Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Aug 1, 2024
Summer is still in full swing in August and there are so many great reasons to visit the Eastern Townships: Nature reserves, pristine beaches, cultural events, public markets, music festivals… you’ll need a few days to enjoy it all! Our picturesque region is just a 90-minute drive from Montreal and a stone’s throw from the Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire borders. If you’re craving natural beauty, non-stop fun, and new discoveries, right this way!
Why is astrotourism in the Eastern Townships so popular? Just look up – from one of our many mountain summits. For the very best places to spot shooting stars, zoom over to ObservÉtoiles in Glen Sutton or the Mont-Mégantic ASTROLab in Notre-Dame-des-Bois. Both are official dark sky sites protected from light pollution. In fact, here are our 5 top spots to observe the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks around mid-August.
Star-gazing can run late into the night, so book a room in the heart of our dark sky reserves. If you can stay an extra day or two, these 7 Townships activities to do at night will keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Learn more about how we’re protecting our celestial treasures
The Eastern Townships has a deep agricultural heritage that’s still alive and thriving. And no better time to enjoy our local produce than in August, when our mid-to-late summer crops are at their freshest. You’ll find lively farmers’ markets in most of our towns and villages, but these markets really stand out. Stock up on locally grown and produced meats, poultry, produce, preserves, and more.
Enjoy picking your own fruit? Start your day in the Townships at these pick-your-own farms. Fun for the whole family! And end it with a wine tasting at one of our many Eastern Township vineyards. Many offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains or countryside.
The Eastern Townships region is dotted with sparkling lakes, refreshing rivers, and serene beaches – all ready to cool you off on a hot summer day. These lesser-known beaches are some of the region’s best-kept secrets, and here are our top spots for paddleboarding in the Townships.
Anyone say lasting family memories? Load up the kids and car-karaoke your way to these Townships’ family-friendly campgrounds. Each has its own special mix of water activities and games that will keep the kids happy from sun-up to sun-down. Try a new campground each weekend and find the family fav!
The Eastern Townships is famous for its romantic, old-world charm. Stroll through our historic towns and you’ll see why. Each village has its own vibe and rich cultural tapestry. Explore inspiring art galleries, quaint museums, and cozy cafés – all nestled amidst picturesque landscapes. Be sure to plan your itinerary around these most-loved Eastern Townships villages. They showcase the best that our friendly region has to offer.
Along your route, stop at these beloved cultural treasures. They offer a true taste of life in the Townships, past and present. And since cultural discovery is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, book a room at one of these romantic getaway sites. Accommodations for every taste and budget: villas, lofts, inns, hotels… even farms!
Ready for some good fun and good music? Skip the big-city crowds and heavy traffic and head to the laid-back Eastern Townships instead. Our events always have plenty of breathing (and dancing) room for everyone. And in the Townships, you’re never “just another tourist” – you’re a new friend!
These Eastern Townships summer events will expand your cultural horizons and allow you to chat with fascinating artists in person. Kids crave culture, too! These family-friendly Eastern Townships festivals and fairs are guaranteed to thrill young and old alike. Some of our agricultural fairs – like Brome Fair – have been around for nearly 200 years. But fair warning: chances are good you’ll want to come back year after year, just like the locals!
Nature, sports and outdoor activities
Where to Take Your Paddleboard in the Townships
Arts, culture and heritage
Not-to-Be-Missed Stops on the Townships Trail
Taste the Townships
7 Pick-Your-Own Fruit Farms in the Eastern Townships
