WELCOME TO THE "EASTERN TOWNSHIPS" (Estrie)
The region is located some 45 minutes away from Montréal, to the South-East and at just a few hours driving distance from Québec City. The Eastern Townships area shared the border with three states: Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Its neighbouring tourist regions are "Montérégie" to the West, "Centre du Québec" to the North and "Chaudière-Appalaches" to the East. The area covers 13,100 square kilometers. The following are the sub regions:
Sherbrooke
Granby-Bromont
Brome-Missisquoi
Val Saint-François
Memphrémagog
Coaticook
Asbestos
Haut Saint-François
Mégantic
"Estrie", a name full of meaning
The toponym "Estrie" was officialy adopted on August 14, 1981. Before that, and still today, that part of this province was called "Cantons-de-l'Est", a derivation of the English name "Eastern Townships" used by the first setters in the 16th century.
The first inhabitants have left a rich and fascinating heritage. Covered bridges, enigmatic twelve sided round barns and, especially, the architecture of American and Victorian vernacular style houses remind us of bygone days. Antique dealers also reveal the Estrian heritage in their own way.
Exceptionnal Natural Ressources
Mineralogy fans are spoiled by the richness of the Estrian subsoil. This particular region boasts a quartz crystal mine unique in Canada, the granite House, set up in an old abandoned quarry, and an open pit asbestos mine, one of the largest in the world. The latter can be visited upon reservation only. Detailed explanations of the particularities and uses of the minerals are available at the Museum of Mineralogy
Our very own pioneer
The snowmobile, that marvellous machine, was invented by the late Joseph-Armand Bombardier, who was a native of this region. The commercialization of the snowmobile's ancestor started in 1937. The vehicles produced in those years were quite different from today's models and were called "snowcars". One can visit the Bombardier's facilities upon reservation only.
The Joseph-Armand Bombardier Museum, also located in Valcourt features a trip down memory lane in the life and activities of the snowmobile inventor.
A fertile land
Local wine producers are famous in this area. Several vineyards offer different activities such as guided tours and tasting of wine, cider and hydromel.
Come during springtime, maple products will tickle your faney and at that time of year, groups re-discover their young hearts through the maple-groves.
Endless activities
Upon your arrival in the region, a dozen permanent offices, plus the seasonal ones, are at your disposal to inform you on all the sites and various events that take place in the Eastern Townships. A large lodging network is set up and offers you a range of accommodations from the must quiet little nook to a larger establishment offering several activities and packages. You are sure to find just the right place of your choice. For exemple: you can choose between a bed and breakfast, a condo, a cottage, an Inn, a Motel...
Various equestrian centers allow you to discover the countryside and natural environment on 200 kilometers of possted trails
For those who prefer hiking , they can explore the 140 km of trails that link Kingsbury to Mont Sutton.
Mountain-biking and especially cycle-tourism are a must for those who admire breathtaking landscapes. Parachute jumping is possible in the Farnham region and various centers offer "Excursions/Adventures" packages. You will also have the opportunity to tame the "spitting lama" of Tintin's adventures but you'll most likely get acquainted with a most docile and likeable animal. Birdwatchers can indulge in their favourite pastime via several ornithology centers and associations.
We must not forget the following water sports and activities:
Bathing at the beach
Sailing boards
Sailing
Canoeing
Fishing
Kayaking Pedalo
Moto-marine
Scuba diving
Rafting
Water slides
Aquatic Park
Three businesses offer cruises on the Magog river, Lake-Mégantic and Lake-Memphrémagog as well as a possible sailing excursion on the latter, during the summer months.
During the winter season, the activities are as follows:
Downhill skiing
Cross-country skiing
Dog-sledding
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