If you love great food and local products, you are in for a treat during your stay in the Eastern Townships. You are sure to make some wonderful discoveries along the way: wine, cider, beer, charcuterie, cheese, farmers’ markets, and specialty food shops.
One of the best ways to enjoy everything the region has to offer is to explore its gourmet routes. Depending on where you rent your cottage, geolocated maps and printed maps are available to help you create your own customized itinerary.
The cheese route
This dream route is 100% dedicated to cheese. It takes you along the Eastern Townships cheese trail, where you can taste some of Quebec’s most award-winning cheeses while also discovering plenty of lesser-known gems.
Fromagerie La Station, Fromagerie Nouvelle-France, and Fromagerie Missiska are just a few of the must-visit stops along the route.
The Eastern Townships craft beer route
Craft beer lovers will find no shortage of excellent microbreweries in the region.
You can stop in for a drink, especially at brewpubs such as À L’abordage or La Brouërie in Sutton, or simply pick up a few beers to enjoy back at the cottage around the fire.
Some microbreweries also stand out for their creativity and packaging. Brasserie Dunham works with artists from around the world to design its labels, while Knowlton Co. prints directly on its cans in small batches, allowing for unique limited releases.
Although it is not officially part of the route, if you are passing through Frelighsburg, stop at Beat & Betterave to try one of their beers. In summer, you can combine your visit with a stop at the local public market on Saturday morning.
The Estrie wine route
Different from the Brome-Missisquoi wine route, this itinerary includes fewer vineyards, but a stop at Domaine Bergeville is well worth the detour.
Their sparkling wine is excellent, and everything is organic.
Although it is not a winery, Pâtisserie Chez Dorville in Eastman carries a selection of some of the best wines, beers, and ciders from the region. If you do not have time to visit all the vineyards, at least stop by and pick up a few bottles to enjoy at the cottage.
The Brome-Missisquoi wine route
Without a doubt one of Quebec’s best-known wine routes, Brome-Missisquoi welcomes visitors with 22 picturesque vineyards producing white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines.
You can even explore part of the route by bicycle if you have the legs and stamina for the region’s rolling roads.
For a picnic, pack a basket full of local treats and pick up a bottle at Léon Courville Vigneron in Lac-Brome. The view over the surrounding countryside and Brome Lake is spectacular.
Village cafés
These cafés are at the heart of many villages throughout the Eastern Townships. They are wonderful places to meet locals and stock up on regional products.
In addition to its village cafés, the region is home to many coffee roasters producing their own beans, including Virgin Hill Coffee in Lac-Brome, Julius in Bromont, Fitch Bay Café in Magog, Brûleries Faro in Sherbrooke, Géogène micro-torréfacteur in Sherbrooke, Yamabiko inside Round Top Bagels in Sutton, and Appalaches Torréfacteur in Mansonville, just to name a few.
At Virgin Hill, you can even roast your own personalized micro-batch of coffee.
Public markets in the Eastern Townships
From June to October, you can choose from dozens of public markets located throughout the Eastern Townships. There is something for every taste.
Some favourites include the Marché Locavore de Racine, located beside the newer Fromagerie Nouvelle-France building, the lively Bolton-Est public market, where you can grab a bite while enjoying music from local artists, and the Sutton public market, which has a charming atmosphere reminiscent of New England markets.
You are sure to find at least one—or several—worth visiting. Most take place on Saturday mornings, although some are held in the evening, during the week, or on Sundays.
Enjoy your gourmet discoveries!
In a future article, we will share more of our favourite stops in the region, including Round Top Bagels in Sutton, whose organic bagels can easily rival—and sometimes even surpass—the quality of those found in Montreal.
FAQ – Gourmet Routes in the Eastern Townships
What gourmet routes can you explore in the Eastern Townships?
The Eastern Townships offer several gourmet routes focused on cheese, craft breweries, wine, village cafés and public markets. These itineraries are a great way to discover local producers and artisans while exploring the landscapes and villages of the region.
Where can you discover local cheese producers in the Eastern Townships?
The Circuit des têtes fromagères highlights several well-known cheese producers in the region, including Fromagerie La Station, Fromagerie Nouvelle-France and Fromagerie Missiska. It is a great way to taste a wide variety of Quebec cheeses.
Can you visit craft breweries during a stay in the Eastern Townships?
Yes. The Brasseurs des Cantons route brings together several craft breweries and brewpubs across the region. You can discover local breweries in Sutton, Dunham and other parts of the Eastern Townships, then bring a few local beers back to the cottage to enjoy.
Which wine routes can you explore in the Eastern Townships?
The region is home to several wine routes, including the Estrie Wine Route and the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route. These itineraries allow visitors to explore vineyards, discover Quebec wines and enjoy the rural scenery of the region.
Can you explore part of the wine route by bike?
Yes. Some sections of the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route can be explored by bicycle. The terrain can be hilly, so it is a good idea to be comfortable with climbs and to plan your route carefully.
Which public markets are worth visiting in the Eastern Townships?
From June to October, several public markets are open throughout the region. The Marché Locavore de Racine, Marché de Bolton-Est and Sutton Market are great places to discover local producers and purchase regional products.
Why rent a cottage while exploring the gourmet routes of the Eastern Townships?
Renting a cottage makes it easy to explore gourmet routes during the day and bring your discoveries back to enjoy in the evening. Cheese, wine, craft beer, charcuterie, coffee and market products can become part of the cottage experience itself.
How can you find a cottage rental in the Eastern Townships for a gourmet getaway?
Cottage Discount features cottage rentals in several areas of the Eastern Townships. This makes it easier to choose accommodations close to vineyards, craft breweries, public markets and other gourmet stops throughout the regio