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25 Best Things to Do in Eastern Townships in 2024
Want to know the best things to do in Eastern Townships?
I know how overwhelming it can be to plan a trip to Eastern Townships. There’s never enough time to see everything!
Last spring, I embarked on a week-long adventure to the picturesque Eastern Townships with my faithful companion, Theo (my golden retriever). We made Bromont our base but ventured all around the Eastern Townships together.
We loved hiking around the stunningly beautiful Mont Orford National Park. I still remember the strong scent of lavender as we wandered through a local lavender farm. The delicious cuisine is worth going for alone, with fresh, locally sourced food I still dream about!
There are so many things to do in Eastern Townships that you’ll have no problem filling up your itinerary!
So, to help you plan your trip and organize your itinerary, here is a list of all the best things to do in Eastern Townships.
25 Best Things To Do In Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships are a group of small cities and towns located in southern Quebec, near Montreal. The area also offers beautiful nature spots such as mountains, lakes, and forests.
There are truly plenty of things to do in Eastern Townships. You can explore its rich history, participate in outdoor activities, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
My absolute top recommendation for what to do in Eastern Townships is to hike through Mont Orford National Park!
1. Mont Orford National Park
Mont Orford National Park is my favorite spot in Eastern Townships.
The park is of pure beauty and serenity, with lush green trails, breathtaking views, and the sugar maple forest that lights up with vibrant colors during autumn.
In summer, you can take a dip at one of the park’s beaches and enjoy the sunshine. And winter brings picturesque snow-covered landscapes perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
If biking is your thing, there are plenty of great biking trails to explore here as well!
2. Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook
Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is an outdoor lover’s paradise. This beautiful park in the Eastern Townships offers plenty of activities for both kids and adults.
With the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, over 40 km of hiking trails, and various mountain biking trails, there’s something for everyone here.
You can go horseback riding in the summer, snow tubing and snowshoeing in the winter, and even stay in one of the cozy cabins.
You’ll also find the Foresta Lumina (next on the list) here!
3. Foresta Lumina
For a truly magical experience, head to Foresta Lumina in Eastern Townships! This enchanting forest path flashes with colorful lights and animations that create magical effects.
It’s perfect for families looking for an exciting night activity as they wander through the illuminated trees.
Foresta Lumina boasts vibrant colors and a dreamy atmosphere, making for a truly unforgettable experience!
4. Abbey of Saint-Benoit-du-Lac
This historic abbey is a great place to explore in Eastern Townships.
You can visit the church and hike the nearby scenic trails. Then, buy some local cheese or cider from the orchard, which overlooks beautiful Lake Memphremagog. And before you go, try some of their champagne-style Calvados (cider brandy).
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder this is one of the best places to visit in Eastern Townships!
5. Road Trip Through Towns
Anyone who knows me knows I love to go on road trips, and I’ve traveled around much of Canada in my car!
Road-tripping around the Eastern Townships is one of the best ways to experience the region.
Choose from one of several different road trip routes: English Tea Route, Round Barns and Covered Bridges Route, Vintage Homes Route, or Heritage Trails.
Stop and explore anywhere that catches your eye along the way!
6. Murales de Sherbrooke
Located in downtown Sherbrooke, Murales de Sherbrooke is a must-see Eastern Townships attraction.
This innovative circuit of murals and optical illusions has transformed the area into an open-air art gallery.
It’s the first of its kind in Canada and features the largest collection of optical illusions in North America.
7. Wine Trail (La Route des Vins)
This scenic wine route boasts 20 wineries, each offering a variety of wine tastings and guided tours.
La Halte des Pelerins is a fan-favorite. Located only 5 minutes from downtown Sherbrooke, this vineyard offers its visitors some of the most delicious wine in the region.
I don’t drink alcohol, but my wine-loving friends rave about the Eastern Townships wine trail!
8. Domaine du Ridge Winery
Domaine du Ridge Winery is a favorite for wine lovers who enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience.
Located on the wine route of Quebec, this winery with California vibes offers tastings ranging from $17-45 USD.
On Saturdays during harvest season, guests can participate in a “fouloir,” an old-fashioned practice where women stomp on grapes to make wine!
Don’t forget to make a reservation if you are interested in visiting.
9. Lake Memphremagog In Summer
Lake Memphremagog is one of the top Eastern Townships attractions.
Located on the border between Quebec and Vermont, Lake Memphremagog offers stunning views and plenty of activities to enjoy.
In the summertime, starting in mid-April, you can participate in swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, or even sailing from Club de Voile Memphremagog, a center for non-motorized sports!
10. Stratford Farmers’ Market
Open every Saturday morning from 7AM – 12PM at McCarthy Road. The year-round Stratford Farmers’ Market is a great way to support local businesses while exploring the local food culture.
The market features various vendors selling everything from fresh farm produce and artisanal bread to handmade crafts, cheeses, and local art.
There are also some great food trucks if you get hungry while walking around.
11. Take a Cooking Class
The Stratford Chef’s School isn’t only for budding chefs. Every spring and summer, they hold “Open Kitchen” cooking classes where anyone can learn a whole range of cooking skills and techniques, from baking desserts to mastering an international dish.
Taking a cooking class probably isn’t one of the things you’d think of doing when visiting Stratford, but the Chef’s School has a fantastic reputation, and the classes are great fun.
12. Stratford Chocolate Trail
Stratford has some amazing chocolatiers, so another one of the best things to do in Stratford is a self-guided chocolate trail.
If your idea of a perfect day out is sampling chocolate and exploring the city, then you’re going to love this.
After purchasing the six coupons, you’ll have over 20 locations where you can redeem them to get your chocolate fix.
You can also purchase additional coupons from the tourism office if, like me, you find it unfair not to try them all!
13. Mont-Megantic National Park
Mont-Megantic National Park is renowned for its star gazing opportunities and ASTROLab astronomy observatories, which offer breathtaking views of the night sky.
It’s also home to the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an ideal destination for stargazers from around the globe.
With miles of trails to explore, stunning vistas of mountains and rivers, and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, this park is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while exploring Eastern Townships!
14. Frontenac National Park
Frontenac National Park, one of the best places to visit in Eastern Townships, is located on the shores of Grand Lac St-Francois. It’s the third-largest lake south of the St. Lawrence River and offers incredible opportunities for birders and wildlife enthusiasts.
With more than 200 bird species and over 30 mammal species, you can explore this park by canoeing or boating, camping, hiking, or biking while surrounded by stunning vistas of mountains and rivers!
15. Leaf Peeping at Owl’s Head
As someone who loves fall foliage, I can confidently say that leaf peeping is one of the best things to do in Eastern Townships.
Owl’s Head ski lift has breathtaking views of lakes and mountains, perfect for viewing the autumn colors! The ski lift opens on weekends during fall, allowing visitors to take in all the beauty that autumn brings.
Whether you explore by foot or take a ski lift for a bird’s eye view, you won’t regret taking time out of your itinerary for this incredible experience!
16. Visit an Apple Orchard
One of the best things to do in Eastern Townships during autumn is visit an apple orchard. I’ve visited so many apple orchards around Canada, and some of my favorites are in Eastern Townships!
You’ll find plenty of activities at these family-friendly spots, like picking out apples and taking a tractor tour around the farm.
La Pommalbonne in Compton is a great place to start, with its petting zoo, games, and fresh produce available!
17. Craft Beer
The craft beer scene in Eastern Townships is booming!
Whether you prefer light, crisp lagers or hoppy IPAs (and everything in between!), there’s a craft beer for every beer lover in this beautiful region of Quebec.
Some of the most popular spots for craft beer lovers are Siboire Depot and La Memphre, where you can sample their signature brews on a flight and pair it with delicious pub food.
18. La Station de Compton
This sustainable cheese farm is a small, family-run organic cheese farm located in the mountains of Compton.
The 600 acres of land also feature 6,000 maple trees that produce 24,000 pounds of maple syrup – perfect for sampling some local deliciousness while taking in the view of the Appalachians!
The cows here are ethically raised and happy. Take a guided tour for just $15 USD, which includes a tasting, or visit their Cheese Factory shop. Reservations are a must!
19. Au Diable Vert
Au Diable Vert is an amazing mountain resort with stunning views of the Green Mountains in Vermont and a great place to visit for travelers looking for unique things to do in Eastern Townships.
The resort (open year-round) offers eco-accommodations, zipline biking, river tubing, kayaking, and hiking opportunities. It also features 19 km of private trails and Canada’s first VeloVolant (pedal-propelled canopy cable ride), which allows visitors to experience the forest from above.
20. Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes
Time to strap on your ice skates for one of my favorite Eastern Townships winter activities!
At Sentier Glace, the 2.8 km frozen path lights up at night and offers a unique way to explore the area’s forests, rivers, and lakes.
The best part? It’s completely free!
21. Skiing
Skiing, in particular, is one of the most popular activities in Eastern Townships, with four main ski resorts boasting over 1,000 acres of terrain.
Head to Owl’s Head for long runs through the trees or Mont-Orford if you’re looking for some challenging moguls. Bromont features night skiing and family-friendly trails, while Sutton has plenty of options for those new to the sport.
After a long day of skiing, warm up at one of the many highly-rated spas in Eastern Townships!
22. Nordic Thermal Spa
If you’re looking for a unique way to relax and unwind on your vacation in Eastern Townships, why not check out one of the luxurious Nordic thermal spas?
Located right on the water with a floating dock, Strom Spa Nordique in Sherbrooke offers visitors an idyllic setting where they can enjoy the saunas, hot pools, steam rooms, and massage treatments available.
I can’t think of many things more relaxing than this!
🧖♀️Relax and unwind in hot baths and saunas at the Strom Spa Nordique in Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships!
23. Alpagas Sutton
This magical farm offers visitors the chance to interact with friendly alpacas, explore hiking trails, and buy wonderful wool gifts!
With no reservations required and admission only costing $10 USD per adult (kids under 12 get in free!), it’s an affordable outing that everyone can enjoy.
Your ticket includes access to four kilometers of trails, plus picnic and playground areas!
24. Escapades Memphremagog Dinner Cruise
Set sail on one of the most beautiful lakes in Quebec, and enjoy stunning views as you cruise along with the Escapades Memphremagog Dinner Cruise.
There are three types of cruises available: Bubbly Hour (no meal), Anchors Aweigh (3-course breakfast or lunch), or Offshore (3-course dinner) – something to suit everyone!
As you take in the sights from the deck, listen to live music while enjoying courses served an hour apart.
25. Municipal Beach at Lake Waterloo
Municipal Beach at Lake Waterloo is one of the best Eastern Townships summer activities.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing on the sand, playing beach volleyball, or renting boats and boards for exciting water sports. There are also trails available for hiking or biking around the lake, plus picnic areas and playgrounds for children.
Municipal Beach is an ideal destination in Eastern Townships, offering free parking and stunning sunset views over Lake Waterloo.
Things to Do Eastern Townships FAQs
What Is The Eastern Townships Known For?
The Eastern Townships area of Quebec is known for its beautiful nature, delicious food, and friendly people. You can visit Mont Orford National Park, tour the Abbey of Saint-Benoit-du-Lac, or enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, biking, and winter activities like snow-shoeing and skiing.
Are The Eastern Townships English-speaking?
Yes, although the Quebec region of Canada speaks primarily French, the Eastern Townships are also largely English-speaking. Most of the towns and villages in this region have some form of official bilingualism, meaning that people can communicate in both English and French.
Why Are They Called The Eastern Townships?
This area of Quebec is called the Eastern Townships because it lies eastwards from between Montreal and the United States border. The region consists of many small townships or municipalities.
What Cities Are In The Eastern Townships?
The Eastern Townships of Quebec is a region that includes the cities of Bromont, Cowansville, Granby, Lac-Brome (Knowlton), Magog, North Hatley, Orford, and Richmond, to name a few.
Wrap Up: Things To Do Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships area of Quebec is the perfect destination for a vacation filled with adventure and relaxation.
There are many things to do in Eastern Townships, like wine tours, cultural sites, skiing resorts, nature trails, and picturesque lakeside beaches.
My favorite memories from my trip to the Eastern Townships were hiking the beautiful trails of Mont Orford National Park and wandering through the lavender fields of Bleu Lavande.
Now that your itinerary is full of amazing things to do and places to visit in Eastern Townships, it’s time to get inspired with even more Quebec road trip ideas!
More Fun Things to Do in Quebec:
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- Best Whale Watching in Tadoussac Quebec: Tour Reviews
- Ultimate Scenic Quebec Road Trip Ideas and 2-Week Itinerary
- Moving to Quebec from Ontario: Benefits, Costs & More
- Moving to Ontario from Quebec: Costs, Benefits & More!
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- Moving to Toronto from Montreal: Is it Worth it?
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
