1. OFFICIAL HBD ROUTE
CLERMONT → ROUTE 138 → CHEMIN DU ROY → SHAWINIGAN
Leave Clermont on Route 138 and stay on Route 138 through La Malbaie, Saint-Hilarion, Baie-Saint-Paul and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Use a short highway section to bypass Quebec City, then return to Route 138 at 278 Route 138 in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures. Continue along Chemin du Roy and take Route 157 north to Shawinigan.
Google Maps may recalculate the route. Always check the map, traffic, construction and road conditions on departure day.
2. STOPS WORTH THE DETOUR
OFFICIAL SITES FOR PLACES ALONG THE ROUTE
Canyon Sainte-Anne
A 74-metre waterfall with suspension bridges and lookouts near Saint-Joachim.
Vieux Chemin de Cap-Santé
A heritage street with Sainte-Famille Church and St. Lawrence River views.
Cap Lauzon
A Chemin du Roy viewpoint over the St. Lawrence River in Deschambault.
Old Batiscan Presbytery
A heritage building and short historical trail toward the river. Check seasonal opening hours.
3. DISCOVER SHAWINIGAN
THE CITY OF ENERGY
Giant skull landmark
The motorcycle photo landmark is at Cité de l’énergie, 1000 Avenue Melville. Confirm access before visiting.
Hydro-Québec Observation Tower
A 115-metre tower with 360-degree views of Shawinigan and the Saint-Maurice River.
Saint-Maurice Promenade
An easy waterside walk across from the hotel and close to Cité de l’énergie.
Hôtel Énergie
We stayed here with Harley and dogs are accepted. Confirm current fees, eligible rooms and restrictions directly with the hotel before booking.
4. PRACTICAL TIPS
PREPARE FOR A LONG DAY ON THE ROAD
Stay on Route 138
Follow Route 138 from Clermont. After Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, keep following Route 138 and Chemin du Roy signs. After Champlain, do not follow a route suggestion that sends you back toward Highway 40.
Fuel and breaks
Fill up before long stretches and allow extra time for photos, food and visits.
Check before leaving
Review Québec 511, weather, construction, opening hours and dog policies on the day of travel.