Road trip on the Townships trail

Autumn… made for wandering

If you enjoy driving about aimlessly, autumn is the perfect time to roam through our villages and towns and discover everything and anything by happenstance just for the simple pleasure of breathing in the fresh Eastern Townships air in a charming, richly coloured setting.

Danville

Its American-style town square is surrounded by beautiful Victorian homes. Danville is the birthplace of Daniel Johnson (senior) and Mack Sennett, the star of Hollywood silent films. Located on the Townships Trail (Chemin des Cantons), Danville has developed three heritage routes to showcase its neo-Queen Anne, American vernacular, neo Italian, Second Empire, and other styles of homes.

Before exploring another route, stop at the Mante du Carré, Café de village located in a century-old house. This gathering place for local residents is a kind of public market where the meals served feature local products: wild boar, smoked lamb or veggie-pâté paninis, topped off with an espresso or cappuccino.

From October 8 to 10, enjoy the Migratory Bird Festival at the Burbank Pond with Honorary President Serge Beaudet featuring seminars, exhibitions under a tent, documentaries, contests, and guided tours of the trails circling the pond including observation posts to see migratory species, such as snow geese, up close. You’ll need more than a day to see it all! Spend the night – our B&Bs are welcoming and comfortable.

Ulverton

Also on the Townships Trail (Chemin des Cantons) is the Ulverton Woollen Mill which, on the same October weekend, hosts the Festi-Laine d’Ulverton (wool and sheep festival). You’ll observe sheep-shearing demonstrations while learning about traditional wool processing methods. Exhibitors and craftspeople will be on site, and activities also include tastings of local products, and carriage rides. The Mill, located next to the Ulverton River, provides access to 5 km of hiking trails and picnic areas.

Granby

If you haven’t visited Granby in some time, you’ll be surprised to discover its dynamic vitality – it is a beautiful, welcoming city with cultural and heritage flair. Granby is linked to the Townships Trail (Chemin des Cantons) with three walking tours. Take time to visit the Café de village, Madame Hortense. There you’ll find an attractive 1900 Victorian home where you can enjoy a coffee, a bistro menu, and admire an art exhibit. Nearby are the Centre d’interprétation et de la nature du Lac Boivin, Granby Zoo, and Parc national Yamaska, not to mention the Estriade cycling trail that takes you through the centre of town.

There’s more to see than you can imagine. Let your intuition lead the way, savour the surroundings – and experience unanticipated delights!