Major city · Canada
Maskinongé
Skip as a base: it is a 1–2 hour stop off Autoroute 40 for the Lake Saint-Pierre shore, the church and a casse-croûte, not a place to sleep.
Maskinongé is a small agricultural municipality on the northwest shore of Lake Saint-Pierre, about 100 km east of Montréal on Autoroute 40. The village is crossed by the Maskinongé river and the old Canadian Pacific rail line. Its pull is the lake: shallow, plant-rich water that draws large numbers of migratory birds in spring and fall. There is no hotel strip and no station stop, so most travellers pass through by car, or stay in nearby Louiseville or Trois-Rivières.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- May–Oct for the lake and boating; late Apr–May and Sep–Oct for bird migration
- avoid Nov–Mar (cold, ice, few services open); spring snowmelt flooding on low ground
- Airports
- YUL · YQB
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Maskinongé911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)811
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)310-4141
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Maskinongé, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyQuiet and low-risk; the real hazards are driving (ice, deer, flooded shore roads), cold water on Lake Saint-Pierre and thin services after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h) · 310-4141 Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 30 min by car via Autoroute 40 east, then route 138.).
- Getting aroundA car is the only realistic way to move around: sights and the lake shore are spread along route 138 and rang roads with no useful local transit.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealCasse-croûte meal (fries, poutine, sandwich)C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a depanneurC$7–9 (≈ US$6–7)C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedRiverside cottage or vacation rental, a night, per roomC$120 (≈ US$90)
- Mid-range bedRiverside cottage or vacation rental, a night, per roomC$200 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedRiverside cottage or vacation rental, a night, per roomC$380 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$260 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YUL Montréal-Trudeau (About 1 h 30 min by car via Autoroute 40 east, then route 138.) · YQB Québec City Jean Lesage (About 2 h by car via Autoroute 40 west, then route 138.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Feb
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Mar
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Apr
Best*
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
Best
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Oct (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Maskinongé: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
12 rd
Feb
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
10 rd
Mar
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
11 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
12 rd
Aug
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
12 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Oct
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
13 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the only realistic way to move around: sights and the lake shore are spread along route 138 and rang roads with no useful local transit. The village is walkable in about 15 minutes end to end. Express Bleu buses link Trois-Rivières and Maskinongé on some weekdays, stopping at the Ultramar gas station and opposite the church — check the current timetable before planning around it.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 10–15 min
Route 138 east by car
Nearest town with food, fuel and beds; same Lake Saint-Pierre shoreline.
Saint-Élie-de-Caxton
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Route 138 west, then rang roads north by car
Village in the hills with a small arts and food scene.
Door to door: About 25 min
Autoroute 40 west, then route 138 by car
Riverside village with a historic core; easy half-day add-on.
Trois-Rivières
goDoor to door: 40–45 min
Autoroute 40 east by car
City museums, restaurants and the St. Lawrence waterfront.
Saint-Alexis-des-Monts
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h
Route 138 west, then route 349 north by car
Lakes and forest country; better with a night than a return dash.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Maskinongé village (route 138)
Very few beds; a handful of vacation rentals and riverside cottages. Check availability before relying on it.
Louiseville
Nearest town with a real choice of motels and inns, about 10–15 min east on route 138.
Trois-Rivières
About 40–45 min east; the practical base if you want city services and restaurants.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$70–110 (≈ US$55–80) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$120–180 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- High
- C$200 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room (Louiseville or Trois-Rivières)1 × 1 night × C$140 | C$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$150 | C$300 |
| Car, fuel and tolls, one day1 × C$45 · check | C$45 |
| Casse-croûte meal2 × C$18 | C$36 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$57 |
| Trip total≈ C$314 per person per day, bed included | C$628≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; sales tax is added at the till. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Casse-croûte meal (fries, poutine, sandwich) | C$12–20 (≈ US$9–15) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a depanneur | C$7–9 (≈ US$6–7) / C$2–4 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Fuel, 1 Lcheck | C$1.50–1.80 (≈ US$2) |
| Campground pitch, per nightcheck | C$35–75 (≈ US$30–55) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train or intercity bus stop you can count on; confirm any bus times directly.
- Low ground near the lake floods during snowmelt; some shore roads close.
- Fuel and food options are thin outside the village core — fill up before you leave Autoroute 40.
- Winter driving on route 138 and rang roads is icy; snow tires are required in Québec in winter.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)
- 310-4141
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MaskinongéMaskinongé
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (24 h)811
- Sûreté du Québec (non-emergency)310-4141
Embassy
No embassy in Maskinongé; the US consulate general is in Montréal, and most other countries keep embassies in Ottawa or Montréal.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Montréal → Maskinongé by car: about 102 km (63 mi), 1 h 10 min via Autoroute 40 and route 138about 63 mi (102 km), 1 h 10 min via Autoroute 40 and route 138
- Québec City → Maskinongé by car: about 173 km (107 mi), 1 h 45 min via Autoroute 40 west and route 138about 107 mi (173 km), 1 h 45 min via Autoroute 40 west and route 138
- Express Bleu, Trois-Rivières → Maskinongé: weekday service only; check the timetable
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
- Je ne parle pas français — I don't speak French (zhuh nuh PARL pah fran-SAY)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Maskinongé. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct for the lake and boating; late Apr–May and Sep–Oct for bird migration · avoid Nov–Mar (cold, ice, few services open); spring snowmelt flooding on low ground · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YUL and YQB: last Autoroute 40 exits field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: route 138 village core and the church, plus the Maskinongé river mouth at Langue-de-Terre.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (church, recreation centre, lakeshore access) and eat pages with last orders.
- Spring snowmelt and winter-ice fixtures so gates A–D can go green.