Updated on Feb 5, 2020
When you start exploring the region, you’re sure to come across some little known Townships’ treasures and even some that are entirely new to you! Meanwhile, here are 12, to point you in the right direction...
This 560-metre (1,739 foot) high peak is situated in one of the most charming villages in the region, namely Piopolis. It’s a mountain few people are familiar with and it takes 45 minutes to reach the summit, but it’s well worth the effort. From the top, you get a great view over the Appalachians and a number of lakes. If the climb makes you work up an appetite, just drop by L'Auberge Au Soleil Levant in Piopolis!
In the heart of the Hotel Estrimont Suites & Spa, you'll find the Live Art Business, commonly known as LAB Gallery, who has quickly became one of the most dynamic visual Arts institutions in the country. The LAB now offers a unique and free year-round Artistic experience.
In the heart of the Hotel Estrimont Suites & Spa, you'll find the Live Art Business, commonly known as LAB Gallery, who has quickly became one of the most dynamic visual Arts institutions in the country. The LAB now offers a unique and free year-round Artistic experience.
A 19th century woollen mill to visit, a gift shop packed with treasures, hiking trails that run along Ulverton River, a covered bridge, picnic area, fresh air, the sound of lively fauna... In other words, a place everyone can enjoy.
Situated in Saint-Anne-de-la-Rochelle, the Cinézoo is a zoological park where animals are trained for the movie industry. It’s also open to the public. Visitors can see all kinds of exotic creatures – monkeys, lions, tigers and reptiles among others. Occasionally there are conferences and workshops as well as guided tours that let you get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. It’s a great place for adults and kids to spend an afternoon and, by the way, one of the resident grizzly bears appeared in the movie De Père en flic 2 – a hilarious thriller about a dysfunctional relationship between father and son, both of whom are cops.
This charming Frelighsburg spot sources ingredients from its own backyard garden and neighbouring farms to serve up locavore-inspired meals. It also doubles as a venue, hosting musical acts including Québec Redneck Bluesgrass Project, Élisapie, Damien Robitaille and more.
Following an old railway along the Tomifobia River, this gravel trail spans 19 kilometres between Ayer's Cliff and Stanstead. The path is populated with critters of all kinds, as well as picnic areas, bridges, tunnels and a dam. Perfect for a family ride!
A must in the Townships: British-style afternoon tea at the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre. Visitors are treated to all the things one associates with a traditional afternoon tea – waitstaff dressed in period costume, delicate porcelain cups, scones with cream and strawberry jam, pastries…. Incidentally, the Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre is part of a network of five establishments that serve British-style afternoon teas – a gracious meal break that we are very happy to perpetuate!
A place to observe the animals (see if you can find Agathe, a heifer who has a bad habit of wandering off!), buy excellent products (guinea fowl, goose, chicken, pork, ready-to-eat dishes etc.) and stay the night. There are five rooms. (A maximum of 20 people.) A charming place, run by equally charming hosts!
The lake, in the municipality of Coaticook, covers a mere 0.60 square kilometres (0.23 square miles) but it’s favourite venue for fishers and birdwatchers. (The lake contains mostly brown and rainbow trout.) Lac Lindsay is one of the rare places that has an extra-long jetty and allows free access – ideal for fishers who don’t want to get their feet wet!
Vermouth is a common base for cocktails and two wineries make this aromatic drink, namely Domaine Lafrance (Saint-Joseph-du-Lac) which is known for its cider vermouth and the Val Caudalies winery in Dunham. The latter has been lauded for the high quality of its dry, white vermouth and its sweet, amber vermouth.
You can get these delightful drinks at the SAQ (Quebec Liquor Store). Better still - buy them directly from the producers at their own distilleries to discover the wide variety of wines and ciders that they produce.
You want to try mountain biking? There's no better place than the Centre national de cyclisme in Bromont. Four kilometres of trails will help you perfect your mountain bike skills. Near the site, you will also have access to Bromont network trails which has about 40 km of single track for mountain biking and cyclocross.Psitt! You can read Jessica Belisle blog about the CNCB
