Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Feb 27, 2024
In March, the Eastern Townships offers all kinds of attractions to ease you into spring – gourmet getaways, family-friendly activities, spas, historical sites…. The list goes on. Bordering Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire, the region is a mere 90 minutes from Montreal – close and yet far from ordinaire!
March marks the start of the sugaring off season and traditional food and activities are being offered at our sugar shacks. They range from rustic cabins to full-service restaurants – each one guaranteed to get you into the spirit of the approaching spring! Here are seven unique sugar shacks offering a variety of maple-themed menus – from simple dishes to gourmet fare.
These establishments are known for their warm, welcoming ambience but they also offer visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Many of the sugar shacks have walking trails on their properties where you can work up an appetite before you eat or work off those calories after you eat!
When you take a break away from home, do you like staying at a small hostelry rather than a large hotel? A B&B fits the bill! Here are five good reasons to opt for this type of cozy, intimate accommodation:
The snow-kissed mountains of the Eastern Townships are just waiting to be discovered! Whether you're snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking or climbing with crampons, the lofty trails designated for these activities will reward you with spectacular views.
Our four national parks are playgrounds for lovers of winter sports. Their trails are designed for all levels of ability – from beginner to advanced. From the summit of Mont-Mégantic, you can take in almost the entire region of the Eastern Townships.
In addition to the national parks, there are many other mountains to explore – Sutton, Bromont, Owl’s Head…..They are known primarily as ski resorts but the breathtaking views from their summits are an additional lure. As you swoosh down the snowy trails of Owl’s Head, you’ll see Lake Memphremagog in all its glory, spread out below - a mind-blowing experience!
If you love gazing at stars, especially with your significant other, we can oblige! There are several places within the Eastern Townships' designated Dark Sky Reserves that offer accommodation - far from light pollution, where you can admire the heavens.
The Eastern Townships offers a variety of encounters with animals – something that is always popular, no matter how old you are. Children, in particular, love to interact with members of the animal kingdom!
Not to be missed is the Granby Zoo, whose exotic residents hail from every corner of the globe. Then there’s the unique Cinézoo in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Rochelle, which, as its name suggests, is home to animals that have starred in movies.
For cuteness overload, visit the oh-so-adorable alpacas at Domaine des Nobles Alpagas or Alpagas Sutton.
After all that excitement with the kids, what could be better than a good night's sleep? Stay for a night (or longer!) at one of Granby’s charming accommodations and enjoy the family-friendly activities in and around the city.
There are many ways to learn more about the region’s rich heritage – through its history, stories, architecture and gastronomy. A good way to start is to explore the 11 Cœurs Villageois that are scattered across the region – picturesque, landmark villages where you can experience the Townships “art of living” for yourself!
Sacred sites and churches attest to the region’s religious life and many of the buildings have stood the test of time, among them the iconic Saint-Benoît-du-Lac (a Benedictine monastery) and the Anglican Church of the Epiphany and the United Church in Way’s Mills.
Of course, if you’re a real history buff, nothing beats a visit to a museum! We have 10 large and small establishments, each of which imparts knowledge in a different way – through exhibitions, interactive areas and immersive experiences. There’s truly something for everyone!
The Eastern Townships are tailor-made for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation! We have a wide choice of spas equipped with baths, saunas and hammams (steam rooms) where you can book yourself in for a body treatment or a massage. Don’t those sound enticing?
Make your stay all about relaxation by practicing zen activities such as yoga, meditation, mindful walking, etc. There are perfect places in the Cantons to revitalize.
For a total cocooning experience, book into one of the following accommodations and let time pass you by…
Taste the Townships
12 Townships Maple Products You Must Absolutely Try
Nature, sports and outdoor activities
The Highest Summits of the Townships
