The Musée d'art de Joliette combines a broad art-historical perspective with family-focused educational programs. Its extensive collection spans from the 14th century to the present day; at the same time, it is one of Québec’s leading art museums. In the René Préville area, families can get creative together, with tools and materials provided. In Joliette, then, viewing art goes hand in hand with a practical activity to enjoy together.
Culture beyond the museum
Founded in 1979, the Centre culturel Desjardins promotes cultural and artistic activities throughout the greater Joliette region. It presents more than 200 events each year. This means the cultural offering extends beyond the museum collection: if you want to include events in your trip, the Centre offers another focus alongside art history and hands-on activities.
The Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay offers 2,000 seats in its covered area and 5,000 seats on its lawn. The lawn therefore accommodates considerably more people than the covered area—a concrete difference that puts the size of the two areas into perspective.
Marked trails and winter activities
In Sainte-Mélanie, the Parc régional des Chutes Monte-à -Peine-et-des-Dalles is one of the natural attractions in the Joliette subregion. Its network includes more than 26 kilometres of marked hiking trails. In winter, the park offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking. Hiking trails and seasonal activities therefore offer different ways to experience the park. Check winter operating information before your trip if you plan to take part in one of these activities.
A different kind of activity is offered by the 700-metre-long zipline that crosses the valley. You should also check its availability before your trip. Together with the trail network and winter activities, it creates a clear contrast between hiking, seasonal sports, and crossing the valley by zipline—without having to limit yourself to just one way of enjoying the outdoors.
Chocolate and local experiences
In downtown Joliette, Choco Chocolat is an artisanal chocolate shop and milk bar housed in a historic building. Tastings are offered on site. If you plan to include a tasting, check the latest visitor information before your trip. This makes the chocolate shop a distinct culinary highlight alongside art, events, and outdoor activities.
Getting there and getting around
In the urban area, the MRC de Joliette operates six bus routes serving Saint-Charles-Borromée and the cities of Notre-Dame-des-Prairies and Joliette. Network information may change, so check current connections if you plan to travel by bus.
To get from Montréal to the MAJ by public transit, take the Metro to Radisson station and then bus 50 from platform 5. Several daily trips take 50 to 55 minutes. Check the latest schedule details before departure so you can plan your journey using the right connection.
Plan your stay around your interests
When choosing a hotel in Joliette, your interests can help guide your decision: the art collection and cultural offerings, a tasting, or the marked trails and winter activities at the Parc régional each provide a different focus for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Joliette, Saint-Ambroise-De-Kildare, Témiscouata, Memphrémagog, Charlevoix-Est, Le Val-Saint-François, Rivière-Du-Loup, La Vallée-De-La-Gatineau.
See the broader travel overview: Quebec.
