Published on May 11, 2018
When you start exploring the region, you’re sure to come across some little known Townships’ treasures and even some that are entirely new to you! Meanwhile, here are 12, to point you in the right direction...
This 560-metre (1,739 foot) high peak is situated in one of the most charming villages in the region, namely Piopolis. It’s a mountain few people are familiar with and it takes 45 minutes to reach the summit, but it’s well worth the effort. From the top, you get a great view over the Appalachians and a number of lakes. If the climb makes you work up an appetite, just drop by L'Auberge Au Soleil Levant in Piopolis!
In the heart of the Hotel Estrimont Suites & Spa, you'll find the Live Art Business, commonly known as LAB Gallery, who has quickly became one of the most dynamic visual Arts institutions in the country. The LAB now offers a unique and free year-round Artistic experience.
Alexandra Bachand, a well-known perfumer, is the owner of La Grange du Parfumeur (The Perfumer’s Barn) in Magog, where Bachand formulates and creates her unique scents. Her products can be bought on site. La Grange du Parfumeur is the first enterprise of its kind in Quebec.
NB The interior boutique remain closed for an indefinite period but you can purchase online anytime.
Situated in Saint-Anne-de-la-Rochelle, the Cinézoo is a zoological park where animals are trained for the movie industry. It’s also open to the public. Visitors can see all kinds of exotic creatures – monkeys, lions, tigers and reptiles among others. Occasionally there are conferences and workshops as well as guided tours that let you get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. It’s a great place for adults and kids to spend an afternoon and, by the way, one of the resident grizzly bears appeared in the movie De Père en flic 2 – a hilarious thriller about a dysfunctional relationship between father and son, both of whom are cops.
Reservation required by phone. Limited places.
This charming Frelighsburg spot sources ingredients from its own backyard garden and neighbouring farms to serve up locavore-inspired meals. It also doubles as a venue, hosting musical acts including Québec Redneck Bluesgrass Project, Élisapie, Damien Robitaille and more.
Following an old railway along the Tomifobia River, this gravel trail spans 19 kilometres between Ayer's Cliff and Stanstead. The path is populated with critters of all kinds, as well as picnic areas, bridges, tunnels and a dam. Perfect for a family ride!
A place to observe the animals (see if you can find Agathe, a heifer who has a bad habit of wandering off!), buy excellent products (guinea fowl, goose, chicken, pork, ready-to-eat dishes etc.) and stay the night. There are five rooms. A charming place, run by equally charming hosts!
The lake, in the municipality of Coaticook, covers a mere 0.60 square kilometres (0.23 square miles) but it’s favourite venue for fishers and birdwatchers. (The lake contains mostly brown and rainbow trout.) Lac Lindsay is one of the rare places that has an extra-long jetty and allows free access – ideal for fishers who don’t want to get their feet wet!
Vermouth is a common base for cocktails and two wineries make this aromatic drink, namely Domaine Lafrance (Saint-Joseph-du-Lac) which is known for its cider vermouth and the Val Caudalies winery in Dunham. The latter has been lauded for the high quality of its dry, white vermouth and its sweet, amber vermouth.
You can get these delightful drinks at the SAQ (Quebec Liquor Store). Better still - buy them directly from the producers at their own distilleries to discover the wide variety of wines and ciders that they produce.
You want to try mountain biking? There's no better place than the Centre national de cyclisme in Bromont. Four kilometres of trails will help you perfect your mountain bike skills. Near the site, you will also have access to Bromont network trails which has about 40 km of single track for mountain biking and cyclocross.Psitt! You can read Jessica Belisle blog about the CNCB
The Robin microbrewery, officially launched in 2019, was born from the passion two brothers shared for mixed fermentation beers. You can savour and purchase these delicious products at their Waterloo tasting room. In fact, they’re located at the junction of three cycling paths; perfect for those who want to combine sports and beer!
Starting out in Eastman’s Missisquoi Nord Park, you’ll discover these quiet, uncrowded and easy level trails. The icing on the cake? You can access them free of charge! Careful, however, some trails are closed during the autumn hunting season.
