Tourism in the Eastern Townships
 

Tourism

The Eastern Townships is cottage country south to Montrealers. A little less frenetic and just a little more easy going than the Laurentians, this picturesque area is home to fine restaurants, quaint bed and breakfasts and cozy country inns. That said, it gives up nothing in respect to outdoor opportunities. Some of Quebec's highest verticals are to be found in the areas ski and boarder resorts such as Mont Sutton, Mont Orford, Owls Head and Mont Bromont. In addition the area is well known for it's snow fall.

  
 

The Townships is also home to one of Quebec's most popular parks, Mont Orford. The park has camping, an array of hiking trails, mountain biking and lake canoeing just waiting for you. In the winter backcountry and cross country skiing, along with snowshoeing are a big draw, along with the downhill ski and boarder hill which is in the process of significantly expanding its facilities.

Bromont is another of the areas key destinations. Downhill skiing, cross country, hiking and some of the best mountain biking in Quebec are a few of the reasons why. Shoppers are attracted to the areas factory outlets and the huge weekend flea market, held throughout the warmer months, which attracts thousands. In addition you'll find fine dining, excellent hotels, inns and distinctive bed and breakfast establishments within the immediate surroundings. Bromont is also well known in the equestrian community, having been the site of the Olympic venue in 1976.

 
The Townships, along with its neighbor Monteregie, is the major wine producing area of the province. The "Wine Route" encompasses the towns of Brigham, East Farnham, Cowensville, Dunham, Bedford, and Farnham. With over a dozen growers, the area is quickly coming into it's own, and adding to Canada's growing reputation in the area of fine wine production.


Quebec Tourism - Out-There's Quebec

Eastern Townships Tourism - Official Site

If your driving from Montreal you can get additional information on your way at the regional tourism office at exit 68 off highway 10 (Eastern Townships Autoroute). From the south stop off at the tourism office in Sherbrooke.

Eastern Townships Tourism
20 Don Bosco St. S.
Sherbrooke, Quebec
J1L 1W4
(819) 820-2020
 800-355-5527

Regional Tourism

  • Bromont Tourism - 15 Bromont Blvd., Bromont, Quebec
  • Coaticook - 137 Michaud St., Coaticook, Quebec
  • Dunham - 3638 Main St., Dunham, Quebec (Seasonal)
  • Eastman - 395 Main St., Eastman, Quebec (Seasonal)
  • Frelighsburg - 1 Hotel de Ville, Frelighsburg, Quebec
  • Granby - 111 Denison St. E., Granby, Quebec (Seasonal)
  • Lac Brome - 696 Lakeside, Lac Brome, Quebec
  • Lac Megantic - 3295 Laval St. N., Lac Megantic
  • Mansonville - 302 Main St.N., Mansonville, Quebec (Seasonal)
  • Memphremagog - 55 Cabane St., Magog, Quebec
  • Sherbrooke - Sherbrooke, Quebec
  • Sutton - 11B Main St. S., Sutton, Quebec
  • Waterloo - 5491 Foster St., Waterloo, Quebec

Neighboring Regions

Tourism Montreal - The Official Site

In Montreal tourism information is available at:

Quebec Tourism Information Center - In Montreal
Infotourist Centre
1001 du Square Dorchester St, Suite 100

Tel: (514) 873-2015 1 877-266-5687
 

Festivals, Events & Attractions

In the Eastern Townships you'll find a wide variety of world class happenings, including the World Cup Mountain Bike Championships and the Bromont International, a world class equestrian competition. The area has museum dedicated to J. Armand Bombardier who invented the snowmobile here more than 70 years ago. In addition the listings includes dozens of regional, provincial and national events which take place throughout the region.

The Townships have some of the finest leaf viewing in the east and a number of area festivals pay tribute to this fact. Several ski mountains open their lifts during the peak viewing season, including Mont Sutton and Mont Orford. This is a great time for a visit. Winter sees several seasonal celebrations, which include the Lac Brome Winter Festival and the Magog Snow Festival.

 

Eastern Townships

Golf

Spas, Gyms & Health Centers

Beaches & Swimming

  • Centre de la Nature de Cowansville - Chemin de la Plage, Cowansville
  • Coaticook Municipal Beach - Coaticook
  • Lac Brome Municipal Beach - Lac Brome
  • Mont Orford Park - Lac Stukley, Lac Fraser
  • OTJ Beach - Lac Megantic
  • Plage des Canton - Magog
  • Plage du College - Ayer's Cliff
  • Sherbrooke Municipal Beach - Sherbrooke
  • Trois Lac Municipal Beach - Asbestos
  • Waterloo Municipal Beach - Waterloo
  • Yamaska Park Beach - Yamaska Park


Accommodations

Out-There's Eastern Townships Accommodations Listings

Out-There's Montreal Accommodations Listings

Restaurants Bars and Night Clubs

Out-There's Eastern Townships Restaurant & Bars Listings

Out-There Montreal Restaurant & Bar Listings

Brew Pubs & Micro Breweries

Literature

Eastern Townships

The Tourism Association of the Cantons-de l'Est puts together an excellent booklet which covers all aspects of tourism in the Townships. It's available at the main tourism office off of highway 10 (exit 68) as well as many of the other smaller tourism offices and kiosks in the region. The Quebec tourism centers, at the main ports of entry into the province, also carry the regional tourism booklets.The local tourism associations often have maps of local trails (there may be a fee for the map) and information and literature on regional attractions. Take the time to stop in, it will be well worth it.

Maps

Neighbouring Regions Maps

Hostels

If you're idea of hostelling is pulling up a piece of the rug in an urban fallout shelter, with a dozen strangers - think again. Hostels range from a place to unroll your sleeping bag, to something approaching resort like accommodations, in beautiful settings with you're own private room. Prices are still unbeatable and the company is usually interested and interesting world travelers. If you're a boarder or skier take note, there are hostels in most of the major resort areas throughout the country.

Auberge La Grande Fugue
Parc du Mont Orford, route 141 Nord, PQ, Canada
J1X 3W3
Phone: 819-843-8595

Links

Weather & Climate

Climate

The townships has its rain (yes, that's snow in the winter and lots of it!) but its not excessive. Rain gear is always a good idea but warm sunny weather is the norm during the vacation season. In effect these temperatures are averaged over a twenty four hour day through out the area. Anywhere from November to April you can expect significantly cold day time temperatures (of course there are exceptions) and it's not uncommon for nights to dip to -25C (-13F) in January and February. Summer nights tend to be cool but daytime temperatures can be in the thirties (90s Fahrenheit) and humidity can be a factor as well. Best bet, bring a little extra clothing regardless of the season but keep the shorts and tee-shirts in the bag during a summertime visit, you'll need them. Here are the mean (but rarely really mean) temperatures for the region.

  January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December 		-12C
-11C
-4C
4C
10C
17C
20C
19C
14C
8C
2C
-7C


10F
12F
25F
39F
50F
62F
68F
66F
57F
46F
32F
19F

 

Recommended Clothing

Spring - pants, rain gear, long sleeve shirt, a sweater and a medium to heavy weight jacket.

Summer - bring pants, shorts, tee, rain gear, a sweater and jacket.

Fall - pants, rain gear, long sleeve shirt, a sweater and a medium to heavy weight jacket.

Winter - pants, sweater, long johns (if your playing outside you should layer), a good winter coat and warm boots

Weather

Eastern Townships

Parks and Reserves

Cities, Towns, Regions & Counties

Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

Newspapers & Media

 
 

Transportation and Travel

Airports

The major airports servicing the Montreal area are Dorval and Mirabel. Dorval is located in the west central area of the city, about 25 minutes from downtown (the trip gets significantly longer as rush hour approaches). Mirabel is located in the Laurentians, off of Hwy 15 north of Montreal (the Laurentian Autoroute). Most of the air traffic has been moved back to the Montreal airport. Charters may fly into Mirabel, check with your carrier.

Airports International

Mirabel: (North of Montreal - Charters)
600 Commerce Street A4
Mirabel, Quebec
J7N 1E1
514 476-3010

Dorval:(Montreal - International and National)
975 Romeo-Vachon North
Dorval, Quebec
H4Y 1H1
514-633-3105

Approximate flying times into Montreal (direct) are as follows:

Amsterdam - 6.5hrs.
Boston - 1hr.
 Calgary - 4 hrs.
Chicago - 2hrs.
Cincinnati - 1hr.
Philadelphia - 1.5hrs., LA - 5.5hrs.
London (England) - 6hrs.
New York 1.5hrs.
Toronto - 1hr.
Vancouver - 5.5hrs.

Regional Airports

Bromont
450-534-2325

Sherbrooke
819-832-4385

Driving

The main access to the region from Montreal is along Hwy 10 which travels to the south east. The other main highway through the region is the 55 from the north, while the more scenic 108 snakes it's way to the regions heart from the east. To reach the area from from New York in the south take highway 89, from Vermont highway 87 and from New Hampshire take the 91 north. The best access from Maine is along route 27.

Automobiles, Rentals

Gasoline and auto repairs are available throughout the region. Gasoline is sold by the litre (4.54 litres to an Imperial gallon which is 5/4th of an American gallon or about 3.6 litres to the American gallon) and as of this writing costs about 85 cents Canadian for a litre of regular.

Rentals

Road Reports

Mileage in the Region

  • Sherbrooke - Montreal 150km (93 miles)
  • Drummondville - Montreal 110km (69 miles)
  • Granby - Montreal 85km (33 miles)
  • Lac Megantic - Montreal 260km (163 miles)
  • Magog - Montreal 115km (72 miles)
  • Thetford Mines - Monteal 240km (150 miles)
  • Victoriaville - Montreal 165km (102 miles)

Montreal

  • Boston - Montreal 520km (325 miles)
  • Buffalo - Montreal 610km (382 miles)
  • Detroit - Montreal 910km (569 miles)
  • Moncton - Montreal 1030km (644 miles)
  • New York - Montreal 610km (382 miles)
  • Ottawa - Montreal 220km (138 miles)
  • Quebec - Montreal 250km (156 miles)
  • Sherbrooke - Montreal 150km (95 miles)
  • Toronto - Montreal 550km (344 miles)

RVs, Motorhomes and Campers

  • Caravanes 55 - (819) 846-6055, Bromtonville, Eastern Townships
  • Roulottes Evasion - Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships

Equipment Rental

In the summer hiking equipment, climbing equipment, golfing equipment, bikes and roller blades are available for rent. In the winter you can rent snow shoes, snow boards, ice skates, cross country and downhill skis. Have a look at our outfitters and retailers listings for more information.

Limousines

Montreal Classic Limousine - 1-877-993-9396

Shuttles

Banks & Trusts

There are banks and trusts throughout the region many of which have ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) and accept transactions from Canada's major institutions as well as Cirrus and Interac.

Beauty Salons & Estheticians

Beauty salons are available to cater to your every need throughout the region and Clinique d'Esthetique can be found in many of the larger towns and villages. You'll also find a wide selection of spas and health centres.

Buses

Voyageur - (819) 569-3656, Sherbrooke

Autobus CMTS - (819) 564-2687, Sherbrooke

The provincial bus terminus in Montreal is in the eastern section of the downtown core at: 505 Maisonneuve Blvd. East at Berri. The terminus also has connections into several of the Metro (Subway) lines and the urban bus system. Both Greyhound and Voyageur bus lines provide service to the city and access to surrounding regions and other areas of Canada. Shuttles to Mont Tremblant Resort are available at Dorval International Airport, which can be reached through the CTCUM commuter train system or a combination of Metro and city buses. See the shuttles listing for more information.

Montreal

Greyhound
Orleans Express
Voyageur - (514) 842-2281

Montreal

The main bus terminus is in the eastern section of the downtown core at: 505 Maisonneuve Blvd. East at Berri. The terminus also has connections into several of the Metro (Subway) lines. Telephone 514-842-2281. Both Greyhound and Voyageur bus lines provide service to the city and access to surrounding regions and other areas of Canada.

Currency Exchange and Conversion

Canadian's use the Canadian dollar for exchange of goods and services. As this is written the Canadian dollar is worth about $0.75 U.S. Currency fluctuations are frequent so check the exchange rate before you go.

Currency Exchange - From XE.com

National Bank of Canada - de Portland Blvd, Sherbrooke (819) 563-7832

Montreal

Banque National 801 Ste-Catherine 514-281-1985
Banque National 5070, avenue du Parc 514-273-1791
Banque National 4506 rue St-Denis 514-281-9610

The Montreal International Airport in Dorval also has an exchange office.

Credit Cards

Most of the major credit cards are honored throughout the region, these include Visa, Master Card and American Express. As always, when your traveling it's best to inquire first.

Day Care

Many ski hills run Kids Club for children. These Clubs offers many activities which usually includes ski instruction. Inquire with the ski hill or resort.

Mail & Postal Services

Mail can be sent and stamps purchased at the postal stations located in most towns and villages. For more information on postal services consult Canada Poste.

Canada Poste

Pets

Pets are permitted into to Canada from the United States but must be in obviously good health and be accompanied by recent proof of all vaccinations signed by a licensed veterinarian. Inquire with Canada Customs regarding the details. If you thinking of bringing your pet into Canada from a country other than the United States, the rules of entry vary, each country or origin may have different requirements, including a quarantine period, again inquire with Canada Customs.

With pet friendly accommodations keep in mind there may be restrictions, damage deposits and fees involved. Remember policies can change overnight, inquire about the details before you book.

Rail

There is no passenger rail service to the Eastern Townships, but Montreal has service to Canada and the U.S.

The main train terminus (Gare Central) in Montreal is located downtown just south of Rene Levesque Blvd on La Gauchetiere between Mansfield and University. It can be accessed from the Queen Elizabeth or Bonaventure Hotels. The nearest Metro (subway) is Bonaventure which can be accessed via the underground pedestrian walkway.

  • Via - National Passenger Service
  • AMTRAK - To and from the US 
    •

    There are also commuter lines running to Dorval station which has a shuttle (or taxis) to the nearby airport. Some west bound Via trains stop at the Dorval station as well, inquire with the rail line.

    Taxis

    • Magog-Orford - (819) 843-3377

    Telephone & Directories

    Operators can be reach by dialing 0
    For local directory assistance dial 411

    Most of the region is serviced by the 819 area code with the exception of the areas closest to Montreal which are accessed with the 450 area code.

    The following are a listing of online phone directories to assist you in finding an number:

     
     
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