Want to do a road trip in the Eastern Townships, Quebec? This travel guide will show you can spend a 3 day trip in the beautiful Eastern Townships.
Eastern Townships, or Cantons-de-l’Est, in Québec is a beautiful gem an hour drive from Montreal with vast areas filled with lakes, mountains, farms and picturesque villages.
The region has so much to offer to Travelling Foodies, with over 70 attractions, 130 festivals and 3 Tours & Scenic Routes: the historic Townships Trail, the scenic Summit Drive, and the Wine Route.
More behind the scenes on Travelling Foodie Instagram: @TravellingFoodie for Food and @JourneyTraveler for Travel
VIDEO: 3 Day Trip in Eastern Townships, Quebec
Eastern Townships Day One Trip Itinerary
We did a 3 day trip in the Eastern Townships, checking out some of the best things to do, where to eat and stay in the beautiful region, including Eastman, Sherbrooke, Magog and Bromont.
This travel guide will give you a great road trip itinerary for a quick getaway or to spend a long weekend in the Eastern Townships / Cantons-de-l’Est.
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Spa Eastman
If you’re looking to relax and unwind plus get a boost in health and wellness, one of the best attractions and places to stay in Eastern Townships is Spa Eastman.
This 320-acre destination spa and wellness resort is situated mountainside facing Mont Orford offering an all-inclusive stay which includes meals, hydrotherapy, daily physical activities, 15-km of hiking trails and more.
Schedule of daily physical activities are displayed on the TV in the lobby – plus you’ll have a printed schedule in your room if you’re staying.
I was able to join the Classical Stretch – Essentrics class, presented by Martha Au, which combines dynamic strength and stretch exercises that rapidly changes the shape of your body.
Spa Eastman also offers at least 70 spa treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps. One person I was with said the massage ($98) she got was the best she’s had.
And, you can even get a massage outdoors by the pond!
One of the most popular things to do at Spa Eastman, and my favourite, was the thermotherapy where complete cycles of hot (infrared, Finnish, and Hammam saunas, and outdoor jacuzzi), cold (igloo shower, Knepp baths), rest and hydrate.
This concept of thermotherapy is known to detoxify the body, improve blood circulation and immune system, and relieve stress, mental fatigue and muscle tension.
Did you know? Infrared Sauna works deeper in removing toxins because the infrared actually hits your body, making you sweat more despite being less hot than regular saunas.
Spa Eastman also has its own restaurant focused on tonic cuisine. If you haven’t heard of tonic cuisine, neither did I until my visit here.
Tonic cuisine uses non-dairy, gluten-free, organic and local products. Instead of cow’s milk, nut-based milk is used like almond or cashew milk. Butter and oil are replaced with duck fat, coconut oil or other alternatives are used.
Quebec-born, Francis Cloutier is the Chef de Cuisine and has worked in Michelin restaurants in France before coming to Spa Eastman.
Spa Eastman has a vegetable and herb garden and you can spot Chef Francis in the garden picking ingredients for the day.
With the all-inclusive stay at Spa Eastman, you get breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast consists of buffet (yogurt, nuts, cereal, salad) and a choice of menu item.
Their most popular dish is the eggs benedict, which is quite unique because the hollandaise sauce doesn’t use butter.
Lunch is buffet style with a meat or fish item, vegetables, soup and bread.
Dinner is a seasonally changing 3-course meal consisting of access to the salad bar and soup, a choice of main course and a dessert.
Did you know? They even have their own selection of organic wines made from grapes grown without any chemical additives.
The most popular dinner dish is the Albacore Tuna, and I must say I was really impressed with this dish especially the cream of cashew and coconut sauce on it.
Cream of cashew and coconut flavored with Galanga, Curcuma and Citrus Leaves.
Vegetable Spaghetti.
Chef Francis’ favourite dish is the Lamb Gigot because of its complexity in making.
Cream of celery-root, bell peppers and paprika.
Potatoes and oyster mushrooms
After all that food, you’re going to want to stay here. Their rooms are nice and spacious – some of which have a balcony offering views of Mont Orford.
This is definitely a great way to start your 3 day trip in Eastern Townships!
Also Read: 2 Day Trip in Kingston, Ontario
Check availability and pricing on Booking.com / Agoda
Website / Address: 895 Chemin des Diligences, Eastman, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J0E 1P0
Eastern Townships Day Two Trip Itinerary
Abbaye De St-Benoit-Du-Lac (Saint Benedict Abbey)
Day two of the 3 day trip in Eastern Townships is a visit to Saint Benedict Abbey. Overlooking Lake Memphrémagog, the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey was built starting 1912 by Benedictine monks from France.
Did you know? The monks are called Benedictines because they live under the monastic Rule written by St. Benedict.
Designed by Dom Bellot, Saint Benedict Abbey’s modern architecture pays tribute to the harmony of natural geometric forms and makes splendid use of multicoloured bricks.
Tour Saint-Benoit is a small chapel inside the monastery with services in Gregorian chant, the most ancient form of Christian church music. The chapel also has a Baroque-style church organ.
You can spend a few days in the monastery for prayer retreats for meditation and spiritual renewal.
At $65/night, men can stay in one of the thirty rooms in the monastery, and women can stay at the Villa Sainte-Scholastique on the grounds of the monastery. Three meals are included in the price.
For foodies, Saint Benedict Abbey is also a great destination in Eastern Townships.
The abbey has its own cheese factory. They make their own cheeses which are sold in the on-site store.
Did you know? Two-thirds of the abbey’s income comes from their cheeses which 12 varieties are available.
Aside from cheeses, the abbey also makes its own ciders. They are the only one selling champagne-style Calvados (cider brandy) in Quebec.
Website / Address: 1 rue Principale, Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J0B 2M0
Also Read: Wineries on Niagara-on-the-Lake
Sherbrooke Murals Circuit
An interesting way to explore the city, downtown Sherbrooke has been transformed into a street art museum with wall-to-wall murals scattered throughout the area.
The Sherbrooke Murals Circuit currently has 16 murals, with one new mural per year, that depicts the city’s art, history and culture.
One really cool thing about this is you can do the tour using MURALIS, the Grand Sherbrooke Murals Experience created by Space and Dream. When you use your smartphone or tablet and point the camera to the murals, the characters pop-out and come to life.
Did you know? There is a hidden gnome in each of the murals, sort of like a “Where’s Waldo?”.
Another cool thing about the Sherbrooke Murals Circuit is the tour takes you along the river walk where you’ll get great views of the Magog River.
Website / Address: Rue Frontenac & Rue Wellington N, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H
Auguste Restaurant
When you’re in Quebec, you definitely want to hit up some French bistro. Eastern Townships makes it easier for you to find restaurants run by chefs focused on creative recipes using regional products and flavours by designating them as Chefs créateurs (Creative Chefs) restaurants.
One such place in downtown is Restaurant Auguste, one of the best restaurants in Sherbrooke featuring locally sourced products from producers.
Dinner here is table d’hôte menu consisting of 3-courses: First Course, Main Course and Dessert. Price is based on the main course you choose, and supplemental charges depending on what you order.
Travelling Foodie Tip: Make sure to also ask about the daily specials. These items are not on the menu!
I highly recommend their Risotto at Auguste Restaurant which was very flavourful with the parmesan and white truffle oil, contrasted with the subtle bitterness of the spinach. Be sure to add the scallops!
While you’re there, be sure to the popular traditional French-Canadian dessert, Poor Man’s Pudding.
Website / Address: 82 Rue Wellington N, Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J1H 5B8
Also Read: Top Restaurants in Toronto
Grand Times Hotel Sherbrooke
Located in downtown Sherbrooke, Grand Times Hotel Sherbrooke transports you to New York City into Broadway with its music and artistic atmosphere.
Travelling Foodie Tip: Make sure you book the room with views of the lake, Lac des Nations.
The Grand Times Hotel Sherbrooke has an outdoor patio close to the Lac des Nations with views of Mont Orford. Perfect for photography.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com / Agoda
Website / Address: 1 Rue Belvédère S, Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J1H 0G8
Eastern Townships Day Three Trip Itinerary
Fête des vendanges Magog-Orford
Quebec’s biggest gourmet festival, Fête des vendanges Magog-Orford (Magog-Orford Harvest Festival) gives you a taste of Quebec featuring wines, ciders, and food from local producers.
There are various programs including chef demonstrations, musical performances, wine lectures, and other activities.
At Fête des vendanges Magog-Orford, you’ll get to see how big Eastern Townships’ culinary side shines with its abundance of Créateurs de saveurs (Flavour Creators), designated agri-food producers that guarantee quality and flavours of the Townships.
Did you know? Eastern Townships is Quebec’s first wine-growing region.
Le Cep d’Argent Vineyard is popular for making “champagne”-style wines like their Blanc de Blancs Brut (White on White Sparkling Wine).
Pair your wine with some of the food trucks on site.
Le Pain Voyageur brought their mobile bakery to serve up some fresh bread, pastry and their delicious Le Grande Suisse!
When you’re in Quebec, you should definitely try ice cream from Laiterie Coaticook, one of the largest ice cream makers in Quebec founded in 1940. They are known for their Maple Sugar ice cream which definitely satisfies a sweet tooth!
Website / Address: Parc de la Pointe-Merry, Magog, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J0B
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Bromont, montagne d’expérience (Ski Bromont)
One of the best things to do in Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l’Est) for adventure is Bromont, montagne d’expérience.
This largest lit skiable area in America is a large outdoor adventure area for skiers, mountain bikers, swimmers, or anyone who just wants to explore a great view. You can take one of 9 chairlift routes to see amazing views.
Did you know? Mount Brome is 565m high!
If you love mountain biking, this is the place to be as it has 24 downhill runs for all levels.
Did you know? Bromont, montagne d’expérience has the largest mountain biking area in Eastern Canada.
During the summer, the big waterpark is open including a ~24,000 square feet heated wave pool and 24 other aquatic attractions.
Website / Location: 150 Rue Champlain, Bromont, Quebec, Canada J2L 1A2
Domaine Château-Bromont
Located at the base of Mount Brome next to a golf course, Domaine Château-Bromont is one of the best hotels in Eastern Townships with both a hotel and an auberge set in a rustic atmosphere with a restaurant and spa.
Travelling Foodie Tip: On the 2nd floor is the outdoor terrace which has a patio, bar, and jacuzzis with a beautiful view.
I spent the last day of the 3 days in Eastern Townships at the Junior Suite, which can have a queen/king-sized bed and a sofa bed, and a mezzanine.
Inside the hotel is (Les Quatre) 4 Canards restaurant a Chefs créateurs (Creative Chefs) restaurant run by Chef Fabrice Piquet.
Dinner is à la Carte with an option to make into a 4-course table d’hôte.
Their menu changes seasonally based on regional products and Chef Frabrice’s inspiration.
I had the Bison Flank Steak and it was very tender and juicy, and, surprisingly, without the gamey taste!
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Check availability and pricing on Booking.com / Agoda
Website / Address: 90 Rue de Stanstead, Bromont, Eastern Townships, Quebec, Canada J2L 1K6
MAP: Eastern Townships 3 Day Trip
Here’s a map with all the places to eat, play, stay in Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l’Est), Quebec in this 3 day trip guide and road trip itinerary.
Hope this Quebec travel guide gives you an idea on how to spend a 3 day trip in Eastern Townships with some of the best things to do, where to eat and stay in Eastman, Sherbrooke, Magog and Bromont!
The region is so vast that I’m sure there is more to explore. Please let me know what you find are the best attractions, restaurants and accommodations in Eastern Townships.
Huge thanks to Quebec Original (Tourism Quebec) for sponsoring this post! As always, all thoughts/opinions are 100% my own.