Quebec's Eastern Townships (Winter)

Stretching along the international border just north of Vermont and New Hampshire, Quebec’s Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l’Est) are a winter playground for New Englanders and residents of nearby Montreal and Quebec City. Any of the lake towns around Lake Brome makes a good base for exploring the region and in the winter for downhill skiing at nearby Sutton, Bromont, Mont-Orford or Owl’s Head, or for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the many parks and winter sports centers. Those seeking new winter thrills can try kite skiing across a frozen, windswept lake propelled by a sail-like kite. Sutton is one of the rare places where beginner ...

Stretching along the international border just north of Vermont and New Hampshire, Quebec’s Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l’Est) are a winter playground for New Englanders and residents of nearby Montreal and Quebec City. Any of the lake towns around Lake Brome makes a good base for exploring the region and in the winter for downhill skiing at nearby Sutton, Bromont, Mont-Orford or Owl’s Head, or for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the many parks and winter sports centers. Those seeking new winter thrills can try kite skiing across a frozen, windswept lake propelled by a sail-like kite. Sutton is one of the rare places where beginner and intermediate skiers can experience glades skiing among the trees. Winter visitors staying in the country inns spend days skiing on any of six major ski mountains, following cross-country trails through the woods and across the frozen lakes, sledding, snowshoeing, skating, going for sleigh rides or being pampered in one of the many Nordic spas. After days in the outdoors, guests head for cozy retreats where they relax over local wines and fine cuisine based on local products. One of these is maple syrup, and in the late winter nearly every route has at least one “cabane à sucre” – sugar house that serves hot syrup on snow.

About the Expert

Barbara Radcliffe Rogers has written or coauthored more than 30 guidebooks, including The Portugal Traveler, Drive Around Portugal, City Spots Munich, City Spots Helsinki, City Spots Stockholm, Eating New England, and the Maine section of Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.