Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Sherbrooke, with its urban setting and a wide range of winter activities, is the ideal destination for those who love culture as much as nature while enjoying amazing relaxation experiences. Between the arts, walks in the snow-covered forest and restful moments, every corner of the city invites you to discover or rediscover the simple pleasures of winter in the heart of the Eastern Townships!
As soon as you arrive at the Grand Hotel Times, the warm welcome at the reception desk will immediately put you at ease with its friendly ambiance. After putting down your bags, take a little time to enjoy the comfort of your room. You’ll discover that every detail is designed so your winter stay will be unforgettable. Put on a warm sweater and head to the Cozy Lounge and enjoy a hot drink or winter cocktail by the fireplace. The calming view of snow-covered Lac des Nations will add to the hotel’s peaceful setting. Ready to explore the city in its white splendour?
Head downtown to explore urban art revealed through this exceptional format on the sides of several snow-covered buildings. Indeed, with its 18 large-scale frescos, Sherbrooke’s Mural Circuit transforms the streets of the city into a true open-air museum. Each work, painted directly on the walls, depicts fragments of local history, including heritage scenes, using optical illusions, and references to the collective imagination. In winter, the murals take on a new dimension. The colours contrast with the white snow, the details are fixed in the frost, and the setting becomes almost poetic. Thanks to the interactive map and audio capsules, you get the impression you’re on a visual treasure hunt. A culture filled moment as well as contemplative, perfect for immersing yourself in the vibrant heart of the city.
A short walk from the Grand Hotel Times (only 10 minutes) will take you to the restaurant Comme chez Soi, where the intimate and warm setting will make you feel right at home. After a day of walking in the snow or enjoying winter in the city, there’s nothing better than a fine meal to warm you up. What will you choose to satisfy your taste buds? The table d’hôte menu changes every month, and features creamy pasta carbonara, succulent pork tenderloin and many more delicious options. Enjoy your evening chatting about this and that, and don’t forget to bring your favourite bottle to top off this gourmet experience. (And yes, it’s a bring-your-own-wine restaurant!)
On the way back, a stop along the Magog River Gorges is a must. Just a few steps from the hotel, this illuminated trail offers a peaceful and poetic experience, perfect for ending the evening. The play of light showcases the waterfall and the river, creating a magical setting at dusk. The sound of the water, the calm of winter and the twinkling lights transform this walk into a soothing interlude, just a stone’s throw from the city centre. A beautiful way to end the day, just before returning to the comfort of your room.
In the lobby of the Grand Hôtel Times, the Cozy Lounge offers a healthy breakfast in a calm and relaxed setting. Hot coffee, fresh fruit, a variety of breads and bagels, and other healthy options are available every morning, with a beautiful view of Lac des Nations. Breakfast is included with your room, so you can start your day without fuss or rush before you head out to make the most of winter in Sherbrooke.
Once you’ve recovered your energy, head to Mont-Bellevue Park to take in some fresh air. Located in the heart of Sherbrooke, this vast natural space offers hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat biking on well-maintained trails. Mont Bellevue and Mont John-S.-Bourque form a 200-hectare area that is easy to access and offers a beautiful variety of landscapes. The site also features a ski hill with ten lit slopes, glades and snow parks. It’s the perfect place to get some exercise and enjoy winter without leaving the city.
After all that effort, it’s time to relax. In winter, Strøm Spa is the perfect place to unwind and forget the hectic pace of everyday life. Enjoy outdoor hot tubs, warm and cold pools, Finnish saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, thermal and Nordic waterfalls, and several relaxation spaces, both indoors and outdoors. The ambiance is calm, and the snow adds a touch of gentleness to the experience. For an even more complete break, pamper yourself with a care from the wide range of massages, body treatments and facials. Well-being is guaranteed.
Plus... The thermal experience is included with all treatments and massages.
It’s already your last day, and there’s still a little time left to enjoy the services offered by Grand Hôtel Times. Why not start with a swim in the heated pool or a workout in the gym to boost your energy before heading out for the day?
Just a short distance from the city centre, the Lac-des-Nations promenade offers a 3.5 km loop where nature and the city converge. In winter, the path is accessible for a leisurely walk, ideal for enjoying the calm and beauty of the snow-covered landscape. The route is lined with rest areas, perfect for a pause or just to admire the view. A stop at the Parc Jacques-Cartier can extend the outing, depending on how you feel at the time. A pleasant, leisurely stroll to get some fresh air before you leave the city.
And why not add another last activity? As you walk along the shores of Lac-des-Nations, treat yourself to one more stop at the Marché de la Gare de Sherbrooke, which is turned into a true Christmas village on Saturdays and Sundays from November 15 to December 21. More than 60 exhibitors will be offering you their homegrown produce, local crafts and plenty of gift ideas to slip under the tree. The ambiance is festive, outdoor fire pits warm your hands, and a large slide awaits small and tall alike.
A perfect stop to round off your trip and do some Holiday shopping before heading out on the road again.
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