Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Updated on Jan 30, 2024
For their indescribable ambiance, their breathtaking decor, their unique character … there are countless charming places in the Eastern Townships to explore. Here are seven among so many others!
A delightful town with several of its buildings’ architecture evoking a bygone era, access to the shores of Lake Massawippi (considered one of Québec’s most beautiful lakes), magnificent landscapes, a Café de Village, an art gallery, the Scowen Park trails, and cozy inns for overnight stays (notably, the Manoir Hovey) … it’s impossible not to fall under North Hatley’s charm. No wonder that since the end of the 19th century, this place has become a sought-after resort destination!
If there’s a beautiful and peaceful place where you can head out on snowshoes or cross-country skis, it’s definitely the Ruiter Valley Land Trust in Mansonville. The site offers almost 30 km from easy to intermediate level marked forest trails. The trails in this unspoiled valley are laid out in different loops and can be discovered at your own pace. Neighbouring the Réserve naturelle des Montagnes-Vertes, the area offers some stunning landscapes. Access is free, but a voluntary contribution is suggested.
Sutton’s Main Street, and throughout the heart of the town, you’ll discover a multitude of little treasures to explore. Some examples? The Auberge Sutton Brouërie and À l’Abordage—the two village microbreweries—, La Rumeur affamée, Bagels Round Top, La Famille Buvette de Village, Matis Traiteur—and still many more foodie addresses—, The Pleasant Hôtel & Café, a small hotel perfect for a lovers’ getaway… And the Sutton mountain massif in the background promising a vast playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts, the decor of this Coeur Villageois is simply unbelievable!
Why especially these two mountains? Because of their high altitudes, their summits will have you discover some very impressive snow ghosts, these trees densely covered with snow and petrified by the cold. I promise, you’ll be awestruck as you head out on an outing surrounded by these white silhouettes. Absolutely magical!
Imagine yourself contemplating a star-filled sky while visiting Piopolis in the Mégantic region, and then returning to warm up in one of the yurts or mini-homes of Hébergement aux Cinq Sens… Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? Plan a trip to this corner of the Townships, home to the first natural dark sky reserve, to fill your eyes with celestial stars!
A multifunctional urban footpath set around the lake of the same name, the Promenade du Lac-des-Nations is a classic and quite popular with the Sherbrooke community; Yet it remains a delightful place to get some fresh air. Between these pockets of nature and the urban scenery, you’ll enjoy walking along a 3.5 km route with your family or with your sweetheart. Would you like more? Then head out along the Promenade des Rapides by the Magog River in downtown Sherbrooke. In the evening, a colourful light show illuminates the gorge and makes your outing even more magical!
With its heritage homes and its large frozen pond in the heart of the Vieux-Nord sector of Sherbrooke, the Domaine Howard Park welcomes you for a skating session or a leisurely stroll through the snow. Put on your skates and head out onto this more than 5,100 m2 ice-covered surface! The place is all the more magical in the evening with the pond illuminated by coloured spotlights. Access is free of charge.
Nature, sports and outdoor activities
5 of the Most Beautiful Lookouts of the Eastern Townships
Nature, sports and outdoor activities
Skating rinks for everyone
Accommodations
Not Your Usual Lodgings
