Estrie, also known as the Eastern Townships, is a picturesque region in southern Quebec that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. Here’s your comprehensive guide to planning an unforgettable family getaway in Estrie.
When to Visit
Estrie is a year-round destination, each season offering unique experiences:
- Spring: Witness nature’s rebirth and enjoy maple syrup festivals.
- Summer: Perfect for outdoor activities and water sports.
- Fall: Experience breathtaking fall foliage and harvest festivals.
- Winter: Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and cozy cabin stays.
Getting There
- By car: About 1.5 hours from Montreal, 3 hours from Quebec City.
- By bus: Regular services from major cities to main towns in Estrie.
- By train: VIA Rail services to Sherbrooke from Montreal.
Where to Stay
- Family-Friendly Hotels
- Delta Hotels Sherbrooke Conference Centre
- Hotel Cheribourg in Orford
- Cozy Cabins
- Parc national du Mont-Orford cottages
- Chalets U in Sutton
- Unique Accommodations
- Huttopia Sutton: Ready-to-camp tents and rustic chalets
- Au Diable Vert: Tree houses and mountain-view pods
Must-Visit Attractions
- Parc national du Mont-Orford
- Hiking trails for all levels
- Beaches for summer swimming
- Skiing and snowboarding in winter
- Granby Zoo
- Over 1,500 animals from 225 species
- Amazoo water park (summer only)
- Coaticook Gorge Park
- World’s longest suspended footbridge
- Foresta Lumina night-time multimedia experience
- Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum
- Interactive exhibits
- Planetarium shows
Family-Friendly Activities
- Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking in Mont-Megantic National Park
- Cycling on the Route verte bike paths
- Canoeing or kayaking on Lake Memphremagog
- Cultural Experiences
- Visit the Colby-Curtis Museum in Stanstead
- Explore the murals in Sherbrooke’s historic district
- Farm Visits
- Bleu Lavande lavender farm in Stanstead
- La Grange du Parfumeur cheese factory in Frelighsburg
- Seasonal Activities
- Apple picking in autumn
- Sugar shack visits in spring
- Snowshoeing in winter
Dining with Kids
- Family-Friendly Restaurants
- Cafe de la Brûlerie in Granby
- Restaurant Le Fumoir in Magog
- Local Specialties to Try
- Poutine at Louis’ Luncheonette in Sherbrooke
- Ice cream at Laiterie de Coaticook
Estrie offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions. With careful planning and this guide in hand, you’re all set for an unforgettable family getaway in one of Quebec’s most charming regions. Enjoy your trip to Estrie!
