You may have already heard of the Cantons de l’Est, the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Coming from New England, the area has its own unique culture and yet is so accessible and relatively affordable. I have visited five times, four with my active twin boys and once with my parents and my daughter. We always have good meals, walk around towns and do some great book and game shopping for my French classroom. This is a lovely trip for a weekend or three nights in the late Spring, Summer or early Fall.

I especially enjoy the opportunities to be active outside and the artisanal local products that you will enjoy in the restaurants or take home with you. With my sons, one year we got out for both a bike ride and a walk in the woods at a marsh. We tried Poutine from the kids’ menu at Café de la Brulerie, which was not really our thing, and buckwheat crepes (at a restaurant that has since closed), which we liked much better. At two restaurants we went to there were wood-fired ovens, which is not surprising given the coziness that the Quebecois seek out in the cold winter months. My boys liked seeing the large machinery at the ice creamery in Coaticook. And, we returned home with honey, Belgian-style chocolate and Duck rillettes all made right where we bought them.

Here are some hints for getting to know small-town Québec near the US border, in Mont-Orford, Magog, Ayer’s Cliff, Granby and Coaticook.

Mont-Orford
Estrimont Suites and Spa This is a nice, comfortable hotel, not too fussy for kids. There are saunas and pools that work on hot or cool days because they are heated. I found it convenient that there is a restaurant. Our room had a kitchenette and balcony too.

Steforno Woodfire pizza restaurant and gelato

Parc National du Mont-Orford At this national park, swim at Lac-Stukely. Take a walk or bike ride by parking at Centre de découverte et de services Le Cerisier.

Café des Cantons Sit out on the porch and watch your (older) kids at the field across the street or visit the playground afterwards with your younger kids.

Le Four à Bois d’Orford Wood-fire restaurant for pizza and pasta

Ducs de Montrichard Made-right-there duck rillettes to bring home in jars.

Granby
C. A. R. T. H. Y. Bike path A great outdoor activity in this region, after all the snow activities, is biking. The bike path between Granby and Waterloo is beautiful and well maintained. I would highly recommend a half-day ride on the dedicated bike paths, viewing birch trees and reservoirs. Rent bikes in Granby right on the path at Sports aux Puces VéloGare

ZooGranby Excellent zoo. Really high quality in terms of animals and habitats. A place to return to again and again. I was last there in 2009 and have wanted to go back ever since. Please note that in April, the zoo is only open on the weekend.

Bromont Water Park The mountain has a water park and mountain biking in the summer.

Librairie Jeunesse Le Repère A children’s book store with an extensive collection of French-language books. The staff is extremely helpful. My boys loved that her baby was sleeping right at the store while she helped me. They found that to be so intimate.

Café de la Brulerie Easy to return your bikes and walk over for a coffee or a meal

Magog
Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises A nature center at the marsh with extensive paths for walking. We loved the visitor center even though most of it was in French and my sons don’t speak French.

Chocolats Vanden Eynden Belgian-style chocolates and a window into the factory

Parc de la Baie-de-Magog There is a paved path to walk along the lake and a large parking lot that makes it easy.

Savons des Cantons Locally made soaps and other products with sweet scents

Café Hubert Saint-Jean In town, small batch coffee roaster and their café where you can eat breakfast or lunch, inside or on the back patio.

White Horse Café Bistro Lovely cafe for breakfast or lunch

Center of Magog: Walking around the downtown of Magog along Rue Principale, there are stores of interest. I especially liked L’armoire à jeux and Librairie Biblairie GGC, but there are gift stores, sports stores and ice cream shops.

Ayer’s Cliff
Tomifobia Nature Trail Try parking lot behind the library in town. Packed gravel trail for walking or biking. Follows a river and has nice views

Le Cliff Great lunch spot with fresh ingredients and many options on the menu

Ayer’s Cliff Beach A place to swim on beautiful Lake Massawippi

La Junk Boutique A funky vintage shop with many different options for home decor

Coaticook
Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook Walk along the deep gorge and dare to walk the long suspension bridge that crosses to the other side.

La Laiterie de Coaticook Visit the ice creamery to take a look into the factory and have a taste as well.

Miel pur Délice Honey producer and seller. There are even guided tours.