Published on Jun 24, 2019

From Lac-Mégantic to Granby, St-Adrien to East Hereford, without forgetting Lingwick, Cookshire-Eaton, Saint-Camille, Sherbrooke, Magog, Coaticook, Eastman, Danville, and more… The region is packed with countless under-the-radar gems, brand-new discoveries and favourite attractions to enjoy time and time again.

This summer, explore your own backyard with an Eastern Townships staycation.

  • Signature Attractions
  • Brand-New Discoveries
  • Hidden Gems
Gain a new perspective by train or boat

Hop onboard the Orford Express for a train ride from Sherbrooke to Bromont or cruise Lac Memphrémagog on the majestic Grand Cru ship: Both are wonderful ways to see the sights from a whole new point of view.

Toast to your health

Local ingredients and unique savoir-faire come together in the region’s 20+ acclaimed microbreweries. From wicked IPAs to heavenly fruit beers—and all the classic ales, stouts, farmhouses and lagers you can dream of!—you’re sure to find a new local favourite.

Live the magic of Foresta Lumina

The enchanting experience begins as soon as you enter the park and only grows in magnitude and wonder. Since its creation in 2014, Foresta Lumina continues to evolve and reimagine itself—to the delight of visitors young and old.

Delight your senses at Bleu Lavande

A Fitch Bay institution for the past 14 years, Bleu Lavande is a feast for your senses. The sight and smell of the lavender fields? Deeply relaxing—not to mention Insta-worthy! Visit during the last two weeks of July when flowers are at the peak.

Explore the great outdoors

Four parks for countless adventures! Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, fishing and more at Mont-Ofrod, Mont-Mégantic, de la Yamaska or Frontenac Parks. The longer you stay, the more you’ll be smitten.

Inspire future generations

Ever wanted to star in a snowmobile ad? Pilot an airplane in a flight simulator? Experience a multimedia show by Moment Factory? Do all that at more—think exhibits, DIY workshop and special activities—at the brilliant J.-Armand Bombardier Ingenuity Museum.

Monkey around at Granby Zoo

There are 1,500 animals to meet and learn about at this beloved zoo—and that’s just the beginning! Ride the coaster, carousels and bumper cars; catch a wave at Amazoo water park; and enjoy the perfect summer day with loved ones. Granby Zoo is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser and has been since first opening its doors in 1953.

Stargaze at Mont-Mégantic Observatory

One of the most powerful telescopes in the country, an interactive activity centre, two astronomy festivals (Festival d’Astronomie Populaire in July and Les Nuits des perséides in August)… All this and more tucked under the particularly stunning skies of the very first International Dark Sky Reserve. You’ll be star struck!

Pedal along the treetops at VéloVolant

Ride a suspended bicycle through a 1,000-metre course running along treetops, high above the forest, with views on ravines, waterfalls and Vermont’s Green Mountains. Where? At Au Diable Vert, in Glen Sutton.

Sip your way along the Route des Vins

Admire the 150 works of art on display at Côtes d’Ardoise, sip wine on an elevated platform in the middle of De la Bauge vineyard, sabre bubbly like a connoisseur at l’Orpailleur… These are just a few of the highlights of the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route.

Discover a haven of peace

Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey is an oasis of serenity that’s wholly embedded in the Eastern Townships landscape—and its doors are open to one and all. Come for the tranquil ambiance; stay for the artisanal cheese, cider and other treats made by monks.

Splash and slide at Bromont Water Park

With 15 slides, four heated basins and a massive wave pool, there’s really no better spot to cool off on a hot summer day than Bromont Water Park. It’s been around for 35 years and it’s popular as ever!

Catch country crooners

Dreaming of seeing Matt Lang, Meghan Patrick or The Chris Buck Band live in concert? Head to Brome July 26, 27 and 28 for the first edition of the New Country Festival. Best of all? You can camp on-site!

Snap a selfie with a giant garden gnome

Last summer, Sherbrooke welcomed 14 floral sculptures in various sites throughout the city, including Parc du Domaine Howard, the Lac-des-Nations boardwalk and in front of city hall. This summer, there are three new additions to Mosaïcultures—including a giant garden gnome!

Ride the region’s best trails

It’s official: Mountain biking fever has swept the region and continues to gain in popularity. Want to head for the hills? The latest destinations to hit the trails include Parc National du Mont-Orford (12 kilometres), Mont Sutton (30 kilometres) and Mont Hereford (three new trails).

Visit the newest Coeur Villageois

Settlers who emigrated from Scotland founded Scotstown in 1892 and, some 125 years later, there are still hints of Scottish roots to discover in this quaint village. On the must-visit list? A bite to eat at Charcuterie Scotstown, a stroll through Marécage-des-Scots Regional Park and a cuppa at Salon de Thé Scott.

Sample local cheeses

If you didn’t already know that the Eastern Townships is home to exceptional cheese shops, award-winning products and truly passionate cheese makers, you will learn all about them during your jaunt on the Circuit des Têtes Fromagères, a new agrotouristic circuit corralling 14 extraordinary cheese shops.

Marvel at ObservÉtoiles

Take an open-air planetarium in a Dark Sky Preserve at 1,000 feet of altitude, add a virtual reality headset and a knowledgeable host and voila: An out-of-this-world look at the heavens above. An awesome experience to enjoy at Au Diable Vert in Glen Sutton.

Honour Abénaki culture at Mont-Ham Regional Park

There’s nothing new about the spectacular 360-degree view from the summit of Mont Ham. What is new, however, is the spotlight on Abénaki culture via a multipurpose interpretation space.

Catch a show on the Chemin des Cantons

Discover the region’s British and American heritage through a good old-fashioned ghost story. The play, “Réguines et Fantômes: Enquête sur le Chemin des Cantons,” tours select towns and village throughout the summer.

Paddleboard at dusk

Let the calm water and gentle breeze guide your paddle during Noémia, an evening paddleboard excursion hosted by Parc National de la Yamaska every Wednesday and Saturday evening throughout the summer.

Max out on adrenaline at Divertigo

Thrills abound at this adventure park: 40 aerial courses, 3 ziplines, a 30-foot high swingset and a freefall simulator (!). Have little ones? There’s an obstacle course tailor made for the tiniest of adventurers, too.

Groove to the beat of a new music festival

Bleu Jeans Bleu, Angel Forrest, Qualité Motel, Loud, Milk & Bone… Sounds like the line-up of an established music festival, right? It’s not: They’re the acts you can catch at the very fist edition of Soif de Music (July 11-13) in Cowansville.

The tea house: Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre

What could be more delightful that sitting down for English Tea on a hot summer afternoon? How about English Tea served in a beautiful home built in 1862, staff clad in period costume and, of course, the requisite cucumber sandwiches and scones and cream. Cheerio!

The underground adventure: Capelton Mines

What kid can resist the idea of adventuring into the depths of a former copper mine? They’ll be thrilled—and so will you! You might even leave a little bit richer: You can pan for gold in the property’s stream.

The scavenger hunt: Sherbrooke

Hidden within the 17 murals of Sherbrooke’s Circuit des Murales are an array of objects, animals and people. Will you find them all? Download the app, grab your friends and family and enjoy this fun-for-all activity!

The cocktail spot: Patio at Poudrière de Windsor

It’s true: Every Thursday, you can sip a cocktail and enjoy live music on the patio at the Windsor Powder Mill. Why not make it a day and also hike property’s 25-kilometre trail network, too?

The best-kept secret: Maison du Granit

An exhibit depicting the impact of granite in the region, a trail that leads to the summit of Mont Morne, a picnic area, outdoor entertainment, guided tours, yoga workshops… La Maison du Granit in Lac-Drolet is an insiders-only secret you may want to keep for yourself!

The Sunday ride: Marécage des Scots Regional Park

Head to the village of Scotstown, grab your bike and get ready to roll: You’re at the start of a 16-kilometre gravel loop winding through the woods. Psst! Add 4.5 kilometres and you can go all the way to Mont-Mégantic National Park.

The family-friendly ride: Tomifobia Trail

Following an old railway along 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!

The river run: Canot-Kayak Richmond

From the vantage point of a canoe or kayak floating down Saint-François River, keep an eye out for wildlife including white-tailed deer, otters and herons. Hear the sound of the rushing water, guess that rapids are coming up soon… An exhilarating experience to enjoy with friends or family and with or without a guide.

The café-slash-venue: Beat & Betterave

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. Tip: Try the falafel.

The charmer: Ulverton Mills

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.

The educational family hike: Parc écoforestier de Johnville

Located in Cookshire-Eaton, this park boasts a rich ecosystem thanks to the presence of a bog and several ponds—and all the unique flora and fauna that comes with wetland territory. Learn about the ecology of the park by walking its 6-kilometre trail outfitted with 28 interpretive panels.

The pumptrack: Centre national de Cyclisme

Bromont’s Centre national de Cyclisme boasts a 365 metre long granite and asphalt path—one of the longest in the country!—for BMXers and anyone looking to perfect their trail bike skills. Sweet!

The art lover’s dream: Rozynski Arts Centre

It’s easy to see why Stanley and Wanda Rozynski, a sculptor and ceramist, respectively, were inspired to set up stop in Barnston-West: It’s simply stunning! The duo is now also the force behind Céramystic, an event showcasing Quebec artists from June 21 to July 1st, 2019.

The bear cave: Mont Chapman

At 650 metres tall, Mont Chapman is the highest peak in the Stoke Mountains. The mountain offers 25 kilometres of marked hiking trails, including the family-friendly favourite Sentier de la Grotte-de-l’Ours because yes: You simply must see the famous bear cave!

The under-the-radar oasis: Les Jardins Vivaces de Fernand

Lise and Fernand have been grooming their 140,000 square foot property for over 25 years. The oasis is home to over 2,300 perennials—and has taken home plenty of awards to boot. Located in East Angus, this garden features rest areas, picnic tables, bridges and a waterfall.

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