eastern townships travel guide

Must-see attractions in Eastern Townships

Abbaye St-Benoît-du-Lac

Eastern Townships

Sitting on the western shore of Lac Memphrémagog, about 12km south of Magog, this complex is a striking blend of traditional and modern architecture,…

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook

Straddling a lovely forested gorge outside the town of Coaticook, this scenic park is famous for having the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge…

Orford Musique

Each summer this renowned music academy, dating back to 1951, hosts the Festival Orford Musique, a celebration of music and art that features more than 60…

Frelighsburg

A few kilometers from the Vermont border, this village makes a pleasant stop along the Eastern Townships Route des Vins (Wine Route). A cluster of stone…

Vignoble l’Orpailleur

One of the province’s oldest and best-known wine producers, l'Orpailleur has a terrific little display on the history of alcohol in Québec, as well as…

Bishop's University

If you're interested in scholarly pursuits, head 5km south from Sherbrooke (or catch bus 2 or 11) to Lennoxville to see the Anglican Bishop's University,…

Parc National du Mont Orford

Just outside the town of Magog, Mont Orford (853m) dominates the lush Parc National du Mont Orford. In winter the park is a cross-country and downhill…

Parc National du Mont-Mégantic

At the heart of a scenic and delightfully uncrowded area, this park holds megasized appeal for wilderness fans and stargazers. Encounters with moose,…

Lac des Nations

South of all the sights, Rivière Magog flows into the pretty Lac des Nations, which is surrounded by a scenic paved trail perfect for walking, in-line…

AstroLab is an astronomy research center on the east side of Parc National du Mont-Mégantic that explains space through interactive exhibits and a…

Musée J Armand Bombardier

This eccentric little museum is named after Joseph Armand Bombardier, the inventor of the Ski-Doo (snowmobile). Also known ambitiously as the Museum of…

Domaine Pinnacle

Award-winning Domaine Pinnacle, the world's largest cidre de glace (ice-cider) producer, sits among century-old orchards just outside of Frelighsburg, 1¼…

Musée Historique du Comté de Brome

The exhibits at this museum include a recreated general store and courthouse (Sunday only) and, incongruously, a WWI Fokker D-VII plane. An on-site,…

Bromont Flea Market

More than 1000 vendors set up here, attracting thrifty weekend treasure-hunters from near and far. If anything else, it's a fascinating peek into the…

La Société d'Histoire de Sherbrooke

This center offers an engaging introduction to the town's history and includes exhibitions on the odd Loyalist-Francophone identity of the Eastern…

Cathédrale St-Michel

Quietly overlooking the action from its hilltop perch is the Cathédrale St-Michel, a monumental granite, Gothic-style edifice.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

This museum has a good permanent collection featuring works by regional artists; it also stages temporary exhibitions.

The town of Granby is known far and wide in Québec as the home of this zoo, with its 1000-plus animals including reptiles, gorillas and elephants. One of…

More destinations you need to see

Eastern Townships

• 2 Other destinations
• 3.1 History
• 6 Get around
• 10 Stay safe

The Eastern Townships (in French, Cantons de l'Est ) is a region of Quebec nestled between northern Maine , New Hampshire and Vermont . Settled by Loyalists fleeing the United States during and after the Revolutionary War in the 18th century, the Townships share a climate and architectural and cultural heritage with much of New England .

The region also got a lot of Irish immigration in the 19th century.

Cities [ edit ]

• 45.2 -72.75 3 Cowansville — an industrial town focused on textiles
• 45.3 -72.316667 5 Eastman — ziplines and a book festival, but not at the same time
• 45.4 -72.733333 6 Granby — known for its zoo
• 45.217222 -72.518611 7 Knowlton — nice village that caters to tourists; it is also a major cottage destination for Montrealers
• 45.266667 -72.15 8 Magog — charming town at the head of Lake Memphremagog
• 45.666667 -72.15 10 Richmond — Historic town on the St. François River
• 45.4 -71.9 11 Sherbrooke — university town and unofficial capital of the region
• 45.016667 -72.1 12 Stanstead — historic treasure; today a thriving border town
• 45.1 -72.6167 13 Sutton — a charming village with excellent year round outdoor activities and a strong artistic community

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 45.583333 -70.883333 1 Lac-Mégantic — a small village on the Maine-Québec border, surrounded by mountains and two provincial parks

Understand [ edit ]

The region comprises counties that had been divided into townships after the traditional method of land grants of the original New England and New York settlers. Earlier French settlement along the St Lawrence River had divided the landscape into parishes and seigneuries. The tourist region now covers most of the region. The administrative region, officially called Estrie , is slightly smaller. The principal cities are Sherbrooke, Granby, Magog, and Cowansville.

The towns of Drummondville, Victoriaville, and Thetford Mines are part of the historical region. The region has summer colonies used by vacationing Montrealers and several ski resorts, including Mount Orford, Ski Bromont, Mount Sutton, and Owl's Head.

History [ edit ]

The first inhabitants of the region were the Abenaki First Nations . The names of many towns, lakes and rivers of the area are of Abenaki origin.

The region was part of New France until the 1763 Treaty of Paris which granted the region to the British. Shortly after the American Revolution , a few United Empire Loyalists, who fled the revolution in order to stay loyal to the British Crown, settled in the Eastern Townships. Most of the immigration from New England, however, happened in the early 19th century, thirty or so years after the Revolution. Most were farmers seeking new lands, something the townships had to offer.

English-speaking inhabitants remained a majority in the Townships until the 1870s. Today the region is heavily Francophone, with the notable exception of Lennoxville, which is about evenly divided between English and French speakers. It hosts the region's only English-speaking university, Bishop's University and the only English-language junior college, Champlain College - Lennoxville.

Talk [ edit ]

This has been one of the main English-speaking regions of Quebec, but French has always been spoken here and today it is the predominant language. Young people may be bilingual in French and English, though very few people over the age of 40 are fluent in English.

Get in [ edit ]

There is a minor airport just east of Sherbrooke , the Aéroport de Sherbrooke , with no scheduled flights. Montreal's Trudeau International Airport is the main airport for the region.

There is no train service to the Eastern Townships. The nearest access is through Montreal, or at Drummondville 's VIA Rail station.

Limocar offers bus service from Montreal to Sherbrooke via Magog . La Québécoise has service to Sherbrooke from Victoriaville and Quebec City .

By car, Autoroute 10 is the fastest way from Montreal and the new Autoroute 30 provides a link to Ottawa , while Americans coming from Vermont will want to take Interstate 89 or 91 . Access from Quebec City , the Mauricie , and the Centre-du-Québec regions is done via Autoroute 55 .

Get around [ edit ]

The easiest way to get around the Eastern Townships is by car. Bus services exist from Montreal to most towns and villages (such as Granby, Sherbrooke, Magog and Sutton) but it can be difficult to get from one village to another without private transport. The only rail service is a tourist train , the Orford Express dinner train between Magog and Sherbrooke , which moves very slowly as the track is in poor condition.

Automobile travel in summer is generally easy, you may want a car with air conditioning as the Québec summers can be on the hot and humid side. In the wintertime, any vehicle registered in the province must have winter tires between December 15 and March 15. Vehicles registered outside of Québec do not need to follow this law, but winter tires are a very good idea when driving anywhere in Québec during the winter season . See winter driving for discussion. Autoroutes and major roadways are fully cleared by snowploughs relatively quickly, but back roads, side streets, alleys and other ways may be maintained poorly. Temperatures trend much lower than other regions south of the Townships, and frequent snowfalls mean a very high average seasonal snowfall when compared to, for example, southern New England.

See [ edit ]

Granby Zoo , which includes a water park and an amusement park, is home to nearly 1,500 animals from over 225 different species, among which are elephants, giraffes, gorillas, and tigers.

The Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Stanstead is an international library: a black line across the floor denotes the border between Canada and the U.S. that runs through the library. The opera has most of its audience seats on the American side, and the stage is on the Canadian side.

The Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts (Musee des Beaux Arts) displays works of universal value and local flavor, focusing on the works of artists of the Eastern Townships.

Do [ edit ]

Yamaska National Park near Granby, is a provincial park that protects a vast humid zone around the Choinière reservoir; it is sought out for its forest, beach, walking and biking paths, and boating; it is considered an important bird sanctuary. Boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, bikes, etc., available for rent.

The Bromont Ski Area near Bromont is a year-round recreational area with skiing, evening skiing, water park, mountain biking and multiuse trails. The largest lit skiable area in North America. The summer waterpark offers a heated wave pool, kilometres of water slides, and mountain alpine luges. The largest mountain biking area in Eastern Canada. Close to 40 km of multiuse trails for hiking, trail running, enduro or cross-country.

Mont Sutton has downhill skiing and snowboarding, and beautiful glade skiing at Quebec's third largest snow resort.

Cross country ski and snowshoe enthusiasts are well catered for at Plein air Sutton , half-way between Sutton village and the mountain.

Eat [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• Usable regions
• Usable articles
• Region articles
• Bottom-level regions
• Southwestern Quebec
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

The Best of the Eastern Townships

The ideal day trip from montreal for visitors hungry for history, architecture and culinary experiences. a short and scenic drive from montreal, the eastern townships offer rolling green hills, wineries and apple-picking, destination spas, a charming zoo, and quaint english-like villages..

• Copy Link copied

• pound sterling
• Create an account / Login

EASTERN TOWNSHIPS

Travel reviews.

• Worth the detour

MONT-ORFORD NATIONAL PARK

Come enjoy the mountains, lakes and mature sugar maple forests of Mont-Orford National Park.  

HIKE UP MOUNT ORFORD

LAC STUKELY BEACH

Stukely Lake is located within Mont-Orford National Park. Its beach is supervised and offers a playground for children. Swimming is possible from early July to early September.

ABBAYE DE ST-BENOÎT-DU-LAC

The Abbey is located near Lake Memphrémagog. Discover the serene beauty of a place of peace, silence and prayer . The boutique offers a wide variety of products made by the community such as cheeses, cider, jams and preserves. You can also take a guided tour . And be sure to take a stroll through the orchards to pick apples or simply admire the scenery.

1 RUE PRINCIPALE, SAINT-BENOÎT-DU-LAC / 819-843-4080  

LAKE MEMPHRÉMAGOG CRUISE

Discover majestic Lake Memphrémagog aboard the Grand Cru , a cruise boat that can accommodate up to 176 passengers. As well as taking in the magnificent scenery, you can enjoy a gourmet meal . Several different outings are offered, from May to October. Reservations recommended (819-843-7000).

Les Excursions L’Air du lac offers more intimate cruises aboard the Entregens II , a pontoon that accommodates up to 12 passengers. Captain Jean-François offers 3 narrated outings. The Sunset Privé lasts 2.5 hours and is a personalized cruise. Bring your swimsuit, your lunch and your drinks. The Happy Hours lasts 2 hours and is perfect for having a drink on the lake. The 1 hour Route du Montre takes you along in search of the Memphré monster. Several departures during summer. Reservations required (819-345-7450).

BROMONT WATER PARK

This mountain water park offers a range of attractions that will refresh and amuse the whole family. These include 4 heated pools , including a wave pool, and several water slides of varying thrill levels. The entry fee includes mountain activities such as the Biking Experience, Alpine Luge and a chairlift ride to admire a panoramic view of the region. Restaurants, shops and entertainment on site. 

150 RUE CHAMPLAIN, BROMONT / 1-866-276-6668

A visit to the zoo is a busy day of fun for the whole family. The zoological garden houses an extensive collection of animals from Asia, Oceania, South America and Africa. The site also features a large water park to cool off and an amusement park with rides to provide a few thrills. There are also several restaurants.

The zoo is open year round, but the operating hours vary according to the season and activity. 

1050 BOULEVARD DAVID BOUCHARD, GRANBY / 1-877-472-6299

Optional activities

• Dégustation wines & charcuteries
• Dairy farm visit & local picnic
• Mountain biking
• Vineyard tour

Where to eat

• $ Inexpensive
• $$ Moderate
• $$$ Upscale
• $$$$ Fine dining

BISTRO 4 SAISONS ($$-$$$)

The restaurant at Auberge Espace 4 Saisons offers an enjoyable dining experience that will not disappoint. The menu features simple yet refined French cuisine with a distinctively Quebecois flavour.

MICROBRASSERIE MEMPHRÉ ($$-$$$)

If you are in the mood for a good artisanal beer, this is the place for you! Sample the dozen beers brewed on-site, accompanied by pub-style food such as grilled meats, burgers, cheese fondue, poutine, salads, shared dishes, and much more. Don't expect fine cuisine: the star attraction is the beer.

PINOCCHIO ($$$)

You won't want to miss their salmon tartare, handcrafted charcuteries, beef tartare, blood pudding or the magret of duck. Chic but warm and inviting atmosphere and a beautiful terrace when the weather is good.

LE HATLEY - MANOIR HOVEY ($$$$)

Le Hatley Restaurant at Manoir Hovey, with its panoramic view of Lake Massawippi, is renowned for its friendly, personalized service and for its innovative terroir-driven Quebec cuisine, which uses the finest local and regional products. Manoir Hovey is a proud member of the prestigious French hotel association, Relais & Châteaux.

Where to sleep ?

• Ready-to-camp
• Manoir Hovey
• Aux Jardins Champêtres
• Auberge de la Tour & Spa B&B
• Cabins in Mont-Orford National Park
• Manoir des Sables
• Espace 4 saisons
• Mont Orford Park - Lac-Stukely
• Go-Van Spaces

Festivals calendar

Festival des traditions du monde.

Dates: mid-August

Description: Through the interpretation of professional and amateur performances, culinary offerings, artistic creations and sports competitions, the region's various cultural communities work together to present and showcase, during the five days of the event, the beauty of their heritage and traditional values.

When to visit

• Very Favourable
• Unfavourable

Difficult to do well!

(Translated by Google) A much colder Anglo-Saxon side

Pretty countryside but not much to do and average weather for us

Download our travel guide.

Relevant posts

Top 5 luxury hotels in quebec, top 5 parks to visit in quebec during indian summer, the best van road trip in quebec, top 10 most beautiful fall landscapes in quebec, top 5 canadian road trips, western conquest, the west by rv, legendary landscapes, west with the family, authentik travel blog, renting a cottage in quebec: top 10 canadian cabins, hike to waber falls in la mauricie national park [with map + photos], bonaventure island cruise: our practical guide, canada travel: 5 tips for a successful trip, visiting wells gray park in british columbia: the complete guide, best 7-day road trip in quebec, visit halifax: our 10 must-see attractions, all-inclusive travel to canada: our expert advice, 10 must-see photo spots in toronto, electric car rental in canada: the complete guide, the 5 best places to go dog sledding in quebec, the best 10-day east coast of canada road trip, hiking the acropole-des-draveurs trail, authentic quebec: gems to visit during indian summer, the best western canada tour, campervan rental in canada: 3 tips to save big bucks, top 10 romantic spots in canada, the best vancouver island road trip, lake agnes tea house hike in banff (the complete guide), the best 10-day itinerary in canada, how to plan your canada road trip, visiting montreal: top 10 things to do, how to ruin your trip to canada in 5 easy steps, top 10 most beautiful landscapes in western canada, top 10 instagram spots in western canada, best quebec tour for families, montreal neighbourhoods: which ones are a must, top 5 lakes in the canadian rockies, 5 iconic photo spots in old quebec, the best 2-week road trip for exploring quebec and ontario, yoho national park: the complete travel guide, top 10 winterscapes in quebec, travel to canada: all the entry procedures, free trip to western canada... in 10 photos, where to eat in quebec city , top 5 places to enjoy the colours of indian summer, top 10 places to canoe in quebec, van rental in canada: the 5 best #vanlife models, top 10 most beautiful lakes in quebec [with map + photos], the 5 most beautiful parks in western canada, how to use the google maps gps offline while travelling , western vs eastern canada : which to choose , 10 things to do in western canada before you die, where to eat in niagara falls , the 10 most beautiful sunsets in canada, what to pack for a trip to canada, vancouver island travel guide, the saint-félicien wild zoo from a to z, top 5 most beautiful waterfalls in western canada, 5 ideas to entertain the kids on a canada road trip, the best 2-week quebec road trip, reopening of canada's borders: a how-to guide, top 10 hikes in the canadian rockies, how much does a trip to canada cost in 2022, the ultimate western canada rv road trip, what to do if you encounter a bear , the best 10-day itinerary in the canadian rockies, 5 fall activities to enjoy the indian summer, how can you protect yourself from ticks and lyme disease, the complete guide to gaspésie national park, the complete guide to whale watching in tadoussac, the complete guide to vancouver's stanley park, what to do in sandbanks, 5 good reasons to opt for an rv for your family road trip, arrivecan : everything you need to know, the quebec beer route, where to sleep in montreal , travel to quebec for cheap : 5 tips to save big bucks on your trip, visit ottawa in 24 hours, the ultimate quebec family road trip, what souvenirs to bring back from canada, top 5 sugar shacks in quebec, travel to canada and covid-19: everything you need to know, cell phone and internet in canada, northern lights: when and where to see them, visit quebec city in 2 days, how to stay protected from mosquitoes while in canada, 5 must-do winter activities in quebec, quiz on canada, banff : johnston canyon trail (the complete guide), the best road trip to experience indian summer, visit vancouver in 2 days, 20 best photo spots in montreal, icefields parkway between banff and jasper [the ultimate guide], visit niagara falls in 24 hours, what to do in case of an unexpected problem while travelling in canada, visit victoria in 24 hours, 5 hair-raising adventures in quebec, top 5 hikes in western canada, 5 national parks to discover in quebec, 10 things to do in canada... before you die, the ultimate western canada road trip, visit montreal in 2 days, rv rental in canada: 5 tips to save big bucks, 5 good reasons not to visit western canada in 2020, top 4 must-sees on vancouver island, the 7 wonders of western canada, the ultimate gaspésie road trip, top 5 quebec whale watching cruises and tours, top 10 most beautiful villages in western canada, car hire in canada : 5 tips to save big bucks, 10 must-see attractions in jasper national park, thousand islands : the must-sees for a 24h visit, top 10 scenic routes in western canada (with maps + photos), how do i get an electronic travel authorization (eta) for canada, the ultimate quebec rv road trip, top 10 most beautiful lakes in western canada, top 10 attractions in banff national park, visit toronto in 24 hours, the ultimate maritimes road trip, 5 tips for finding the cheapest flight to canada, travel guide to the canadian rockies.

4-Day Ultimate Travel Guide to Eastern Townships, Quebec

Eastern Townships, Quebec

About Eastern Townships, Quebec

Discover the charm of Eastern Townships, Quebec, a picturesque region known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Explore quaint villages, lush vineyards, and beautiful lakes, or indulge in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or skiing. Visit the region's renowned museums, art galleries, and antique shops for a taste of local culture and history. Savor the culinary delights of farm-to-table restaurants and local wineries. Unwind in cozy accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to charming bed and breakfasts. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Eastern Townships offers a unique and memorable travel experience.

4 -Day Itinerary

Exploring sherbrooke.

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Sherbrooke, taking in the historic architecture and vibrant local culture.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful Jacques-Cartier Park , where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Saint-François River.

Visit the Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts , where you can explore a diverse collection of contemporary and historical art.

Indulge in a delicious meal at a local bistro, where you can sample traditional Quebecois cuisine.

End your day with a relaxing walk along the Lac des Nations boardwalk, taking in the beautiful sunset views.

Discovering Granby

Begin your day with a visit to the Granby Zoo , where you can see a wide variety of animals and enjoy interactive exhibits.

Have lunch at a local café in Granby, where you can enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Yamaska National Park , where you can hike, bike, or simply enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

Enjoy a hearty meal at a local restaurant, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

End your day with a visit to a local theater for a live performance.

Uncovering Brome

Start your day with a visit to the Brome County Museum , where you can learn about the region's rich history.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, where you can sample a variety of local dishes.

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Brome Lake , where you can enjoy a variety of water activities or simply relax by the shore.

Dine at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

End your day with a relaxing stroll through the charming streets of Brome, taking in the beautiful historic architecture.

Experiencing Saint-Benoit-du-Lac

Begin your day with a visit to the Saint-Benoit-du-Lac Abbey , a beautiful monastery where you can learn about the monastic life and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Have lunch at a local café, where you can enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes.

Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Memphremagog Lake , where you can enjoy a variety of water activities or simply relax by the shore.

Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Attractions in Itinerary ( 8 )

1 Jacques-Cartier Park

A large urban park offering a variety of outdoor activities and beautiful views.

2 Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts

A museum dedicated to the fine arts, featuring a variety of exhibits and collections.

3 Granby Zoo

One of the major zoos located in Canada. Features a variety of animals and exhibits.

4 Yamaska National Park

A national park known for its diverse wildlife and outdoor activities.

5 Brome County Museum

A local museum showcasing the history and culture of Brome County.

6 Brome Lake

A popular destination for water activities with beautiful scenery.

7 Saint-Benoit-du-Lac Abbey

A Benedictine monastery that offers guided tours and sells products made by the monks.

8 Memphremagog Lake

A large lake known for its recreational activities and stunning views.

Local Food and Drinks ( 12 )

A traditional meat pie originating from Quebec, often made with minced pork, veal or beef. It's a staple during the holiday season in Eastern Townships.

A classic Quebec dish made of fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It's a must-try comfort food in Eastern Townships.

Smoked Meat Sandwich

A popular sandwich in Quebec made with smoked beef brisket. It's a common lunch option in Eastern Townships.

Maple Syrup

Quebec is the world's largest producer of maple syrup. In Eastern Townships, it's used in many dishes and drinks, and can also be enjoyed on its own.

A pork spread containing onions and spices, often served on toast for breakfast in Eastern Townships.

Ragoût de boulettes

A hearty meatball stew that's a traditional dish in Quebec, particularly in Eastern Townships.

Maple Taffy

A sweet treat made by boiling maple sap and pouring it onto snow to harden. It's a popular dessert in Eastern Townships during the maple harvesting season.

A sweet alcoholic beverage made from red wine, whisky, and maple syrup. It's a traditional drink in Quebec, especially during winter festivals in Eastern Townships.

A hearty soup made with split peas, pork, and vegetables. It's a traditional dish in Quebec, often enjoyed in Eastern Townships during the colder months.

Feves au lard

Baked beans cooked with pork and maple syrup. It's a traditional side dish in Quebec, particularly in Eastern Townships.

Pouding chômeur

A dessert made of cake batter topped with hot syrup. It originated during the Great Depression in Quebec and is a popular dessert in Eastern Townships.

Quebec is known for its apple orchards, and cider is a popular local drink in Eastern Townships, often enjoyed during the apple harvest season.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Eastern Townships, Quebec largely depends on what activities you're interested in. If you're a fan of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the beautiful landscapes, the summer months from June to August would be ideal. This is when the weather is warmest and the natural beauty of the region is in full bloom. However, if you're a winter sports enthusiast, you might prefer to visit between December and February. This is when the region's ski resorts are in full swing and you can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. For those who love the fall foliage, the months of September and October are the best. The region is known for its stunning fall colors, making it a great time for scenic drives and photography. Lastly, if you're interested in local culture and history, any time of the year is good as the region's museums, historical sites, and cultural events are open year-round.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

How to get around

The most common and convenient way to get around the Eastern Townships is by car. This allows you to explore the region at your own pace and visit remote areas. Car rental services are available at the airport and in major towns.

Public buses are available in the larger towns of the Eastern Townships, such as Sherbrooke and Magog. They offer a cost-effective way to travel, but may not reach all tourist destinations.

The Eastern Townships is known for its beautiful cycling routes. Bicycles can be rented in many towns, and there are numerous bike paths and trails to explore.

Taxis are available in the larger towns and can be a convenient way to travel short distances. They can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services such as Uber are available in some parts of the Eastern Townships. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group.

There is a train service that connects Montreal with Sherbrooke, the largest city in the Eastern Townships. However, the train does not reach many of the smaller towns and tourist destinations.

Boat tours are a popular way to explore the region's lakes and rivers. Some companies offer guided tours, while others rent boats for private use.

The Eastern Townships is known for its beautiful hiking trails. This is a great way to explore the region's natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

In the winter, snowmobiling is a popular way to get around. There are numerous trails and rental services available.

Important information

Currency $ CAD

Time zone UTC -7, -6, -5, -4, -3 going from West to East

Driving side Right

Emergency phone 911

Drinking water Yes

Power sockets

Voltage 120 V

Things to know about Eastern Townships, Quebec as a first time visitor

Eastern Townships is a bilingual region, with both French and English speakers. However, French is the predominant language.

The region is known for its beautiful landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and forests. It's a great place for outdoor activities.

The weather can be quite variable, so it's a good idea to pack layers. Summers can be warm, with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), while winters can be very cold, with temperatures often below freezing.

Eastern Townships is known for its local food and wine. Be sure to try the local cheese, maple syrup, and wine from the region's vineyards.

The region is also known for its beautiful and historic architecture. Many of the buildings date back to the 19th century.

Public transportation is not as prevalent in the Eastern Townships as it is in larger cities. Renting a car is recommended for getting around.

The region is home to many artists and artisans. You'll find numerous galleries and workshops where you can purchase unique, locally made items.

Eastern Townships is a popular destination for cycling. There are numerous bike paths and trails to explore.

The region is known for its wellness retreats and spas. It's a great place to relax and rejuvenate.

Eastern Townships is a great destination for hiking. There are numerous trails for all skill levels.

The region is home to several ski resorts. If you're visiting in the winter, be sure to bring your ski gear.

Eastern Townships is known for its festivals and events. Check the local calendar for any events happening during your visit.

The region is home to several golf courses. If you enjoy golfing, be sure to bring your clubs.

Eastern Townships is a great place for bird watching. The region is home to a variety of bird species.

The region is known for its antique shops. If you enjoy antiquing, you'll find plenty of shops to explore.

Eastern Townships is home to several farmers' markets. These are a great place to sample local produce and products.

The region is known for its beautiful fall foliage. If you're visiting in the fall, be sure to take a drive or hike to enjoy the colors.

Eastern Townships is a great place for fishing. The region is home to several lakes and rivers.

The region is known for its hospitality. The locals are friendly and welcoming.

Eastern Townships is a great destination for a relaxing, slow-paced vacation. It's a place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Basic French to know as a first time visitor

Packing list.

Long-sleeve shirts

Pants/Jeans

Sweater or Jacket

Comfortable walking shoes

Gloves and Scarf (if winter)

Rain jacket or umbrella

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Shampoo and Conditioner

Body wash or Soap

Razor and Shaving Cream

First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)

Prescription Medications

Hand sanitizer

Travel documents and essentials

Passport/ID

Cash and Credit Cards

Travel Insurance Documents

Hotel and/or Car Rental Reservations

Maps and Guidebooks

Emergency Contacts and Important Addresses

Electronics and gadgets

Mobile Phone and Charger

Camera and Charger

Travel Adapter

Portable Power Bank

Laptop and Charger (if necessary)

Miscellaneous items

Water Bottle

Travel Pillow and Blanket

Books or E-books

Travel-size Laundry Detergent

Plastic bags for dirty clothes

Notebook and Pen

Reusable Shopping Bag

Weather Conditions

When visiting the Eastern Townships in Quebec, it's important to consider the weather as it can greatly influence your travel experience. This region experiences a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons, each offering its own unique charm. Winter, from December to February, is quite cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, averaging around -12°C (10°F). Snowfall is common, making it a great time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Ensure to pack warm clothing, including thermal layers, a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Spring, from March to May, sees a gradual rise in temperature, with averages ranging from 0°C (32°F) in early spring to 16°C (61°F) by late spring. This season can be quite wet, so waterproof clothing and footwear are recommended. Summer, from June to August, is typically warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). This is a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Pack lightweight clothing, but also include a light jacket for cooler evenings. Autumn, from September to November, is marked by cooler temperatures, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 3°C (37°F). The fall foliage in the Eastern Townships is spectacular, making it a popular time to visit. Layered clothing is recommended to adjust to the changing temperatures. Remember, weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. Also, consider packing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, and sunscreen to protect your skin, regardless of the season. Enjoy your visit to the Eastern Townships!

Did you know?

Did you know that Eastern Townships is home to several world-class spas, including Spa Eastman and Balnea Spa, offering a range of wellness treatments?

Did you know that Eastern Townships, Quebec is home to Canada's first wine route, which stretches over 132 kilometers and includes 22 vineyards?

Did you know that Eastern Townships is known for its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages?

Did you know that the region is home to Mont-Mégantic National Park, which houses the ASTROLab observatory and is a designated Dark Sky Reserve?

Did you know that Eastern Townships is famous for its rich history, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century?

Did you know that the region is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing?

Did you know that Eastern Townships is home to the Grandes Fourches network, a 140-kilometer cycling network that connects Sherbrooke, Lennoxville, and several other towns?

Did you know that the region is known for its local cuisine, with many restaurants and cafes offering dishes made from locally sourced ingredients?

Did you know that Eastern Townships is home to several renowned educational institutions, including Bishop's University and the University of Sherbrooke?

Did you know that the region hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular Festival des Traditions du Monde?

Places near by Eastern Townships, Quebec

Known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity, Montreal offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.

Quebec City

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Quebec City is known for its rich history and French influence. The city's Old Town is a must-visit, with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

The capital city of Canada, Ottawa is known for its impressive architecture, including the Gothic Revival-style Parliament Hill. The city also offers a variety of museums and galleries.

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and boating. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene.

Known for its vibrant food scene and beautiful waterfront, Portland is a must-visit for foodies and nature lovers alike.

As Canada's largest city, Toronto offers a variety of attractions, including the iconic CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Toronto Zoo.

Other trips in Eastern Townships

Eastern Townships, Canada

Explore Eastern Townships, Quebec in One Day Itinerary

2-Day Romantic Food & Wine Retreat in Eastern Townships, Quebec

3-Day Solo Adventure & Sightseeing in Eastern Townships, Quebec

5-Day Sightseeing & Nightlife Adventure in Eastern Townships, Quebec

4-Day Solo Adventure: Eastern Townships Nightlife & Outdoor Fun

5-Day Grand Exploration of Eastern Townships, Quebec

Other destinations in quebec.

3 Day Trip in Eastern Townships, Quebec – 8 Places To Eat, See, Stay

By: Author Raymond Cua

Posted on Last updated: July 31, 2020

Want to do a road trip in the Eastern Townships, Quebec? This travel guide will show you can spend a 3 day trip in the beautiful Eastern Townships.

Eastern Townships, or Cantons-de-l’Est, in Québec is a beautiful gem an hour drive from Montreal with vast areas filled with lakes, mountains, farms and picturesque villages.

The region has so much to offer to Travelling Foodies, with over 70 attractions, 130 festivals and 3 Tours & Scenic Routes: the historic Townships Trail, the scenic Summit Drive, and the Wine Route.

More behind the scenes on Travelling Foodie Instagram: @TravellingFoodie for Food and @JourneyTraveler for Travel

VIDEO: 3 Day Trip in Eastern Townships, Quebec

Eastern Townships Day One Trip Itinerary

We did a 3 day trip in the Eastern Townships, checking out some of the best things to do, where to eat and stay in the beautiful region, including Eastman, Sherbrooke, Magog and Bromont.

This travel guide will give you a great road trip itinerary for a quick getaway or to spend a long weekend in the Eastern Townships / Cantons-de-l’Est.

Also Read: Montreal en Lumiere / Montreal Festival of Lights

Spa Eastman

If you’re looking to relax and unwind plus get a boost in health and wellness, one of the best attractions and places to stay in Eastern Townships is Spa Eastman.

This 320-acre destination spa and wellness resort is situated mountainside facing Mont Orford offering an all-inclusive stay which includes meals, hydrotherapy, daily physical activities, 15-km of hiking trails and more.

Schedule of daily physical activities are displayed on the TV in the lobby.

Plus you’ll have a printed schedule in your room if you’re staying.

I was able to join the Classical Stretch – Essentrics class, presented by Martha Au, which combines dynamic strength and stretch exercises that rapidly changes the shape of your body.

Spa Eastman also offers at least 70 spa treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps.

One person I was with said the massage ($98) she got was the best she’s had.

And, you can even get a massage outdoors by the pond!

One of the most popular things to do at Spa Eastman, and my favourite, was the thermotherapy where complete cycles of hot (infrared, Finnish, and Hammam saunas, and outdoor jacuzzi), cold (igloo shower, Knepp baths), rest and hydrate.

This concept of thermotherapy is known to detoxify the body, improve blood circulation and immune system, and relieve stress, mental fatigue and muscle tension.

Did you know? Infrared Sauna works deeper in removing toxins because the infrared actually hits your body, making you sweat more despite being less hot than regular saunas.

Spa Eastman also has its own restaurant focused on tonic cuisine.

If you haven’t heard of tonic cuisine, neither did I until my visit here.

Tonic cuisine uses non-dairy, gluten-free, organic and local products. Instead of cow’s milk, nut-based milk is used like almond or cashew milk.

Butter and oil are replaced with duck fat, coconut oil or other alternatives are used.

Quebec-born, Francis Cloutier is the Chef de Cuisine and has worked in Michelin restaurants in France before coming to Spa Eastman.

Spa Eastman has a vegetable and herb garden and you can spot Chef Francis in the garden picking ingredients for the day.

With the all-inclusive stay at Spa Eastman, you get breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast consists of buffet (yogurt, nuts, cereal, salad) and a choice of menu item.

Their most popular dish is the eggs benedict, which is quite unique because the hollandaise sauce doesn’t use butter.

Lunch is buffet style with a meat or fish item, vegetables, soup and bread.

Dinner is a seasonally changing 3-course meal consisting of access to the salad bar and soup, a choice of main course and a dessert.

Did you know? They even have their own selection of organic wines made from grapes grown without any chemical additives.

The most popular dinner dish is the Albacore Tuna, and I must say I was really impressed with this dish especially the cream of cashew and coconut sauce on it.

Chef Francis’ favourite dish is the Lamb Gigot because of its complexity in making.

After all that food, you’re going to want to stay here.

Their rooms are nice and spacious – some of which have a balcony offering views of Mont Orford.

This is definitely a great way to start your 3 day trip in Eastern Townships!

Also Read: 2 Day Trip in Kingston, Ontario

Check availability and pricing on Booking.com / Agoda

Website / Address : 895 Chemin des Diligences, Eastman, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J0E 1P0

Eastern Townships Day Two Trip Itinerary

Abbaye de st-benoit-du-lac (saint benedict abbey).

Day two of the 3 day trip in Eastern Townships is a visit to Saint Benedict Abbey.

Overlooking Lake Memphrémagog, the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey was built starting 1912 by Benedictine monks from France.

Did you know? The monks are called Benedictines because they live under the monastic Rule written by St. Benedict.

Designed by Dom Bellot, Saint Benedict Abbey’s modern architecture pays tribute to the harmony of natural geometric forms and makes splendid use of multicoloured bricks.

Tour Saint-Benoit is a small chapel inside the monastery with services in Gregorian chant, the most ancient form of Christian church music.

The chapel also has a Baroque-style church organ.

You can spend a few days in the monastery for prayer retreats for meditation and spiritual renewal.

At $65/night, men can stay in one of the thirty rooms in the monastery, and women can stay at the Villa Sainte-Scholastique on the grounds of the monastery.

Three meals are included in the price.

For foodies, Saint Benedict Abbey is also a great destination in Eastern Townships.

The abbey has its own cheese factory.

They make their own cheeses which are sold in the on-site store.

Did you know? Two-thirds of the abbey’s income comes from their cheeses which 12 varieties are available.

Aside from cheeses, the abbey also makes its own ciders.

They are the only one selling champagne-style Calvados (cider brandy) in Quebec.

Website / Address : 1 rue Principale, Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J0B 2M0

Also Read: Wineries on Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sherbrooke Murals Circuit

An interesting way to explore the city, downtown Sherbrooke has been transformed into a street art museum with wall-to-wall murals scattered throughout the area.

The Sherbrooke Murals Circuit currently has 16 murals, with one new mural per year, that depicts the city’s art, history and culture.

One really cool thing about this is you can do the tour using MURALIS, the Grand Sherbrooke Murals Experience created by Space and Dream.

When you use your smartphone or tablet and point the camera to the murals, the characters pop-out and come to life.

Did you know? There is a hidden gnome in each of the murals, sort of like a “Where’s Waldo?”.

Another cool thing about the Sherbrooke Murals Circuit is the tour takes you along the river walk where you’ll get great views of the Magog River.

Website / Address : Rue Frontenac & Rue Wellington N, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H

Auguste Restaurant

When you’re in Quebec, you definitely want to hit up some French bistro.

Eastern Townships makes it easier for you to find restaurants run by chefs focused on creative recipes using regional products and flavours by designating them as Chefs créateurs (Creative Chefs) restaurants.

One such place in downtown is Restaurant Auguste, one of the best restaurants in Sherbrooke featuring locally sourced products from producers.

Dinner here is table d’hôte menu consisting of 3-courses: First Course, Main Course and Dessert.

Price is based on the main course you choose, and supplemental charges depending on what you order.

Travelling Foodie Tip : Make sure to also ask about the daily specials. These items are not on the menu!

I highly recommend their Risotto at Auguste Restaurant which was very flavourful with the parmesan and white truffle oil, contrasted with the subtle bitterness of the spinach.

Be sure to add the scallops!

While you’re there, be sure to the popular traditional French-Canadian dessert, Poor Man’s Pudding.

Website / Address : 82 Rue Wellington N, Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J1H 5B8

Also Read: Top Restaurants in Toronto

Grand Times Hotel Sherbrooke

Located in downtown Sherbrooke, Grand Times Hotel Sherbrooke transports you to New York City into Broadway with its music and artistic atmosphere.

Travelling Foodie Tip : Make sure you book the room with views of the lake, Lac des Nations.

The Grand Times Hotel Sherbrooke has an outdoor patio close to the Lac des Nations with views of Mont Orford. Perfect for photography.

Check prices and availability on Booking.com / Agoda

Website / Address : 1 Rue Belvédère S, Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J1H 0G8

Eastern Townships Day Three Trip Itinerary

Fête des vendanges magog-orford.

Quebec’s biggest gourmet festival, Fête des vendanges Magog-Orford (Magog-Orford Harvest Festival) gives you a taste of Quebec featuring wines, ciders, and food from local producers.

There are various programs including chef demonstrations, musical performances, wine lectures, and other activities.

At Fête des vendanges Magog-Orford, you’ll get to see how big Eastern Townships’ culinary side shines with its abundance of Créateurs de saveurs (Flavour Creators), designated agri-food producers that guarantee quality and flavours of the Townships.

Did you know? Eastern Townships is Quebec’s first wine-growing region.

Le Cep d’Argent Vineyard is popular for making “champagne”-style wines like their Blanc de Blancs Brut (White on White Sparkling Wine).

Pair your wine with some of the food trucks on site.

Le Pain Voyageur brought their mobile bakery to serve up some fresh bread, pastry and their delicious Le Grande Suisse!

When you’re in Quebec, you should definitely try ice cream from Laiterie Coaticook, one of the largest ice cream makers in Quebec founded in 1940.

They are known for their Maple Sugar ice cream which definitely satisfies a sweet tooth!

Website / Address : Parc de la Pointe-Merry, Magog, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J0B

Also Read: 4 Day Trip in Kerala, India

Bromont, montagne d’expérience (Ski Bromont)

One of the best things to do in Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l’Est) for adventure is Bromont, montagne d’expérience.

This largest lit skiable area in America is a large outdoor adventure area for skiers, mountain bikers, swimmers, or anyone who just wants to explore a great view.

You can take one of 9 chairlift routes to see amazing views.

Did you know? Mount Brome is 565m high!

If you love mountain biking, this is the place to be as it has 24 downhill runs for all levels.

Did you know? Bromont, montagne d’expérience has the largest mountain biking area in Eastern Canada.

During the summer, the big waterpark is open including a ~24,000 square feet heated wave pool and 24 other aquatic attractions.

Website / Location : 150 Rue Champlain, Bromont, Quebec, Canada J2L 1A2

Domaine Château-Bromont

Located at the base of Mount Brome next to a golf course, Domaine Château-Bromont is one of the best hotels in Eastern Townships with both a hotel and an auberge set in a rustic atmosphere with a restaurant and spa.

Travelling Foodie Tip : On the 2nd floor is the outdoor terrace which has a patio, bar, and jacuzzis with a beautiful view.

I spent the last day of the 3 days in Eastern Townships at the Junior Suite, which can have a queen/king-sized bed and a sofa bed, and a mezzanine.

Inside the hotel is (Les Quatre) 4 Canards restaurant a Chefs créateurs (Creative Chefs) restaurant run by Chef Fabrice Piquet.

Dinner is à la Carte with an option to make into a 4-course table d’hôte.

Their menu changes seasonally based on regional products and Chef Frabrice’s inspiration.

I had the Bison Flank Steak and it was very tender and juicy, and, surprisingly, without the gamey taste!

Also Read: Ultimate Colorado Guide: 7 Day Road Trip

Website / Address : 90 Rue de Stanstead, Bromont, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J2L 1K6

MAP: Eastern Townships 3 Day Trip

Here’s a map with all the places to eat, play, stay in Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l’Est), Quebec in this 3 day trip guide and road trip itinerary.

Hope this Quebec travel guide gives you an idea on how to spend a 3 day trip in Eastern Townships with some of the best things to do, where to eat and stay in Eastman, Sherbrooke, Magog and Bromont!

The region is so vast that I’m sure there is more to explore. Please let me know what you find are the best attractions, restaurants and accommodations in Eastern Townships.

Huge thanks to Quebec Original (Tourism Quebec) for sponsoring this post! As always, all thoughts/opinions are 100% my own.

Enjoy the content and want to support? Buy me a coffee ☕

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Updated: July 31, 2020 by Raymond Cua

Become a VIP Travel Club Member (FREE)! Get exclusive travel news, tips and experiences every week

Join the VIP Travel Club for weekly exclusive travel updates!

13 Charming Quebec Villages in the Eastern Townships

Curious to know which Quebec village to visit in the Eastern Townships? The best part of the Eastern Townships in Quebec is Les Coeurs Villageois. Coeurs in French means heart, and these 13 designated villages have that!

They are some of the most beautiful places in Quebec to visit.

I’ve visited this charming area of Quebec four times in the last 2 years and there’s a reason why I keep returning – it’s utterly charming ! From the landscape to the food, to the English towns in Quebec – there is just so much to do!

In this article, I will share these wonderfully charming 13 small villages in Quebec along with my recommendations of Eastern Townships things to do.

Table of Contents

Is the eastern townships worth visiting.

The Eastern Townships, or in French Cantons de l’est , is full of farmland, softly rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes and mountains. It’s a nature lovers’ paradise- perfect for outdoor and sports enthusiasts.

Not to mention the wineries and fruit orchards delighting any foodie traveller. Vacation in Quebec Eastern Townships and you’ll find there’s a little something for everyone.

But it’s the small towns and villages that I fell in love with the most. In particular, the 13 designated Les Coeurs Villageois dotted throughout the 9 Regions in the Eastern Townships.  

How Does a Quebec Village Become a Les Coeurs Villageois

To earn the special title of Les Coeurs Villageois the Quebec village is deemed to be incredibly welcoming to visitors. And, each one does just that!

Considered to be the most beautiful villages in Quebec, each one offers something a bit different. And, they certainly go out of their way to showcase the best of what they have to offer.

13 Les Coeurs Villageois Quebec Villages

1. dunham eastern townships.

Picturesque rural landscapes and wineries surround Dunham.

At the centre of Dunham is a heritage building dating back to 1865. The former coach inn has been restored into an artisan gallery and Dunham’s very own microbrewery. That, plus Dunham’s rich history and incredibly scenic views of the mountains make this a must-visit village. 

• Facts about Dunham: Population: 3,525 | Settled in 1796 | Located in the Brome-Missisquoi region | Designated as a Les Coeurs Villageois  
• Where to drink : Dunham microbrewery and the surrounding Eastern Townships wineries along the wine route like Vignoble du Ruisseau, Domaine Côtes d’Ardoise, The Orpailleur, Val Caudalies, and Clos Ste-Croix
• Where to eat: L’Épicerie-Café Dunham 
• visit the orchard – Domaine de Dunham – and pick your own fruit or stop in on their market shop
• visit one of the best towns in Eastern Townships, the lively town of Bromont, situated close to Dunham and Frelighsburg Eastern Townships villages

2. Frelighsburg Eastern Townships

Nestled at the foot of Mount Pinnacle close to the Vermont border sits the lovely village of Frelighsburg. The roads that lead you there are sprinkled with apple orchards.

But it will be the church steeple peaking out over the trees that leads you to the town’s main hub. Once there, it becomes obvious why it’s considered one of the most beautiful places in Québec.

• Facts about Frelighsburg: Population 1,100 | Settled in 1790 | Located in Brome-Missisquoi region
• Where to eat: Café de Village, the once historic general store, is known for its specialty maple syrup pie or Beat & Betterave is part café and part cultural centre featuring local artists’ work
• visit the historic Grammar School built in 1856 now serving as the tourism office
• shop local at Oneka, which features organic body care products
• check out the thriving art community. It can be found everywhere – from parks to restaurants to hanging on the side of buildings

3. Brome Lake Eastern Townships

Brome Lake is the merger of seven hamlets and villages – Bondville, East Ville, Foster, Fulford, Iron Hill, Knowlton and West Brome.

Lac-Brome or Brome Lake is where art and history meet. The town served as the inspiration for crime novelist Louise Penny’s famous village of Three Pines.

With its deep historical roots, you will find many museums, self-guided historical trails and even an antique circuit. It’s also an area full of delicious eateries and gourmet shops, my favourite is Domenica – a little Italian grocery shop.

There’s no mistaking it, Brome Lake deserves its Les Coeurs Villageois status.

• Facts about Brome Lake: Population: 5,590 | Settled in 1792-1797 | Located in the Brome-Missisquoi region | Designated as Les Coeurs Villageois  
• Where to eat: Le Relais Bistro, Bistro West Brome, Le Sapin or Quilliams
• Where to drink:  Leon Courville Winery or La Knowlton Co. microbrewery
• Head to Douglass Beach or Brome Lake
• Visit a lavender farm at Joie de Lavande
• My favourite hamlet to visit is Knowlton, one of the cutest towns in Eastern Townships

4. Sutton Eastern Townships

Sutton is a mountain village, famous for its year-round outdoor activities, especially alpine skiing at Mont Sutton. In Summer, hiking Eastern Townships takes over with many sought-after trails.

At the foot of Mont Sutton, sits a typical alpine village. This Quebec village is full of eateries and shops catering to all the outdoor enthusiasts who flock to this area.

It’s a lively town, full of cyclists and hikers (in summer) and skiers (in winter). Of all the Eastern Township villages we visited, this is the busiest, but also one of the best small towns in Quebec.

• Facts about Sutton: Population: 4,000 | Settled in 1792 | Located in the Brome-Missisquoi region | Designated as Les Coeurs Villageois  
• Where to eat: Le Pleasant Hotel & Café, La Galette for their sweet or savoury crepes
• Where to drink:  Auberge Sutton Brouërie, L’Abordage Microbrasserie, Vignoble de la Chapelle Ste-Agnes, Vignoble Domaine Bresee
• The endless trails for cycling, mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing, plus downhill skiing at Mont Sutton 

5. Waterloo Eastern Townships

Waterloo is known as a cycling Eastern Townships mecca. And, this amazing public art garden.

At the crossroads of three bike trails – Estriade, Campagnarde and Montagnarde, Waterloo is one of the main cycling hubs in the Eastern Townships.

Beyond cycling, the real highlight is Artria Park – an outdoor art gallery. Amongst the French-style gardens are large art sculptures from artists around the globe. With music piped into garden speakers and the backdrop of Lake Waterloo, this makes for a pleasant stroll for a couple of hours.

• Facts about Waterloo: Population: 4,600 | Settled in 1793 | Located in the Granby region | Designated as Les Coeurs Villageois  
• Where to drink: Robin – Bière Naturelle
• Heritage trail with 40 historic and architectural buildings
• Take a day trip to Mégantic, known for some of the best hiking Eastern Townships has to offer
• Take the Summit Drive which is one of the best Eastern Townships scenic drives reaching a mountain peak 

6. Ayer’s Cliff Eastern Townships

Ayer’s Cliff is very scenic with its towering cliff over the beautiful Lake Massawippi.

Ayer’s Cliff was named after Thomas Ayer who introduced the railway in 1799. The focal point of this Quebec village was the stagecoach inn that hosted American travellers passing through.

Still to this day, the village has a constant flow of traffic. As a result, it’s not as quiet and quaint as the other Eastern Townships villages but still does feature many beautiful heritage homes and the Stanstead County Agricultural Fair which is the oldest in Quebec.  

• Facts about Ayer’s Cliff: Population: 1,130 | Settled in 1815 | Located in the Memphremagog region | Designated as Les Coeurs Villageois    Where to eat: Café Folies, Le Riverain Restaurant at The Ripplecove Inn or Auberge Ayer’s Cliff
• Tomifobia Nature Trail is a 19-km easy bike and footpath along Lake Massawippi
• Ayer’s Cliff public beach 

7. Eastman Eastern Townships

Eastman is where arts & culture converge with natural surroundings. Surrounding Eastman are such pretty views of Mont Orford and the four nearby lakes.

It is also home to Théâtre de La Marjolaine, which introduced French summer theatre to Quebec, as well as, the literary event, Eastman Correspondences.

Most recognize Eastman as the location of the famed author Louise Penny. Eastman is such a peaceful and tranquil place to visit, so it’s not surprising it made it on the Les Coeurs Villageois list. 

• Facts about Eastman: Population: 2,070 | Settled in 1888 | Located in the Memphremagog region | Designated as Les Coeurs Villageois  
• Where to eat: Café Bistro Les Trois Graces, Restaurant du Spa Eastman, La Station, or Dora’s Artisanal Bakery
• Hiking and biking on the Heritage trails
• Tour Louise Penny Eastern Townships
• Kayaking, fishing and ice fishing in the nearby rivers
• Shop at Savonnerie des Diligences

8. Austin Eastern Townships

Austin in Quebec is known for its panoramic views.

Austin is a bit unique in that it does not offer a lot in terms of eateries or cute shops, in fact, it only has one general store.

Instead, it’s the views that make this place worth the visit. At the crossroads of Nicholas Austin and Millington, roads are the departure point for two scenic hiking trails in Eastern Townships – a 4.7-km heritage tour and a 2-km pedestrian walkway leading to Saint-Benoît-du-Lac. 

• Facts about Austin: Settled in 1793 | Population 1,500 | Located in the Memphremagog region

Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

Saint-Benoît-du-Lac is considered to be one of Quebec’s smallest municipalities and is often considered part of Austin. This entire area is to accommodate the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey for Benedictine monks.

The Abbey is an impressive structure overlooking the western shore of Lake Memphremagog. It resembles a French chateau with its turrets, green copper roofs, and walls of stone. Sitting on a green hillside that slopes gently down to the water.

Mount Owl’s Head, one of the three big mountains in the area, looms majestically in the distance. It’s such a stunning setting and I think, one of the best hidden gems eastern townships has.

A boutique shop at the Abbey is open to the public. It offers products made at the Abbey, mainly cheeses, ciders, jams, and apple butter. Visit during the apple-picking season and you can join the monks in this annual ritual.  

9. North Hatley Eastern Townships

North Hatley is known for being one of the most beautiful towns in Eastern Townships.

This Quebec village oozes charm with a historic village centre. North Hatley sits on the shores of Lake Massawippi with the mountains in the background.

Many of the century-old homes have been turned into lovely inns and B&Bs, as well as, cute shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants. It’s no wonder this place is considered the vacation destination of all of the Eastern Townships villages.

• Facts about North Hatley: Settled in 1897 | Population 700 | Located in the Memphremagog region
• Where to stay (and dine): the Relais & Châteaux property of Manoir Hovey gained international attention when Condé Nast Traveler named it the top place to stay in Canada. Its restaurant, Le Hatley, is also a recommended place to dine for a special dinner
• Where to eat: Saveurs et Gourmandises
• Stroll the boutique shops
• Visit Galerie Jeannine Blais which features all types of art worldwide
• Beach lovers head to Pleasant View Beach
• Watch out for the North Hatley covered bridge on one of the sideroads outside of town

10. Stanstead Eastern Townships

Stanstead is the merger of 3 charming villages – Stanstead Plain, Rock Island and Beebe Plain.

This Quebec village is known for its architectural heritage due to the locally quarried Stanstead Grey Granite. This stone can be found in many of the buildings throughout this area, and is often referred to as the “Granite Capital of Canada.”

Another unique part of visiting Stanstead the main street extends to the US border. CANUSA Street is divided down the middle by an international border.

The Haskell Opera House is divided down the middle where the audience sits in the US, while the artists perform on the stage in Canada.

• Facts about Stanstead: Population: 2,790 | Settled in 1789 | Located in the Memphremagog region
• Where to eat: Café-bistro at the Auberge Le Sunshine
• Visit the Stone Circle, Colby-Curtis Museum, Ye Olde Blacksmith
• Check out the art at Le Vieux Forgeron art galleries 

11. Masonville Eastern Townships

Masonville is made up of hills and views of Lake Memprehmagog.

The main attraction in Masonville is its historic round barn from 1912. There are only a handful of round barns still standing in the Eastern Townships, and this is considered the one to see.

Due to the hilly roads near Masonville, this is a cyclist’s paradise. Many stop in on the village as they make their way either to or from Owl’s Nest – a popular area for skiing and golf. 

• Facts about Masonville : Population: 1,820 | Settled in 1792 | Located in the Memphremagog region | Designated as Les Coeurs Villageois  
• Visit Owl’s Head for alpine skiing, hiking and golf courses
• Watch out for the Pont de la Frontière, the covered bridge near Potton. Although not in use anymore, and there is a road built adjacent, it’s still worth a visit

12. Coaticook Eastern Townships

Coaticook is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, especially its vistas.

One of the biggest attractions to Coaticook is Parc de la Gorge. Go here and you can walk across the highest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

It offers amazing views of the gorge below. Contained in the same park is Foresta Lumina , a multimedia nighttime experience along Coaticook’s Canyon. 

• Facts about Coaticook: Population: 8,900 | Settled in 1820 | Located in the region of Coaticook River Valley | Designated as Les Coeurs Villageois  
• Where to eat:  Laiterie de Coaticook where for 75 years they have been known for making its delicious ice cream and cheeses
• Where to drink: Microbrasserie de Coaticook, Microbrasserie Hop Station
• Ride the 15 km of bike trails winding along the river offering many scenic spots to stop

13. Cookshire-Eaton in the Eastern Townships

Cookshire-Eaton is known as the town of the four bell towers.

Cookshire-Eaton’s main attraction is Parc des Braves where an arrangement of standing stones, the same found in Scotland. The legend is that they were believed to track the passages of the moon.

Try and find the four bell towers, 3 of them are churches and one is in Parc des Braves. Next, take the trail along the lovely Eaton River that leads you to the 1868 John Cook-covered bridge.

• Facts about Cookshire-Eaton: Population: 5,430 | Settled in 1795 | Located in the Haut-Saint-François region | Designated as Les Coeurs Villageois  
• Where to eat & drink:  Brasserie 11 Comtes
• Visit the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery 

FAQ About Eastern Townships Quebec

Where are the eastern townships in quebec.

The Eastern Townships in Quebec are 80 km west of Montreal and 250 km southeast of Quebec City. This area of Quebec shares a border with Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine in the US.

How far are the Eastern Townships from Ottawa?

The Eastern Townships are roughly 350 km from Ottawa making it about a 3.5-hour drive.

Which of the 13 Les Coeurs Villageois is worth visiting?

All of the 13 Les Coeurs Villageois are worth visiting as they each offer something a bit unique. The most beautiful village in the Eastern Townships is North Hatley.

Are there English speaking towns in Eastern Townships of Quebec?

Yes, English-speaking towns can be found in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Towns such as Sherbrooke, Knowlton and Ayer’s Cliff have English-speaking communities and services.

As a Holidaymaker

I fell in love with the charm of Les Coeurs Villageois . These villages are some of the most beautiful places in Quebec. There is no one best town to stay in Eastern Townships, so choose based on the cottage rental that suits your needs the best.

There’s nothing better than day-tripping to this area and visiting some of the best towns Eastern Townships offer—all with the backdrop of the natural countryside, mountains and lakes. And, the most scenic drive to get from one charming village to the next.

Creator, Founder of Dream Plan Experience

She specializes exclusively in European travel and crafting unforgettable day trips within her home province of Ontario, Canada.

She has been travelling to Europe for over 35 years and has lived abroad in Germany twice. Revisiting countries and exploring them extensively to create in depth travel itineraries, destination guides and helping travellers plan their trips to Europe through her customized services.

She also is a co-partner in a woman-led company that offers luxury retreats in Europe offering immersive cultural experiences.

Similar Posts

Escape to hintercabin x Quebec – an Airbnb in the Laurentians

Time slows down at hintercabin x Quebec. Escape to this modern prefab Scandinavian-style cabin surrounded by nature. This Airbnb sits atop a…

7 Best Neighbourhoods in Montreal to Visit Now

Ahhhh, Montreal! This Quebec city is unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been. A winning combination of…

Unwind at Cabin Spahaus – A Luxury Retreat

Planning a getaway to Mont Tremblant in Quebec? Look no further than Cabin Spahaus, a Scandinavian-inspired Airbnb. We all crave the need…

16 Best Things to Do in Old Montreal Canada

Montreal’s oldest neighbourhood is fittingly called Old Montreal (or Vieux Montréal). This historic neighbourhood dates back to the early 1600s. It spans…

Escape to hinterhouse in the Laurentians

Are you looking for the perfect weekend escape? Somewhere deep in nature – a place that is so peaceful and tranquil. Get…

Top 15+ Eastern Townships Cottage Rentals

Wondering what are the best places to stay in Eastern Townships? I’ve found them! Check out this list of the best Eastern…

• Popular Travel Routes
• Where to Stay
• What to See and Do
• What and Where to Eat
• How to Get There and Around
• Travel Budget
• Packing Essentials
• Quebec Destinations
• Winter Holidays
• Fall Activities
• Spring Vacations
• Work With Me
• Let’s Chat!

Best Hiking in the Eastern Townships: Complete Guide

The best hiking in Eastern Townships has mountains, lakes, and sprawling vistas. There are covered bridges and suspended footbridges. Trails for novices and families with young children, and ones for skilled hikers. This is the “garden of Quebec”, one of the best places in the province to commune with nature.

Eastern Townships has some of the best hiking near Montréal , making it the ideal day trip destination. It’s also a bucket list destination overflowing with joie de vivre , wineries, and delicious restaurants.

Let’s chat about the best hiking Eastern Townships have to offer!

Where to Hike in the Eastern Townships? Best Places

Réserve naturelle montagnes vertes.

This green mountain reserve in the Eastern Townships is 78 km 2 in size. Owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy of Canada, the reserve’s network of trails is 60 km in length.

There are three main sections: the trails of the Eastern Townships , Parc d’environnement naturel , and Corridor Appalachien . As the trails in the reserve are on public property, you’ll have to pay a daily access fee or purchase a membership. Some trails cross into Sépaq, and access will need to be purchased there as well. 

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook has four hiking trails to enjoy in summer. The Gorge trail Eastern Townships is by far the most popular, and beautiful. The trail is a 3.5 km loop with a 59 m elevation gain. It’s an easy trail, ideal for novice hikers, birders, and runners.

The trail includes a suspended footbridge with a great view of the gorge, as well as an observation tower. Hikers looking for a more challenging Eastern Townships hiking trail will love the Tillotson trail. It’s 8.5 km in length with a 152 m elevation gain – not to be confused with the Mont Hereford via Neil-Tillotson trail.

Dogs can walk on the trails here, if they remain on a leash. Access to the hiking trails is 10 CAD for adults, 5.75 for the first child, and 3 for each additional child.

Mont Sutton , a Hiking Mecca in the Eastern Townships

Mont Sutton is a popular Eastern Townships ski destination in winter and perfect for hiking in summer and autumn. The loop trail is 3.5 km in length, with a 324 m elevation gain. It’s quite easy getting up, but going down you’ll be traversing a black diamond ski trail. If you want to avoid the strenuous workout, take the Alleghanys trail down, which will take around 2 hours to complete.

Avid hikers will enjoy the Lac Mohawk trail, which takes about 3 hours to complete.

The Marmite aux sorcières trail is a 20-30 min hike and leads to cascades and a small creek. It’s an easy hike, perfect for families with small children. Hikes on Mont Sutton ski trails are free to do.

Mont Ham , Part of the Eastern Townships’ Best Hiking Spots

About 40 min north of Sherbrooke, Mont Ham stands 713 m above sea level. The mountain, which stands alone, is a local favourite. There are a couple of hiking trails on Mont Ham, but the most beautiful is also the most difficult.

Bienvenue à l’Intrépide! The loop trail is 7.7 km with an elevation gain of 425 m. The trail has some steep sections, but the views at the summit make the sweat and tears worth it. If you don’t have time for the full 7.7 km hike, there is a 3.7 km trail (moderate) that goes directly to the summit. This is the prettiest Eastern Townships hiking trail.

Access to the hiking trails is 9 CAD for adults, 4 for children over 5 years.

Parc national du Mont-Mégantic

There are 20 km of trails in Parc national du Mont-Mégantic , a Sépaq park located southwest of Lac Mégantic. Hiking is divided into two sections: Mont-Mégantic Trail (Observatory sector), and Franceville.

The Boreal Promenade is an easy hike that is stroller-friendly and takes about 45 minutes to complete. The Promenade du Ruisseau is also stroller accessible. The remaining hikes range from intermediate to difficult.

For a challenge, try The Rise of the Dragon, The Three Summits, or Mont Mégantic. Dogs are only permitted on the Mont-Mégantic trail, and only from May until the end of October.

Access to Sépaq is 9.55 CAD per day.

Watch Out for Ticks!

Hiking in the Eastern Townships, as with any hiking destination, is not without its risks. The most significant being ticks. These parasites bore into the skin and can cause Lyme disease . It’s important to remove ticks quickly and know how to identify them.

Before hiking in the Eastern Townships, be sure to wear a long sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and good shoes. Keeping your skin covered helps to keep the ticks away, but the CDC suggests further measures .

Suggested Hiking Gear

Depending on the difficulty of the trail, the following gear may be useful.

• Good walking shoes – these are my favourite ones
• Breathable clothing, preferably with moisture wicking
• Water bottle (always bring enough in case, no matter the trail)
• Brimmed hat
• Tweezers (for those pesky ticks, or splinters)
• Small first aid kit (which has tweezers)
• Electrolyte tablets
• Snacks like energy bars
• Hiking poles

In Case of a Walking Emergency

Accidents happen, and sometimes they happen on the trail. In Quebec, calling 911 will connect you to emergency services. If you’re able to leave the trail but need to see a doctor immediately, here is a list of emergency departments in the Eastern Townships.

• Sherbrooke : CHUS – Hôtel Dieu, 580, rue Bowen S
• Sherbrooke : Salle d’urgence de l’Université de Sherbrooke, 68 rue Privée
• Coaticook : Centre hospitalier de Coaticook, 138, rue Jeanne-Mance
• Granby : Hôpital de Granby, 205, boul. Leclerc O

Eastern Townships hiking is a fabulous way to stay in shape and fall in love with this stunning part of Quebec. Whichever trails you choose to hike, remember the cardinal rule of hiking: leave no trace.

Whatever you take on the trail must return with you, including your garbage. It’s also a good idea to read up on what to do if you come across a bear , before you start your hike!

Looking for Tours, Activities and Planned Outings?

When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator , GetYourGuide , Manawa and sometimes even Expedia . It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.

What to Do in the Eastern Townships and How to Organize Your Trip

Curious about how to spend your day in the Eastern Townships? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:

• Immerse yourself in a full-day tour to experience the incomparable beauty of the Eastern Townships.
• Take a hike and escape in the beautiful Mont-Orford National Park
• Stay a night and relax in the spa at Estrimont Suites & Spa or save while enjoying great lodging at Auberge Magog-Orford or even check out our camping recommendations !
• Dip into hot water and relax on a vacation to the Sherbrooke Nordic spa !

Preparing For Your Trip

When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator , GetYourGuide , Manawa , Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia .

It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.

Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11 th free night) as well as Expedia . When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.

Looking for a cheap flight to the Eastern Townships through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.

Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud .

Have a great time on the Eastern Townships hiking trails!

Are you on Pinterest? Share this pin to save it for later!

Passionate about travel and food, Jennifer Doré Dallas is a freelance travel writer, author and creator since 2010. On top of this amazing Chasing Poutine blog, she also founded Moi, mes souliers in 2010 and she is the author/co-author of around two dozen Lonely Planet, Ulysse and Parfum d'encre travel guidebooks, in addition to having contributed to other books and hundreds of tourism and Web platforms, magazines, DMOs and Websites over the years. As a lecturer in Web writing and SEO for a Quebec college and consultant for various companies and DMOs, she loves combining technological advances with the classic beauty of words, and is a member of TMAC, SATW, NATJA and IFTWTA!

Further Reading...

Best Things to Do in Montreal in Winter

Hiking at Mont Tremblant

5 Serene Spas in the Eastern Townships

No comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Montreal to Mont Tremblant: Bus, Train or Which Transportation?

Foodie bucket list: must-try foods from quebec while in canada’s french province, chasingpoutine.

• Your Profile
• Your Subscriptions
• Your Business
• Support Local News
• Payment History
• Sign up for Daily Headlines
• Sign up for Notifications

Travel Guide: Road tripping through Quebec's Eastern Townships (PHOTOS)

• Share by Email
• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share via Text Message

The call of the open road is a legendary one. Piling into the car and marking up the map with must-see attractions, pit-stops, and views is a time-honoured way to travel. Getting out of the urban grind and connecting with some wide open spaces might be just a touch cliche, sure, but it can also be a lot of fun.

A trip to the French countryside might be a little ambitious for a getaway, but this country's very own French Canadian countryside will do very nicely - and you don't have to worry about exchange rates or passports. East of Montreal you'll find green fields, rolling hills, stunning sprays of wildflowers, rivers and lakes, mountains, and a series of small towns.

Called the Eastern Townships, or, en français , Cantons-de-l’Est , the highway-connected area south of the St. Lawrence and north of the U.S. border offers visitors a multitude of ways to experience what it has to offer.

It might be more obvious to think about this part of the country during the winter - after all, this is the land of maple syrup and where the Ski-Doo was invented. But in the warmer months you've got the makings of an epic road trip, where you can do things like explore the realm of fairies, feed some donkeys, mine for copper, and soak your feet in the hot tub at the end of your busy days.

There is a lot to do in the part of the province. A lot . It's actually kind of mind-boggling. You can work out your trip to fit just about any avenue of approach or scope of interest, from outdoor adventuring to something as micro-level as cheese. Yes, cheese!

I recently got to spend some time exploring the Eastern Townships with my six-year-old son, and we had an itinerary that ticked all the boxes when it came to discovery, learning, history, culture, scenery, and food. Here's our guide to an eclectic and epic road trip in Quebec's Eastern Townships.

Capelton Mine (L'Epopée de Capelton)

You've got sensible shoes on and a hard hat - this probably isn't your typical vacation look, but get ready to dig in deep - metaphorically - with a step back in time and down, down, down the shaft of a historic copper mine. Over 140 years old, the Capelton Mine is one of Canada's largest copper mines, and you can still catch a glimpse at some of that bewitching sparkling chalcopyrite in its walls.

What is chalcopyrite? Great question! Your guided tour will cover what the miners were looking for, how they did their digging (hint: it was hard, hard work), who they were and what their culture was about, and the legacy of the mine. You can't go too terribly far down - it's been flooded a couple of kilometres deep for decades - but you can go down far enough to feel the temp drop and get a sense of what life was like for a miner over a century ago. Don't worry, there aren't any ghosts; deep religious beliefs of the miners meant no bodies would ever get left behind.

Asinerie Les Ânes en Culottes

No, your Google Translate didn't steer you wrong ("donkey asses in panties") because this is a donkey farm, and it is named for something akin to panties for donkeys - more like little French short pants, actually. The name comes from a tradition in France where labouring donkeys wore pant-like drapes of fabric to protect them from rough conditions. One half of the couple behind this donkey farm hails from France, and her partner had access to her family's land, and the idea to open a donkey farm in the Cantons de L'Est was born.

A significant portion of the farm's efforts is education about donkeys, while they are milked, and the milk used to make natural soaps, lotions, and other beauty products sold on site. Kids can take part in a mini scavenger hunt, and everyone can feed the donkeys and other animals, and get a glimpse into the life of an animal we don't engage with very often in Canada.

Musee de L'Ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier

J. Armand Bombardier had a modest garage in Valcourt, and lots of dreams. While we know Bombardier these days as a major player in the global transportation scene (they manufacture planes and trains) did you also know that Bombardier began with an aspiration to create a way to get around rapidly in the snow? What we know now as the Ski-Doo is based on designs and early models done by Bombardier. He changed the face of Valcourt forever, and this exceptionally well-appointed interactive museum is a homage to his vision and skills.

Make sure to begin with the intro film, an immersive multimedia presentation done in English or French inside the original Bombardier garage. Save time to create your own crazy animated vehicles and watch them sail or trundle along the big screen display (and e-mail yourself your very own patent), and take the pilot's seat in a jet flight simulator. Tons of fun - and learning - to be had here.

Musée Beaulne

Have you ever heard of Arthur-Osmore Norton? Unless you happen to know a lot about industrial jacks, you probably don't. The philanthropist and businessman was a prominent Coaticook resident, and his family home a longstanding fixture in the community. Passed down to his daughter, who never married nor had children, the beautiful home ultimately came into other hands for other uses, such as a girls' boarding home, before becoming a museum and event location.

Using period-specific donations from the Coaticook community, the home is set up to closely mimic what it would have looked like during Norton's heyday - you can even still use the old fashioned light switches that have remained intact. Guided tours are available, or you can wander on your own. The uppermost area of the home is used for contemporary local art exhibits, and the venue also hosts events like Afternoon Tea and other gatherings of note. Take some time in good weather to check out the yard, and the interactive historical explainer about Norton.

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook

If you've been on the road for a while, what better break than to take a hike - literally. Parc de la Gorge in Coaticook is a spectacular spot for recreation, with its trails and campsite. Trails are anywhere from three to 20 kilometres, and there are places to use mountain bikes, and key spots like a cave, a dam, observation towers, a mini farm, and the iconic suspension bridge. The highlight for many of the visit, the suspension bridge is 50 metres above ground, and great fun for the adventurous set.

Foresta Lumina

Another way to get to know Parc de la Gorge in Coaticook - and its suspension bridge - is to go at night to enjoy Foresta Lumina. Quebec's Moment Factory came up with the interactive illuminated night hike in 2014 to celebrate the town of Coaticook's 150th birthday. Start off by whispering a wish and collecting a special rock, then wind your way through the park's basic trail loop, stopping to see displays and projections that draw you in, and even have you participate. By the end you are ready to return your rock and ensure your wish comes true, as you slip back out into the velvet dark of night, ready to sleep and dream.

Before the event gets underway at sundown you can spend some time in the area around the entrance, which includes a restaurant, Le Coffret d'Imagination, as well as a separate ticketed display called Repere des Fees , which takes you into the imaginative world of fairies. It's a little silly, but kids will love it.

The Granby Zoo has been a destination in the region since 1953, and has evolved to expand its mission of education and conservation as well as its offerings. The grounds are divided by geographic region, and range from a petting-zoo style area to a place to get up close with some (animatronic) dinosaurs.

A small monorail with a French-speaking in-person host (and English translations on cards by request) gives you the chance to see some of the animals from above. While on the ground, kids will especially enjoy the passport they can get at the entrance and then go in pursuit of stamps within the African region.

What's nice about the Granby Zoo is that it does feel more intimate than other major North American zoos, and visitors do get to see the animals in open enclosures that don't necessarily seem like they are in captivity. The Granby Zoo also offers the AmaZoo waterpark, if you happened to have tossed the swimsuits and towels in your travel bag.

Explore the towns

Give yourself some time to stroll around the towns between meals and experiences, as some of them have quite a bit to offer. One highlight is the old town of Bromont, and Rue Shefford in particular, which is lined with historic homes and buildings and markers and signage to explain their significance. There are restaurants galore, as well as shops and other businesses to peek into.

Over in Granby you can use the multi-use path by the Yamaska River and Lac Boivin (and keep an eye out for a lot of terrific public art), and in the business district on Rue Principale check out historic buildings and old town charm.

Eat your way through the Townships

The Eastern Townships are fertile grounds for foodies, thanks to their role in the province’s agricultural economy, longstanding devotion to locally-sourced goods, and an understanding of the power of food to speak for a region. It is easy to plan a trip around eating and drinking – in fact, the Cantons-de-l’Est tourism folks have an entire section of their website dedicated to  helping you “Taste the Townships,”  and building an itinerary based around what you love, whether it be beer, cheese, wine, or dining out.

Read more : A food lover’s guide to Quebec’s Eastern Townships

Where to stay

For our trip, we had two nights each at two properties in prime locations in the region. Chateau Bromont is nestled at the base of the Bromont ski resort hill (you can see the chairlift from the property), and their two-level suites offer incredible comfort. They have both an indoor and outdoor pool, and an acclaimed on-site restaurant, Les 4 Canards, that offers table d'haute dinners and buffet breakfast. For outdoor adventurers, Bromont has mountain biking and a massive waterpark for peak summertime enjoyment.

Over in the Magog-Orford area is the Estrimont Suites and Spa . Known for their multiple hot tubs and outdoor spa experience, along with the pool, this hotel has suite-style rooms that are cozy and quaint. The grounds offer lots of ways to play and relax, and there is an onsite restaurant as well as bar area, and they offer a very impressive buffet brunch on the weekends.

Getting there and around

For best access by air, you'll want to use Montreal as your airport base. Montreal’s main airport is YUL – Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport , served by major airlines like Air Canada, West Jet, and Air Transat. You can rent a car from the airport and hit the road for the Eastern Townships from there.

Want to see more of our trip to the Eastern Townships? Check out my Instagram Story Highlights “Cantons de l'Est" for the whole trip in photos.

Thanks to Tourism Eastern Townships  and their partners for their assistance with facilitating portions of the this trip. All opinions and inclusions are those of the author’s and were not guided or influenced in any way by the facilitators. 

This has been shared 0 times

More travel.

Featured Flyer

The 7 best hikes in the Eastern Townships

Sharing is caring!

The Eastern Townships are one of our favorite places to explore in Quebec, especially when it comes to hiking trails and epic road trips . There’s so much to do here considering how gorgeous the landscape is. Nestled in the mountains, with deep and beautiful valleys, and plenty of lakes sprinkled around, this is a hiker’s paradise. Which is why we wanted to share our top hikes in the Eastern Townships.

We’ll break down where each of these hiking trails is located in the Eastern Townships, how to get to them, and what to expect when you’re there. Hopefully, this will help you plan your trip accordingly and allow you to really enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer.

If you’d like to plan a full stay in the Eastern Townships, check out our full travel guide here .

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here . We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

We love helping you plan amazing trips. If you need any of these services, consider booking them through our affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, you will be helping support us so we can continue to write these blogs for you.

We thank you again for your continued support. 

🏠 Find the perfect place to stay with  Booking.com

✈️ Get the cheapest flights with Skyscanner

🚣 Book your favorite activities with Viator

💻 Make sure you have everything you need for your epic trip by checking our store on Amazon

Table of Contents

The best hiking trails in the Eastern Townships of Quebec

We absolutely love to hike! In fact, with every opportunity we have, we head out and explore the trails near us. At home or during our travels, hiking is the best way to connect to nature and to discover hidden gems, breath-taking landscapes and meet new people.

Since we spend so much time in the Eastern Townships, we wanted to share some of the best hikes we’ve done here with you. There are plenty more trails so slowly but surely, we’ll be updating this list to make sure you always have new trails to explore.

Looking for hiking trails near Montreal? We have all the best ones that are less than 2 hours away from the city in our full guide here .

3 must-do hikes in Coaticook

Coaticook is known for its amazing ice cream, beautiful scenery and the gorge that runs through the town. Luckily, the landscape here has made it so that there are plenty of hikes to do. Here are just three that we absolutely love!

1. Catch the sunset on Mont Pinacle, one of the best hikes in Estrie

There is nothing we love more than an easy hike that gets you an amazing view. Low pain, huge gain! This is what Mont Pinacle is all about!

This trail is located in the Parc Harold F. Baldwin. Recently, many changes have been made to the trail and how it’s run. What used to be a free trail will now cost you $7 per person. But the money goes to preserve the park and the trails, so that’s ok!

To gain access to the main trails, you have to park your car in the church parking lot, a few hundred meters away. It’s clearly marked as the parking for Mont Pinacle. Parking is free and bathrooms are available on the side of the building.

Mont Pinacle is one of the best hikes in the area for an epic view of the sunset. You have different trail options, depending on your level of skill and physical condition. There are seven different routes to take, all are around 7km long. They range from easy to difficult, one of them being that you can climb up the cliff of the mountain. Overall, the hike will take you 1.5 to 2 hours roundtrip… Just make sure you leave enough time to enjoy the view at the top.

If you are heading there for sunset, make sure you have a light with you to see on your way down. There are no lights on the path. There are also no garbage bins on the mountain, only at the foot, so make sure you bring your trash down with you.

Also, note that this trail is closed from the end of November to mid-May. Although even locals hike the trail in the winter, we highly recommend you avoid it. It will help preserve the trail and the creatures living on it.

• Difficulty: Easy, but some stamina is required, especially for the route #2
• Length of hike: 7km. About 1.5 hours round-trip
• How to get there:  Mont Pinacle is located in Coaticook. The actual address is 1891 Chemin May, Coaticook, QC J1A 2S4.
• Distance from Montreal:  Mount Pinacle hike is about 170km away from Montreal. It’s about a 1 hour 50 minutes drive from downtown Montreal.
• Official website: https://parchfbaldwin.com/home
• Cost to access the hike:  $7 for anyone over the age of 16
• Amenities: Bathroom in the parking lot. Benches on the trail. Garbage bins only at the entrance of the hike.

2. Catch sunrise on Mont Séguin, at Camping du Lac Lyster

Ok, this one is a secret hike that is only accessible to those who stay at Camping du Lac Lyster. Mont Séguin is a small hill located on the campgrounds.

Mont Séguin is a great place to catch sunrise, which is why staying at the campsite is great! You don’t need to wake up extra early or drive super far to get to it.

In fact, the hike up to the viewpoint is about 20 minutes long. From the campgrounds, there is a small sign indicating the start. From there, the path is super clear and you just keep going until you get to a rock platform. There’s also a picnic table there, if you want to enjoy a coffee or breakfast as a reward for getting up so early.

Plus, Camping du Lac Lyster is a great place to set up camp if you want to explore the Eastern Townships . They’re a few minutes away from Mont Pinacle, a beach and some of the best attractions in the area.

• Difficulty: Easy (and short)
• Length of hike: About 30-40 minutes round-trip
• How to get there:  Mont Séguin is located in Coaticook. Access is through the Camping du Lac Lyster, at 360 Chem. des Chalets, Coaticook, QC J1A 2S4.
• Distance from Montreal:  Mount Séguin hike is about 170km away from Montreal. It’s about a 2-hour drive from downtown Montreal.
• Official website: http://campingdulaclyster.com/
• Cost to access the hike:  Free for those staying on the campground
• Amenities: The campground has set-up tents, rustic campgrounds, and communal bathrooms. There is nothing on the hike but a picnic table at the end.

3. Hike the beautiful Gorge de Coaticook, a riverside hiking trail in the Eastern Townships

Also located in the town of Coaticook, the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is one of the most special hikes in the area, not only because it’s on the river, but for so many other reasons.

First, it’s home to  Foresta Lumina , an immersive experience in the park where the trees and surroundings get lit up. The Park is also home to the longest suspended footbridge in North America, a 169-meter beauty!

And let’s not forget that the hike is absolutely beautiful as well. There’s even a beautiful waterfall to admire. Seriously, this park and its hikes have something for everyone.

There are a few different hiking trails in the Gorge de Coaticook Park, ranging from 2.6 kilometers to 8.5 in total. These hikes take you on the suspended bridge, through caves, on platforms that go on the cliffside along the water. We took our time and explored all the nooks and cranies of the main trail and it might have taken us about 2 hours overall. It’s a very leisurely walk

Along the way, you’ll learn all about the history of the area and the different purposes the land severed, and the real evolution of the area. Best of all, there is a little ice cream shop at the end of the hike, so you can grab a little treat when you’re done. They serve the local Coaticook ice cream that is made in town, and have a few vegan options of a local sorbet as well!

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length of hike: Many trails – 2.6 kilometers to 8.5 in total. Times depend on length of hike
• How to get there:  The Gorge Park is located in Coaticook. There are signs all around the area that point you to it.
• Distance from Montreal:  The Coaticook Gorge Park hike is about 170km away from Montreal. It’s about a 1 hour 50 minutes drive from downtown Montreal.
• Official website:   gorgedecoaticook.qc.ca/
• Cost to access the hike:  The entrance to the hike is $8 for adults. You can also rent bikes and other equipment here. Check out  their rates here .
• Amenities: Bathrooms, souvenir shop, ice cream shop, guides along the trail. There is also an observation tower on the trail

3 amazing hiking trails in the Mont-Orford national park & Orford town

Orford is a great town in the Eastern Townships . It’s a wonderful place to see up camp, especially if you’re planning on exploring around. It’s central, it’s big and it has everything you need in terms of accommodations, stores, activities, and more.

So here are 3 amazing hiking trails in Orford. Two are in the national park , while one is very close to it, about a 5-minute drive away.

4. Get a view of the Eastern Townships by hiking up Mont Chauve

Mont-Chauve is a one of the highest peaks to climb in the Mont-Orford national park. It’s great because it gives you an amazing vantage point of the whole area. We hiked this trail in the Eastern Townships in the fall, and the views did not disappoint!

This trail is a 10.6 km intermediate hike that goes up about 600 m in altitude. It leads to the barren rocky summit of Mont Chauve. Fun fact – Mont Chauve actually means Mount Bald! Quite a fitting name!

The Mont Chauve hike is located at the Lac-Stukely Sector of the Mont-Orford national park. There are quite a few viewpoints during the hike, but the main one is the most impressive (and most crowded). It’s worth bringing snacks or lunch on this 4-hour round-trip hike. Once you get to the summit, grab a seat, enjoy the view and your meal. It’s really an impressive one!

Like most trails in the national parks, the hike is very well marked and well-maintained. It’s impossible to get lost. Just know that it does get steep in certain areas. It’s not a difficult hike by any means, but its length will require some endurance.

• Difficulty: Easy to intermediate. Because it’s a long and sometimes steep hike, stamina is needed
• Length of hike: 10.6 km, about 4 hours round-trip
• How to get there:  The Mont-Orford national park is located in the Eastern Townships region. The best way to get there from Montreal is to take Highway 10 E, in the direction of the Eastern Townships, and get off exit 118. At the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, turn left on Route 141 Nord. Drive about 5 km, passing the Mont-Orford golf course and Orford Musique. After the curve, follow directions for “Secteur du Lac-Stukely, 300 meters”, turn right, and follow the indication “Centre de services”.
• Distance from Montreal:  The hiking trails at Mont-Orford national park are about 125km away from Montreal. It’s about a 1 hour 20 minutes drive from downtown Montreal.
• Official website:   sepaq.com/pq/mor
• Cost to access the hike:  $9.25 as this is a Sepaq national park.

5. Stroll along on the L’Étang-Fer-de-Lance hiking trail in Orford

Unlike Mont Chauve, this hiking trail in Orford is actually quite easy. We consider it more of a stroll in the park with a nice view at the end. If you’re looking for a short hike that you can bring your dog on, this is the one for you.

The hike starts at the Bonnalie service center and takes you up along a path that is near the camping spots for the national park. You then head deeper into the forest, full of maples, where you can spot many birds, including woodpeckers. And if you don’t spot them, you’ll surely hear them!

At the end of the hike, you will come up on this viewing platform that gives you an amazing view of the lake there and a mountain behind it. With a few picnic tables and benches around, it’s a great place to take a seat and enjoy the view. You’ll be able to spot so many birds and animals from here. If you have binoculars, make sure you bring them along!

On your way back, you can either follow the same path you took or go a different route. The longer route will bring you to another viewpoint… that has no view. When we visited, it was obstructed by other trees.

If you have the time, the second longer route is a nice trail to take (not many people use this trail), but there’s nothing notable to see. If you’re tight on time, you can simply take the same route you took back to the service center.

• Length of hike: 3.5 km, a little over an hour to hike
• How to get there:  The Mont-Orford national park is located in the Eastern Townships region. The best way to get there from Montreal is to take Highway 10 E, in the direction of the Eastern Townships, and get off exit 118. At the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, turn left on Route 141 Nord. Drive about 5 km, passing the Mont-Orford golf course and Orford Musique. After the curve, follow directions for “Secteur du Lac-Stukely”, turn right, and follow the indication “Centre de services”.

6. Walk on the boardwalk of the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises park

Located a short drive from the Orford National Park, the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises is a lovely park that’s the perfect mix of walking on a boardwalk and in the forest. This easy hike is perfect for those who want to go for a run, or leisurely explore the park. This path will take only about 1.5 hours round-trip, at a relaxed pace, and with many stops to admire the view

The boardwalk passes through the marshes where you can admire a view of the area, nestled in the mountains. You can also check out the fauna and flora – there are a ton of amazing plants, plus really cool birds, turtles and more. Plus, the walk is really lovely at sunrise or sunset.

In the summer, you can also explore the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises by kayaking on the waterways. Also, there is a service center at the entrance, where you have a bunch of amenities. Plus, there is a parking lot, which is the only thing you have to pay for while you’re here (other than activities).

If you’re looking to get a different experience than what you have at the national parks, the Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises is a great place to discover.

• Length of hike: 1.9 km of paths on stilts (boardwalk), 6 km of paths in the summer and 2.8 km of winter paths. Most trails are 0.6 km long.
• How to get there:  The Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises is located at LAMRAC, 69 Chemin Roy, Magog, QC J1X 0N4
• Distance from Montreal:  The Marais de la Rivière-aux-Cerises is 120km away from Montreal. It’s about a 1 hour 15 minutes drive from downtown Montreal.
• Official website: Maraisauxcerises.com
• Cost to access the hike: Free to hike. Parking is $2.50 per hour or $10 for the day
• Amenities: Bathrooms, interpretation center, parking. Possibility to rent watersports equipment.

A challenging hike near the US border, in the Eastern Townships

Our last hike in the Eastern Townships is one of the most challenging ones. It will require some time and planning, depending on your skill level, and how far you want to go on the hike. This is a beautiful mountain top to discover with many trails leading you there.

7. Mont Gosford, one of the hardest trails to hike

Mont Gosford is located on the US-Canada border and it stands tall at an altitude of 1,193 meters, making it the 7th highest peak in Quebec. Its territory covers 61 square km, and once you’re at the summit, you get a breathtaking 360 view of it all!

There are many different ways to get to the top of Mont Gosford. There are 40 km of trails that will take you on the ridges or bottoms of the valleys where you can discover the landscape, diverse forests or plentiful wildlife. At the top, not only do you get to see the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire, but also the region of Lac Mégantic.

The trails are open all year-round, except during moose hunting season. We would recommend getting up to Gosford as early as possible as the paths tend to get crowded on weekends. Luckily, you can decide to camp at the park where you can enjoy one of the best starry skies in the province.

The most popular hike is Path Number One leading from the reception to the top. It’s 20 km round-trip and should take about 7 hours. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the one to and from Parking 1 will only take 3 hours and is about 8.5 km long. Other hikes vary between 4-6 hours.

If hiking up one of the trails of Mont Gosford is not a challenge for you, you can decide to continue on your path and hike the Route des Sommets which trails around the Megantic region for 157 km.

Overall, the views you’ll get on this hike are worth the challenge. Plus, the different paths make it that you can be gone for as long or short as you’d like.

• Difficulty: Intermediate to hard, depending on the route you take
• How to get there:  The Mont Gosford park is located at 901 rang Tout-de-Joie, St-Augustin de Woburn, Québec, G0Y 1R0
• Distance from Montreal:  Mont Gosford park is about 245 km away from Montreal. It’s close to a 3-hour drive from downtown Montreal.
• Official website :  montgosford.com
• Cost to access the hike:  The entrance to the hike is $5 for adults. Other rates apply depending on what you want to do. Check out their rates here .
• Amenities: Bathrooms on the trail, the observation tower at the summit, campsites, cabins for long-term hikers.

Looking for more things to do in the Eastern Townships? Check out some of our other articles here: – Staying at Chalets Hygge in Orford – All the best things to do in the Eastern Townships – Glamping at Laö Cabines in Racine – The best road trips in the Eastern Townships

The 7 best hikes in the Eastern Townships of Quebec

Here you have it! The 7 best hiking trails you can explore in the Eastern Townships. Thre is something for every skill level and distance you want to cover. And, these hikes are sprinkled all over the Townships, so no matter what town you’re visiting, you can find the right hike for you.

As a reminder, here they are again:

• Mont Pinacle
• Mont Séguin
• Gorge de Coaticook
• Mont Chauve
• L’Étang-Fer-de-Lance
• Marais à la Rivière-aux-cerises
• Mont Gosford

Make sure you come back and check this article out again, as we’ll be updating the hikes here often.

Let us know in the comments what hikes you’re looking forward to doing. Is there anything else you want to know about these hikes? Are there any other trails we should be adding to our list?

Thank you so much for reading the article all the way through!

We put a lot of time and effort into the content we create. Please like, comment and share – every action on your part helps us out tremendously and is very appreciated.

You can also help us by pinning this article for others to find.

You Might Also Like:

12 best nature & national parks near Montreal & Quebec City – 2023 update

Laö Cabines, the perfect cabin getaway in the Eastern Townships

22 amazing places to visit in Quebec – top cities, regions & attractions in Quebec

Submit a comment cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

We’re Carine and Derek, two Canadians in love with each other, the environment and this world. We left our old routines behind to discover all the wonders our planet has to offer. We want to inspire everyone to chase their dreams and leave a positive impact on Earth.

Let’s keep in touch!

Sign up for our newsletter to get our free e-book as well as our latest updates, travel recommendations, eco-friendly advice, inspiration, good vibes and so much more.

Thanks, see you in your inbox!

How to build a micro-influencer media kit – Step-by-step instructions for new content creators

Big or small, every influencer or content creator needs a media kit. They’re a part of the essential tools you need if you want to collaborate with brands. All too often, they're poorly made and lack the important information brands need to know that they HAVE TO work...

31 easy ways to go plastic-free

For July, we joined hundreds of million people around the world to go plastic-free. Our goal was to avoid all plastic for #plasticfreejuly. During the whole month, we shared our tips with our Instagram community to help them ditch plastic too. These are our 31 easy...

Your ultimate 2-week Honduras itinerary – The best things to do on vacation in Honduras

Welcome to the most underrated and under-visited country in Central America, Honduras. If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about visiting this beautiful country, and we’re here to tell you that you’re in for a real treat! Most people avoid Honduras, thinking it’s...

Follow us on Social Media

A guide to the Eastern Townships

Things to do

All about the outdoors

Festivals, forests, stars and wine bars

Get inspired

Other articles you might enjoy

A 7-day driving tour of beautiful Gaspé, Québec

Fall colours in Canada

Canada by car: three road trips through Ontario and Québec

Best camping in Canada – with a twist

The great Canadian safari

The best places in Canada for a relaxing holiday

Fascinating national historic sites in Canada

The best road trips in Canada

8 ways to rejuvenate body and soul in Canada

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

• PLACES OF A LIFETIME

Eastern Townships

It seems fitting that the Eastern Townships originated in 1796 when the British granted land to Loyalists fleeing the United States after the American Revolution. Today, this region, which borders the U.S. for more than 186 miles, is a popular all-season vacation destination for New Englanders seeking a convenient, yet distinctively different, vacation in predominantly French-speaking Quebec .

"Americans coming from Vermont might feel they've changed continents as well as countries," says resident Shannon Gallup. "I encourage visitors to travel around the area, because even the people who live here travel quite a bit to visit all the pretty little towns. We have one of the largest concentrations of organic farms in the country, and there are lots of vineyards and farmers markets."

Meander the highways crisscrossing the region to visit apple orchards, maple sugar shacks, and pristine villages and lakes. And to appreciate the bond between the Eastern Townships and its southern neighbors, stop in at the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Stanstead. Designed to straddle the border—the stage is in Quebec and the audience is in Derby Line, Vermont—the gray granite building has been providing equal access to Canadian and U.S. patrons since 1904. There's no passport required to take a book from the Canadian stacks and check it out at U.S. circulation desk.

When to Go: Eastern Townships is an all-season destination. Winter offers downhill skiing at Mont Orford , ice fishing on Lake Massawippi, and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on trails throughout the region. Summer is busiest, with golf, tennis, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, hiking, and biking. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and colorful foliage. "I tell people to come in spring or fall when there's less people around," Gallup says. "North Hatley gets really quiet, but most things don't close in winter."

How to Get Around: Driving gives you the most flexibility. From Montreal, it's only about an hour's drive southeast via Autoroute 10, and I-91 north from Vermont becomes Highway 55 when you cross the border into the Eastern Townships. Three designated road trips help visitors navigate the region's attractions. Quebec's only Wine Route takes you to local vineyards known for their ice wines and rosés. The 260-mile Townships Trail leads through 31 picturesque towns, by grand Victorian houses and round barns, and over covered bridges. Focusing on the region's natural beauty, the 100-mile Summit Trail leads to scenic viewpoints, parks, and hikes. Cycling and hiking are ideal in the summer. Sailing is popular on lakes Memphremagog and Massawippi.

Where to Stay: The Eastern Townships offers inns, cottages, B & Bs, and hotels for every budget. Glen Sutton Valley's Au Diable Vert is a 320-acre resort with mountain suites, cabins, prospector tents, and tree houses. Aux Jardins Champêtres in Magog is an old-style country inn that serves meats and produce from its farm. Historic Manoir Hovey and the four-diamond Ripplecove Lakefront Hotel both overlook Lake Massawippi and are ideal bases for visiting nearby vineyards.

What to Eat or Drink: Follow the wild boar plate at Vignoble de La Bauge with their sweet Novembre dessert wine. Call ahead to book a two-hour tour, including tastings at the private Chapelle Ste. Agnes estate, known for its medieval-style cellars, Romanesque stone chapel, and award-winning ice wines . Chocolats Vanden Eynden in Magog offers all things chocolate: ice cream, hot chocolate, fine chocolates, chocolate bars, and even puck-shaped chocolate lollipops bearing the Montreal Canadiens iconic CHC (le Club de Hockey Canadien). Manoir Hovey's Le Hatley Restaurant r eportedly has the province's biggest cheese cart, plus a Wine Spectator -approved, 700-label wine list. In Frelighsburg, stop by Domaine Pinnacle , a family-owned apple orchard, to pick up a bottle of their signature ice cider. In spring, visit one of the ubiquitous sugar shacks, such as Cabane du Pic-Bois in Brigham, to sample taffy, pies, and other treats made from freshly boiled maple syrup.

What to Buy: Browse among the collectibles, antique furniture, and jewelry crafted by local artisans at Emporium North Hatley . One corner is a sweets shop lined with shelves of glass apothecary jars filled with brightly colored candy. The Galerie Knowlton , in a Victorian mansion on Brome Lake, showcases paintings, blown glass, ceramics, sculptures, and jewelry by Eastern Townships and other Quebec artists. Take a contemplative detour to Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac , where you can buy abbey-made cheese, applesauce, and cider in the gift shop.

What to Read Before You Go: The Eastern Townships provides the backdrop for How the Light Gets In (Minotaur Books, 2013), the latest installment in Quebec mystery writer Louise Penny's best-selling, critically acclaimed crime novel series about the exploits of Chief Inspector Gamache.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Helpful Links: Eastern Townships , Best of the Eastern Townships

Fun Fact: Mont-Mégantic was designated as the world's first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2007. Covering almost 2,123 square miles in Mont-Mégantic National Park , the area offers exceptional starry night viewing. The park's research and outreach programs work to reduce light pollution throughout Quebec.

Related Topics

You may also like.

Get ready for your next iconic adventure like a pro with these tips

Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada

Free bonus issue.

The essential guide to Switzerland

Atlanta isn’t all that Georgia has to offer. Here are 7 other worthy trips.

Some U.S. national parks are trying to go carbon-free. What does that mean for visitors?

Here are the best ways to get outdoors in all 50 states

Urban safari: explore the nature of South Australia and Western Australia’s cities

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet
• History & Culture

History & Culture

• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

• Québec, Canada | Tourism Eastern Townships

The Townships

Taste the Townships

• Weekend and trip ideas
• Things to do

Where to stay

THINGS TO DO

Your Townships adventure starts here.

• Sports, Nature & Outdoor Activities

Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?

• Arts, Culture & Heritage

Let your imagination run free at galleries, theatres, museums and workshops.

• Spa & Wellness

Treat yourself to massages, body treatments, Nordic baths and other sensory delights.

Scour our markets, boutiques and other hidden gems to score incredible finds.

Discover our cultural vitality with a wide range of special events.

The Townships is a great cycling destination, because it’s designed for pedal power - slow, contemplative, challenging or sporty.

• Hiking Trails

Fill your pack with local flavours before setting off to explore the natural beauties that make our region so stunning.

• Campgrounds

Abundant amenities in the heart of nature.

Restaurants

All are sure to please even the most discerning of palates. Bon appétit!

Tee off in the Townships and get into the swing of things with 9 or 18 holes. Fore!

Lodging options to suit any taste and budget.

• Hotels & Country Inns

Stunning locations and outstanding service come together for a bliss-inducing stay.

• Bed & Breakfasts

Get up close and personal with life in the Townships.

• Off the Beaten Path

Think outside the box with out of the ordinary accommodations.

• Cottages & Condos

Custom comfort near the city or in nature.

• Campgrounds / RV Rentals
• Vacation Centres

Kick back and relax as a family with all-inclusive vacation options.

• Other Types of Lodging

Experience something different by choosing unique lodging.

• Destination Spas

The only thing better than a day at the spa? Several days at the spa!

• Hikers Welcome

If you, like thousands of visitors annually, plan on hiking in the region, know that your efforts will be rewarded by our world-class hospitality.

• Bienvenue Cyclistes

Explore the region on two wheels and stay in one of the many accommodation options bearing the Bienvenue cyclistes icon.

• Pet Friendly

Don’t want to leave your four-legged friend behind? Book a stay in some of the region’s many dog-friendly digs and you won’t have to.

Accommodations

The Townships possess a rich heritage that you will discover everywhere on its nine territories, in its towns and villages, its Coeurs villageois, etc.

• Not to be missed

What is it that draws visitors to the region, year after year? Find out here :

• Cœurs villageois

Visit our Cœurs villageois – charming communities that truly characterize the spirit of our region.

• Towns and villages

Explore our lively, welcoming towns and villages with their heritage architecture and fascinating histories.

• Nine territories to discover

Each territory has a distinct personality and a wealth of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered!

• The Townships at a glance

Here’s a glimpse of the region, a few historical notions, and numbers.

Tourist routes

Hit the road! The region has several tourist routes designed around different themes – heritage, scenic landscapes, wine….

• National and regional parks

Four national and two regional parks – an outdoor paradise in the fresh air, each and every one!

Cookshire-Eaton

Taste the townships

Here, in so many ways, you’ll enjoy all kinds of gastronomical experiences! When you discover our unique products and our highly renowned tables, you’ll love us forever!

Every time you sit down at one of our tables, you’ll experience a truly special moment. Savour it!

• Cafés de village

Visit our Cafés de Village and discover each one’s specialties while meeting the most welcoming and friendly people.

• Créateurs de Saveurs Products

You can rely on our food producers who put as much love as delicious flavours into everything they plant and produce.

The Route des vins de Brome-Missisquoi, the Route des vins de l’Estrie, and about twenty other vineyards… The Townships region proudly honours its title of being the first wine region of Quebec.

• Microbreweries

The region counts more than twenty microbreweries! Just like the people who run them, each one has established their own strong, unique personality and … extremely inviting character!

• Cheese Factories & Dairy Producers

goat’s milk… Here you’ll savour rich artisanal cheeses. Some you already know, many others you’ll enjoy discovering.

• Public Markets

Purple peppers, fir honey, pineapple tomatoes … besides all the products you love, sometimes you also discover new, amazingly surprising ones!

• Pick-your-own

Pick-your-own farm-fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Restaurants Complices

These restaurants take to heart working with local producers and to offer dishes that integrate certified Créateurs de saveurs products.

• Foodie’s Maps

Brasseurs des Cantons and Têtes fromagères are two gastronomical circuits highlighting our microbreweries and cheese factories.

• Gourmet Itineraries

Plan your stay by offering yourself a wealth of flavours. Consult our getaway ideas.

Weekend and Trip Ideas

Discover our activities suggestions, getaway ideas and itineraries in the Townships.

• Family Outings

Find loads of ideas for memorable family outings!

• Romantic Getaways

Outings, restaurants, spas, weekend ideas… Suggestions for spending some precious moments together.

• Outdoor Activities

Hiking, kayaking, beaches, cycling… Without a doubt, all outdoor enthusiasts are sure to find something to do here!

• Tourist Routes

Vineyards, mountain peaks, heritage sites… Our designated routes make for the most beautiful road trips!

• Itineraries

Whether for two, with your family or with friends, here you will find a ton of suggestions for planning perfect getaways!

• Experiences to Try

Our collaborators have tested several different adventures … and have approved!

• Coeur villageois
• Towns and Villages

Guide and Maps

View our guide and maps online or download your free copies.

Nature, sports and outdoor activities

The best of the region – straight to your inbox!

View our guide and our maps online.

Art, culture & heritage

Townships Trail

Discover the history that shaped the Eastern Townships by following in the footsteps of the first wave of inhabitants. Americans, Loyalists, Scottish and Irish settlers came to the area during the late 18th century and throughout the 19th century and their imprint permanently marked the landscape and heritage of the region. On the Chemin des Cantons, you’ll travel through 31 towns and villages strewn with gorgeous Victorian homes, round barns, historical characters, covered bridges, museums, churches representing 17 different faiths, interpretive sites and more—all telling the captivating tale of the Townships through time.

The Eastern Townships differently

Sights to see

Boutique and Shopping

Frelighsburg

Cheese makers and Dairy producers

Public and farmers markets

Tourist information offices

Museums and interpretation centres

Lac-Brome (Knowlton)

Stanbridge East

Cowansville

Mansonville (Potton Township)

Art Galleries, Showrooms and Workshops

Concert Halls and Summer Theaters

Saint-Camille

National Parks and Recreational Centres

Hatley (Township)

Cottages, Condos and Apartments

Bed and Breakfasts

Country Inns

North Hatley

Package Deals

Miel pur Délice

Hôtel Castel & Centre des congrès de Granby

Camping Aventure Mégantic

OUR WEBSITES

• Meeting Planners
• Travel Trade

QUICK LINKS

• Tourist Information Centers
• Blogs and articles
• Package deals

Official partners

All rights reserved © Tourism Eastern Townships 2024, (Quebec, Canada)

Terms of use | Privacy | Cookie settings |

Arts, culture and entertainment

Family outing, spa and wellness, charging stations.

Trailing Detective Gamache in the Eastern Townships

“Welcome to Three Pines!” said Christane Guerra. “This is Louise’s home. She chose it for its peace and tranquility. It’s what inspired her.”

We were standing in the pretty little village of Knowlton in Quebec’s Eastern Townships region. Guerra was talking about Louise Penny , renowned author of the Detective Armand Gamache mystery series, and Three Pines, the series’ idyllic, out-of-the-way village, and home to its colorful and loving cast of characters.

Oh, how we love Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his lovely Three Pines village. We’d been pining over Three Pines since it appeared in Penny’s first book, “Still Life,” published in 2005. We’ve read all of Penny’s Gamache novels and have already pre-ordered her next novel. After a year hiatus, Penny’s newest in the series, “The Grey Wolf,” comes out this year. Oct. 29 is the official publication date in the United States.

Advertisement

We couldn’t wait to finally visit the picturesque area that inspired her book settings. Suffice it to say, we’re big fans, but as it turned out, there are others more fervent than us, and they were on our tour.

A little background: the Eastern Townships, about an hour east of Montreal and about 4½ hours from Boston, borders Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. It has 32 mountain peaks, miles of hiking and biking trails, and acres of farmlands and vineyards. Tiny towns and villages dot the countryside, and farmers’ markets and veggie stands line the rural roads. This is where Penny lives, and what inspired many of the scenes and characters in her best-selling novels.

After several hours in the car, a stop at the Vignoble de l’Orpailleur , one of the oldest vineyards in the region, was a welcome break. The Eastern Townships, the birthplace of winemaking in Quebec, is home to some 30 vineyards. There’s even the official Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route, linking more than 20 of the wineries. We tasted a lovely Vignoble de l’Orpailleur Brut, a clean and crisp Rose, and a complex and tasty Gris, before heading to our destination and home for the next two nights — the Hillhouse B&B in Lac-Brome .

The lovingly restored Victorian home, surrounded by gardens and within walking distance of Lac-Brome, is bright and airy, with gleaming wood floors, and four clean and comfy guestrooms. Owners Gilles and Louise (yes, her name is Louise!) are gracious and knowledgeable hosts — and great cooks if the breakfast they prepare each morning is any indication. They also own the Three Pines tour company, the only tour sanctioned by Penny.

That evening we dined at Bistro West Brome . We were expecting to see the cozy, homey Three Pines bistro that Penny features in her books, a local hangout serving delicious comfort food. Nope. Bistro West Brome is housed in a modern and elegant Auberge. Nonetheless, the dinner was sublime, showcasing fresh, local ingredients and the chef’s sophisticated flair. We dined on tuna tataki, classic beef tartare, Guinea fowl breast, and Quebec rack of lamb.

Guerra picked us up from the Hillhouse the next morning for our day-long, 125-mile Three Pines van tour. (Larger group half-day bus tours are also offered.) We drove through the scenic town of Magog, set on the northern shore of Lake Memphremagog, on our way to the first stop: the Old Mansion House in Georgeville.

“It’s the Hadley House, in ‘The Cruelest Month,’ right?” one of our fellow tour-goers exclaimed as we walked up to the sprawling historic 1889 mansion. Yes, Guerra told us, this mansion was the inspiration for the Hadley House, where a séance occurs, and a dead body is found in the book “The Cruelest Month.” We toured the house, including the dark, creepy basement, as the caretaker told us about the ghosts that reside here. “But they’re nice spirits,” she assured us.

Georgeville is a picturesque hamlet, set on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, filled with white Greek Revival-style homes. The park at the center of the village, known as the village green, was Louise’s inspiration for the green in Three Pines. Around it are a few artists’ studios, a café, a classic general store, and the Jardin des Pionniers, a small garden in the shape of the British flag.

Our next stop was the Abbaye Saint-Benoît-du-lac , a grand brick and granite monastery overlooking Lake Memphremagog. It inspired the fictional Saint-Gilbert-Entre-Les-Loups in Penny’s “A Beautiful Mystery.” The real monastery houses about 25 monks who have taken the vow of silence; the youngest is in his early 30s, the oldest is more than 100. We toured the beautiful building surrounded by gardens and nature trails, learned about the history and daily life of the monks, and listened to their beautiful and haunting chanting. The monks sell some of their homemade products in the monastery gift shop, including ciders and a variety of cheeses. We bought a chunk of Le Moine, similar to Gruyere, and the Bleu Benedictin, a soft, mild blue cheese. They also sell chocolate covered blueberries, from the Chocolaterie des Pères in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Quebec.

“Remember when Gamache and Jean Guy fought over the chocolate covered blueberries, and there were none left to take home?” a woman in our group recalled. (No, we did not; we’re obviously not as astute Penny fans as other.)

We had a late lunch at Manor Hovey , a Relais & Chateaux property on the shores of Lake Massawippi, and visited the library where Louise and Michael, her late husband and inspiration for the kind and wise Gamache, got married. It’s also where Penny hosts Hillary Clinton when she comes to visit. Clinton and Penny are friends and co-wrote “State of Terror,” a political mystery novel.

“This is Three Pines, right?” another woman in our group remarked as we parked in the village of Knowlton. “There’s the bookstore, but where is Olivier and Gabri’s bistro?”

Guerra explained that there is no real Three Pines or Olivier’s Bistro, but Penny incorporated aspects of several towns to create Three Pines and several local restaurants for the bistro. Bummer, we thought. But Knowlton, where Penny now lives, and the nearby town of Sutton, are delightful small villages and each could very well stand in for the fictional town of Three Pines.

In Knowlton, we visited the Lac-Brome Museum , with several historic buildings, exhibits on Canadian history, and old war artifacts, including a rare Fokker plane from World War I. At least two people in our tour group were convinced that the restaurant and hotel Le Relais in Knowlton, dating back to 1849, is the model for Olivier and Gabri’s fictional B&B and bistro. They made plans to have dinner there later that evening. Of course, we popped into Brome Lake Books (“This is Myrna’s bookstore!” the same woman tour-goer said), with a corner devoted to Louise Penny books, and shelves of Three Pines trinkets. (Who could resist the “What Would Gamache Do?” sticker?)

Our last stop was Sutton, where Penny often shops and dines. Some say La Rumeur Affamee , a beautiful store filled with wooden counters and old display cases filled with fresh baked goods, local cheeses, and meat, is Sarah’s Boulangerie in the books, and A la Fontaine , in a brick building with wooden tables, old chairs and sofas, and a fireplace, is Olivier and Gabri’s bistro. Regardless, Sutton is charming, a village filled with little cafes, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Blasphemy, but we’d had enough of Louise Penny and Three Pines. We opted for dinner at La Knowlton Co ., a bustling, contemporary, very real, father-and-son-owned brewpub, with great pizza, burgers, and beers. Sitting nearby were two women who had been on our tour. We’d noticed that one of them hadn’t spoken a word all day, so we asked her what she thought of the tour.

“I haven’t read any of her books; they’re not my style,” she said. “But I enjoyed the tour. It was a great way to see the area.”

For more information, visit www.easterntownships.org .

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]