4 Must See Places of the Eastern Townships
If you are planning to travel to Canada any time soon, make sure you plan to stop by the Eastern Townships. Located less than an hour away from Montreal, and about 120 km from Quebec City, the Eastern Townships is the perfect place to get away from the hassle of a metropolitan lifestyle.
Many different types of activities will be available to you during your stay. The area is wonderful for fans of cycling, hiking and fishing and it also offers many golf courses, lakes, museum, national parks, orchards, health centers and spas. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Also, if you plan to visit the region during the summer, you will be able to pick and choose from many diverse events and festivals that take place during the entire season.
But, even with this vast array of wonderful things to see and do, there are 4 places that deserve to be categorized as ‘’must see places’’ if you plan on travelling to the wonderful region of the Eastern Townships.
The Granby Zoo:
The Granby Zoo is the largest zoo in Quebec, housing more than 1000 animal species from the most exotic to the most common. It recently opened a new exhibit called the South Pacific Odyssey Pavilion. Many species of warm water fish can be admired there and ray fish can be touched in a basin reserved especially for them. Plan your day ahead and enjoy both the zoo and the Amazoo water park. Enjoy different types of pools and water activities as you cool down after an exciting visit of the zoo.
Ski Bromont:
If you’re looking for more water fun, you can head down to the Ski Bromont waterpark and zoom down its many different water slides. Smaller children can enjoy the L’Île au Trésor (Treasure Island) while grownups and big kids can enjoy large scale water slides and wave pools. If you’ve had enough of water, you can go mountain biking through the trails available on the mountain side. And don’t worry if you’ve forgotten you gear, everything from bikes to helmets can be rented on site for an affordable price.
Orford Express:
The Orford Express is joy for all your senses. Enjoy the stunning views the Eastern Townships have to offer as you enjoy a delicious gourmet meal aboard this tourist train. Equipped with 3 restaurant coaches and a seating capacity of 212 people, this train travels through the countryside that link Sherbrooke, Magog and Eastman. Trips are offered Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May to late December.
Bleu Lavande:
The lavender farm of Bleu Lavande is unique to the village of Fitch Bay. Over 3000 plants of lavender grow on the luscious grounds of the farm producing 100% pure refined oils. It is the biggest lavender field in Canada and the second biggest in North America. Enjoy the landscapes and wonderful smells of the farm, but don’t forget to stop by the boutique on your way out to browse through an array of wonderful lavender related products like foaming bath, shampoo, hand cream and more.
Lodging recommendation:
If your vacation in the Eastern Townships is going to be a long one, you will have a vast array of hotels, and bed and breakfasts to enjoy, but, you will have to include in your list of stops, the wonderful Auberge Ripplecove and Spa. Enjoy the sublime view of the Massawippi Lake while dining on some of the best cuisine in the region. Take the time to relax from your hectic vacation schedule by relaxing and pampering yourself in their spa. For more information, visit their website at: http://www.ripplecove.com/
The Eastern Townships truly has something that everyone can enjoy. From the extreme sports fanatic, to the greatest of gourmets, this beautiful region and its gorgeous landscapes will surely leave your breathless during your visit, so much so, that you might not want to leave.
Sources:
http://www.easterntownships.org/thematicArticle/5/welcome-to-the-eastern-townships?section=11
http://www.zoodegranby.com/cgi-bin/zoo
http://www.orfordexpress.com/en/home.htm
http://www.bleulavande.ca/index_english.php