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Relaxed towns and cozy cottages weave in beautifully with the aura of Eastern Township’s nature. It’s a destination for retreating to secluded lodges or hiking through majestic forests. It’s absolutely worth a Québec road trip from Montreal or Québec City. No matter what the season, there are so many things to do in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec. We loved staying at the ZooBox at Le Vertendre and all the agritourism in the Eastern Townships. Here’s why you need to explore the Eastern Townships region plus a bonus day spent in Montreal!
About My Trip
During October, my friend Kim @WestCoastLife (who also look all these photos) and I went on a week-long road trip through three gorgeous regions in Québec – Mauricie, Lanaudière, and Eastern Townships. I’ve been to Québec several times, and I continue to fall in love with every region I visit.
To begin our trip, we flew into Montréal and rented a car for our Québec road trip! We then stayed in various hotels throughout our journey.
This Quebec road trip blog post is brought to you in collaboration with Tourisme Quebec along with Mauricie, Lanaudière, and Eastern Townships regions.
What to Know About Eastern Townships Region
You’ll find this pretty region running along the American border in south-eastern Québec. It is full of historic towns and villages that mix in well with the surrounding landscapes. You’ll find forests, lakes, rolling hills, wineries, and so much more in this gorgeous part of Canada. Landscape-wise, it’s like an extension of New England, and it is indeed dreamy!
You can get to Eastern Townships easily by car from Montréal! Depending on where you’re going in the region, it takes about one or two hours to get there.
So, there are so many things to do in the Eastern Townships region of Québec, but first let’s get into some fun facts – because who doesn’t love that!
Fun Facts about the Eastern Townships Region
- Eastern Townships’ main city is Sherbrooke, which was first settled in 1793.
- Round barns used to be a staple in Eastern Townships, beginning in the late 19th century. Now there are only a few remaining. Why round? Some believe the legend that it’s round so that the devil couldn’t hide in any corner. Hmmm. But the truth is that it was easier for farmers to keep livestock in the middle when feeding and cleaning.
- Mont-Mégantic, a mountain in Eastern Townships, was declared the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2007, thanks to the mountain’s (and its park’s) exceptional starry night viewing! Come here on a clear night to get some crazy views of the night sky.
- Eastern Townships has the highest number of golf courses in Québec. Definitely come here if golfing is your thing!
Things to Do in Eastern Townships region of Québec
Getting outdoors is the best way to enjoy Eastern Townships! Let’s get down to business. Here’s what to see and do during your Québec road trip to the Eastern Townships region.
Les Trois Acres Farm
Les Trois Acres Farm was such a buzz-worthy place to visit during our Québec road trip! Agritourism in the Eastern Townships offers incredible experiences, and it’s an awesome way to support local farmers and communities! That’s part of why we made a stop at this honey farm and meadery in Dunham.
See the bees in action and learn about their day-to-day life while surrounded by an antique farmhouse and lush greenery. Plus, you can purchase raw honey, beeswax candles, salves, and other goodies.
Alpagas Sutton Farm
Alpacas are definitely one of the cutest farm animals, and it’s not so often that you get to encounter them. But with the lovely agritourism in the Eastern Townships, we were able to see these magnificent guys thriving at the Alpagas Sutton Farm.
The alpacas are treated with the utmost care, as they live their best lives on an old farmland with charming, historic buildings dating back to the 1890s.
So, visit this agritourism experience and meet some of their alpacas or head to the gift shop to purchase handmade 100% alpaca hats, scarves, socks, mittens, and even toys. Everything is made on the farm with help from the local community!
Hike Mont Pinacle at Parc Harold Baldwin
Looking for legendary views? Here ya go! Hop on one of the best trails and parks in the Eastern Townships region and hike Mont Pinacle (Mount Pinacle). Located in Parc Harold Baldwin, a nice, 2 km (1 mile) hike leads to a spectacular view of the lake and forests from the top of Mont Pinacle. You’ll reach 675 m (2215 ft.) in height and it’ll be so worth it!
Soak up the sounds of nature, look out at the calm lake below, and scope out the mountains in the distance. Mont Pinacle is easily one of the best things to do in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec.
Bleu Lavande
A lovely day trip from Sherbrooke, visit Bleu Lavande, just a half-hour drive away. Open year-round, you can explore a beautiful and aromatic lavender field during your Quebec road trip.
I actually use the Blue Lavande dog shampoo for Beau, so when I saw that it was in the Eastern Townships, I knew we had to stop by.
Wander the fields, take some Instagram-worthy photos, and take home some dried lavender or one of their many body care products like shampoo or soap. Plus, it’s another one of the amazing ways to indulge in agritourism in the Eastern Townships region.
They also have a great indoor interactive display that makes a visit here a year round stop.
Strøm Nordic Spa
You’ll find Strøm Nordic Spa right along the water in the must-see town of Sherbrooke. This luxury spa mixes massage therapy and a thermal experience with amazing jacuzzies. It’s like a little piece of Iceland in Eastern Townships, and you’ll leave feeling brand new!
Combine agritourism with a spa day and you’ve embodied the essence of this beautiful area. Strøm Nordic Spa is easily one of the best things to do in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec.
Gorge Park Suspension Bridge
Here’s a bucket list experience! Cross the longest suspension bridge in North America at Parc de la Gorge. It’s 169 meters (554 feet) long soaring above the rocky Coaticook Gorge. You’ll get great views, a dose of adrenalin, and some awesome photos if you’re into that.
Then, for an even more unique experience, visit this park for Forest Lumina. It’s a theatrical, musical experience combined with a light show as you walk through the forest. Dreamy!
VeloVolant Canopy Ride
I adore Eastern Townships because there are so many cool activities to experience, like this day trip from Sherbrooke to VeloVolant. Soar through the treetops on a recumbent bike. Who knew it was possible! The long circuit travels along the mountainside as it passes through gorges and waterfalls, giving a totally new perspective over the forest! Plus, you can catch a peek at the Green Mountains of Vermont.
The experience lasts about 45 minutes and is located in the pretty countryside village of Sutton (where you’ll also find the alpacas!). It was closed when we were in the Eastern Townships, but it is on the list to check out next trip.
Le Cep d’Argent Vineyard
Beyond agritourism and spas, one of the other best things to do in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec is to visit a vineyard! Le Cep d’Argent Vineyard is located in Magog, near Bleu Lavande, specializing in savory sparkling wine.
While visiting, take a guided walk of the vineyard, sample wines, and enjoy views of the lake and surrounding nature.
If you are looking for more Quebec travel ideas, you might like The Laurentians – Québec Road Trip, Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region – Québec Road Trip or Outaouais Region – Québec Road Trip.
Where To Stay in the Eastern Townships Region
Picturesque cabins are where you want to stay in this natural region! Here’s where to stay in Eastern Townships.
Cabin Sutton
Stay at a warm and cozy cabin in the forests of Sutton. Cabin Sutton offers modern-styled cabins with backdoor porches equipped with a steamy jacuzzi and scenic views of nature. We came in October and the autumn foliage was divine! Plus, the cabin felt very safe and exclusive.
The best way to reserve a cabin is through Airbnb (this is the one we stayed in!). Click here to see their other cabins.
Zoobox 65 at Le Vertendre
We loved the idea of being out in nature as much as possible during our Quebec road trip. That’s why we spent a couple of nights at Zoobox65 at Le Vertendre. It’s a scenic, 20-minute walk to the cabins from the parking lot, so you really feel immersed.
We loved how the bed could be hoisted to the ceiling to open up the space. The rolling tub was also amazing!
You’ll find a stylish cabin with huge sliding glass doors that lead out to a beautiful wooden porch. Then, Zoobox at Le Vertendre has a well-equipped kitchen, perfect for making meals at home! We also loved the outdoor campfire site and the ecological wood and pellet-burning stove. It was so nice to use that instead of cranking on the heating the modern way.
Zoobox at Le Vertendre is located in Eastman, about a half-hour outside of Sherbrooke. It’s a nice base for a Quebec road trip and exploring things to do in Eastern Townships.
Can you believe there is a climbing wall inside!?!
Au Diable Vert
Some of the most gorgeous cabins are located at Au Diable Vert. There’s a hobbit-looking quaint cabin and others that look like they were pulled straight from a storybook. If you want a unique place to stay immersed in the forests of Eastern Townships, book a cabin at Au Diable Vert.
Also, when you stay here, you’ll have access to other activities like visiting the VeloVolant, exploring trails and parks in the Eastern Townships region, and seeing highland cows. It was closed when we were in the Eastern Townships, but hope to check it out next visit.
Where to Eat in the Eastern Townships Region
With all the beautiful accommodation options in Eastern Townships, it’s nice to cook meals at home over the wood stove and then chill out in a warm jacuzzi overlooking the landscapes. So, that’s what we did most of the days and it was dreamy! However, we did have a few meals out. Note that I am celiac and dairy-free, and I was able to find nice food all the same.
Pizzicato
Get your Italian food fix at Pizzicato! They have a variety of artisan pizzas, pasta, and salads. The food is, of course, very filling and their fresh ingredients are delicious.
You’ll find Pizzicato in the centre of Sherbrooke. So, it’s nice to walk around the town afterward.
Le Tapageur
Outdoor seating options, hearty cuisine, and great cocktails are what you’ll find at Le Tapageur in Sherbrooke. The place is very stylish and inviting, too!
Célestine Café
For great coffee, brunch, and lunch plates, Célestine Café has got you sorted! Plus, it has indoor and outdoor seating and the place is a total vibe.
Bonus Content – An Afternoon in Montreal
We had a very early flight home, so we made our way back to Montreal the day prior, giving us a part day to explore Montreal. Located on the St. Lawrence River, Montreal is the perfect mix of western European charm and a modern Canadian city.
A visit to Montreal is incomplete without visiting the Old Port, especially if you are a first time visitor. The old European charm with cobblestones and colonial architecture are what I love about this historic neighbourhood. There are so many things to do in Montreal, but here is what we fit into one afternoon:
La Grand Roue
La Grand Roue is a ferris wheel in the Old Port which you can ride year round. It makes a stunning backdrop for photos even if you don’t have a chance to go for a ride.
OASIS immersion
OASIS immersion is a new permanent immersive destination located inside the Palais des congrès de Montréal. It is a walkable, no contact experience featuring three immersive galleries and two dazzling light installations. It is a mix of light show and gallery with 360 degree projections and sound. This exhibit is definitely worth checking out!
Copper Branch
Montreal is home to an incredible culinary scene, and the Copper Branch is a vegan (and mainly gluten free) global restaurant chain that had its beginnings in Montreal. It serves quick grab and go meals that are delicious! Their menu offers all-day breakfast options, as well as burgers, sandwiches, soups, sides, power bowls, desserts, and smoothies.
Café Origine
A midday pit stop to recharge at Café Origine was what we needed to get us through a busy day walking through Old Montreal. The coffee was tasty, with some great snack options.
From Mont Pinacle to Strøm Nordic Spa to our cosy stay at Zoobox at Le Vertendre, exploring Eastern Townships during our Quebec road trip was a dream! I could have spent many more days unwinding in hidden cabins, wandering agritourism farms, and hiking along the many trails and parks in the Eastern Townships region! I can’t wait to explore the region again.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This is a wonderful road trip. Quebec is replete with an abundance of natural beauty and the best way to enjoy it is through a road trip.
I pinned this for later because the Les Trois Acres Farm and all of Eastern Township looked amazing!
Wow! Everything about your trip looks amazing, from where you stayed (*sigh*) to the spa to the hikes! How lovely!
Wow- your photos are stunning. Looks so beautiful there!
So interesting about the round barns. It’s always good to not let the devil hide! 😉
This would be such a neat road trip. I just love bees.