Eastern Townships Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Eastern Townships with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover the top attractions, outdoor adventures, food scene, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Eastern Townships

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Eastern Townships is a region of Quebec that offers picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and a rich cultural heritage. It is a popular destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs, with an array of activities and attractions to suit every taste. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or an action-packed adventure, Eastern Townships has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Townships

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, Eastern Townships has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Eastern Townships boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. Here are a few museums and historical places to add to your list:

  • The Canadian Museum of Civilization
  • Uplands Cultural & Heritage Centre
  • Beaulne Museum
  • The St. Benedict Abbey
  • The Sutton Historical Society

Natural Attractions of Eastern Townships: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Eastern Townships offers a wide range of outdoor adventures and scenic views. Here are some of the top natural attractions to explore:

  • Mount Orford National Park
  • The Green Mountains Nature Reserve
  • Memphremagog Lake
  • The Eastern Townships Wine Route
  • The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Townships

Exploring the beauty of Eastern Townships on foot or by bike offers a unique opportunity to take in the stunning scenery. Here are some of the top hiking/biking routes to add to your list:

  • The Eastern Townships Trail
  • The Summit Drive
  • The Estriade Trail
  • The Parc régional du Mont-Ham

Best Things to Do in Eastern Townships: Activities and Tours

Eastern Townships offers an array of activities and tours to suit every taste. Here are some of the best things to do in Eastern Townships:

  • Wine Tours and Tastings
  • Golfing
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Horseback Riding
  • Kayaking and Canoeing

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Townships

If you are planning a week-long trip to Eastern Townships, Here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Beaulne Museum and Memphremagog Lake
Day 2 Explore Mount Orford National Park and Take a Wine Tour
Day 3 Play Golf in the Morning, and Horseback Riding in the Afternoon
Day 4 Take a Snowboarding/Skiing Session in the Morning,then Visit Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre
Day 5 Take a Kayaking/Canoeing Tour, then Visit St. Benedict Abbey
Day 6 Visit The Canadian Museum of Civilization, then Visit The Sutton Historical Society
Day 7 Visit The Green Mountains Nature Reserve, And then Take a Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Townships

Food and drink lovers will appreciate the culinary delights of Eastern Townships. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine
  • Smoked Meat Sandwiches
  • Tourtiere
  • Cretons
  • Sugar Pie

Local Beverages

  • Ice Cider
  • Quebec Beer
  • Fruit Wines
  • Maple Syrup

Where to Stay in Eastern Townships : Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Townships has plenty of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. Here are some options:

  • Hotel Chateau-Bromont
  • Manoir Hovey
  • Le Westin Resort & Spa
  • Ripplecove Hotel & Spa
  • Gîte Le Diplomate

What to Buy in Eastern Townships : Souvenirs and Local products to Bring home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home, here are some must-buys:

  • Maple Syrup
  • Ice Cider
  • Local Cheese
  • Local Chocolate
  • Handmade Crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Townships

Eastern Townships has a unique culture and customs that you should be aware of before visiting. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • French is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, and for taxi drivers.
  • Quebecers are known for their love of hockey and other winter sports.
  • Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Townships

The best time to visit Eastern Townships depends on your interests.

  • If you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and water sports, the best time to visit is from May to September.
  • If you’re interested in skiing and other winter sports, January and February are the best months to visit.
  • For foodies, we recommend visiting during maple syrup season in the spring.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Townships

Here are some basic dos and don’ts to follow during your visit to Eastern Townships:

Do:

  • Try local food and drink.
  • Respect local customs and culture.
  • Be polite and courteous to locals.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in indoor public spaces.
  • Speak English too loudly in public places.
  • Be disrespectful to the local culture.

Safety and Health

Eastern Townships is a safe and healthy destination for travelers. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Safety in Eastern Townships

  • Pay attention to your surroundings in heavily populated tourist areas.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings when traveling on public transit.
  • Be cautious when hiking and follow all instructions from trail guides.

Health in Eastern Townships

  • Check with your doctor before traveling to make sure all vaccines are up to date.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellent when exploring the outdoors.
  • Drink bottled water or filtered water to avoid water-borne illnesses.

Getting to Eastern Townships : Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Eastern Townships is easy. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Eastern Townships

  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
  • Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport

Bus Stations Near Eastern Townships

  • Coaticook Bus Station
  • Magog Bus Station
  • Sherbrooke Bus Station

Other Options

  • Car rental
  • Taxi

How to Get Around in Eastern Townships

There are plenty of ways to get around Eastern Townships:

  • Rent a car
  • Take the bus
  • Take a taxi
  • Bike rental

Where to Go Next from Eastern Townships : Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re interested in exploring more of Canada after your visit to Eastern Townships, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Montreal
  • Quebec City
  • Ottawa
  • Toronto

Conclusion

Eastern Townships is a picture-perfect destination, with plenty of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and culinary delights. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this region of Quebec offers something for everyone. With our comprehensive tour guide, you’re ready to explore the best of Eastern Townships.

Réservoir Choinière near Granby Réservoir Choinière near Granby Lake Magog Lake Magog Haskell Free Library and Opera House Haskell Free Library and Opera House


    Knowlton
    Lac-Mégantic
    Magog
    Sherbrooke
    Sutton