An Elevating Destination

Published on Oct 30, 2024

The Eastern Townships region, especially the Mégantic area, has always fascinated me, but my recent visit to film my show Alexis le Randonneur exceeded all my expectations. As soon as I arrived, a key appointment set the tone for what was to come: a meeting with Bernard Malenfant, founder of the Mont-Mégantic Astrolab. Bernard is a man of incredible substance, not only regarding his scientific knowledge, but also for his dedication to protecting the environment here and, above all, the star-filled sky. As soon as I sat down with him, I found myself captivated, hanging on his every word. He has this rare talent for telling stories that vividly bring back every moment of his life.

One of his most memorable anecdotes was about the construction of the Mont-Mégantic observatory and how he got a job there. Imagine a project of this magnitude, built on top of a majestic mountain for the purpose of studying stars and exploring the mysteries of the universe. Bernard told me about the enormous challenges he had to deal with, from mountain logistics to fluctuating budgets. And yet, despite all the obstacles, he succeeded not only in building an observatory but also in creating a legacy that is now internationally recognized.

But Mount Mégantic is not just a science project. Largely thanks to Bernard, the region witnessed the founding of a National Park (Sépaq), followed by an international recognition for its spectacular star-filled skies, now known as the Dark Sky Reserve. The concept was simple: to protect the natural beauty of the night sky, which was threatened by increasing light pollution. His enthusiasm for the project was palpable and, as a hiker and nature lover, I myself felt a deep connection to this cause. Bernard explained how, through community efforts, he had managed to raise awareness among citizens and local businesses about the need to reduce light pollution. This has allowed astronomers, and indeed all of us, to observe and appreciate the splendour of the stars in the purest of skies; something the rest of the world has all but forgotten.

After this very inspiring encounter, I set out to do just what I had wanted to do here: explore the mountains of the region. The Stokes Mountains, and Mount Chapman in particular, attracted my attention. As soon as we took the backcountry gravel road to get there, I immediately came to the following conclusion: the rolling fields at the foot of these mountains were truly stunning! You could see the mosaic of our Québec farmlands, with these fields covered in a variety of crops adding a striking visual quality to the landscape. It was a joy to behold! I was truly awed by the natural beauty of the region. We also noticed some mature reforested areas conveying the message that development and nature can genuinely live in harmony when everything is well planned.

As soon as I started hiking, I was struck by the beauty of the predominantly deciduous forest. Les Sentiers de l’Estrie manages the trails and does a fantastic job of organizing them. The trails are well marked and maintained, allowing for a fluid and immersive experience. What really impressed me was this symbiosis between nature and the people who come here. The trail network, masterfully managed by Les Sentiers de l’Estrie, allows hikers like me to explore the region while preserving the fragile environment that surrounds us. I felt lucky to be able to walk on these trails which are designed in such a way as to respect the needs of both hikers and the forest.

But it was when we reached the summit of Mount Chapman that the magic really happened… The ascent, though demanding at times, was nevertheless amazing. On the way up, I passed through various tree clusters, small streams (no doubt even more prominent and noisy in spring) and clearings where you can stop and bask in the sun for a moment. Each step brought me closer not only to the summit, but also to form a deep connection with these surroundings. When I finally reached the top, the view literally blew me away. The Stokes Mountains seemed almost to go on forever. It was a moment of pure calm, with only the wind softly whispering in my ears.

Returning to the trailhead after ending my hike, I felt a sense of accomplishment, peace and awe. Every moment spent on these mountains reminded me why I love this activity so much. Nature has a way of putting us back in our place by showing us that we’re only a small part of a much greater picture.

On the way back to Mount Mégantic, with the sunset casting pink and orange hues over the horizon, I was remembered Bernard Malenfant’s words about the importance of preserving our environment. His passion for the star-filled sky, for science and for the region’s future had touched me, in the same way that the natural beauty I discovered in the Mégantic area nourished my soul. It’s a rare thing, to visit a place where science and nature come together so harmoniously. In fact, my meeting with Bernard, followed by my exploration of the Stokes Mountains, offered me a very fulfilling experience, both intellectually and physically.

Looking back on this adventure, I now realize that the Eastern Townships, and more specifically the Mégantic region, is much more than just a hiking destination. It’s a destination where history, nature and science come together to create an enriching, unique and unforgettable experience. I leave this region with a deep sense of gratitude, as much for the breathtaking landscapes as for the inspiring people like Bernard who work tirelessly to protect this corner of the world and share it with the rest of us.

So, if you’re looking for an adventure that will elevate you both literally and figuratively, the Mégantic mountains are calling you. Whether you’re a star gazer, a hiking enthusiast, or simply someone looking to reconnect with nature, I can’t encourage you enough to visit this truly magical place. There’s something deeply calming and inspiring about this region, and I’m convinced that, like me, you’ll come away changed, as you’ll gain a new perspective on how beautiful our planet is and how important it is to protect it.