Québec’s gastronomic heritage is a rich one, and talented artisans everywhere are eager to share their craft with visitors. Unique gins distilled using locally picked herbs, dry-cured pork sausages made with sea parsley pesto, beers brewed with saltwater, the list of delicacies goes on. Which means that when it comes to cooking amazing meals, local establishments have plenty of deliciously unique products at their disposal.
Think we’re slightly biased? Think again! We’re not alone in recognizing that Québec’s food is the bee’s knees. Some of its products and restaurants have won prestigious accolades. Here are a few of the internationally recognized experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting one of our nine ports of call.
In this article, you will learn all about:
- The world’s best spiced rum
- The best tables around
- Award-winning chocolates & cheeses
Ahoy matey! Discover Trois-Rivières’s treasure
Navigating the seas (OK, river!) is thirsty business, and you may need to quench your thirst during the long journey. Fear not! Distillerie Mariana’s Morbleu spiced rum isn’t just reserved for pirates and sailors. Described as a ‘festive rum with bold properties’, the mysterious concoction has received the most prestigious award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Why describe the world’s best spiced rum as mysterious? While some of the spices used in its fabrication are known, the distillery carefully conceals its recipe. There is good news, however, as a new production site is due to open in downtown Trois-Rivières over the coming months. Cruise guests will be able to sit down, enjoy a taste of the famous liquor, and have a go at guessing the secret ingredients.
A seat at the (best) table
Montréal is famed for its vibrant culinary scene, and foodies regularly flock here to treat their taste buds and fill their bellies. Food trucks, casual eateries and swanky sit-down restaurants… The city is home to some of the best tables in the country, and the world!
So where should you start? Forbes’ travel guide 2024, which highlights some of the best places in the world, has added not one, not two, but three Québec restaurants to its prestigious list of 4-star rated establishments.
Stopping over in Montréal? Try La Maison Boulud, a hub of soulful French cuisine, or Toqué!, whose innovative chef cooks up deliciously seasonal provincial specialties.
Visitors alighting in Québec City can also get their fill of amazing food at Chez Muffy, a pioneering farm-to-fork restaurant located in the majestic Auberge Saint-Antoine. Fine dining, all with a majestic view of the Saint Lawrence River.
Last but not least, did you know that the best restaurant in Canada is located in Montréal? Canada’s 100 Best magazine has recently published its rankings and Mon Lapin, a Montréal classic, is once again at the top of the list. Those looking for a serving of fresh and innovative food and outstanding service with a side of good vibes should head there on their next visit to the metropolis.
I shouldn’t… Alright, just a bite then!
Did you know that the world’s best milk chocolate is from Gaspésie? Local producer Chaleur B Chocolat was recently recognized at the International Chocolate Awards World Final Competition in Florence, Italy. Its melt-in-the-mouth chocolate creations are used by many chefs throughout Québec, including swanky Château Frontenac’s desert chefs.
And what about cheese? Les québécois won’t be outclassed there either! Agropur, a local dairy company, constantly stands out on the international scene. In 2018, the Cooperative won the world’s best Camembert accolade at the World Championship Cheese Contest. This year, no less than 14 of its exceptionally high-quality cheeses won medals at the same competition, held this time in Madison, United States. Now that’s something to be proud of!
Food, glorious food!
While the list above is full of the kind of culinary experiences that would delight any foodie, it is only a beginning.
All along the Saint Lawrence River, cruise guests will discover many products, restaurants, distilleries and microbreweries which showcase the richness of the terroir and make the Québec province shine on the world’s stage.
And if you are looking for more culinary inspiration, have a look at our three-part series on agritourism, or find out more about Québec’s sugar shacks!
Find out more about the Cruise the Saint Lawrence sustainable development guidelines on our sustainability page.
Photo credit : Mathieu Dupuis ACSL