Visit Quebec’s Eastern Townships

What to Do in Magog, Bromont and Knowlton

Jan 1, 2008 Lisa Manfield

This tourist treasure in French Canada is a popular vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts. And you don't have to speak French to enjoy it.

Quebec’s Eastern Townships are located in the southeastern corner of the province of Quebec in Canada. While much of Quebec’s tourism industry focuses on its two big cities – Montreal and Quebec City – the Eastern Townships offer a beautiful conglomeration of quaint and tourist-friendly towns and counties. Just a short drive north of the Vermont border, and about an hour south of Montreal, the Eastern Townships provide everything from summer cottage getaways by the lake to winter ski vacations, all steeped in the colourful history of Canada’s original settlers.

Eastern Townships History

Originally inhabited by the Abenaki Indians, the Townships were settled by the English in the late 1700s. The area was divided into townships according to the English system, which set it apart from the rest of Quebec. It was also settled by British Loyalists from the US in the 1800s, as well as by Irish Catholics.

Eastern Townships Language

Though French is the majority language in the townships, many people speak both languages fluently and communication with the locals is not a problem if you don’t speak French as much as it can be in other parts of Quebec. In fact, though it’s situated in a primarily French-speaking province of Canada, the townships have remained an area where both French and English coexist sans problems!

Where to Stay

A Tout Venant B&B in Magog is a well-preserved five bedroom Victorian house that offers a central location in the Townships next to Lac Memphremagog. Owners Luc and Vicky St. Jacques combine friendly service with home-cooked breakfasts, extensive knowledge of the area and a family environment to make their guests feel welcome and well cared for.

Eastern Townships Outdoor Activities

Winter Sports

The Townships offer five major ski peaks for skiers and snowboarders: Owl’s Head, which towers over beautiful views of Lac Memphremagog; Ski Bromont, known as North America's largest lit ski resort with 129 runs; Mont Orford Ski Centre, one of the three highest peaks in Quebec; Mount Sutton, known for its glade skiing; and Montjoye, which is small but quaint and located just a short drive from the village of North Hatley.

Summer Sports

In the summer months, the surrounding hills become a haven for hikers. As well, the abundance of lakes in the Eastern Townships allows for water sports like water skiing and less energy-intensive activities like sunning on a picturesque beach.

Eastern Townships Attractions

Abbaye St. Benoit Du Lac

This active abbey, which houses more than 50 monks, is open to visitors and long-term guests. It contains a cheese factory and orchards, and houses a large store that sells the fruits of the monks’ labour, including homemade cheese and treats like traditional French Canadian maple syrup and maple butter.

Confiserie Bromont/Chocolat Museum

Take a self-guided tour to learn about how chocolate is made, and then enjoy a chocolate-infused meal in the museum’s restaurant. The chocolate crepes are to die for.

Historic Village of Knowlton

The main street of this historic village, where most of the original 1800s buildings remain, is a trove of antique shops, art galleries and local craft shops. The town’s natural beauty granted it membership in Quebec’s association of most beautiful villages.

For more information about tourism in the Eastern Townships, visit the Eastern Townships Tourism Association.

The copyright of the article Visit Quebec’s Eastern Townships in E Canada Travel is owned by Lisa Manfield. Permission to republish Visit Quebec’s Eastern Townships in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Downtown Magog

Inside Abbaye St. Benoit Du Lac

Chocolate crepes at the Confiserie Bromont