Road Trips in the Townships
Not one, not two, but three scenic drives crisscross the Eastern Townships: The Summit Drive, named for its proximity to the sky, the Townships Trail for its history and country roads, and the Wine Route for its delectable fruit. You must take all three to savour, discover and explore… in whatever order you choose. It’ll make for a wonderful autumn!
Two Quebec national parks, a dozen hiking trails, eight mountains and the first International Dark Sky Reserve. The Summit Drive won’t take you further than the stars, but maybe one day... Until then, the Astrolab helps you look at the sky and beyond. It’s along the Summit Drive that you’ll see the highest mountains in all of southern Quebec. And with mountains come outdoor activities: hiking, cycle tourism and discovering the region’s unique features along more than 150 kilometres.
September 24 is Summit Day. Mountain lovers can choose between a car rally, an 11.4-km hike on the new trails of Parc du Mont-Mégantic, and a bike tour of Mont Morne for tough riders able to cycle an average of 25km/h. Tortoises need not apply.
From grape harvesting to stomping to wine tasting, there are a wide range of experiences to be had along the Wine Route, among them with the Winemaker for a Day package. While some wineries invite you to country picnics, others allow you to discover their medieval cellars. Tastings abound. To take advantage of them, opt for the harvest lodging packages that provide a sound night’s sleep. On the Wine Route, lush countryside, exhibitions and local products blend perfectly. From Montreal, we even offer a guided bus tour of the wineries.
Knowing that 50% of Quebec wines are produced in the Brome-Missisquoi MRC, and that 17 wineries can be found along 120-km of road, gives us the urge to discover why nature is so abundant in this corner of the world.
Stepping into the past requires a certain curiosity, but when that road leads through townships that shaped the region, the desire to explore its many facets will excite your senses. Along the Townships Trail, the heritage legacy of American and British pioneers has left its mark in picturesque villages, some of which are among the most beautiful in Quebec.
Travel through history along more than 400 kilometres of roads bordered by majestic landscapes and breathtaking panoramic views. The Ulverton Woolen Mill, life-size silhouettes of pioneers in Coaticook, military history at the Bury armoury, the Waterloo Railway Museum in a caboose, a tour of murals in Sherbrooke… the Townships Trail is paved with this heritage from another era. Getting acquainted with these villagers and cultures of yesteryear will lead to delightful discoveries.
