45 ways to experience the best great outdoors of the Townships

EASTERN

TOWNSHIPS

/

2020-2021 EDITION

4 5 WAY S

to experience the best of the Townships

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Paddling under the stars, pedalling along the treetops, swimming in a “witch’s cauldron”, camping on a mountain top… Some of your most memorable outdoor adventures of the season will happen here in the Townships.

INDEX

Brome-Missisquoi p.3

of the regions

Granby & rEgion

p.8

MemphrEmagog p.10 Sherbrooke p.13 Coaticook RIVER VALLEY

p.15

Val-Saint-François p.18

2

MRC des Sources

p.19

Haut-Saint-François

p.21

Megantic region

p.23

regional MAP

p.27

1 Rivière Missisquoi Row, row, row your boat So what’ll it be: kayak, canoe or paddleboard? No matter which you choose, you simply must float down the Missisquoi River at least once this season—especially the section between Highwater and Glen Sutton where the water is especially still and pristine.

Canoë & co.

1120, chemin Burnett, Sutton 450-538-4052 canoecosutton.com Station O’Kataventures 2733, chemin Vallée Missisquoi, Mansonville 450-292-3737 okataventures.com

B ROME - MISSISQUOI

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2 Mont SUTTON Camp at the top Looking for a unique experience? Camp at the summit of Mont SUTTON! The campsites are accessible by foot only and offer both tranquility and an amazing view on the Sutton mountains.

671, rue Maple, Sutton 1-866-538-2545 montsutton.com

3 Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton A bewitching swimming hole Have you ever taken a dip in the Marmite aux Sorcières (a.k.a. The Witch’s Cauldron)? This natural swimming hole is an easy hike from the village of Sutton. So refreshing!

Recommanded starting point: Parc Godue, rue Maple, Sutton 450-538-4085 parcsutton.com

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B ROME - MISSISQUOI

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RAVITO Hit the road in Frelighsburg An all-inclusive bike trip with all the fun and none of the planning?

Yes, please! The cycling pros at RAVITO specialize in custom bike tours in the bucolic Frelighsburg area so you can pedal without a care in the world.

Frelighsburg 438-838-5457 ravitobednbike.com

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Centre national de cyclisme Mountain biking 101 With rentals, introductory lessons and trails adapted for beginners, the Centre National du Cyclisme is the perfect spot to pick up mountain biking. And once you’ve mastered the basics, head to nearby Mont Oak to explore its 15-kilometre network.

Psst! Kids love this spot’s introductory trail.

400, rue Shefford, Bromont 450-534-3333 centrenationalbromont.com

Did you know?

Bienvenue Cyclistes certified campgrounds must always guarantee tent sites for cyclists travelling exclusively by bike.

No reservation required!

B ROME - MISSISQUOI

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6 Douglass BEACH Paddle off into the sunset A sunset over the water is always spectacular— and those over Lac Brome are no exception.

Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard at Douglass Beach then soak in the bliss of golden hour.

Bonus: Postcard perfect scenery.

213, chemin Lakeside, Lac-Brome 450-242-2020 tourismelacbrome.com

7 Plein Air Sutton Hit the trail With evocative names like Aweille en haut (“Hurry to the top”) and Attache ta tuque (“Hold on tight”), the mountain bike trails at Plein Air Sutton are sure to get your heart pumping. For slightly more laid-back options, choose Lundi Spaghatte (“Spaghetti Monday”) or Paye toi la traite (“Treat yourself”), both accessible to all.

671, rue Maple, Sutton 450-538-6464 pleinairsutton.ca

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B ROME - MISSISQUOI

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Au Diable Vert In seventh heaven At Sutton’s Au Diable Vert, you’ll find two unique activities to tick off your bucket list: VéloVolant, a kilometre-long bike ride suspended in the treetops and Observ’Étoiles, the world’s first open-air planetarium augmented with virtual reality.

169, chemin Staines, Sutton 450-538-5639 audiablevert.com

9 Bromont, montagne d’expériences Go up, go down... and repeat At Bromont, you can ride enduro trails to the top… or just ride the chairlift to the summit and ride down. Either way, adrenaline rushes are guaranteed.

150, rue Champlain, Bromont 1-866-276-6668 skibromont.com

B ROME - MISSISQUOI

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10 Parc national de la Yamaska Paddle under the stars You’re standing on a paddleboard in the dark, guided by the soft glow of a lantern, listening to the ripple of the water against your board, discovering local lore about the flora and fauna… Introducing Noémia, one of Parc National de la Yamaska’s most magical seasonal activities.

1780, boul. David-Bouchard, Roxton Pond 450-776-7182 sepaq.com/pq/yam

11 Parc des Montagnards Hike to the summit The top of Mont Shefford is just an easy-ish 2-kilometre hike away. Brought your pup?

The trails at Parc Écologique Jean Paul Forand, on the west side of the mountain, are pet friendly.

Accessible to all, even the littlest of explorers Parc des Montagnards 333, chemin du Mont-Shefford, Shefford Parc écologique Jean-Paul Forand 167, chemin Picard, Shefford censhefford.ca

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G RAN B Y & RE G ION

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Centre d’interprétation de la nature du Lac Boivin Hello, chickadees!

Fill your palm with birdseed, hold your arm up to the sky and wait for the chickadees to come to you. Other highlights include wooden footbridges and an observation tower, all of which you can discover while walking this nature centre’s 10-kilometre trail network.

700, rue Drummond, Granby 450-375-3861 cinlb.org

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The Estriade Network Families who ride together, stay together This network’s bike paths are far from busy roads, offer sweeping views on the region, boast very gentle gradients and are easy to access. The cherry on top? An open-air museum featuring a sculpture collection (!). It’s easy to see why riding the Estriade is such a popular activity.

Proposed starting point: 111, rue Denison Est, Granby estriade.net

G RAN B Y & RE G ION

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Golf Owl’s Head FORE! If your idea of the perfect day outdoors involves hitting the green, don’t miss Golf Owl’s Head at the foot of the namesake mountain. Championship course, sweeping vistas and a fabulous restaurant come together for a flawless experience.

181, chemin Owl’s Head, Mansonville 1-800-363-3342 owlshead.com

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MEMPHREMA G O G

15 Réserve naturelle des Montagnes-Vertes Gorgeous green mountains Tucked in the municipalities of Sutton, Potton and Bolton, this expansive 70 km2 natural reserve is 100% devoted to nature.

Translation? Don’t expect to cross paths with very many fellow hikers. A highlight?

Des Sommets trail, a 14-kilometre loop to the top of Mont Singer.

Chemin Ruiter Brook, Mansonville corridorappalachien.ca/singer

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Le Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises LIFE ON THE bayou With meandering waterways, abundant vegetation and diverse aquatic fauna, Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises is a truly awesome place to explore. Whether you stay on terra firma or rent a kayak at Vie de Plein Air in Magog, you’ll definitely want to end the day with craft beers and burgers at La Memphré, a brewpub that’s just a 5-minute drive away.

69, chemin Roy, Magog 819-843-8118 maraisauxcerises.com

MEMPHREMA G O G

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WOOF!

Parc national du Mont-Orford Pup-friendly hike Bring your good boy or girl for a hike on Ruisseau-David trail or Mont-Chauve loop at Parc National du Mont-Orford. Bonus: At an altitude of 595 metres, Mont Chauve rewards hikers with a magnificent view on Lac Stukely.

Did you know?

There are 60+ dog-friendly hiking trails in the region. Don’t forget your leash!

3321, chemin du Parc, Orford 1-800-665-6527 sepaq.com/pq/mor

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19

Centre d’équitation Jacques Robidas

Pic aux Corbeaux

Giddy up!

Calling all rock climbers: Pic aux Corbeaux, in the heart of Parc National du Mont-Orford, is waiting for you. The cliff offers a variety of routes suitable for intermediate and expert climbers and reaches up to 35 metres high in certain spots. It also offers a beautiful view over the region, which is especially stunning in the fall.

A deep love of horses is the driving force behind this equestrian centre that has been in operation for some 30 years. Saddle up for a memorable ride while learning more about these magnificent creatures.

32, chemin McFarland, Hatley Township 819-563-0166 equitationjacquesrobidas.com

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MEMPHREMA G O G

Keep calm and climb on

3219, rue Principale Ouest (Route 112), Magog 1-800-665-6527 sepaq.com/pq/mor

20 Corridor bleu Paddle and the city Grab a paddle and row! Where?

Sherbrooke’s Corridor Bleu, including Rivière Saint-François (16.5 kilometres) or Rivière Magog (14 kilometres). An ideal outing for beginners and families looking for a unique vantage point on the city.

Sherbrooke 819-821-1919 1-800-561-8331 destinationsherbrooke.com

SHER B ROOKE

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Grandes-Fourches Cycling Network - Magog Loop A lovely loop You’ll cross bridges, ride along a river, traverse wooded areas and pedal along paved sections… In other words, this 13-kilometre city trail offers a little bit of everything, including serene nature. And because the ride is quite flat, you’ll have plenty of energy left over to explore local attractions afterwards.

Proposed starting point: Parc Lucien-Blanchard, 755, rue Cabana, Sherbrooke 819-821-1919 1-800-561-8331 destinationsherbrooke.com

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Parc du Mont-Bellevue Ride a mountain in the heart of Sherbrooke Mountain bike in the city? Yes you can! There are 12 kilometres to ride at Mont Bellevue—and the trails are pretty epic. In fact, the venue for mountain biking at the 2013 Canada Summer Games was—you guessed it!—Mont Bellevue.

1440, rue Brébeuf, Sherbrooke 819-821-4559 parcmontbellevue.com

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SHER B ROOKE

23 Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook North America’s longest footbridge Explore this park’s pristine trails on foot (16 kilometres) or mountain bike (23 kilometres): Access to either is complementary for overnight guests (options include campsites, refuges or ready-to-camp spots). Come nightfall, be enchanted by the mythical creatures of Foresta Lumina.

135, rue Michaud, Coaticook 819-849-2331 1-888-524-6743 gorgedecoaticook.qc.ca

C OATI C OOK RI V ER V A L L EY

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24 Lac Lyster Beach, please!

Baldwin Beach on Lac Lyster boasts both a grassy beach and a direct view on Mont Pinacle. If a day spent swimming, playing volleyball and enjoying a picnic doesn’t make you believe in life’s little pleasures, we don’t know what will.

151, chemin des Chalets, Coaticook coaticook.ca/fr/culture-loisirs/parc-baldwin.php

25 Parc Découverte Nature Catch of the day When your kids gloat about catching huge fish— believe them! With two ponds stocked with trophy catches, anything is possible. You can also visit the fish farm and use the barbecue to grill up your catch on the spot.

2471, chemin Baldwin-Barnston, Coaticook 819-849-2677 decouvertenature.qc.ca

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C OATI C OOK RI V ER V A L L EY

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Gravel biking the Valley No pavement, no problem You’ll remember this 52-kilometre gravel loop for its exceptional views and utterly charming villages—not to mention the tranquil ambiance that reigns throughout.

Spoiler alert: Your calves will remember it well too…

Recommended starting point: 137, rue Michaud, Coaticook 819-849-6669 1-866-665-6669 tourismecoaticook.ca

27 Hereford Community Forest/ Circuits Frontières Mountain biking mecca With its expansive network of cross-country trails, Hereford Community Forest is an iconic spot for mountain bike enthusiasts. Indeed, it’s home to some 50 kilometres of trails ideal for beginners and experts alike. Want to extend your stay? Catch some zzz’s at Vieux-Panache refuge, a rustic cabin built in the heart of the forest in 2019.

48, rue de l’Église, East Hereford Cabin rental: 819-349-8222 circuitsfrontieres.com forethereford.com

C V OATI A L L ÉCEOOK DE LRI A VCER OATI V ACLOOK L EY

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28 Colline La Rouche Family-friendly hike Are your kids highly motivated by snacks? Pack a picnic, grab the little ones and set off for the top of Colline La Rouche in Racine.

From Route 222, the hike should only take about 15 minutes— perfect with little ones in tow. Word to the wise: Stock up on supplies at Marché Locavore, a market open every Saturday throughout the summer.

Proposed starting point: S24 Parking Lot, route 222, Racine lessentiersdelestrie.qc.ca

29 Laö Cabines Insta-worthy accommodations If you’re looking for a nature retreat with all the creature comforts, look no further than Laö Cabines and its contemporary elevated cabins. Venture out to enjoy a hike, swim, or paddle (kayak or paddleboard), all available on-site. It’s the perfect spot to escape, explore and recharge.

548, chemin du Grand Brompton, Racine 819-345-4434 laocabines.ca

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V A L - SAINT - F RANÇOIS

30 Canot-Kayak Richmond Ride the current Hop in a kayak and let the experts at CanotKayak Richmond guide you as you ride down Rivière Saint-François. Along the way, you can even stop on one of the islands to enjoy a snack.

It’s an adventure the whole family will remember.

220, rue Principale Sud, Richmond 819-826-2414 canotkayak.com

31 Monts Stoke A hiker’s paradise Lace up your hiking shoes and set off for the trails of the Stoke mountains, including Grotte-de-l’Ours, a family-friendly 6.5-kilometre jaunt that leads to a real cave (!) and Mont Chapman, an 8.6-kilometre loop with plenty of beautiful lookouts.

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Parc régional du Mont-Ham Camping with a view Set off on a hike with loved ones, roast smores on the campfire, pitch your tent at the summit of Mont Ham, wake up to a 360-degree view on the region that lies below…

This is what summer is all about.

103, route 257 Ouest, Ham-Sud 819-828-3608 montham.ca

Grotte-de-l’Ours: At the end of rang 11, Stoke Mont Chapman: rang 14, Stoke lessentiersdelestrie.qc.ca

Did you know?

The Eastern Townships is the region where we find the most campsites in the province with 15,000!

MR C DES SOUR C ES

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33 Étang Burbank Birds of a feather If you visit Burbank Pond just once, make in the fall for the Migratory Bird Festival. Every year, thousands of birds make a pit stop at this sanctuary before setting off for the south.

A thoroughly impressive sight!

150, rue Water, Danville 819-839-2771 etangburbank.blogspot.com

34 Richmond - Danville Warwick Bike Circuit Ride through farmland Built on a former railway, the 39-kilometre bike path that runs through Danville is as meditative as it is scenic. Hungry? Two gourmet stops are along the way: Mante du Carré, a public market/Café de village at the halfway mark, as well as Fromagerie du Presbytère in Warwick.

Recommended starting point: La Vieille gare de Richmond, 739, rue Principale Nord, Richmond 819-839-2911 1-888-839-2911 tourismedessources.com

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MR C DES SOUR C ES

35 De la Mine d’Or Trail/ Centre d’interprétation de la mine d’or de Chartierville Follow the gold rush To walk the 3.5 kilometre trail along Ruisseau Mining, a stream that basically leads to the entrance of the former mine, is to travel back to the days of gold prospectors. And to learn about the region’s minigold rush, pop into the interpretation centre.

200, route 257 Sud, Chartierville 819-560-8522 chartierville.ca

HAUT - SAINT - F RANÇOIS

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36 Parc régional du Marécage-des-Scots An unrivalled ride Dense forest, a babbling brook, winding hills: You’ll find it all on this 8-kilometre gravel path leading from the shores of Rivière au Saumon in Scotstown to the Franceville sector of Parc National du Mont-Mégantic. If you’ve worked up an appetite, a stop at Charcuterie Scotstown if sure to hit the spot.

Chemin Franceville, Scotstown 819-560-8500 facebook.com/parcdesscots

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Johnville Bog and Forest Park A walk in a bog? Something to do at least once this summer.

Discover the rich diversity of this park’s ecosystem via 6 kilometres of hiking trails outfitted with interpretative panels. On La Tourbière trail, keep an eye out for Pitcher Plant and Round-Leafed Sundew, two spectacular carnivorous plants.

3999, chemin North, Cookshire-Eaton 819-566-5600 naturecantonsdelest.ca

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HAUT - SAINT - F RANÇOIS

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Solstice Plein Air Piopolis Kayaking in one of Quebec’s most beautiful regions? Yes, please!

From the bay in Piopolis to Lac Mégantic, Rivière Arnold and Lac aux Araignées, there is no shortage of gorgeous waterways to explore in the area. (We may be partial but this is one of the most scenic regions of the Eastern Townships!) To make the most of your experience, book an excursion with Solstice Plein Air Piopolis.

515, rue Principale, Piopolis 819-554-8141 solstice.piopolis.webs.com

ME G ANTI C RE G ION

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40 Hébergement Aux Cinq Sens Plug in to nature

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An exceptionally picturesque property.

Varied lodging options including yurts, hammock-tents, tiny houses and cabins. Curated experiences like stargazing, a nomad walk and forest spirit walk. Reverence towards indigenous values. A place to breathe. To disconnect. To just be.

250, rang des Grenier, Piopolis 819-583-0885 auxcinqsens.ca

41 Sentiers frontaliers

Parc national de Frontenac

Walk the border

Paddling + camping = happiness

This 135-kilometre network runs along the Canada-U.S.A. border, with a leg that connects the Chartierville and Woburn border crossings.

A highlight? Mont Gosford (1,193 metres), the highest mountain in southern Quebec. Make use of the rustic campsites or three-sided shelters to extend your stay.

Explore this park’s extraordinary terrain with a 3-night canoe-camping adventure. How many of the 200 bird species will you spot? Will you spot wild orchids? Fish for walleye? Only one way to find out!

599, chemin des Roy, Sainte-Praxède, secteur Sud (Lambton) Information: 418-486-2300 Reservations: 1-800-665-6527 sepaq.com/pq/fro

Did you know?

Of the 25 mountains in the region, four reach heights of more than 1,000 metres.

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ME G ANTI C RE G ION

Woburn 819-583-5515 1-800-363-5515 sentiersfrontaliers.qc.ca

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Parc national du Mont-Mégantic

International Dark-Sky reserve/ASTROLab

Cross Parc National du Mont-Mégantic

Stars in your eyes

The trek from the Observatory sector to the Franceville sector ranges from 15 to 21 kilometres, depending on the chosen route— and whether or not said route includes mountains to climb. If waldeinsamkeit is what you’re after, spend the night at Ruisseaude-la-Montagne refuge and enjoy the solitude of the forest.

See the stars like you’ve never seen them before at Mont-Mégantic’s ASTROLab, a facility devoted to all-things-celestial in the middle of the world’s first dark-sky reserve. And while it’s dazzling 365 days per year, the most out-of-this-world experience happens during Perseids, meteor showers that peak in late August.

189, route du Parc, Notre-Dame-des-Bois 819-888-2941 1-800-665-6527 sepaq.com/pq/mme

189, route du Parc, Notre-Dame-des-Bois 819-888-2941 1-800-665-6527 astrolab.qc.ca

ME G ANTI C RE G ION

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Mont Bélanger 960 metres of pure joy With plenty of easy trails—but also some noteworthy challenges!—this 960 metre mountain is a hidden gem tucked along the Canada-U.S.A. border. Your goal? Climb the 6-metre observation tower at the top of the mountain to soak in the sights. It’s easy on the eyes and your purse strings: Camping is free.

15e rang, Saint-Robert-Bellarmin 418-582-6426 montbelanger.qc.ca

45 Mont Scotch Cap Three reasons to hike Mont Scotch Cap 1. It’s near Piopolis, one of the area’s most beautiful villages.

2. At just 560 metres, it’s accessible to most.

3. The summit offers an incredible view on the Appalachians.

Chemin de la Rivière-Bergeron (Route 263, between Piopolis et Woburn) 819-583-3953 1-800-363-5515

Did you know?

The region has more than 1,000 kilometres of hiking trails.

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ME G ANTI C RE G ION

Eastern Townships regional map 20

To Thetford Mines

To Victoriaville

nço Saint- Fra

Ste-Praxède

161 112

Danville 20

55

255

216

Les Trois Lacs

°

Lac Aylmer

Parc régional du Mont-Ham

Ham-Sud 116

PARC NATIONAL DE FRONTENAC

Région des Sources

249

108

c La

CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC TOURIST REGION

is

116

161 Lac Elgin Mont Lac Louise Aylmer

°

Mont Morne de Saint-Sébastien

255 116

CHAUDIÈRE-APPALACHES TOURIST REGION

Lambton

e Baie vag Sau

To Québec

Richmond

108

Saint-RobertBellarmin

°

Mont Bélanger

Lac Drolet

° Mont Sainte-Cécile

161

112

137

Roxton Pond

To Montréal

PARC NATIONAL DE LA YAMASKA

Mont Shefford

139 235

202

241

°

Mont Orford

10

Magog

Lac-Brome (Knowlton)

104

243 215

Memphremagog

°

55

Lac Lovering

Mont Glen

10 112

112

245

243 Lac 215 Brome

Sherbrooke

Lac Montjoie

Orford

610

°

237 INTERSTATE

1

89

VERMONT (U.S.)

To Burlington

° °Mont Sutton

°

Mont Prospect

143

°

°

Mont Hereford

°

Lac Lyster Mont Pinacle INTERSTATE

5

Saint-Augustinde-Woburn

°

Mont Gosford

MAINE (U.S.)

Coaticook

147

91

°

Mont Scotch

Hatley

Mont Owl's Head

Mansonville (Potton Township)

212

°

Mont Louise

Coaticook River Valley

og 243

Mont Scotch Cap

de Marbre

Chartierville

Lac aux 161 Araignées

°

° Montagne

147

141

ag phrém

Frelighsburg

RNMV

Mont SaintJoseph

Notre-Damedes-Bois 253

Lac Mem

133

Sutton

°

°

212

108

Mont Bellevue

Mont Mégantic

Cookshire-Eaton

Sherbrooke

410

Piopolis

PARC NATIONAL DU MONT-MÉGANTIC

253

112

202 213

214

214

Lac Brompton

PARC NATIONAL DU MONT-ORFORD

112

Mont Brome

139

Scotstown

143

Lac Fraser

Lac Stukely

Shefford

°

Brome-Missisquoi

Lac Bowker

°

Bromont 241

243

Réservoir Choinière

Lac-Mégantic

Megantic Region

agog

Granby

Lac ivin Bo

Mont Stoke

214

Lac Moffatt

108

Lac M

10

249 222

awippi

112

°

Stoke

241

Granby & Region

204

Lac McGill

Val-Saint-François

Racine

139

Lac Mass

MONTÉRÉGIE TOURIST REGION

Haut-Saint-François

Lac Boissonneault

55

gantic Lac Mé

243

141

Lac Wallace

253

0

5

10

kilomètres

East Hereford NEW HAMPSHIRE (U.S.)

To Boston

PHOTOS CREDITS OF the outdoor activities guide / Cover: Mont Gosford © Simon Diotte / Mathieu Dupuis; Samuel Foisy; Daphné Caron; Richard Lachance; Sébastien Larose; Marc Lepage; Dominic Arpin; Jessie Jolin; Martin Lortz; Luce Bessette; Bear Ciery Photography; Gaëlle LeRoyer; Pierre-Jean Moreau; Catherine Lecomte; Ian Roberge.

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