Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Jul 3, 2024
When summer arrives in the Eastern Townships, it arrives with a bang! All around the region, there are musical shows, gourmet events, beaches and fantastic outings. July, the peak month of the summer season, is particularly lively and the Eastern Townships is easy to get to. 90 minutes from Montreal, it borders Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, beckoning visitors from New England, Ontario and elsewhere. A memorable summer is guaranteed!
In July, every single week, the Eastern Townships plays host to a slew of festivals and musical events. Blues, rock, pop and even classical musicians – performers for every musical taste - all take their turn on the Townships stages.
A summer staple is Sherbrooke’s Fête du Lac des Nations. This year’s music fest promises to be as action-packed as ever with three performances stages, fairground rides and a series of firework displays (July 16-21, 2024).
Barnston West's ShazamFest is one of the Townships’ more quirky festivals! A carnival of merrymaking, it combines music, theatre, the circus, arts and crafts. There are even competitions to judge who sports the best beard and moustache! July 11-14)
Don’t those festivals sound like fun? Check out our 11 recommendations for a summer of non-stop music in the Townships
July can be a very hot month, but the Townships has lots of places where you can take a dip, from designated bathing areas to public beaches. The following is a list of some of the venues where you can cool off - the family-friendly Douglass Beach in Brome Lake (Knowlton), the shoreline that snakes along the Missisquoi River (Glen Sutton) or the AMAZOO Water Park in Granby (among others).
The Townships is a veritable playground for boaters, so don’t forget to bring your watercraft! A few paddle strokes from shore will bring you into the midst of the tranquil rivers and lakes that are so characteristic of the region, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Click here to find out where you can canoe and/or kayak in the Eastern Townships.
If you like sleeping outside in the fresh air, book your stay at one of these 6 waterside campsites.
At this time of year, the local fruit and vegetables nourished by the sun, are at their absolute, freshest best! Bursting with flavour and colour, they’re featured at the following 6 farm-to-table Townships restaurants. The concept? Menus showcasing produce grown on a farm’s own (or local) land or at a market garden, cooked and served by talented chefs. A rural gourmet experience pas excellence!
While you’re in the Townships, be sure to drop by one of the 10 unique wineries that are dotted around the countryside. They each have their own particular characteristics – whether that be the location or the wine itself. A handful offer overnight accommodation.
By the middle of July, the lavender fields of Bleu Lavande are in full bloom! The purple fields give off a heady scent that transports visitors into a dreamy world as they wander around the site, imagining that they might be in Provence in France, instead of in Quebec!
This floral farm is one of Magog’s must-see destinations and whether you come on your own, with family or friends or Fido, you’ll find picnic tables scattered around the fields where you can enjoy a snack and contemplate the tranquil scene.
While you’re there, be sure to visit the Bleu Lavande boutique. It’s crammed with products that incorporate lavender – from soap to body lotion to lavender oil (known for its calming effects). And don’t miss “Champs Chromatique”, an interactive, multimedia space created by Moment Factory, where visitors can immerse themselves in a virtual version of the lavender fields.
If you’re looking for place to stay, take a look at travel journalist and tourism expert Ariane Arpin-Delorme’s 8 favourite accommodations.
Planning to vacation with the family this summer? In the Eastern Townships, there’s certainly no shortage of family activities. Major family-friendly attractions include Foresta Lumina, VéloVolant, Mont-Ham Regional Park, Escapades Memphrémagog (a cruise boat) but they’re popular, so make sure you book them right away. Our article tells you how.
On a budget? We've also got suggestions for family outings that don’t cost a thing! Check out our ideas for free attractions and activities in the Townships - museums, art galleries, self-guided tours, hikes…. The list goes on.
Hiking
8 Must Hikes this Autumn
