The Eastern Townships (Cantons-de-l'Est) are Quebec's gentle, lake-dotted southeast — a region of vineyards, rolling hills, cycling routes and country inns that feels a world away from Montreal while sitting just over an hour from the city. This guide covers the best towns, where to stay and what to do in the Eastern Townships.
Why the Eastern Townships?
The Townships are Quebec's main wine region and one of its most relaxed getaways. You get estate wineries, swimming lakes, scenic cycling and charming Anglophone-French villages without the crowds of the Laurentians. It's the closest thing Quebec has to a country-inn, wine-and-lakes holiday.
Key Towns and Areas
Magog and Lake Memphremagog
The region's hub, Magog sits on the long, deep Lake Memphremagog and makes a natural base for wineries, the lake and Mont-Orford.
Knowlton (Lac-Brome)
A picture-perfect village of historic homes, boutiques and a duck pond — one of the Townships' most charming stops.
Sherbrooke
The largest city in the region, Sherbrooke adds urban dining, murals and museums to a Townships loop.
Mont-Orford and the Parks
Mont-Orford Provincial Park offers hiking, swimming and some of the best fall colour in southern Quebec.
Find hotels, vacation rentals, activities and car rentals for Quebec.
Where to Stay
The Eastern Townships specialize in country inns (auberges) and B&Bs, with a growing set of vineyard-side lodges. For a cabin or cottage stay, see our best cabins in Quebec guide. The Townships are an easy drive from Montreal — see where to stay in Montreal if you'd rather base in the city and day-trip.
Things to Do
- Wine and cider: The Route des Vins winds through vineyards around Dunham and Frelighsburg — Quebec's core wine country.
- Cycling: The region has quiet country-road cycling and parts of the Route Verte network.
- Lakes and beaches: Lake Memphremagog, Lac Brome and Lac Massawippi offer swimming, kayaking and boating.
- Hiking: Mont-Orford and Mount Pinacle have short, rewarding trails.
Things to Do by Season
- Summer: Peak season for lakes, cycling and winery patios.
- Fall: Outstanding colour, especially at Mont-Orford — see best fall getaways in Quebec.
- Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and quiet inns with fireplaces.
- Spring: Maple shacks and the first winery openings.
How to Plan Your Trip
The Eastern Townships are about 90 minutes east of Montreal by car. For a weekend, base yourself in Magog or Knowlton; for a longer trip, loop through the wineries and Sherbrooke. For the broader province, see the best places to visit in Quebec, or for Montreal activities before you head out, things to do in Montreal. For a different Quebec region, see our Laurentians getaways guide.