Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Updated on Nov 30, 2022
Do hikes in and around your region hold no longer any secrets for you? It might be time to head out and explore elsewhere! For a change of scenery and some truly magnificent views, visit the mountains of the Eastern Townships. Here we’ll introduce you to five of the region’s most beautiful trails.
Less than 30 minutes from the Vermont and Maine borders, the massifs of the Parc National du Mont-Mégantic tower proudly over the area. Take the trail to the top of Mount Mégantic and the Observatory, where you’ll discover the largest telescope in Eastern North America, for a total hike of 10.7 km. Since the park is located in the first International Dark Sky Reserve, we strongly suggest that you stay until nightfall and attend one of the astronomy evenings organized by the ASTROLab. Dogs are not allowed on the trail from November to April.
Where to eat nearby: There are very few restaurants in the area. Bring your provisions!
Where to stay nearby: You can always find accommodations inside the Parc National, but there’s also the B & B Aux Berges de l’Aurore, Vaillantbourg Gîte Gourmand and the Domaine des Montagnais.
There are several beautiful trails in this national park and the Mont Chauve Loop is definitely one of them! This 10.6 km route will take you up the peak of Mont-Chauve with several stunning views. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
Where to eat nearby: The towns of Orford and Magog offer a wide range of options where you can have a bite to eat. Some suggestions? The Burger Pub located only a few minutes from the national park, the Canton Brasse microbrewery, the Four à Bois d’Orford…
Where to stay nearby: A hotel like the Espace 4 Saisons or the Hôtel Verso, a B & B like Au Cœur de Magog, a chalet like Chalets Hygge ... you’ll find plenty of places to stay in Magog and Orford.
It’s because of its relief (in the shape of a moose’s back) that this trail in Sutton was given its name! While hiking here, you’ll access several viewpoints overlooking the surrounding area. Depending on your physical condition and your mood, you could hike distances of between 7 km and 11 km. Dogs are allowed on many of the trails in this park.
Where to eat nearby: For your après-hike, Sutton’s two microbreweries, À L’Abordage and Auberge Sutton Brouërie, are excellent options.
Where to stay nearby: A panoply of accommodations are offered in the town of Sutton.
With an altitude of 1193 m, Mount Gosford is the highest summit in southern Québec and the seventh highest in the province. The steady uphill climb will reward you with impressive mountain views at the top. You can either take the return 8.5 km route or hike a 17.7 km loop. Dogs are allowed.
Where to eat nearby: at the Relais des Appalaches, one of the very few restaurants in the area.
Where to stay nearby: At the Domaine sous un ciel étoilé, at the Chalet du Randonneur...
Located near the US border and the state of Maine, this “marble mountain” offers an impressive panorama for those who reach the summit. From the top, at 920 m, the Maine mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. This little known 14 km loop hike will have you walk directly on the Canada/US border in some places and will challenge your calves in some steep sections. Dogs are allowed on the trails.
Where to eat nearby: There are very few restaurants in the area. Bring your provisions!
Where to stay nearby: For outdoor enthusiasts, there is a three-sided shelter at the base of Marble Mountain. Otherwise, for those looking for a little more comfort, accommodation options include the Lauz Altitude chalets, the Chalet du Randonneur and Au Vaillantbourg Gîte Gourmand.
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