Eastern Townships

Cantons-de-l'Est

A picturesque rural region southeast of Montreal known for rolling hills, charming villages, vineyards, and autumn foliage attracting visitors year-round. Towns like Sherbrooke and Magog offer cultural amenities, outdoor recreation, and quintessential Quebec pastoral beauty.

Things to do

• Lac Mégantic Cruise — Take a scenic boat tour on the pristine alpine lake surrounded by forested hills and charming waterfront villages.
• Orford Arts Centre — Attend classical music concerts and cultural performances in this renowned arts venue set on a beautiful estate near Magog.
• Owl's Head Mountain — Hike or drive to the summit for panoramic views of Lac Mégantic and the surrounding countryside.
• Wine Route (Route des Vins) — Visit family-owned vineyards and cideries along the scenic Route des Vins, sampling local wines and ciders.
• Magog Waterfront — Stroll the promenade along Lac Memphrémagog in Magog's downtown, featuring shops, restaurants, and lake views.
• Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts — Explore contemporary and classical art collections in Quebec's Eastern Townships cultural hub.
• Fall Foliage Drive — Drive scenic routes through the rolling hills during autumn to witness the spectacular maple leaf colors.

Food to try

• Quebec Poutine — Enjoy this iconic dish of fries, gravy, and cheese curds at local diners and casual restaurants throughout the region.
• Tourtière (Meat Pie) — Savor this traditional Quebec French-Canadian savory pie filled with seasoned ground meat, often served at family restaurants.
• Local Apple Cider — Sample fresh or mulled apple cider from regional orchards and cideries, especially popular during autumn visits.
• Maple Taffy on Snow — Experience this classic Quebec treat of hot maple syrup poured onto clean snow and rolled on a wooden stick at seasonal sugar shacks.
• Craft Brewery Beer — Taste locally brewed craft beers from microbreweries that have grown popular in the Sherbrooke and Magog areas.
• Foie Gras and Local Game — Find fine dining restaurants offering regional specialties like duck foie gras and venison sourced from local farms.

Local customs & good to know

• French Language Prevalence — While English is spoken in tourist areas, French is the primary language in Eastern Townships; learning basic French phrases is appreciated and helpful.
• Seasonal Timing — Plan visits around autumn foliage (September-October) or winter activities, as spring and summer see fewer dramatic changes though remain pleasant for outdoor activities.
• Rural Hospitality — The region maintains a warm, small-town atmosphere where locals appreciate genuine interest in their villages and regional heritage.
• Farm-to-Table Dining — Many restaurants emphasize locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus reflecting Québécois agricultural traditions and values.