The Eastern Townships: A Place You’ll Always Want to Return To
There are places you return to again and again — and somehow, they never lose their magic.
Places where you instantly feel at home, even when you’re miles away.
For me, that place is Quebec’s Eastern Townships — a region that never fails to inspire the outdoor lover and wide-open-space enthusiast in me.
Every visit feels different, every stay unique. The region is brimming with outdoor adventures, cozy getaways, and local discoveries that make you fall in love with it all over again.
Here are five reasons why you should make the Eastern Townships one of your favourite regions in Quebec — and maybe even your next weekend escape from Ontario.
🌄 Breathtaking Landscapes That Keep You Coming Back
This is the reason I return to the Eastern Townships so often. From the top of its many mountain peaks, the views are absolutely spectacular — stretching all the way from the rolling Quebec countryside to the neighboring U.S. border.
Driving along the winding valley roads, you’re immersed in a rural, natural, and wild landscape that feels strikingly similar to New England’s timeless charm.
I love wandering by the lakes and rivers, breathing in the fresh, crisp air, and feeling my mind instantly clear. It’s that perfect combination of fresh air, majestic scenery, and a down-to-earth simplicity that keeps me grounded — and always draws me back.
🏔️ Outdoor Adventures All Year Long
As the hyperactive outdoor lover that I am, the Eastern Townships truly feel like a collection of little paradises.
No matter the season, I head there to move, breathe, and soak up as much fresh air as possible.
This winter, I went downhill skiing at Bromont, montagne d’expériences, cross-country skiing and hiking on the beautifully groomed trails of the Parc d’Environnement Naturel de Sutton, and hiked to the summit of Sutton’s Round Top, surrounded by snow-covered trees straight out of a fairy tale.
I also went snowshoeing on the Chouette Trail at Mont-Orford National Park, and stood in awe at the breathtaking view from the Sentier des Cimes in Mont-Mégantic National Park, overlooking the observatory and the surrounding mountains — absolutely spectacular!
And yes, I even tried ice fishing on the frozen lake at Yamaska National Park.
In summer, I trade in my snowshoes for pedals and paddles: cycling the smooth country roads, paddling 12 km down the Missisquoi River on a stand-up paddleboard with Canoe & Co., and tackling even more hiking trails in Sutton and Mont-Orford National Park.
Whatever the season, there’s always a new way to fall in love with the great outdoors here.
🏘️ Charming Villages Straight Out of a Storybook
The Eastern Townships are just as famous for their stunning landscapes as they are for their quaint, picture-perfect villages that appear one after another along winding country roads.
Whether you’re driving or cycling, each stop feels like a trip back in time — where every corner tells a story, and every main street feels like home.
Frelighsburg enchants with its love of local culture, art, and terroir.
North Hatley invites you to wander endlessly through antique shops and vintage treasures.
Sutton is a true après-ski, après-bike, après-hike paradise, with its cozy cafés, boutiques, and friendly restaurants.
The Victorian village of Knowlton, sitting gracefully on Lac-Brome along the Wine Route, is the perfect stop for lakeside strolls and tastings.
And Farnham, with its red-brick Loyalist-style buildings, offers peaceful views of the Yamaska River — a small town full of charm and character.
These little villages, with their warm welcomes and timeless beauty, are what make every road trip through the Eastern Townships feel like coming home.
☕ Charming Local Discoveries Worth the Detour
There’s no shortage of local gems to uncover in the Eastern Townships — and that’s one of the many reasons I can’t stop exploring this region.
Of course, there are the many delicious stops along the famous Wine Route, where you can sip and savor your way through the countryside.
But some discoveries are a little more hidden — like my absolute favorite third-wave coffee shop in Magog, the Fitch Bay Café, a cozy spot that perfectly blends small-town charm with big-city coffee culture.
Others are more well-known but just as delightful: the beloved microbreweries À L’Abordage and La Brouërie in downtown Sutton, or the Farnham Ale & Lager Pub, where you have to stop for a local craft beer and a bite to eat on your way through town.
Each visit brings new flavors, friendly faces, and that unmistakable Eastern Townships warmth that keeps you coming back for more.
So, ready to plan your next getaway in the Eastern Townships?
👉 Use our search tool to find the perfect cottage rental for your stay — and start your adventure one local discovery at a time.