Published on Jun 14, 2023
by Tourism Eastern Townships
Sherbrooke, June 14 2023 – There’s a lot to lure visitors to the Eastern Townships this summer. To make the most out of your stay, we recommend that you linger for a couple of days or longer…. The region offers a wonderful choice of accommodations –1,500 at last count! - and many are unique, ranging from outdoor venues to luxurious resorts. Some of the places are brand-new, giving you the opportunity to be among the first people to enjoy their wide range of facilities.
Lay your head down at….
Bora Boréal – a fresh take on houseboats!
Bora Boréal are cabins that are anchored in the water in summer and sit atop the ice in winter! Situated in Bury, these floating units (they can accommodate up to six people) offer a glamping experience like no other – a relaxing way to relish the beauty of nature while being gently rocked by the waves. Bora Boréal is also the ideal base from which to enjoy outdoor activities with your family or friends. (Available for rent from July 2023.)
The first Oasis pavilion opens at Spa Eastman
A rejuvenating complex inspired by Mother Nature, these eco-friendly accommodations are constructed according to the latest principles of sustainable development. In addition to cozy rooms, the Oasis pavilions have floor-to-ceiling glass walls, an infrared sauna, a four-season solarium and a roof terrace. The first pavilion opened in February, 2023. A second is scheduled to open this fall.
Spa Eastman has also been designated (by INFORML) as an official centre for “Shinrin Yoku” – the first wellness destination in Canada to be awarded this certification. Shinrin Yoku (also known as “forest bathing”) originated in Japan and it is a way to absorb one’s natural surroundings at a deep level, employing all the five senses. The walks through Spa Eastman’s wooded trails (under the guidance of a Shinrin Yoku practitioner) take place on the first Sunday of each month.
A luxury spa opens at Manoir Hovey
The Manoir Hovey, a five-star property in North Hatley, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association, is situated on the shores of scenic Lac Massawippi. Its brand-new, 9,000-square-foot spa (scheduled to open in July 2023) sits on the edge of the waterfront, giving spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. The thermal circuit includes an infinity pool (open year-round) , six treatment rooms, three relaxation rooms, a dry sauna, a hammam (steam room), a whirlpool. cold plunge pool and more…
Ripplecove Hotel & Spa - state-of-the-art meeting rooms
Ripplecove Hôtel & Spa in Ayer’s Cliff is adding two new meeting rooms. Able to accommodate up to 100 people and equipped with the latest technology, they are designed for corporate groups and special events. Construction is expected to be finished by the fall.
Eco-lodging at Hébergement aux cinq sens
Located in Piopolis, a stone’s throw from Lake Megantic, Hébergement aux cinq sens is adding yet more unusual ways to spend a night (or longer!) on a spectacular site of nature’s making. The company, drawing inspiration from Canada’s First Nations, follows the tenets of sustainable development and respect for the environment. It already offers nature lovers a choice of five yurts, hammock tents and rustic campsites and now it has added three “mini-cottages” to its choice of accommodations.
Laö Cabines – thermotherapy as well as whirlpool baths
Laö Cabines already offers its guests whirlpool baths in which to relax in semi-private, under its wild apple trees. Now this complex of mini-cabins is upping the art of relaxation by adding an element of thermotherapy. The company has installed a Scandinavian Outdoor Cabin Sauna (manufactured by Northern Saunas) and created an “Ö Zone” (near the entrance to the site) where guests can unwind in an intimate, tranquil setting.
“Star” accommodation in the National Parks
More of the exclusive “Étoile ready-to-camp units” a concept designed by SEPAQ, the organization that operates the national parks, are going to be constructed throughout the course of the summer - largely to replace those that are no longer fit for purpose.
Electric charging stations at Gîtes Memphremagog
Good news for electric vehicle (EV) owners! Association Gîtes Memphrémagog, an association of Townships’ B&Bs, has installed 18 charging stations which are available to guests, who can recharge their batteries at no cost, while staying overnight.
Ready-to-camp accommodation at Camping Lac Lyster
Six new Kabines mini-cabins have been constructed at Camping Lac Lyster (Coaticook) bringing the total of ready-to-camp sites to 26. Situated near the hiking trails on Mont Pinacle, each mini-cabin has a fully equipped summer kitchen and a private toilet.
A Kamook at Camping du Pont Couvert
The Covered Bridge Campgrounds in Waterville is offering its first “kamook” to campers – a dome-shaped unit similar to an igloo. This ready-to-camp accommodation has 180-degree windows and a transparent roof. Fully furnished, the kamook can accommodate up to five people. (From May 1, 2023.)
Auberge des Cantons gets a makeover
Situated in downtown Magog, the Auberge des Cantons (formerly known as Auberge Orford) has been renovated from top to bottom. Its eight rooms are now decorated in contemporary style. Sleep like a baby in modern surroundings!
About Tourism Eastern Townships
Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est (Tourism Eastern Townships) is one of 22 tourism associations (ATRs) in Quebec and the official representative of Quebec's Ministry of Tourism in the Eastern Townships. Since 1978, the TCE’s mission has been to promote tourism development, marketing the region within Quebec and internationally. TCE brings together more than 500 members throughout the 9 regional county municipalities (MRCs) and in all sectors of the tourism industry: accommodation, restaurants, attractions, activities and events.
The Eastern Townships is the fourth most popular tourist destination in Quebec. The region attracts some 10 million visitors every year, accounting for 6.5 million overnight stays and spending more than $900 million annually. The tourism sector is also the region’s fourth largest employer, accounting for 17,000 jobs.
