While Montreal thrives with vibrant energy, everyone needs a weekend getaway trip to breathe in the fresh air. If you’re planning a weekend trip less than 1.5 hours south of Montreal, this list is for you. Explore 5 lesser-known locations and discover our favourite element for each experience. You’ll want to add these weekend trips in the Eastern Townships to your itinerary for an unforgettable trip.
1. Vignoble du Ruisseau – Redefining a Wine Tasting Experience
Location: Dunham
Vignoble du Ruisseau will enchant you from the moment you cross the picturesque red-covered bridge. The vineyard’s architecture transports you to a world where rural charm meets refined elegance.
All year round, visitors can enjoy the rustic chic boutique, wine tasting and dining in Dunham, Eastern Townships. The vineyard’s restaurant offers a gastronomic experience, all made from fresh, local ingredients.
Cozy & Elegant Wine Tasting
During the warmer months, the garden area is set for an unforgettable experience: cozy chairs, pergolas, music and an outdoor bar.
Get comfortable, enjoy tasting delicious wine and relax.
♥️ Our Personal Favourite Element
The personalized wooden trays and adorable little wine bottles used for tastings.
This attention to detail makes each tasting a memorable experience
2. Bleu Lavande – a Field of Lavender Haze
Location: Magog
Bleu Lavande welcomes you to their lavender farm in the Eastern Townships for a sensory experience like no other.
During blooming season (July and August), visitors can roam the aromatic purple field. Don’t forget to capture the moment with a stunning lavender backdrop.
A Magical Visit Year-Round
Even if the fields are only open in summer, visiting Bleu Lavande any time of the year will not disappoint.
- A breathtaking boutique showcasing lavender-based products.
- Interpretation Centre: an interactive and educational activity.
- Chromatic Field: an immersive experience created with Moment Factory.
♥️ Our Personal Favourite Element
The live music concerts and events surrounded by the impressive lavender field (during summer).
3. Fête des Vendanges – A Celebration for Wine Lovers
Location: Magog
Fête des Vendanges is a vibrant festival, held each summer to mark the beginning of the harvest season.
An exciting event where you have the chance to meet the best of Quebec’s wineries. All the while appreciating the beautiful sight of Lake Memphremagog.
Epicureans will love the opportunity to sample local wines, ciders, and gourmet foods.
♥️ Our Personal Favourite Element
The lakeside restaurants, where you can taste the best local produce with a stunning view.
4. Mont-Orford – An Exhilarating Winter Adventure
Location: Orford
Experience winter’s magic with a fat bike ride through Mont-Orford snowy landscape.
With wider tires, fat bikes allow more traction as you glide over the snow-covered trails.
Embrace the Winter Wonderland
Everyone can experience the winter adventure:
- Trails designed to accommodate beginners and experienced riders.
- Fat bike rentals for adults and children with SEPAQ (the National Park outdoors network).
To enjoy the Natural Park at a slower pace, gear up with snowshoes and walk up the snowshoe trails.
♥️ Our Personal Favourite Element
Feel the rush of cold air and listen to the magical sound of fat bike tires crunching on fresh snow.
5. Huttopia Sutton: Nature and Comfort Combined
Location: Sutton
Huttopia Sutton offers a unique camping experience with amenities resembling a resort. This destination is perfect for nature lovers with a moderate sense of adventure.
For everyone looking to unwind while enjoying the great outdoors. But families, especially, will appreciate their all-inclusive facilities.
Crafted to offer comfortable accommodations without sacrificing the natural charm of the outdoors.
Their rustic chalet and tents blend into the surrounding landscape. Most lodging options include a comfortable living space (beds, kitchenettes, stove, tables and more).
Activities for Everyone
- Hiking through local trails
- Heated swimming pool
- Cook creek
- The Little Trappers (activities for kids 5-12)
- Evening events in the central lodge
- Games and sports (playground, foosball, board games, ping pong…)
- Tree adventure course
♥️ Our Personal Favourite Element
The access to nature with all the conveniences of well-thought-out facilities.
The Perfect Weekend Trip in the Eastern Townships
When planning for your next weekend trip in the Eastern Townships, try something new and exciting!
These 5 unique locations in the Cantons-de-l’Est each offer a special blend of beauty, peace, and adventure. Add them to your list of activities and make it an experience you’ll never forget.
Browse through these articles in the Eastern Townships before drafting an itinerary for your memorable getaway:
- Awesome Things to Do in Coaticook, Quebec
- Ultimate Guide to Skiing the Eastern Townships
- Eastern Townships Camping Destinations: Embrace the Great Outdoors
- Cottage Rentals in the Eastern Townships: 10 Relaxing Chalets
- Best Eastern Townships Bed and Breakfasts
- Afternoon Tea at Uplands, A Must-Try Activity in the Eastern Townships
- Best Hiking in the Eastern Townships: Complete Guide
- 5 Serene Spas in the Eastern Townships
What to Do in the Eastern Townships and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Eastern Townships? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Immerse yourself in a full-day tour to experience the incomparable beauty of the Eastern Townships.
- Take a hike and escape in the beautiful Mont-Orford National Park
- Stay a night and relax in the spa at Estrimont Suites & Spa or save while enjoying great lodging at Auberge Magog-Orford or even check out our camping recommendations!
- Dip into hot water and relax on a vacation to the Sherbrooke Nordic spa!
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Eastern Townships through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
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