Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
By Romane Bernard - Imagine Canada
Exploring the Eastern Townships in an electric van means combining freedom, nature, gastronomy… and well-placed charging stations! Here’s the story of a four-day road trip through national parks, charming villages, fine dining, and passionate local producers.
The journey begins in the Mégantic region, with a stop at Mont-Mégantic National Park. Despite the rain, we receive a warm welcome at the ASTROLab. This astronomy interpretation center offers an immersive guided tour, virtual reality headsets, scientific projections, and a visit to the observatory. A fascinating experience in the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.
In the evening, we head to Lac-Mégantic. A town marked by its past, it impresses with its reconstruction and strong community spirit. We have dinner at Musi-Café, a local symbol of resilience. For the night, the national park campground is a peaceful and natural option, just minutes from downtown… and equipped with electric charging stations powered by a local solar microgrid!
The road then takes us toward Magog, winding along lakes and mountains. On the shores of Lake Memphremagog, we stop at Bistro Kóz to enjoy a splendid view and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Magog charms with its lively energy: local boutiques, a vibrant atmosphere, and gourmet finds. A highlight is Cherry River Distillery, located in a former church. Stained glass windows and copper stills coexist in a unique setting, and the maple syrup vodka is a must-try.
Before wrapping up the day, we visit Maison Merry, the oldest house in town. The guided tour helps us better understand Magog’s history and the legacy of its founding family.
For the night, Mont-Orford National Park campground is a perfect choice. Surrounded by nature and just 15 minutes from the city, it's the ideal place to recharge the van—and yourself.
After a night in the woods, we kick off the day with the Trois-Étangs loop, a gentle, shaded hike in Mont-Orford National Park. A great warm-up before a truly local activity: an electric bike ride along Lake Memphremagog. The bike paths make it easy to ride between town and nature. Rentals are available at Vie de Plein Air.
At lunchtime, we head to Sherbrooke. Siboire Dépôt microbrewery, located in the old train station, offers a generous pub-style menu and delicious house beers. Once full, we set off to explore downtown’s murals. The mural circuit offers a walkable artistic and historical tour.
Later, we enjoy a gourmet stop at La Station Cheese Factory in Compton. The guided tour of their aging caves, followed by a tasting, highlights the family’s artisanal expertise. The products are certified Créateurs de saveurs (Flavour Creators).
The day ends at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook. Even though Foresta Lumina wasn't active yet, we walked the trail and saw the installations in progress. The site is spectacular—day or night.
For this final day, we start off beautifully at Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey. Nestled in nature, this monastic community produces cheeses, ciders, and spreads, all available for tasting onsite. A peaceful and inspiring visit.
Next, we explore Brome-Missisquoi with stops in Knowlton and Sutton. These Anglo-inspired villages are perfect for wandering. In Sutton, we treat ourselves to lunch and some bagels from Round Top.
The afternoon is dedicated to the Wine Route. First stop: Vignoble du Ruisseau in Dunham, a modern estate where geothermal energy enables the cultivation of delicate grape varieties. Then, we visit Léon Courville Vineyard in Lac-Brome (also known as Les Brome), a smaller estate with a stunning lake view. Finally, at Domaine du Pic Bois, we discover a variety of wines and artisanal maple syrups. Hard to leave empty-handed!
The final night is spent at Yamaska National Park, near Granby—a peaceful site, perfect for closing out the road trip.
This journey proves that a road trip in an electric van through the Eastern Townships is not only possible, but truly enjoyable. Charging stations are plentiful and well-placed (near microbreweries, grocery stores, and tourist attractions), and national parks are equipped for camping with electrical access.
But beyond logistics, what makes this type of trip unforgettable is the diversity of experiences: from parks to local producers, scenic routes to microbreweries, and charming villages throughout. It’s a region to explore slowly—savoring every stop along the way.
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