23 Free Activities to Do in the Townships

Published on Jul 5, 2024

Looking to find free activities to do this summer? The Eastern Townships region offers plenty of them right here. Festive events, cultural outings, heritage discoveries, outdoor activities. . . the list includes a panoply of suggestions that will please your friends and family as much as your wallet!

  • Attend the Sherblues & Folk Music Festival
    This Sherbrooke festival returns in a free format in the summer of 2024, offering a varied program for blues and folk fans. From July 4 to 6.  
  • Visit the Saint-Benoît du lac Abbey
    Although there’s a charge for a guided tour of this serene site, you can still admire the Abbey’s magnificent building from the outside and visit its crafts boutique.
  • Enjoy the Concerts de la Cité 
    Until August 24, a number of free concerts will be held in downtown Sherbrooke. Jazz and Classical Series, Youth Series, Granada Theatre Series. . . over 25 shows will be presented.  
  • Visit the Ânes en Culotte Donkey Farm
    Meet some very adorable and friendly donkeys when you visit this farm in Saint-Anne-de-la-Rochelle. You’ll even be able to feed and pet them!
  • Go Mountain Biking on the Trails of Mount Bellevue
    Wistiti, Zigzagzoulou, Kamikaze, Phénomène Bacon, Funambule, Vieux genoux... these are some of the names given to this 16 km network of mountain bike trails located in the heart of the city of Sherbrooke.
  • Follow the Circuit des Sheds Panoramiques
    To get a glimpse of the history that has shaped the Haut-Saint-François region and its beautiful landscapes, stop by each of the nine panoramic sheds on this tour.
  • Take on Waterloo’s Pumptrack
    The largest asphalt track of its kind in Québec, Waterloo’s pumptrack is for small and tall alike. Try it out on a bike, a scooter, in-line skates or even a skateboard!
  • Visit the Presbytère Art Gallery in Lambton
    What will you find in this presbytery, built in 1906? A variety of works by both local and international artists!
  • Discover the Musée De L’Ardoise
    Tracing the history of the slate industry in the region, this Richmond museum also offers art exhibitions and guided podcast tours through the streets of the old town.
  • Celebrate Val-des-Sources’s 125th Anniversary
    Several free activities are being organized as part of the anniversary of the town’s foundation: Fridays for a 5 to 7 happy hour at the Bord du Pit, a Slackline day, a photo exhibition, a contest with a monthly raffle, and more. . .
  • Attend the Festival Orford Musique’s Free Concerts
    The Orford Music Festival program includes a number of free concerts offered in several municipalities in the region. See the detailed calendar for full details. Until August 10.
  • Admire the Fauna and Flora at L’Étang Burbank  
    Accessible all year round, the Burbank Pond is a nature observation site located in Danville. You’ll find an interpretation pavilion, 3.6 km of trails, a footbridge, 3 observation towers and a number of rest areas.   
  • Party on! At Folk & Blues des Cantons
    Andréanne A. Malette, Bobby Bazini, Steve Hill, Kawandak, Adam Karch, Sarah Biggs and Jean-Phillipe Gauthier are the artists featured in this first edition of the Folk & Blues event to be held in Austin and in Bolton-Est from July 18 to July 27.  
  • Attend the First Edition of the Faune Festival
    On July 20, enjoy an afternoon of music with DJs Alex Murphy, Patch Safari and Kridelka in Bromont’s public square! A Bar and food stands ($) will also be available.  
  • Follow the Townships Trail  
    Feel like heading out on a road trip? Take this 430 km scenic route through 31 municipalities in the Townships, showcasing the region’s built and natural heritage.
  • Enjoy the Lake Lyster Beach
    With its swimming area offering amazing views of Mount Pinnacle, its large picnic area and play areas, Lake Lyster’s beach is the ideal setting for a hot summer’s day.
  • Choose a Hiking Trail from Among a Panoply of Options
    The Townships offer plenty of free access trails. We’ve listed 18 destinations where you can hike free of charge.
  • Follow the Covered Bridges Circuit
    Some are still in use, others have been abandoned long ago, but one thing is certain: the Townships’ fifteen covered bridges continue to fascinate visitors who wish to explore them.

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