A Winter Stroll Through Old Sainte-Rose

Start the walk 

The walk begins on Sainte-Rose Boulevard, the heart of the neighborhood. You stroll along at a leisurely pace, a hot coffee in hand, enjoying the light from the string lights reflecting off the snow. Les Minettes, this local gourmet shop run by two passionate sisters, is brimming with local treasures. Between artisanal products, the coffee counter, and homemade creations, the place is a true sweet-and-savory stop. Their raspberry square and grilled cheese sandwich are well worth the break.

For one afternoon, the neighborhood transforms into a small urban Christmas village where every stop offers something to taste, smell, or take home. 

Little treats and big smiles 

For a relaxing and creative break, why not stop by Atelier Art Intuitif. It’s a hybrid space: café, workshop, and artisan shop. Perfect for taking a moment to relax after a stroll. You can sip a comforting drink there, and when the urge to create strikes, the place also offers workshops: watercolor, mandalas, collages, jewelry, and ceramics. The space is fully equipped for fun activities for couples or small groups. 

A floral detour  

You can also stop by À la Boîte à Fleurs. In this shop, which combines flowers and local gourmet products, you can escape into a world of plants. The shop features a gourmet corner filled with local and unique products, perfect for picking up a few treats to take home. Right in the middle of December, it’s the ideal stop to soak up the warm atmosphere while leaving with a bouquet or a homemade gift. 

A festive stop 

When you’re in the mood for a proper meal, head to the Boating Club. Housed in a beautiful wooden building, the restaurant combines fine dining with a festive atmosphere. The ambiance is warm, filled with groups of friends, couples at the bar, and a kitchen staff that works with care. The dishes are always well-balanced and thoughtfully prepared, perfect for ending your outing on a delicious note. 

A neighborhood worth rediscovering 

What makes the Vieux Sainte-Rose so pleasant in December is that sense of a collective cocoon. Shopkeepers know each other, passersby greet one another, and store windows overflow with delicious treats. It feels a bit like a small village where Christmas is prepared on a human scale: with family recipes, steaming cups of coffee, and sweets shared along the streets. 

Every street corner tells a story: the story of a neighborhood that takes the time to do things right. As you walk down the boulevard, you can hear laughter drifting out of the cafés, the sound of footsteps on the snow, and the jingle of bells above the doors. Nothing extravagant, just a unique atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer and perhaps treat yourself to one last sweet treat before heading home.