Sutton Travel Guide

Plan a perfect trip to Sutton with our comprehensive guide. From top attractions to food and drink scene, we've got you covered!


Introduction to Sutton

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sutton is a quaint Quebecois town that promises visitors a unique blend of nature and culture. Adorned by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, Sutton offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. From outdoor adventures to peaceful getaways, Sutton has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Sutton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sutton Museum of Communications and History: This museum offers visitors a look into the history of communications in rural Quebec.
  • Bruck Museum: The Bruck Museum is a traditional Quebecois house that has been converted into a living museum, featuring artifacts and memorabilia from the 19th-century.
  • Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre: This is another living museum, located in an old Victorian house, that celebrates the history of the Eastern Townships.

Natural Attractions of Sutton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mont Sutton: A popular ski resort in the winter season, Mont Sutton offers visitors hiking and mountain biking trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains in the summer.
  • Sutton Nature Reserve: Located at the base of Mont Sutton, the nature reserve is home to 50 km of hiking trails and makes for a perfect spot for picnics and birdwatching.
  • Missisquoi River: The Missisquoi River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sutton

  • Le Mont-Mégantic: This hiking trail is highly recommended and gives visitors an opportunity to explore the beauty of the Mont-Mégantic National Park. This trail is 16.8 km long and takes around 5 hours to complete.
  • Sentier des Crêtes: This trail is ideal for hikers and mountain bikers and offers stunning views of Lake Memphremagog. The trail is 22 km long and takes around 8 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Sutton: Activities and Tours

  • VéloVolant: This is a unique and exhilarating way to see the forest from high above the ground. Visitors pedal a bike that is hanging on a cable suspended 100 feet in the air.
  • Sutton En Haut: A scenic drive along the Chemin Scenic des Vignobles that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
  • Sutton Farmers’ Market: A weekly event held on Saturdays, featuring fresh produce, homemade goods and live music.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sutton

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Sutton Museum of Communications and History
Day 2 Explore the Sutton Nature Reserve
Day 3 Take a scenic drive on the Chemin Scenic des Vignobles
Day 4 Hike the Mont-Mégantic trail
Day 5 Canoe on the Missisquoi River
Day 6 Visit the Bruck Museum
Day 7 Spend a day skiing at Mont Sutton

Food and Drink Scene of Sutton

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maple syrup: Sutton is part of the maple syrup region of Quebec, and visitors should try anything with maple syrup, from pancakes to taffy.
  • Eastern Townships Cheese: Sutton is part of the Eastern Townships trail, which is home to a variety of cheese makers, including La Station and Fromagerie du Presbytère.
  • Tourtière: A Quebecois meat pie, tourtière is a must-try dish when in Sutton.

Local Beverages

  • Cidrerie du Minot: A local farm-based cidery that creates a variety of ciders and perry using traditional methods.
  • Microbrasserie des Beaux Prés: A local brewery that creates unique and flavorful craft beers.

Where to Stay in Sutton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Auberge Sutton Brouerie: A cozy inn that boasts an on-site microbrewery and live music every weekend.
  • Le Pleasant Hôtel: This hotel is located in an old bank building, which has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel.
  • Auberge des Appalaches: A cozy and family-friendly inn, known for its excellent cuisine.

What to Buy in Sutton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Products: Maple syrup, maple candies, and other products made from maple are must-buy souvenirs from Sutton.
  • Eastern Townships Cheese: The unique and flavorful cheese from the region should be on your list of souvenirs to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Sutton

  • Music and arts: Sutton has a vibrant arts and music scene, with regular festivals and events.
  • Language: Visitors should be aware that the primary language spoken in Sutton is French, although English is also spoken.

Best Time to Visit Sutton

Sutton is an all-year-round destination, with each season offering something unique. Visitors can enjoy skiing and other winter activities in the winter, while summer is perfect for hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventures. Autumn is also a beautiful time to visit Sutton when the leaves change colors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sutton

Do:

  • Make sure to try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Explore the town’s art and music scene.
  • Respect the French language and culture.

Don’t:

  • Forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent during summer.
  • Litter or cause damage to local natural areas.
  • Overlook the art galleries located in the town center.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sutton

Sutton is generally a safe place to visit, however, visitors should be aware of the following:

  • Wildlife: Visitors should be aware of the wildlife in the region, which may include bears, moose, and deer.
  • Weather: Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in the winter season.

Health in Sutton

Visitors should take normal health precautions, such as keeping hydrated during outdoor activities and carrying any required medications.

Getting to Sutton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sutton

  • Montréal-Trudeau International Airport: 107 km from Sutton
  • Québec City International Airport: 312 km from Sutton

Bus Stations Near Sutton

  • Sutton Station: Located in the center of the town, Sutton Station offers regular bus services to Montreal and other nearby towns.

Other Options

  • Car rentals: A number of car rental agencies are available at the airports and nearby cities.
  • Taxi services: Taxi services are available in Sutton and surrounding towns.

How to Get Around in Sutton

The best way to get around Sutton is by car or bike. Car rental agencies are available near the airports and in the neighboring towns, and bike rentals are also available.

Where to Go Next from Sutton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Knowlton: A picturesque town in the Eastern Townships, known for its lush parks, art galleries, and charming cafes.
  • Lac-Brome: Known for its scenic beauty, Lac-Brome is home to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking.
  • Mount Orford National Park: This national park is a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and camping, and is located only 30 minutes from Sutton.

Conclusion

Sutton is a beautiful and laid-back Quebecois town that offers visitors a perfect blend of nature and culture. From outdoor adventures to cultural landmarks, Sutton has something for everyone. Plan a perfect trip to Sutton with our comprehensive guide and experience the unique charm of this quaint Quebecois town.