Short Fall Getaway Ideas to Quebéc’s Eastern Townships

Only a few hours’ drive from southern New England and upstate New York, Quebéc’s Eastern Townships offer families an international travel experience closer to home. Located between the cities of Montreal and Quebéc, these small towns near the Vermont border are a charming blend of French and British cultures, settled by families loyal to the English king during the American Revolution.

This blend of cultures is evident in the language, architecture in the villages and even in the foods you’ll find there. Alongside hearty French-Canadian favorites such as pork pies and poutine, you can find scones and “proper” English teatime treats.

Locally grown foods are at the heart of the region’s cuisine, and one of the favorite activities for travelers is visiting the farms, orchards and vineyards where these are produced. Among them, visitors are surprised to find Bleu Lavande, where you can walk through fields of fragrant lavender and flower gardens, and learn about this herb and how it is made into luxurious cosmetics and even foods.

Even the region’s largest city, Magog, has that small-town feel. Sited at the head of the lake, Magog takes advantage of that by turning its entire waterfront into an immense park with walking and bike paths, a swimming beach, and places to rent canoes and kayaks. MacPherson’s Wharf is the departure point for Escapades Memphremagog cruises of the immense lake that straddles the Canadian/U.S. border.

A series of attractive and lively towns are set in rolling countryside, filled with parks, bike trails, lakes and rivers that keep outdoor enthusiasts busy. Eight different bicycling routes are designated suitable for families with young children; l’Estriade is a completely paved route between Granby and Waterloo with no more than a 2 percent grade.

Granby should be on your itinerary for Zoo Granby, home to more than 225 different species, a total of about 1,500 animals, representing Asia, Africa, Oceania and South America. Here they live in comfortable habitats replicating their native environments. A highlight is watching rare snow leopards jumping among the rocks that mimic their Himalayan home.