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Sherbrooke is the largest city in Quebec's Eastern Townships, built on hills where the Magog River joins the Saint-François. Its mills and rail lines once made it an industrial hub, and today it is a university city with a mostly French-speaking population and a strong English heritage in the borough of Lennoxville.
Downtown is known for large painted murals depicting local history, which make an easy self-guided walk. The Musée des beaux-arts de Sherbrooke focuses on Quebec art, while the Musée de la nature et des sciences appeals to families. Lac des Nations, a widened section of the Magog River, is circled by a popular walking and cycling path, and the Marché de la Gare sits nearby for local food. Green spaces such as Parc Jacques-Cartier, Parc Lucien-Blanchard along the river, Bois Beckett and the Marais Réal-D.-Carbonneau wetland offer quick escapes into nature, and Mont-Bellevue provides trails and small ski slopes. Lennoxville, with Bishop's University, has a distinctly different feel.
Sherbrooke suits travelers touring the Townships who want city amenities between countryside outings. It makes a practical base for Magog, North Hatley and Mont Orford. Summer is best for outdoor activities, and fall color in the surrounding hills is a highlight.
WiserMap travel guideSherbrooke Quebec Lac des Nations and Eastern TownshipsPlan a trip to Sherbrooke, Quebec: Lac des Nations, Magog River parks, the fine arts museum, Lennoxville, brewpubs and festivals in the Eastern Townships.Read the guide
A fine arts museum in a historic downtown building, with collections of Quebec art, especially from the Eastern Townships, and a strong collection of naive art. Temporary exhibitions change regularly. Allow about an hour, and combine it with a walk to the nearby murals and the Magog River gorge.
A natural history and science museum in a former textile factory, with interactive exhibits on wildlife, ecosystems and the environment of southern Quebec. It is very popular with families. Plan around two hours, and check the schedule for special exhibitions and multimedia shows.
The Catholic cathedral of Sherbrooke, set on a hill above downtown, with a large Gothic Revival interior and stained-glass windows. Its terrace offers a view over the city and the Magog River. Visit outside service times, and walk down the old streets toward the river afterward.
A walking route past large painted murals on downtown buildings that tell the history and people of Sherbrooke in realistic, detailed scenes, among them the Fresque des Sherbrookois. Many are near the river and Rue Wellington. Pick up a map at the tourist office and allow about an hour and a half.
A public market near the old railway station and Lac des Nations, with stalls selling regional produce, cheeses, baked goods and local products from the Eastern Townships. It is busiest on summer weekends. Shop for picnic supplies here, then walk to the lakeside promenade nearby.
A historic English-speaking borough of Sherbrooke, home to Bishop's University with its stone buildings and chapel on the banks of the Massawippi River. The main street has pubs and cafes. Stroll the campus, then have lunch in the village center; it is about 15 minutes from downtown.
A lake in the middle of the city on the Magog River, ringed by a paved walking and cycling path of a few kilometres, with a fountain, playgrounds and summer events such as Fête du Lac des Nations. It is the city's favourite place to walk. Go in the evening, when the fountain is lit.
A large lakeside park in Sherbrooke at the end of Lac des Nations, with beaches for sunbathing, a marina for canoes and paddleboards, play areas and picnic spots. It is a popular summer gathering place. Rent a canoe or paddleboard and paddle on the lake, then walk the promenade back downtown.
A large urban mountain park in Sherbrooke with hiking and mountain bike trails, a small ski area and lookouts over the city. It is just minutes from downtown and the university. Hike to the summit for views at sunset, or ski under the lights on a winter evening.
A rocky gorge in downtown Sherbrooke where the Magog River tumbles past an old hydroelectric station, with footbridges and lookouts along a promenade. It shows how the river powered the city's early industries. Walk the path in spring, when water levels are high and the rapids are most impressive.
An urban forest in Sherbrooke protected for its old trees, with trails through mature hardwoods, including large old maples and hemlocks. It is quiet and shady, ideal for an easy walk. Visit in autumn for the colours, and stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile forest floor.
A protected marsh in the Rock Forest sector of Sherbrooke, crossed by boardwalks and trails with observation towers for birdwatching. Ducks, herons and many songbirds can be seen. Bring binoculars, go early in the morning in spring or fall, and walk quietly to see more wildlife.
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