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The Eastern Townships, or Cantons-de-l'Est, cover a rolling stretch of southern Quebec along the borders of Vermont and New Hampshire. Settled in part by Loyalists after the American Revolution and later by French Canadians, the region blends English and French heritage with a landscape of lakes, farms, covered bridges and low mountains.
Magog sits on Lake Memphremagog, with beaches and lake cruises, while Mont Orford National Park nearby offers hiking and skiing. North Hatley and Ayer's Cliff, on Lake Massawippi, are known for gracious inns and Victorian houses. In Stanstead, the Haskell Library famously straddles the international border. The Coaticook Gorge is crossed by a long suspension footbridge, and Mont-Mégantic National Park houses an observatory in a protected dark-sky area. Sutton and Bromont combine ski hills with village life, and families head to the Granby Zoo. Vineyards, cideries and cheese makers dot the back roads.
The Townships reward travelers who enjoy scenic driving, cycling, food and wine. Each town has a distinct feel, so it is easy to build a loop with several stops. Summer and fall are especially popular, the foliage season can be spectacular, and winter brings skiing on several mountains.
WiserMap travel guideEastern Townships Quebec Lakes Vineyards and StargazingPlan the Eastern Townships of Quebec: Lake Memphremagog, Mont Orford, North Hatley, Coaticook Gorge, Mont-Mégantic stargazing and Dunham vineyards.Read the guide
A long, narrow lake that stretches from Magog into Vermont, with a waterfront promenade and beach in Magog, cruise boats and marinas. Summer brings swimmers, paddlers and festivals along the shore. Walk or cycle the lakeside path in Magog, then take a cruise to see the hills from the water.
A regional park around Mont Ham, an isolated mountain in the northern Townships whose bare summit gives a full 360-degree view over farms, forests and lakes. Several trails reach the top in a few hours. Go on a clear day, wear sturdy shoes, and expect wind and cooler temperatures at the summit.
A Quebec national park near Granby built around the Choinière reservoir, with a supervised beach, canoe and kayak rentals, campsites and flat trails for walking and cycling. In winter it offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is quieter than the big mountain parks and good for families.
A mountain park in the eastern part of the region, home to an astronomical observatory and the ASTROLab centre, at the heart of the first International Dark Sky Reserve. Evening programs let you look through telescopes. Book astronomy nights in advance and bring warm clothes even in summer.
A regional history museum in the village of Stanbridge East, housed in a 19th-century stone grist mill beside a river, with exhibits on Loyalist settlers, farm life and local crafts. The same society runs an old general store nearby. Open in summer; pair it with the wine route around Dunham.
A Benedictine abbey on a point above Lake Memphremagog, with a striking bell tower and a church where the monks sing Gregorian chant at daily services. The abbey shop sells cheeses and cider made on site. Check the service times if you want to hear the chant, and dress respectfully.
A small village at the northern tip of Lake Massawippi, with Victorian summer homes, inns, antique shops and a lakeside park where boats tie up. It is a favourite stop for lunch and a stroll by the water. Visit in late September or early October, when the hills around the lake turn red and gold.
A mountain village below Mont Sutton with art galleries, cafes and restaurants on its main street, and a ski area known for glade skiing. In summer, nearby trails in the Sutton mountains offer hiking with long views. It makes a good base for exploring the western Townships and wineries.
A town at the foot of Mont Bromont, known for its four-season resort with skiing in winter and a water park and mountain biking in summer. The old village has a chocolate shop and a Sunday flea market. Bromont is about an hour from Montreal, making it an easy first stop in the region.
The main village of Lac-Brome, with heritage buildings, boutiques, cafes and the Brome County Historical Museum. The area is known for its Brome Lake ducks, served in local restaurants. Stroll the village center, then drive to the lake's beach for a swim or a picnic on a summer day.
One of Quebec's largest zoos, in Granby, with animals from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, plus a water park included with summer admission. Families can easily spend a full day. Arrive at opening to see the animals at their most active and to beat the midday heat and crowds.
A signposted wine route through Dunham, Frelighsburg and nearby villages, linking many vineyards and cideries that offer tastings and sales. Several wineries also serve lunch with views over the vines. Choose a designated driver or join a tour, and call ahead outside the summer season.
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