always keen to explore our beautiful province, one of our favorite things about road trips is finding the best coffee shops along the way. Here are our 12 favorite cafes to stop by during your next trip across Quebec, from Montreal to the Eastern Townships and Charlevoix!
1. Hélico, Montreal
Located in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve since 2018, Hélico Café has quickly become one of our favorite spots. Part of third-wave cafés, Hélico uses beans from various local roasters and their selections vary weekly for even more caffeinated discoveries.
In addition to offering excellent coffees, you can enjoy their wide selection of sweet and savory pastries. You can also purchase delicious meals or a bottle of local wine in their grocery section for a tasty dinner on the go. Whether it’s for a quick stop or for a work session in their colorful and cozy decor, Hélico is a must-visit café in Montreal.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. Rosa Café, Montreal
Rosa Café has been on our list of cafes to try for a long time and we weren’t disappointed! Their dirty chai is particularly delicious as are their bomboloni whose flavors change with the seasons (look out for the pistachio one). It’s truly a beautiful place to work and enjoy Italian pastries with a good coffee! We couldn’t recommend more!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
3. Café Alphabet, Montreal
Next time you’re in Mile End, you absolutely have to try Café Alphabet! During our visit, we opted for their signature coffee, the Freddo, which took us straight back to our trip to Greece. With its delicious cold foam that can be served with hot (Zesto) or iced coffee, the Freddo will become your new go-to, no matter the time of year! If you want to recreate the experience at home, don’t hesitate to bring back a bag of their beans from Ambros Coffee.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
PS: To taste the Mile End special and satisfy your cravings, stop at Bernie Beigne across the street, a neighborhood classic, to enjoy one of their delicious fresh donuts with your Freddo.
4. Nektar Café & Torréfacteur – Québec and Lévis
In business since 2009 and roasting since 2018, we always stop at Nektar Café during our Montreal-Quebec City trips. With three stores in Limoilou, St-Roch and St-Nicolas in Lévis, Nektar showcases around twenty 3rd wave roasters, but you can also purchase their own line of products to enjoy at any time. Moreover, if you like their coffees and want to make more discoveries, Nektar also offers a subscription system that allows you to receive bags of coffee at the frequency you want.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
5. Smith Café – La Maison Smith – Île d’Orléans & Québec
One of our favorite coffee shop since our road trip to Île d’Orléans, La Maison Smith is definitely a must-visit while you’re on the enchanted island. Offering coffees from local and responsible roasters, you’re sure to find the flavor profile that suits your preferences.
If you’re feeling peckish and have some time, take the opportunity to enjoy one of their sweet pastries and browse their charming boutique. In addition to the Île d’Orléans location, you can try their delicious coffees at six other spots in Quebec City.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
6. Mousse Café – Baie-Saint-Paul, Charlevoix
If you’re planning a road trip through Baie-Saint-Paul, we recommend a stop at Mousse Café. We discovered this beautiful café and boutique during our stay at Hôtel Le Germain Charlevoix and absolutely loved it.
Located in a former convent, Mousse Café is perfect for starting the day with a quick breakfast or stocking up on supplies before exploring Charlevoix’s mountains. Pastries, sandwiches, granola, salads, and matcha frappes—you’ll find everything you need in the heart of this Baie-Saint-Paul’s charming gem.
Crédit photo: Mousse Café
7. La Shop – Magog, Eastern Townships
This lovely Magog café is a must-visit if you’re passing through the Eastern Townships during your next local getaway. In addition to their excellent coffees, you can recharge by trying one of their famous grilled cheese sandwiches! Among our favorites, we recommend the Scandinave with smoked salmon, the Petit Canard, and the Belle Bette with beets and sundried tomatoes. If you stop by for dinner or a cocktail, you can also take the opportunity to try their microbrewery beer menu!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
8. Saint-Laurent Café – Boucherville, Montérégie
With its charming decor and refreshing yet comforting menu, the Saint-Laurent Café is definitely one of our favorite spots on Montreal’s South Shore. Whether you’re working remotely with a delicious iced latte or enjoying a cocktail with colorful, seasonal dishes, you’ll never be disappointed. Located in Old Boucherville, it’s the perfect gourmet stop before continuing your adventures in Montérégie.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
9. La bête à pain – Laval
La bête à pain is the perfect place for brunch and a good coffee on Montreal’s North Shore. While the restaurant’s menu is full of sweet and savory options and perfectly balanced meals, at the counter, you can also find delicious imported wines, breads of all kinds, fine products, decadent pastries and takeout dishes. With such a sublime decor and a florist right next door, it’s a must during your visit to Laval.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
10. Café Babel, Cap Saint-Ignace, Chaudière-Appalaches
Located in Chaudière-Appalaches, more precisely in Montmagny’s MRC, Café Babel is a former presbytery, now a go-to favorite for a bite to eat and a good beverage in a bright setting. During our visit, we fell for their decadent grilled cheese with ham, prepared with local products, as well as their chai latte and their old-fashioned cappuccino. A true delight!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
11. Brûlerie du Quai, Carleton-sur-Mer, Gaspésie
If you’re planning a road trip to the Gaspésie or New Brunswick, you absolutely must stop at Brûlerie du Quai for your coffee break. We particularly liked their espresso and London fog, two winning options that you can take the time to enjoy on the outdoor terrace before hitting the road again.
Located in Carleton-sur-Mer, near Chaleur Bay, their roastery has been producing caffeinated creations since 2005. Don’t miss the opportunity to take home a bag or one of their cute reusable coffee cups.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
12. Prana Café, Saint-Jérôme
On your next adventure in the Laurentians, we highly recommend stopping by Prana Café in downtown St-Jérôme. This multifunctional space is the perfect place to fuel up with a delicious vanilla-pistachio matcha or to satisfy a craving with a tasty smorrebrod. You can also take the opportunity to relax, do some remote work in front of the fire on colder days or to unwind on their swings.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Now you’re ready to explore Quebec and its many cafés this summer! We hope our suggestions will help you make lots of wonderful discoveries!
Have a great getaway!
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