Hotel Tips

Request a room in the new section: At the time of reservation, state your preference for one of the renovated rooms with laminate flooring. Such rooms appear to be totally new, are hypoallergenic, and have a very modern look competing with chain hotels. The owners are also quite pleased about this improvement and will generally be more than willing to fulfill the request.

Use the motel as a base to visit the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap which is just five minutes away by car. One of the most important Catholic shrines in North America, its site also contains beautiful gardens and a huge basilica perched above the St. Lawrence River. Even for non-believers, the calm grounds and river view are astonishing.

The "Downtown Dinner" Strategy: Knock back a couple of drinks at the affordable Motel Canadien(and yes, it is in Trois-Rivières even if the sign does make you wonder), then head ten minutes down Rue des Forges into real downtown for dinner. Grab your meal among all the action and energy coursing through this beautiful city by night-lit historic port before heading back to your quiet, cheap-and-easy-to-park motel. Have fun downtown; sleep comfortably on a budget.

Stock the Fridge: There is a grocery store right across the street. Pick up some fresh Quebec cheese, a baguette, and maybe fruit for breakfast or a late-night snack. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and it makes the stay that much more economical.

Avoid the Traffic: By staying on this side of the river (where the motel is), you avoid what could potentially become congestion on Laviolette Bridge during rush hour, if you are heading toward Quebec City next morning. It’s a strategic starting point for continuing your journey east.