Culture: The Best Kept Secrets of the Townships

©Daphné Caron

Centre d’Art Rozynski

Right in the heart of Way’s Mills in Barnston-Ouest in the Coaticook region, you’ll find the Centre d’Art Rozynski, specialized in utility and sculptural ceramics. A place that welcomes in-residence artists and where every year the Céramystic Festival is held, an outdoor sale and exhibition gathering the creations of many professional ceramists from all around. In 2023, the Céramystic Festival will be held from July 1 to July 9. Don’t miss it!

See the video with Jean-Philippe Dion at the Centre d'art Rozynski.

L’Espace Aux Rives du temps

Head out to the village of Courcelles in the Mégantic region. This little hamlet showcases its local history through four tourist attractions gathered in one venue called Espace Aux Rives du temps. What will you discover precisely here? The Moulin Bernier, built in 1888, which witnessed the establishment of the town, and the belvedere of the mill offering a view overlooking the Rivière aux Bluets Falls. Then there’s the train cars dating back to 1895 at the Lambton-Station, and the Tardif home and workshop, where this family, specializing in woodwork, carried out their business for more than 50 years.

©Daphné Caron

Orford Musique

Located in an amazing setting, Orford Musique, is a classical music academy which has gained international renown. However, it’s also a place where magnificent concerts are performed and events organized. This summer, you can let yourself be enchanted by the numerous concerts that will be given as part of the Festival Orford Musique. The detailed program offering a combination of music, visual arts and gastronomy, will become available soon.

©Jessie Jolin

The Stanstead Stone Circle

Recalling the mythical Stonehenge of England, the Stanstead Stone Circle is a peaceful site where local granite stones have been erected. As you walk through the town, you’ll note that the granite industry is truly thriving here. Situated right on the 45th parallel, the Stone Circle can be visited quite rapidly, but offers an ideal spot for a picnic on the town’s outskirts.

The Musée de la Souvenance de Saint-Camille

Created by M. René Laroche, a native of Saint-Camille, the Musée de la souvenance offers a panoply of ancient objects for you to discover. Tools, furniture and other olden day household items are exhibited on the three floors of an old barn set in the heart of Saint-Camille. The Musée de la Souvenance will not be open for the 2023 season.

Take advantage of your passage in this village to make a stop at the P’tit bonheur de Saint-Camille, a place of cultural promotion and community gatherings. On weekends you could also enjoy eating at the Café du Flâneur.

The Missisquoi Museum

Located in the town of Stanbridge East, this museum includes three very interesting buildings for you to discover: Cornell Mill, Hodge’s General store and the twelve-sided Walbridge barn. Together, the three establishments hold more than 20,000 objects and archives relating to our pioneers’ lifestyle and the history of Missisquoi County. Opening for the 2023 season : May 28.

La Poterie de Dudswell - Pottery Workshop

How would you like to know what it feels like to be an artisan? You can meet two potters at La Poterie de Dudswell workshop and learn about the tools they use and production methods for their wares. You can also purchase unique crockery items in their boutique. It’s the ideal place to find the perfect gift for yourself or for those you hold dear. Open by appointment only.

The Ulverton Woollen Mills

A truly magnificent place with its river, its covered bridge, and the very charming wool mill and its heritage building dating back to 1840. Learn all the steps to transform wool by taking part in a guided tour of the Mill and discover their little boutique, where you’ll find a vast selection of terroir products. Take advantage of your visit to walk along the paths that follow the river. Magnificent!

The Atelier Auckland in Saint-Isidore-de-Clifton

Art, table art, art of living… the Atelier Auckland is an artistic jewel located in Saint-Isidore-de-Clifton. The two artists who will welcome you to their workshop, the poet Sylvain Dodier and Luc Pallegoix, illustrator and photographer, are both incredible multidisciplinary artists. They invite you to participate in several events, exhibits and workshops.

Parc historique de la poudrière de Windsor - A Black Powder Factory

Discover the first industry established in Windsor: the Poudrière, the powder mill, was founded in 1864 and produced black powder, used in explosives, until 1922. The factory comprised 56 buildings set along the Watopeka River. Today you can discover the remnants and secrets of this industry by participating in a dramatized guided tour. Picnic areas and over 20 kilometers of walking trails are available year-round. Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tons of Heritage Circuits!

Whether it’s by way of the history and architecture of Sutton, the historical neighbourhoods of Granby, the paths taken in the intrigues of famous author Louise Penny’s novels, the Townships Trail or The Pioneer Trail, The Townships’ many heritage and cultural circuits are truly a pleasure to discover.