DAY 1: Arrive in Sherbrooke
Guests have option to travel to Sherbrooke on their own (car, train, fly) or take the motorcoach from the Toronto area. Welcome to Sherbrooke, a lively city that exudes authenticity with its 220-year-old history. It is also a breath of fresh air – literally – thanks to its vast green spaces, a mountain right in the city, a downtown lake, and an exceptional bike loop. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a leisurely walk to Park Jacques Cartier and Sherbrooke waterfront. Our welcome dinner provides the perfect opportunity to get to know fellow hikers and to review the week ahead.
Stay:
Delta Hotels Sherbrooke Conference Center, Sherbrooke, QC (5 nights)
Meals:
D
DAY 2: Mont Pinacle Hike, Coaticooke Gorge Bridge
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for two local hikes. Mont Pinacle is located a few kilometers from the Nature Discovery Park. It is one of the most popular hikes in the southern Eastern Townships with spectacular views over Lake Lyster, south to the US, and west towards Mont Orford. After enjoying our picnic lunch on the trail, we will head over to the short Coaticook Gorge Bridge Walk and walk over a long suspension bridge to view the gorge. Next, visit the La Station de Compton Organic Cheese Producer (if available), a small family farming business. Our tour will include seeing the cows in the pasture, the farm facilities (hay dryer and barn) and a tasting of several varieties of cheese. Not to be missed is the opportunity to buy locally-produced maple syrup. Once back at the hotel, enjoy a free evening in Sherbrooke after this delightful day.
Meals:
B, L
DAY 3: Mont Chauve Hike, Capd’Argent Vineyard
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to the Mont Chauve Loop in Mont Orford Park. Walk this trail and access the bare summit of Mont Chauve which rises to nearly 600 meters above sea level, and magnificent views of Lake Stukely and Mount Orford await. Then, head to the Le Cap d’Argent vineyard to partake of a Champagne-inspired experience and enjoy an exceptional view of Lake Magog. To recapture the day with good conversation, we will enjoy a group dinner in Sherbrooke.
Meals:
B, L
DAY 4: Plage Merry Walk, Sherbrooke Walking Tour and Craft Brewery Tour & Taste
Today begins with an easy 6.4 km hike through a mix of city, forests, and marshland with a fantastic boardwalk. After free time and lunch, we are in for a real treat with an urban walking tour of the Sherbrooke murals. The Sherbrooke Murals Circuit is the first of its kind in Canada and transforms the downtown into a true street museum. Led by a knowledgeable local guide who is passionate about sharing these murals with visitors, the city’s art, history and culture come alive during this private walking tour. There are 18 murals in the full circuit, and at a leisurely pace, will take about three hours, including a stop to enjoy a coffee or tea and perhaps an energizing pastry. Dinner will be held at Siboire, a craft brewery housed in the renovated train station. Our visit includes a tour to learn about the process of beermaking and, if desired, a beer tasting.
Meals:
B, L, D
DAY 5: Mont Ham Hike, Bee Farm
After breakfast, head out to Mont Ham. Embark on an 8 km hike with some elevation to take in the majestic views of the region. In the afternoon, visit a local beekeeper to learn about the industrious honey bee and the production of honey. This family-owned business produces 15 varieties of pure unpasteurized honey, natural health products and candles. Come together and share your hiking stories over an included farewell dinner.
Meals:
B, L, D
DAY 6: Sugar Shack, Home
Our exploration of the Eastern Townships comes to an end. During the journey homeward, we will stop for one more taste of Québec with a visit to a sugar shack for a tour and lunch. Learn about maple syrup production, enjoy a feast of traditional flavours, and browse the gift shop with interesting maple products. Then it’s “Au revoir” to La Belle Province!
Meals:
B, L
