Discover Whats New and Fun in Quebec Eastern Townships – Once again this year, winter — and the whole year, really — is shaping up to be a busy and exciting season in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. There’s no shortage of opportunities to get outside and play, savor delicious local products, or relax in a soothing spa surrounded by stunning scenery.
Local businesses have stepped up their game, bringing fresh ideas and innovative experiences to make your winter getaway unforgettable. During your stay at a cottage in the Eastern Townships, take time to explore all the new attractions and hidden gems waiting across the region.
🌌 A New Way to Experience the Night Sky
A stunning new luminescent art installation illustrating the southern sky has been unveiled at the ASTROLab in Mont-Mégantic National Park. Visible only at night, this glowing artwork reveals a breathtaking starry sky and several southern constellations, including the Crane, the Southern Cross, and the Toucan.
And there’s more cosmic magic coming this spring! On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over the region — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Until then, the Mont-Mégantic National Park team invites you to enjoy an educational astronomy show at the ASTROLab. Tickets are already available for this special event.
🚴♂️ New Trails and Winter Sports
This winter, outdoor enthusiasts can easily travel from Yamaska National Park to the Lac Boivin Nature Interpretation Centre in Granby thanks to a new groomed trail segment for fatbiking, walking, and cross-country skiing — making it easier than ever to enjoy winter activities across the region.
At Mont-Orford, a new multi-sensory hiking experience awaits on a 4 km trail. Four immersive stops are strategically placed from the base to the summit, inviting hikers to engage all their senses through stations themed around vibration, breathing, focus, and celebration — a truly unique family experience.
🛷 Snow Scooters and New Family Adventures
At Grand Lac Saint-François Park in Lambton, visitors can now try snow scootering, a fun and family-friendly winter sport that’s quickly gaining popularity. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while trying something new.
Meanwhile, in Magog, you can explore the “Legend of the Wood of Aure”, an augmented reality adventure at the Rivière-aux-Cerises marsh interpretation centre. With a tablet and headphones, you’ll discover the marsh’s ecosystem from a whole new perspective through 3D animation and interactive storytelling.
🥾 New Trails for Hikers and Nature Lovers
Bromont’s Parc des Sommets just opened a brand-new trail called L’Escarpé — a 900-metre, challenging hiking path featuring steep climbs and chain-assisted sections. The effort is well worth it for the spectacular views and sense of adventure.
The Chemin du Québec has also added a new long-distance hiking route, the MontEstrie Loop, ideal for anyone wanting to try community-style hiking. Starting from Montréal, the route passes through Montérégie and into the Eastern Townships, offering incredible viewpoints and easy access to nearby services along a mostly flat trail.
❄️ Family Fun All Winter Long
This winter, Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook and Parc Découverte Nature are hosting special seasonal programs:
- “February – Play Outside” and
- “March – Break Time”
Enjoy classic winter fun for the whole family — ice skating, ice fishing, sleigh rides, maple taffy on snow, and dog sledding — all in the beautiful Eastern Townships.
🏔️ Take the Summit Challenge
Take on the Route des Sommets Challenge by climbing three peaks each season, for a total of 12 summits in one year! This outdoor adventure promotes the region’s scenic mountains across Mégantic, Haut-Saint-François, and Les Sources.
This winter’s featured peaks are Marble Mountain, Mount Ham, and Mount Mégantic.
🏁 Thrills and Snowmobiles in Valcourt
From February 9 to 11, the Valcourt Ski-Doo Grand Prix will bring adrenaline and excitement to the region. For the first time ever, the Amsoil Snocross Championship — one of the biggest snowmobile events in North America — will be held in Canada, attracting top riders from around the world. A must-see event for snowmobile fans!
🌲 Upgrades on the Border Trails
The Sentiers Frontaliers network continues to improve hiking trails and facilities around Marble Mountain. Both seasoned hikers and families will appreciate the new installations along the paths, offering enhanced comfort and even better views of the region’s breathtaking natural beauty.
🎿 New Ski Season Highlights in the Eastern Townships
🏔️ Mont-Orford: Bigger, Better, and Snowier Than Ever
Mont-Orford is taking snowmaking to the next level this winter with a brand-new high-performance pump at its snowmaking station. This new setup allows the resort to cover two areas of the mountain simultaneously — from the summit all the way to the base — with a thick, even layer of snow.
They’ve also added numerous fixed snow guns strategically placed along the trails. The result? More ski runs opening earlier in the season, and better snow coverage all winter long for a top-quality skiing experience.
🚡 Bromont: A Major Investment for Ski Lovers
At Bromont, montagne d’expériences, the Versant des Épinettes has undergone a major transformation thanks to a massive investment aimed at enhancing the winter experience. The upgrades include a brand-new high-speed lift, improved snowmaking infrastructure with 17 fan guns and new snow pipes, and a modern lighting system designed to keep skiers carving longer into the evening.
This revamp promises faster ascents, more snow, and extended skiing hours — a dream come true for passionate skiers.
🎨 Mont Sutton: Art Meets the Slopes
Mont Sutton has also expanded its snowmaking capabilities with larger, more efficient pipes connected to a state-of-the-art pumping station. The upgrade ensures greater snow coverage and earlier openings.
Adding a creative touch, Sutton’s Open-Air Museum now features two new sculptures on the mountain — The Squirrel and The Music of Birds (yes, it actually plays music!). A beautiful blend of art and adventure that makes your ski day truly memorable.
🏂 Owl’s Head: Freestyle Fun and Smart Tech
The two snow parks atOwl’s Head have been completely reimagined with a bold new configuration to enhance the freestyle experience for riders and skiers alike.
The mountain has also added a new snow depth gauge to measure snow production in real time, helping to avoid overproduction and ensure perfect conditions. Plus, a brand-new adult ski clinic joins the ski school lineup, offering more opportunities to learn and improve on the slopes.
🎟️ Hot Tip: The L’EST GO Card Is Back!
Back for its 5th season, the L’EST GO Card is your best deal for saving up to 34% on daily lift tickets. Choose between 2 to 8 ski days and enjoy the slopes across four major ski resorts in Quebec. Perfect for Ontarians looking to stretch their ski budget without compromising on quality or adventure.
⛷️ Alpine Touring and Guided Adventures
In Lac-Mégantic, the Baie-des-Sables tourist resort has opened a brand-new 1.2 km uphill-only alpine touring trail. Once you’ve reached the top, you can descend using the mountain’s other runs. Another uphill trail will be added soon to expand the alpine touring network even further.
Meanwhile, Vie de Plein Air Magog has launched two new alpine touring experiences this winter:
- Introductory lessons for beginners who want to learn the sport, and
- Guided backcountry outings available by reservation for those seeking a safe, scenic adventure.
🚴♀️ Cycling & Fatbike News in the Eastern Townships
🪵 Bromont Velodrome: A World-Class Acrobatics Zone
The Bromont Velodrome now features a brand-new acrobatics zone designed for riders who want to hone their agility and jumping skills. Built mostly from wooden modules, it’s a dream come true for BMX freestyle, dirt jump, and mountain bike enthusiasts.
Unique in Quebec, this cutting-edge facility is the perfect place to challenge yourself and push your limits.
❄️ Fatbiking Thrills in Sutton
After last winter’s successful pilot project, fatbiking is now a permanent activity at Plein Air Sutton! The trail network has been expanded to a total of 15 kilometres of mountain terrain, now fully open to cyclists. Equipment rentals are also available — making it easy to try this fast-growing winter sport in a beautiful alpine setting.
⚡ Electric Fatbike Rentals for Eco-Friendly Exploration
Tourisme Tripatif has launched a new electric fatbike rental program with 12 e-bikes available to encourage sustainable tourism across the Les Sources region.
Bikes can be reserved online and picked up directly from one of four local accommodations: Auberge La Mara, Mont Ham-Sud Campground, Auberge Incroyable in Saint-Adrien, and Rivière Nicolet Campground.
A great way to explore the countryside — quietly and responsibly.
🚴♂️ Sherbrooke’s Winter Cycling Pilot Project
This winter, Sherbrooke is testing its first winter cycling route project aimed at making year-round biking safer and more accessible.
The city will clear snow on select bike paths, creating a total of 9 km of safe cycling lanes for winter commuters and recreational riders.
🧖♀️ Wellness & Relaxation News
🌊 Balnea Spa’s New Infinity Hot Bath
Balnea Spa in Bromont now features a stunning infinity hot bath with jets, overlooking the lake and the Appalachian Mountains — the perfect place to unwind.
Coming soon: an immersive relaxation room with light therapy, where visitors can feel as if they’re relaxing barefoot on a sunny beach.
🔥 Chill & Warm Up in North Hatley
Warm up in a lakeside sauna and cool down in the waters of Lake Massawippi this winter! The Solstice Social Sauna on the North Hatley municipal beach offers 75-minute private or public thermotherapy sessions — an ideal wellness experience for couples, friends, or colleagues seeking a rejuvenating break.
🤖 Meet the First Massage Robots in North America
The Euro-Spa in Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge is now home to North America’s first two intelligent massage robots, affectionately named Justin and Roxane.
Each robot is equipped with a mechanical arm and a medical-grade silicone “hand” that closely mimics the texture and pressure of a human touch — offering a one-of-a-kind relaxation experience.
🧘♂️ Wellness Tuesdays in Haut-Saint-François
A brand-new “Wellness Tuesdays” concept has launched at the Pavillon des Mésanges in the Haut-Saint-François region. Every Tuesday, guests can join wellness workshops and treatments, including yoga, massage therapy, reflexology, and thermal experiences — perfect for a midweek reset.
👨👩👧 Parent-Child Spa Mornings at Spa Bolton
Children aged 7 to 11 can now enjoy gentle thermotherapy sessions at Spa Bolton, accompanied by a parent.
These “Parent-Child Mornings” run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on selected dates — a soothing way to introduce kids to wellness in a calm and nurturing environment.
🍽️ Foodie & Gourmet Discoveries
🍸 McManamy Distillery: A New Flavor in Sherbrooke
A brand-new craft distillery has opened in East Sherbrooke — Distillerie McManamy.
Its first creations feature chai-spice flavors: the Masachaï gin and Sweetchaï liqueur. Founded by Pierre-Luc Dussault, a former NDP MP for Sherbrooke, the distillery promises a unique blend of politics, passion, and fine spirits.
🌾 Virée sur le Lac Memphré: A Cross-Border Food Trail
The new Virée sur le Lac Memphré agri-tourism map introduces the first-ever cross-border gourmet circuit around Lake Memphrémagog.
Featuring over 100 producers, artisans, markets, and local attractions, the route showcases the beauty of Magog, Stanstead, Potton (Mansonville), and even Newport, Vermont.
It’s a delicious journey through stunning landscapes and authentic local flavors.
🍏 Granby’s “Prohibition Tour” Returns
After last year’s success, the Granby Spirits Tour is back with a brand-new route — the Prohibition Tour!
Foodies can visit Absintherie des Cantons, Cidrerie Autour de la Pomme, and Miel Fontaine, with transportation, tastings, and gourmet snacks included. A perfect weekend outing for craft drink lovers.
🍺 Bedford’s New Microbrewery Scene
Beer fans, rejoice! L’Autre Brasserie in Bedford is now open to the public.
Located in a repurposed industrial building turned artisan hub, the brewery offers a riverside terrace on the Rivière aux Brochets, craft beers, and a locally inspired food menu.
In North Hatley, Pub Cie Vilandré has also joined the craft beer movement, now brewing three new beers — a Lager, a Neipa, and a Hoppy Saison — all crafted on site.
🔥 Farm-to-Table Fine Dining at Les Mal-Aimés
At Cookshire-Eaton, Le Jardinier Déchaîné introduces a seven-course tasting experience at Les Mal-Aimés, a farm-to-table dining concept inspired by seasonality and open-fire cooking.
Enjoy a rural gastronomic experience where every ingredient tells the story of the land.
🥂 Espace Old Mill: A Culinary Gem in Stanbridge East
Nestled along the Rivière aux Brochets, Espace Old Mill — ranked 9th among Canada’s Top 10 New Restaurants(2023, Air Canada enRoute) — is now operated by renowned market gardener Jean-Martin Fortier.
The restaurant focuses on hyper-local and seasonal cuisine, sourcing ingredients directly from its gardens and four-season greenhouse.
In winter, the menu continues to evolve with local suppliers, celebrating the art of eating locally, even in the colder months.
🍦 Coaticook Creamery Expands
A beloved icon of the region, Laiterie de Coaticook is expanding production by 10 to 15 million litres of ice cream per year!
The upgrade will boost local manufacturing, improve storage facilities, and help the company operate more sustainably — all while keeping those famous Coaticook ice creams coming.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun & New Activities in the Eastern Townships
🐮 Farm Safaris at Les Petits Torrieux
This winter, Ferme Les Petits Torrieux in Frontenac is offering farm safaris for families to meet and observe the animals up close.
On the menu: tractor rides, forest relaxation, campfires, hot drinks, and winter hikes or snowshoeing.
Lunch is available on-site — reservations required. A perfect rural escape for both kids and grown-ups to reconnect with nature.
🧗 Motion Parc Évolutif: Little Ninjas Welcome!
At Motion Parc Évolutif in Granby, young adventurers now have their very own playtime!
Every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., the park offers exclusive time slots for young children, allowing them to safely explore all the obstacle courses and challenges — just like real little ninjas!
🔦 Laser Game Évolution: Learn Through Play
Laser Game Évolution Sherbrooke now offers a unique animated maze experience lasting one hour.
Kids (and adults!) will navigate through interactive challenges, puzzles, and quizzes, discovering the world of labyrinths while testing their observation and problem-solving skills. It’s learning disguised as fun!
🧚♀️ Real-Life Escape Game: The Enchanted Challenge
At La Zone Plus in Sherbrooke, families can now try a brand-new real escape game — The Fairy Tale Kingdom: The Enchanted Challenge.
You have 60 minutes to free the trapped heroes and villains from classic fairy tales.
A magical, family-friendly adventure that combines teamwork, imagination, and excitement.
🎭 Arts, Heritage & Culture: What’s New This Season
🎤 Coaticook Arts Pavilion Reopens
Following major renovations, the Coaticook Arts and Culture Pavilion has reopened its doors to the public!
The Spring 2024 lineup features beloved Quebec artists such as Alexandre Poulin, Bernard Adamus, Éléonore Lagacé, Kevin Parent, and many more.
A must-visit for culture lovers looking for an authentic local experience.
🎬 Haskell Opera House Turns Into a Cinema
The historic Haskell Opera House in Stanstead, known for sitting directly on the Canada–U.S. border, has been transformed into a cinema since late summer.
Visitors can now enjoy original-language films with subtitles, catering to both Quebec and American moviegoers.
The rich and varied programming includes feature films, documentaries, animations, and timeless classics — all in a truly unique cross-border setting.
🖼️ New Exhibits at the Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts
The Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts will host several exciting new exhibitions in 2024:
- “A Magnificent Desolation” (April 8–21, 2024): figurative paintings by Jérémie St-Pierre, exploring aesthetic variations through texture and color.
- “In My Head” (April 8–21, 2024): a youth-oriented exhibition inviting kids to reflect on their tastes, emotions, and self-expression through art.
Perfect for families looking to combine art, discovery, and creativity.
🐟 Museum of Nature and Science: Stories of Fishing
From January 25 to September 2, 2024, the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science presents “Stories of Fishing”, an exhibition tracing the evolution of sport fishing in Quebec — from its early days to the modern era.
A fascinating look at a pastime that’s deeply tied to Quebec’s cultural heritage.
🏡 Searching for a Home: Brome County Museum
The Brome County Museum presents “In Search of a Home in Brome County” (through April 6, 2024), which tells the moving story of the 100,000 British Home Children sent to Canada between 1869 and 1939 to work in households and farms.
An emotional and educational exhibit shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of Canadian history.
🧶 Bruck Museum: The Textile Story of Cowansville
At the Bruck Museum in Cowansville, explore the new exhibition “Cowansville and the Bruck Mills: A Textile Legacy”, available both in-person and online.
The exhibit delves into the remarkable history of the Bruck Silk Mills and its lasting influence on the social and cultural fabric of the region.