Day Trip to Eastern Townships

The Eastern Townships of Quebec offer a captivating blend of charming villages, scenic landscapes, and rural culture. Nestled just east of Montreal, this picturesque region beckons travelers to enjoy its historic sites, family-owned farms, and inviting ambiance. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant arts scene of Sutton or the elegant Victorian charm of North Hatley, a day trip through the Eastern Townships promises an unforgettable glimpse into the unique heritage and natural beauty that define this captivating corner of the province. With the right guide, you can uncover the hidden gems that make this destination a must-visit for any discerning traveler.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Inclusions

3 Exclusions

4 Additional Information

5 Meeting and Pickup Details

6 Charming Villages

7 Scenic Lakes and Farms

8 Historic Sites

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Explore the charming villages, picturesque landscapes, and rural culture of the Eastern Townships, a scenic region just outside of Montreal.
Enjoy guided tours and short walks to learn about the region’s history, architecture, and local food and art scene.
Discover scenic lakes, family-owned farms, orchards, and pastoral landscapes that offer a tranquil respite from the city.
Visit historic sites like stately manor homes, covered bridges, and museums that showcase the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
Benefit from convenient transportation, a bilingual guide, and COVID-19 safety measures for a hassle-free day trip experience.

Tour Overview

The full-day tour to the Eastern Townships of Quebec allows visitors to discover charming villages, beautiful landscapes, and rural culture.

Exploring this scenic region, travelers will visit picturesque lakes, local farms, and historic sites. A bilingual tour guide provides commentary and insights throughout the journey, offering a deeper understanding of the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

The tour includes comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and short walks, providing a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re interested in nature, agriculture, or local history, this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the Eastern Townships’ unique character.

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Inclusions

This tour includes complimentary pickup and drop-off from Montreal downtown hotels, allowing for a seamless start and end to the day.

Travelers will also enjoy a guided tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a bilingual guide who provides commentary and insights throughout the experience.

The tour includes short walks, giving participants the opportunity to explore the Eastern Townships more intimately.

However, the inclusions don’t cover food, drinks, gratuities, or private transportation, which must be arranged separately.

With COVID-19 safety measures in place and a maximum group size of 12 travelers, this tour provides a well-rounded and safe experience to discover the charming villages, beautiful landscapes, and rural culture of the Eastern Townships.

Exclusions

While the tour includes various amenities, it doesn’t cover costs for food, drinks, gratuities, or private transportation. Travelers are responsible for securing their own meals and transportation to and from the pickup location.

The tour focuses on providing a guided experience through the Eastern Townships, with the expectation that you will handle their own ancillary expenses.

Meals and refreshments aren’t included in the tour price, allowing travelers the flexibility to explore local cuisine at their own pace. Similarly, gratuities for the tour guide and any other service providers are at the discretion of the participants.

Additional Information

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible.

It’s located near public transportation, and most travelers can participate.

COVID-19 safety measures are in place, and the maximum group size is 12 travelers.

The tour offers a comfortable and safe experience for visitors, with ample opportunities to explore the Eastern Townships’ charming villages, picturesque landscapes, and rich rural culture.

Whether you’re interested in scenic lakes, local farms, or historic sites, this tour provides a well-rounded and informative introduction to the region.

The bilingual tour guide’s commentary and insights ensure that you’ll come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this unique area of Quebec.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers can choose between getting picked up from their downtown Montreal hotels or meeting at the W Montreal Hotel to start the tour. Whichever option they select, it’s crucial to arrive at least 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

The tour will end right back at the meeting point, making it convenient for participants to continue their day’s activities. The pickup process is straightforward and accessible, with the tour operating near public transportation.

Guests should keep in mind that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted. The meeting and pickup logistics are designed to provide a seamless start and end to the Eastern Townships adventure.

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Charming Villages

Throughout the Eastern Townships, visitors discover a charming tapestry of quaint villages, each with its own unique character and captivating allure.

The historic town of Magog, nestled on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, enchants with its picturesque main street lined with boutiques, cafés, and galleries.

Nearby, the picturesque town of Sutton boasts a vibrant arts scene and a thriving local food culture, while North Hatley’s elegant Victorian architecture and tranquil ambiance transport guests to a bygone era.

These charming enclaves offer a respite from the hustle and bustle, inviting visitors to slow down, explore, and enjoy the rural idyll of the Eastern Townships.

Scenic Lakes and Farms

As visitors traverse the Eastern Townships, they’ll be struck by the region’s abundance of scenic lakes and working farms. Tucked within the rolling hills, picturesque bodies of water like Lake Memphremagog and Lake Brome beckon travelers to take in their serene beauty.

Alongside these natural wonders, family-owned farms dot the landscape, offering visitors a chance to witness the traditional agricultural practices that have sustained the region for generations. Visitors can expect to see:

Verdant orchards bursting with ripe, juicy fruits
Sprawling fields of sunflowers swaying in the gentle breeze
Dairy cows grazing peacefully in lush, green pastures
Quaint farm stands selling locally-sourced produce and artisanal goods

Historic Sites

The Eastern Townships boast a rich tapestry of historic sites that offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s storied past.

From stately manor homes to quaint covered bridges, these well-preserved landmarks provide a tangible connection to the area’s heritage.

Guests can explore the grand Manoir Hovey, a 19th-century mansion turned luxury hotel, and walk the halls once frequented by renowned guests.

The charming covered bridges of Compton and Waterville also stand as functional tributes to the region’s architectural traditions.

Plus, the Missisquoi Museum highlights the local Indigenous and Anglophone influences that have shaped the Eastern Townships’ unique cultural identity over the centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour company has a policy that prohibits bringing pets due to safety and comfort considerations for all participants. Only service animals are permitted.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not currently offer any discounts for seniors or students. Pricing is the same for all passengers, regardless of age or student status. The tour operator may consider offering discounted rates in the future.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted at Each Stop?

The tour guide typically allows 20-30 minutes of free time at each stop, providing travelers ample opportunity to explore the charming villages, scenic landscapes, and historic sites of the Eastern Townships at their own pace.

Can I Customize the Tour to My Preferences?

Customers can customize the tour to their preferences by communicating with the tour provider. The tour itinerary and activities can often be adjusted to accommodate individual interests and needs within the tour’s scope.

What Should I Bring for the Day Trip?

When going on the tour, visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater, sunscreen, and any personal items they may need. Bringing snacks or a water bottle is also recommended for the day’s activities.