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Updated on Oct 10, 2024
Are you looking for some tranquility, time for a little introspection surrounded by magnificent landscapes? Did you know that in the Eastern Townships you’ll find three long-distance walking routes? Discover them here!
The Parcours de marche au cœur de Mégantic offers walkers a route covering a distance of up to 131 km. The five to six-day course takes you through nine municipalities: Val-Racine, Hampden, Scotstown, Chartierville, La Patrie, Notre-Dame-des-Bois, Piopolis, Marston and the town of Lac-Mégantic. There are three shorter routes as well. For example, if you only have two days, you can opt for the “Chemin du Lac” totalling 48 km, which will allow you to walk through three villages and the town of Lac-Mégantic.
Many services are available to spare you any worries on your way. You can ask an assistance service to guide you as well. The service will help you to select a route according to your criteria and reserve lodgings to suit your needs. You must, however, purchase your access card so the agency can reserve a lodging in your name.
On your way, you’ll find restaurants, grocery and convenience stores for your eating and equipment needs. You can also have your material transported from one accommodation to the next and reserve a seat on a shuttle at the end of your trek to return to your starting point.
Some attractions on the way:
To read the Ariane Arpin-Delorme blog about this experience, it's here.
If you prefer to be in control, to plan your own itinerary, and have keen organizational skills, you’ll certainly appreciate the Circuit de l’Abbaye. This autonomous walking route was created in 2018 and follows a loop of 149 km starting at the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey. It takes eight days to complete and will have you discover the hidden treasures of these eight municipalities: Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Austin, Orford, Eastman, Stukely-Sud, Saint-Étienne-de-Bolton, Bolton-Est and Potton. Two other routes can be found by visiting the organization’s web site. One of these alternate routes takes five days to complete and heads north with many interesting complementary activities on the way (Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises, Mount Orford National Park, Spa Eastman, and more). A second route also takes five days to complete and heads south. With fewer lodgings and complementary activities than the first two, this route allows you to reach your objective of finding true inner serenity.
After you’ve registered, you’ll receive a walker’s kit with a circuit map, a list of accommodations on your route and a parking vignette which will allow you to leave your car at the abbey for free.
The organization provides you these tools to help you plan your walk, but you’ll have to build your itinerary and make your reservations yourself. Note: accommodations, restaurants, attractions and services are listed on an interactive map. You’ll find tips for planning your meals right here.
Some attractions on the way:
Discover the new long-distance walking route in the Coaticook region. The circular route is 213.7 kilometres long and connects 12 municipalities. You can therefore start your journey in the municipality of your choice! The trip is planned over 12 days with an average walking distance of 17.5 km per day.
Get the walker's passport booklet to guide you through the preparation. You will also find some recommendations on how to prepare before leaving right here. Don't forget to plan your food and sleep stops by consulting the interactive map of the circuit.
Departure and finish points: at the walker's choice
Some attractions on the way:
