Best Things to Do in the Eastern Townships in March

Maple Season & Spring Getaways

Published on Mar 10, 2026

Feel something different in the air? Spring skiing is underway and maple season in the Eastern Townships is beginning as sugar shacks open their doors.

March is one of the most exciting times to visit the Eastern Townships. Just a short drive from Montreal, Ontario, and the northeastern United States, the region is the perfect destination for a late-winter or early-spring getaway.

Here are some of the best things to do in the Eastern Townships in March, organized by theme to help you plan the perfect escape.

Experience maple season and sugar shack season in the Eastern Townships

March means one thing in Quebec: sugar shack season. As maple sap begins to flow, sugar bushes across the Eastern Townships come alive with festive meals, outdoor activities, and time-honoured traditions.

Here are 5 memorable ways to experience sugar shack season in the Eastern Townships:
Cabane à sucre La Martine

at Saint-Romain

Smaller sugar shack offering a cozy, personal maple experience.

Érablière du village

at Compton

Classic Quebec sugar shack with large tables and festive energy.

Cabane à sucre du Pic-Bois

at Brigham

Authentic sugar shack surrounded by nature where maple traditions come to life.

Ferme des Petits Torrieux

at Frontenac

Authentic sugar shack surrounded by nature where maple traditions come to life.

Érablière Bernard

at Granby

Welcoming sugar shack close to Montreal with activities perfect for families with kids and grandparents.


Planning tips for maple season
  • Maple season in the Eastern Townships typically runs from early March to mid-April, depending on weather conditions.
  • Visiting earlier in the season means enjoying fresh maple syrup production and traditional sugar shack meals.
  • Later weeks often bring milder temperatures and lively outdoor activities around the maple groves.
  • For the best experience, book your sugar shack meal or maple visit in advance, especially on weekends when many families and visitors gather around the tables.

Enjoy the perfect ski and spa weekend in the Eastern Townships

March offers some of the best ski conditions of the season. The snow is still excellent on the slopes, while warmer sunshine and longer days make outdoor adventures even more enjoyable.

Why not combine a day on the mountain with a day of relaxation? A ski-and-spa weekend in the Eastern Townships is the perfect way to recharge.

Just choose your preferred Eastern Townships destination:
Sherbrooke

Urban escape

Spend the day skiing at Mont Bellevue, then unwind at Strøm Spa Sherbrooke, where outdoor hot baths and Nordic spa rituals melt away winter fatigue.

Orford and Magog

Nature immersion

Hit the slopes at Mont-Orford, one of the region’s most scenic ski mountains. Afterwards, relax at Spa Nordic Station, nestled in a peaceful riverside forest between Orford and Magog.

Bromont

Muscular wellness

Ski the varied terrain at Bromont, montagne d’expériences, then reward tired muscles with a therapeutic massage at BALNEA spa + thermal reserve overlooking Lake Gale.

Recharge in the Eastern Townships

March in the Townships is more than spring skiing and sugar shacks. It’s also a month of transition — the perfect time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and nourish both body and mind.

Here are 3 great ways to relax and recharge after a long winter:
Go on a peaceful forest walk

Take advantage of quieter trails for a gentle forest walk or a snowshoe outing. Early spring light and peaceful landscapes make this a beautiful time to reconnect with nature. Here are our top 6 places for woodland walks.

Explore new exhibits

Beaulne Museum (Coaticook)

Four new exhibits open in March at the Beaulne Museum inviting visitors to explore fascinating themes ranging from forest photography to textile heritage.

Discover our top-rated restaurants

Eastern Townships restaurants are known for their warm hospitality, regional ingredients, and creative cuisine. For something really special, book a table at one of these 8 exceptional Eastern Townships restaurants

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here are even more great places to rest and relax in the Eastern Townships.

Start planning your Eastern Townships summer escape!

Did you know that March is the perfect time to start planning your summer visit to the Eastern Townships? Planning now helps you secure the best spots before they fill up.

Here are two ideas to start planning your summer in the Eastern Townships:

Find the best spot

Many campgrounds in the region open their reservations in early March, and the most desirable lakeside and scenic campsites tend to book quickly, so this is the ideal moment to secure your summer getaway.

Explore Eastern Townships campgrounds


Come admire the stars

The Eastern Townships have long been famous for their idyllic landscapes – and they’re also becoming known as a dark-sky destination for stargazing.

Many areas have minimal light pollution, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing:

Whatever your reason for visiting the Eastern Townships, you’ll find lots to do and see in March. Share your photos on social media and tag the Eastern Townships so we can follow along with your adventure.

And don’t forget to check back soon — we’ll be sharing the best things to do in the Eastern Townships in April.

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