Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Aug 23, 2021
One never tires of the many routes in and around the Eastern Townships. Every road is worth exploring and every village deserves a visit. This region is certain to charm you and leave you with fond memories. Many of the villages are among the most beautiful in Québec and the area abounds with spectacular mountains and lakes. For a day trip or a getaway of a few days, the Eastern Townships boast plenty of scenic routes.
By Valérie Thérien
For an initial adventure, take Route 133, which runs along the border with Vermont, the Eastern Townships’ neighbour to the south. You’ll enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way. Since 1955, this corner of the country has been a migratory bird sanctuary for species at risk, including the cerulean warbler and least bittern. Enjoy the bird song and the stunning view of Missisquoi Bay, before heading along quiet Chemin Saint-Armand and observing the local heritage. In the village, take the time to admire the two-story general store built in 1909. Further on, you’ll come to the cradle of Québec viticulture. Be sure to stop in at one of the wineries for refreshments and take the Route des vins de Brome-Missisquoi (wine route), which includes the Domaine du Ridge and Vignoble l'Ardennais wineries.
When you get to the must-see village of Frelighsburg, treat yourself to a bite at the Beat & Betterave café. Enjoy tootling around the many country roads in the exquisite surrounding area! Further along Chemin Richford, you’ll find a variety of interesting attractions: the Floramama flower farm and the Clos Saragnat, a cider mill and vineyard on the site of one of Québec’s oldest orchards. Its founder, Christian Barthomeuf, is a pioneer in contemporary Québec viticulture and he invented ice cider. This loop winds up in Dunham, where you can discover a wide range of quality beers at Brasserie Dunham, get a bite to eat at the warm and welcoming L'Épicerie-Café Dunham, or buy a fresh loaf of bread from Bernard le boulanger, both located on Rue Principale.
Starting point: the vibrant city of Magog, where you can enjoy burgers and beer on the spacious patio of the La Memphré microbrewery, overlooking Lake Memphremagog. Near Highway 10, the Bleu Lavande lavender farm rich with the scent of these beautiful blooms is well worth a visit. Heading south along Route 247, you’ll come to the village of Georgeville, which has preserved a few attractions of past generations, including a general store. This route showcases the magnificence of the surrounding area. A few stops to include along the way: the Narrows Covered Bridge, built in 1881, one of the rare bridges to span the narrows of a lake, and Keet-Baird Smoked Fish, where you can buy products smoked the old-fashioned way.
Continuing along Route 247, just a few feet from the United States, you’ll come to Stanstead Township, where you can visit the Stone Circle Park, a nod to those found in Great Britain. In the village, be sure to stop at the Auberge Le Sunshine for pastries, cheese and local products. Continue on your way along routes 143 and 141 to arrive in the centre of Ayer’s Cliff. For an ice cream or tasty snack, the retro Wood’s Snack Bar is a must. Afterwards, take in the view of beautiful Lac Massawippi. If you have more time, follow Route 141 to Coaticook to see the longest suspended footbridge in North America in the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook.
This route near Sherbrooke combines nature and tradition. The Vallée Heureuse du Mont Élan centre offers outdoor activities for the whole family. In Cookshire-Eaton, take a break at the impressive rural Brasserie 11 comtés, which opened in July 2018. Then take Route 108 toward the village of Bury. Nearby on Chemin Hardwood Flat are two interesting organic farms, Ferme Coop Point du Jour and Ferme du Coq à l'âne.
In Lingwick Township, head cross Ruisseau McGill and stop in at La Ruée vers Gould, a unique inn that draws on local history to provide a Scottish experience, both in terms of cuisine and decor. Families should consider this fun additional loop: take Route 257 north, then Route 112 to Lac Aylmer. The nearby Pavillon de la faune showcases wildlife through a series of dioramas, presenting more than 30 animal species.
Back in Lingwick, follow along the gravel portion of Route 257 for a few kilometres to Scotstown. Charcuterie Scotstown on Chemin Victoria with its local products definitely deserves a visit. From there, enjoy a moment of tranquility gazing out over the Rivière au Saumon. As you continue along Route 257, you’ll come to La Patrie from where you can glimpse the mountains in the distance. This is Summit Drive at its best, close to the Mont-Mégantic observatory, which is a must. Route 212 boasts pretty valleys and barns, and Route 263 brings you into the charming village of Piopolis on Lac Mégantic. From there, continue on the same route to take in one last breathtaking panoramic view from the La Maison du granit lookout.
