The Eastern Townships
Less than an hour from Montréal, the Eastern Townships is Québec’s most southerly region, bordering the U.S. for more than 300 km. A happy mix of English and Québécois culture, this region is known for its modern ski resorts, the charm of its picturesque villages, its gourmet cuisine and the rich soil that nourishes its many vineyards.
The first inhabitants of this pastoral landscape were the Loyalists (loyal to the British crown), who divided the land into townships. Then followed the Irish, British and Scots, who came to colonize this territory. A built heritage that marvellously shaped the architecture that blended both English and French styles, successfully marrying old and contemporary architecture.
Besides its architecture, the region is often described as an Eden of mountains, knolls and valleys where many outdoor activities are practised. This year the Eastern Townships, alongside the Laurentians, was chosen by Quebecers as the best bicycle touring destination, offering a multitude of circuits along secondary roads. Among these we find the Véloroute des Cantons which covers 225 km of trails marked Route Verte du Québec.
Township Highlights Granby In addition to the famous
Granby Zoo, one of the most frequented zoos in the country, the city of Granby is rich in history, which can be experienced through its heritage as well as its natural setting. Fishing along the Yamaska-Nord River, an outing at
the Lac Boivin Nature Interpretation Centre, or a bike excursion make this area worth a detour.
Coaticook Further south, near the U.S. border, one can view a higher concentration of round barns, an unusual construction style that originated with the belief that the Devil was in the habit of hiding in corners. Known familiarly as ‘the Pearl of the Eastern Townships,’
Coaticook is also famous for its covered bridges, its many rivers and the Parc de la Gorge. Not to mention the famous ice cream of the same name, Coaticook! Since the 1940s, the fame of this treat has paid honour to dairy products from the region, and the ice cream continues to whet the appetite of Quebecers to this day.
Lac Brome Visitors to this beautiful corner of the Townships are treated to gourmet cuisine made from regional products. Authentic cuisine that spotlights the famous
Brome Lake duck. To prove its worthiness, each fall a gastronomic celebration is held in the duck’s honour.
Magog-Orford Another must-see on the gourmet circuit, the
Fête des vendanges festival is the ideal opportunity to taste wine and agri-food products from Québec in a festive setting.
Dunham The first township of the region,
Dunham is known for its agricultural tourism activities. With its vineyards, orchards and maple syrup production, the region produces a variety of delicious products. Its landscape of the foothills of the Appalachians and its Loyalist-inspired architecture are quite a site! A guided tour is highly recommended!
| Did you know... |
The region is home to one of the most reputed manufacturers of wool socks, Les Bas de Julie/Julie’s Socks, located in Waterloo. Made from 100% natural fibres, these socks have seduced Europeans and Americans, and even the Duke of Windsor, who was photographed by the New York Times wearing these famous socks.
Les Bas de Julie/Julie’s Socks has been upholding this lovely tradition of quality striped socks. Traditionally, sheep’s wool was used to make clothing for the family, and the remnants of the different colours were used to make tuques, mittens and wool socks. This is how Julie and her famous socks ‘knitted’ their way into the hearts of Quebecers… |
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