Saint-Constant is just 19 miles (30 kilometers) southwest of Montréal, making the town an excellent location to visit the larger city and surrounding region. After becoming linked with rail service in the 1850s, the community grew and established itself as an important rail center between Montréal and New York.
Discover Saint-Constant’s railway lineage by visiting Exporail – The Canadian Railway Museum. Family members will find lots to keep them interested at the museum. Walk through the decades of train travel by boarding multiple exhibits of rolling stock. The collection of passenger cars show how they evolved from the early wooden cars of the 19th century to more recent streamlined versions.
The large number and different varieties of locomotives are popular at the attraction. Over 20 steam engines are on display, including some from other countries, such as a British sample that resembles the eponymous train from Thomas the Tank Engine. View the many trams and streetcars that have served North American cities over the years. Allow several hours to study the extensive collection. Stop and have a meal at the museum’s café, visit the gift shop and take a ride on the miniature railway.
While in the Montérégie region where Saint-Constant is located, consider going on the Countryman’s Tour, Le Circuit du Paysan. The 120-mile (194-kilometer) route explores the picturesque countryside and includes wineries, lavender farms, honey and mead producers, cheese makers, U-pick operations and other highlights. Tour this productive and scenic area that goes from the south shore of the St. Lawrence River to the United States border.
Travel to Saint-Constant by flying to Montréal or riding the train. Drive along the Trans Canada Highway from Montréal and cross the river to the opposite shore to reach the town. Discover in this area why Québec has the pseudonym La Belle Province, the Beautiful Province.
