8 locations to visit during your road trip in Quebec

With our network of 83 clinics located throughout Quebec, from Montreal to the Magdalen Islands, the Opto-Réseau team is in the best position to help you build the perfect road trip itinerary in the province. Read on to find out about 8 places that are worth exploring during a road trip with friends or family.

1- Start with a day or weekend in the Eastern Townships

A lovely picnic at Bleu Lavande, a day at the Zoo de Granby, or dinner on the shores of Lake Memphremagog... There are plenty of ways to get the most out of a road trip stop in the Eastern Townships.

Just like Arianne, bring your favourite pair of sunglasses to take it all in while protecting your eyes during bright sunny days in the Eastern Townships.

Arianne is wearing a pair of Lanvin frames from our Editorial Collection. Available in every Opto-Réseau clinic, these rectangular frames featuring the logo of the famous fashion house are the perfect accessory to complete your elegant attires. They can also be used to add a hint of sophistication to your casual get-ups.

^{Lanvin frames, available in all Opto-Réseau clinics}.

To find an Opto-Réseau clinic in the Eastern Townships, click here.

2 - A short stop in Lanaudière

Continue your journey with a stop in Lanaudière, an area brimming with activities of all kinds. For instance, spend an afternoon at Arbraska treetop adventures in Rawdon with friends, a romantic day on the beaches of Auberge du Lac Taureau, or some family bonding time at Guy Rivest Farm where you can pick your own strawberries or make you way through their famous giant corn maze. Fun guaranteed for the whole family.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses! A versatile pair of clear acetate frames should do the trick. The pair of OTP frames worn by Virginie during her time by the water in l’Assomption is an excellent option. It’s also available in the 83 Opto-Réseau clinics throughout the province.

OTP S-2022 frames, available in all Opto-Réseau clinics.

To find an Opto-Réseau clinic in Lanaudière, click here.

3 - Rest and relax… or experience thrills in the Laurentians

The Laurentians are the perfect destination for a spa day with friends or a romantic day with your better half. Recharge your batteries in calming, natural surroundings with magnificent views.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for ways to get your adrenaline pumping, you can easily get your heart rate up with an adventure in the mountains or on the water. We recommend: a day of canoeing or kayaking in Val-David or the Via Ferrata du Diable at the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant!

End your time in the Laurentians on a high note with dinner on a lovely terrasse. While wearing your sunglasses of course.

Yasmeen is proudly wearing Mexx’s 6454 model which is part of our Editorial Collection. They’re a stylish pair of frames that will turn heads as you enjoy a meal at one of the following renowned stops:

• Le rusé renard | Val-David
• Vignoble Rivière du Chêne | Saint-Eustache
• FOGO | Boisbriand

^{Mexx 6454 frames, available in all Opto-Réseau clinics.}

To find an Opto-Réseau clinic in the Laurentians and North Shore, click here.

4- Go on a hike or bike ride in Outaouais

With its panoramic views and myriad hiking trails in national parks and reserves, Outaouais has definitely earned a spot on your Quebec road trip list.

Thanks to its numerous natural reserves, Parc Omega is without a doubt one of the most popular spots for animal lovers.

If you prefer your adventures on two wheels, you’re in luck. There are plenty of cycling routes in the area.

Psst: Love biking? Opto-Réseau clinics have a huge selection of sunglasses specifically designed for cyclists. Whether you prefer biking on the roads, in the mountains, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll with the family, we’ve got options that meet your needs, tastes, and budget. Here are a few examples:

Book a free try-on session with an optician by contacting the team at your clinic.

5- Enjoy the great outdoors in Abitibi

Paddleboarding? Check. Canoeing? Check. Hiking? Check. When it comes to outdoor adventures, Abitibi has you covered. If you want to take part in nautical adventures, we suggest heading to the Parc national d’Opémican (equipment is available for rent on site). Don’t forget to protect your eyes. We recommend the Dragon line of frames featuring sunglasses that float on the water. The DR Burgee LL H20 Polar frame from this special collection is available in all 83 Opto-Réseau clinics.

Hiking enthusiasts for their part will find tons of options that suit all kinds of itineraries. The Parc national d’Aiguebelle in Rouyn-Noranda has a huge network of trails including a few where you can take your four-legged friends with you. The Forêt récréative de Val-d’Or is another noteworthy stop with an abundance of hiking and mountain bike trails.

Finally, we recommend you explore the trails at the Marais Antoine in Roquemaure. You can watch the fauna and flora from its many lookouts and walkways. Birdwatchers welcome!

Other activities for outdoor explorers: a day with the family at the Refuge Pageau in Amos or a weekend of fishing and hunting with friends at the famous Fern Outfitter on the shores of Lake Duparquet.

For your day in Abitibi, we recommend a pair of wraparound sunglasses such as the Camino model by Julbo, available in all our clinics. Protect your eyes and face with these sun-activated lenses featuring anti-fog technology.

Another option we recommend is Under Armour’s Halftime model. With its aerodynamic design, these curved sunglasses provide outstanding protection for your outdoor adventures. They also feature oleophobic polycarbonate lenses and are made to resist impacts. They’re also easy to maintain.

To try a pair of sunglasses or to see the full inventory of frames available, book a try-on appointment at an Opto-Réseau clinic near you.

6 –Spend time by the water in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean has so much to offer! Explore its numerous beaches around Lac Saint-Jean and its regional parks that provide you with breathtaking views.

If you’re looking for hiking trails, we recommend the Parc national des Monts-Valin, the Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay, and the Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon.

You can also take advantage of your road trip in the area to explore the Vieux-Port de Chicoutimi. If you love animals, make sure to spend some time at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien!

Depending on your plans in Saguenay, you might want to opt for a sporty pair of sunglasses like those recommended above, or even versatile frames such as those designed by I-Man, available in every Opto-Réseau clinic. Even though they were designed for prescription lenses, they can easily be turned into sunglasses thanks to a magnetic clip with polarized sun lenses.

To explore the range of clip-on models available at your clinic, contact the team at your Opto-Réseau clinic.

To find an Opto-Réseau clinic in the Saguenay area, click here.

7 - Go camping in Gaspésie

The Gaspésie and Magdalen Islands region feature some of the province’s most spectacular views. Best of all, you’ll find Opto-Réseau clinics in Gaspésie and even in Cap-aux-Meules.

Looking for a beach? The area is filled with wonderful sandy areas such as the shores at Percé or La Grave sector (Heritage Site). Watersports fans will also have plenty to keep them busy.

Don’t forget to protect your eyes from the sun while you explore the region’s beautiful waterways! Once again, we recommend the Dragon model, because it would be a shame to lose your sunglasses in the water.

Finally, this area is renowned for its outstanding restaurants and seaside shacks. If you love seafood, you’ll be in seventh heaven!

To find an Opto-Réseau clinic in the Gaspésie area, click here.

8 - A must-see stop in Vieux-Québec on the way back

No road trip in the province is complete without a stop in Old Québec City.

Enjoy a walk along Dufferin Terrace, a cup of coffee (or a glass of sangria!) in the heart of the Quartier Petit-Champlain, or a picnic on the Plains of Abraham. Any occasion is a good one to wear your favourite summer dress – paired with your favourite pair of sunglasses of course!

Need inspiration? These Kate Spade Cat-Eye sunglasses, worn by Laurie, are an excellent choice! It’s available in all our clinics in Quebec. Book an appointment at the clinic nearest you to try them!

We hope this article has inspired you for your next road trip.

Before you set off, stop in one of our 83 clinics located throughout the province to find your next pair of road trip sunglasses. To locate a clinic, click here.