Spring Break in Canada’s Eastern Townships

Looking for some spring skiing for your family travel? Travel just over the border into Québec’s Eastern Townships to find snow that lasts longer and family-friendly rates in Canadian dollars.

Easy to reach via Interstate 91 or Interstate 89, Québec’s Eastern Townships were settled during the American Revolution by English supporters. As a result, this part of Québec is largely English-speaking, so no need to worry about French. Winter sports are still in full swing through March and April at the region’s four ski mountains.

Bromont has the most terrain and covers various exposures, so there is always good skiing somewhere on its 155 trails, spread across four mountains. No need to stop when the sun sets: Bromont has the largest lighted area of any ski resort in North America. Adult lift tickets are approximately $48 with advance purchase.

The nearly 3,000-foot altitude of Mt. Orford assures snow cover on its three peaks well into spring. This spring, the resort offers a 20 percent discount on snowboard lessons, allowing teens to try it out or improve their moves. No equipment? Get a money-saving combo ticket that includes rentals.

Mont Sutton is all about having fun in the snow, right until the last snowbank melts. Après-ski parties with games and prizes, a Snow School Carnival and a money-saving Spring Pass encourage everyone to join the fun. With a spring pass, ski any time from March 21 until the mountain closes for the season. Learn to ride a Yooner at Mont Sutton and ski sitting down.

The Eastern Townships are not all about skiing. Stop at Bromont Museum of Chocolate on Rue Shefford to see how cocoa beans transform into candy. You can have lunch here or a chocolate dessert in the café. Go skating on an outdoor rink or at André-Nadeau Outdoor Center in Sherbrooke, where you’ll also find a tubing hill. Kids can meet the red panda and other animals at Granby Zoo and have fun in the colorfully decorated play area.