Travel back in time and take in the old-world flavour of Québec’s Eastern Townships. In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, uncover the delights of charming French villages, lush green valleys, enchanted woods, and idyllic farmland. The cross-Québec “Route Verte”, abandoned rail lines and forested pathways will lead you from stately Victorian Mansions and captivating covered bridges to the underground labyrinth of one of Canada’s oldest copper mines. Hunt for that one-of-a-kind memento in the shops and artists’ galleries you encounter along the way. Embrace the region’s storied past and culture in one of many scenic villages; enjoy your nights in cozy accommodations and remember to sample the finest in local cuisine. The romance of this landscape is sure to leave you with a lasting impression.
Location
North Hatley
North Hatley, QC, Canada
Day 1+2
Magog
Magog, QC, Canada
Day 3+4
Eastman
Eastman, QC, Canada
Day 5+6
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
5 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
ARRIVE / DEPART
ACTIVITY LEVEL
TERRAIN
COST
Classic Accommodation: CAD $1,450
Single Supplement: CAD $375
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $1,750 (upgrade to Manoir Hovey in North Hatley)
Single Supplement: CAD $460
Trips in Quebec are subject to 15% tax.
Day 1
North Hatley
Arrive in North Hatley. If you arrive early enough, take some time to explore the town and take in the verdant beauty that made this area immediately attractive as a summer get-away for the wealthy. Wander down streets lined with stately Victorian mansions once owned by well-to-do southerners who preferred the Townships as a summer retreat following the American Civil War. It is said that many drew the blinds of their railway cars as they passed through New England, which they commonly referred to as “Yankeeland”.
Day 2
North Hatley
Begin with a transfer out to the quiet university town of Lennoxville. Take a moment to delve into the history of the region or appreciate the work of a local artist in this culturally rich village. Your return route is an easy stroll to North Hatley along meandering river banks, through shady woods and down a forgotten rail trail. Savour the romance of the postcard-picturesque covered bridges you pass on your journey. Stop and head underground to explore Capelton Mine, one of the oldest copper mines in Canada.
Hiking Distance: 8 up to 19 km, elevation gain 135 m.*
Day 3
Magog
Today is quite literally a walk in the Parc (du Mont Orford, that is!). Choose the adventure that beckons you and we will look after the details. There are four alternatives, ranging from a short loop trail past lakes and lookouts to a vigorous trek over roots and rocks to a dazzling mountaintop vista. Whether you decide on the Etang, Mont Chauve, Mont Alfred-DesRochers or Pic de L’Ours walk, you will come away with a mind clear of troubles and a day full of memories. At the end of your day you will be taken to the lively town of Magog to discover one of its many wonderful restaurants. This lively town sprang up in the late 1700’s around a saw- and flour-mill. Take the time to explore the shops and boutiques of Magog.
Hiking Distance: options from 6 to 24 km, elevation gain up to 660m.*
Day 4
Magog
Begin your day with a trip to the beautiful and contemplative Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey on the west shore of Lake Memphrémagog. Be sure to pick up a sample of the monks’ delightful cheeses and pies as well as a sampling of their potent apple ciders, before returning to Magog. You will then have the opportunity to explore the marsh trail along the Rivière-aux Cerises and along the north shore of Lake Memprémagog. Keep an eye out for the legendary lake creature – Memphré, that is said to inhabit the lake.
Hiking Distance: 8 km, elevation gain 50 m.*
Day 5
Eastman
Travel once again along the gravel pathways of the “Route Verte” for several kilometers as it winds its way through the Parc du Mont Orford. Traverse this extension of the Appalachian Mountain Chain, through temperate valleys covered with dense maple forests and take in the majestic landmarks of Mount Orford and Mount Chauve. Witness the evolution of a landscape as you pass by large boulders – erratics – remnants of glaciers long forgotten. Cross the threshold of two streams and return to civilization as you finish your day in the relaxing spa town of Eastman.
Hiking Distance: 18 km, elevation gain 287 m.*
Day 6
Enjoy a final few moments at your beautiful accommodation in Eastman before departing for home or another adventure.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
This 107 year-old inn was begun by a Scottish family who welcomed guests who enjoyed the tea room and magnificent verandahs with gentle breezes from Lake Massawippi. Each room is decorated with antiques and the 3-course breakfast is superb. The hostess, Diane Brisson, has been known to dress in period costume to serve tea to the delight of guests. Eastern Townships recipient of Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois award.
This beautifully restored heritage building is located downtown, steps from the theatre, art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Each room has cozy bedding and a fireplace. Enjoy a healthy, gourmet breakfast in the solarium.
With an international reputation for their spa treatments, Spa Eastman also offers unique and tranquil accommodations that complement the spa environment quite nicely. Spread throughout seven different pavilions, the accommodations almost form a small country village and offer something for every taste.
Luxe
This Relais & Chateaux property is one of the finest in Eastern Canada. Superior rooms, each unique have lakeside views and the restaurant is superb. Located 3 km outside the town of North Hatley.
Trip Reviews
“Very accommodating owners at the hotels, nice updated digs, spotlessly clean. The area manager was more than excellent. He is efficient, friendly, personable and most accommodating. I think he has some good ideas about routes, length and timing based on his experience with Randonnee clients.”
“Great info about the areas. All B&B’s were fine. The Randonnee Tours service was great, very accommodating and helpful. We will travel with you again – we like what you offer.”
“The service provided by the area manager was excellent. The quality of the accommodation was excellent as were the breakfasts provided. The hosts were very friendly and helpful.”
“We loved the spa Eastman, even stayed and extra day. The area manager is wonderful, a real asset for Randonnee, He helped us with every phase of the tour, including customizing the last day to match my wife capacity. The central office staff was very helpful regarding our possible taking our dog along. An excellent job by all!”
“We found the area manager to be knowledgeable, friendly and extremely accommodating. As an example, he indulged our interests by stopping at a vineyard.”
“The inn keepers in North Hatley and Magog are fabulous; and the breakfasts, superb. The North Hatley B&B is especially wonderful with all its Scottish influence.”
“Our area manager Phillipe and his whole family (who assist him) were great… In fact this was a very people oriented trip and for that a pleasure. The hiking program was nicely balanced… We feel we saw and experienced quite a lot.”
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