Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Aug 19, 2021
With my friends Maude and Katia by my side, I put on my hiking boots once again for a 20 km hike, combining the Mont Shefford mountaineer park trail and the Bromont hiking belt ending the weekend with an overnight stay and a day of cocooning. Let yourself be inspired!
By Ariane Arpin-Delorme
Very happy to meet again with Katia and Maude, we enthusiastically set off on the parc des Montagnards trail for a 4.5 km loop towards one of the peaks of Mont Shefford. Surrounded by this green forest and protected in the shade of the trees, I immediately feel at ease. The short 178-meter ascent quickly leads to the 525-meter summit which offers a magnificent view of Brome Lake and the Montagnes-Vertes Nature Reserve. Although the trail is rated intermediate, I would suggest that it’s accessible to most people, due to its low elevation and relatively short length.
Then, following a short downpour, Maude and I continue on the Hiking Belt, a 15 km loop, which surrounds Mont Brome and is part of the Parc des Sommets. We stop at Bromont beach to enjoy a refreshing swim, well deserved at the end of our hike. (Editor's note: Bromont beach is accessible to everyone on weekdays, but reserved for residents of Bromont on weekends). Through a mosaic of rich forests and fields we catch glimpses of majestic horses and just a few residences, we cross the only urbanized track in this natural environment of circular shape on the south bank of the river. This multifunctional network - the backbone that branches off all other trail networks of various levels (80 km) - is annexed to mountain bike trails. We get passed on occasion by mountain bikers but with the greatest of respect. I loved to read the interpretive panels allowing me to learn more about the history of Bromont and it’s surrounding flora and fauna. It's great to know that access to the trails is free and, unlike Mont Shefford, the Bromont Hiking Belt accepts dogs on a leash. Next time I bring mine without hesitation!
At the end of the day, we grab a Mexican inspired dinner from the numerous food trucks in Bromont. Then settle into the friendly Beatnik Hotel, although I had heard about this hotel for some time, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but oh! I completely fell in love with the concept! It is a true haven of peace, set in the middle of nature, where a great community culture is created. All the rooms are unique and you have to check out the funky decor of the common areas?! We dare to take a dip in the pool, despite the fine rain. After which, warming up around the fire was so well appreciated. We end the day with a drink under the lights in the old converted barn. Magic!
In the morning, Maude and I surprised by the rain, allowed ourselves to stretch our lunch out and relax for a while in a hammock chair, coffee in hand. Then we set off towards Magog to rediscover the Spa Nordic Station. In my opinion, this spar is rather special, renowned in Quebec for offering the most extraordinary and immersive natural environment. We can’t resist going straight down to the edge of the river to dip our toes. I also had to take advantage of the Signature massage, created by the Spa Nordic Station team, a wonderful sensory experience with flavored oils to the sound of traditional music. It’s a real blessing and well deserved especially after the long hike the day before. The ultimate in disconnecting before returning to work. Spa Nordic Station is also renowned for its citrus-flavored Russian banya - an Eastern Townships exclusive – combining both the intensity of heat and steam for an extreme sweating experience. If you are a fan of thermotherapy, I bet the banya will be a crush!
Before heading home, we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch, we can't help ourselves but to buy everything at the Fabrique de Bagels Café Noir (Black coffee bagel factory) in Magog, offering artisanal bagels traditionally baked on site in a wood-fired oven, as well as bakery and pastry products and a fine selection of regional delicacies. Yum!
I will not fail to experience mountain biking on the slopes of Mont Brome, horseback riding around Bromont as well as hiking around Lake Gale.
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