The Summit Drive, located in the heart of the Mégantic Region in the Eastern Townships, is a must-see destination for lovers of forested landscapes, Appalachian mountains and outdoor adventure. Just 2.5 hours from Montréal and Québec City, this 193 km scenic tourist route invites you to discover a side of Quebec shaped by wide-open landscapes, bright skies and a slower pace.
But what is a nature getaway without our four-legged companion? Good news: The Summit Drive is wonderfully suited to traveling with a dog. We've put together a 3 day, 2 night itinerary designed to help you fully enjoy the region's natural attractions, without ever leaving your dog behind.
To start your getaway, head to Frontenac National Park, Saint-Daniel sector, a true natural retreat bordered by wild lakes and mature forests. Here, nature feels close and calming, making it easy to slow down and enjoy a real change of scenery. On site, you can rent a boat, and dogs are allowed on board from May to October.
After your time on the water, continue along Le Sous-Bois linear trail (3.2 km), a gentle, shaded walk that is perfect for a first hike with your dog.
At lunchtime, a stop in the municipality of Lambton is well worth it. Take the opportunity to discover a local restaurant or a small artisan food counter in the heart of the village. Don't miss the panoramic roadside stop, which offers a spectacular view of Grand Lac Saint-François, one of Quebec's largest natural lakes.
In the afternoon, make your way to Morne de Saint-Sébastien for a hike with breathtaking views. Two routes lead to the summit: Sentier du Pic et de la Grue and the ascent from Maison du Granit. At the top, an observation tower lets you admire Lake Drolet, the wind turbines and the surrounding villages, a classic stop on The Summit Drive.
Spend the evening and night in Lac-Mégantic, a town with Cittaslow designation, known for its relaxed pace, warm welcome and variety of cultural and outdoor attractions. Stop by the heritage train station to discover its exhibitions. For dinner, you will find plenty of tasty options: snack bars by the water, restaurants with terraces, specialty food shops and local markets. For the night, several accommodations welcome dogs. Here are a few options: Station touristique Baie-des-Sables (camping, beach access and access to the bike path) or Camping Aventure Mégantic in Frontenac.
To start the day on the right note, stop by Ditchfield Microtorréfacteur, known for its specialty coffee and delicious breakfasts. Enjoy their outdoor terrace or bring your coffee and pastry to Parc des Vétérans, right on the shores of Lake Mégantic.
The route then continues along an alternate section of The Summit Drive through the municipality of Frontenac, with a stop at the Hautes-Appalaches observation tower. The drive continues toward Saint-Augustin-de-Woburn, nestled in the heart of a grand landscape dominated by Mount Mégantic and the Appalachians. The village's panoramic roadside stop offers an impressive view of the mountains, marking one of the highlights of the route.
Before lunch, the climb up Mount Scotch Cap is a must. This 2.6 km linear trail, with a moderate elevation gain of 140 metres, is considered easy and leads to three lookout points with open views of Lac des Joncs, Lac aux Araignées and Lac Mégantic. For lunch, the village of Piopolis welcomes visitors in an authentic atmosphere shaped by its unusual history. The picnic areas near the municipal wharf or at Halte des Zouaves, a small heritage museum, allow you to combine a tasty break with a cultural discovery.
In the afternoon, head to Mont-Mégantic National Park to climb the summit of the same name. This 11.2 km loop trail, which allows dogs from May to October, takes you directly to an altitude of 1,110 metres, where you will find the famous scientific observatory. Once at the top, take advantage of the evening for some stargazing. While dogs are not allowed at the AstroLAB, several panoramic roadside stops, equipped with reclining benches and interpretation panels, let you take in the night sky at your own pace. Several accommodations around Mount Mégantic also welcome dogs. Here are a few options: Camping Kassyopée and Domaine Nova (glass dome and private spa), both in Notre-Dame-des-Bois, or Camping de la Rivière Étoilée in Scotstown.
The third day offers two great ways to wrap up your Summit Drive getaway on a high note. Experienced hikers can take advantage of the summer season to explore the Sentiers frontaliers and climb Mount Gosford, the highest summit in southern Quebec. Rising to 1,193 metres, its 8.4 km linear trail leads to an observation tower with a spectacular view of the Appalachian range stretching all the way to the United States. More adventurous visitors can extend the experience to Pic Frontière and Cap Frontière and capture their visit with the iconic photo at the Rencontre au Sommet (Meeting at the Summit) marker.
For a gentler pace, explore several walking trails along The Summit Drive: Sentier des Pionniers in Val-Racine, Sentier de la Mine d'Or and Parc riverain de Chartierville, as well as the trail at Parc régional du Marécage des Scots in Scotstown.
For more dog-friendly options on where to sleep, where to eat and what to do, explore the Visit section of the website.
Please note: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, everywhere along the route.
