Estrie Attractions Cantons-de-l'Est
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The Estrie region - also known as "Cantons de l'Est" or "Eastern Townships" - covers an area of more than 13,000 sq. km (5000 sq. mi.) east of Montréal, and is one of the most varied regions of Québec province. Large uninhabited areas mingle with picturesque little towns. The hilly and wooded stretches are the most charming. At the feet of Mont Sutton and Mont Orford some of the province's major winter sports centers have sprung up.People began to populate Estrie at the end of the 18th c. when many Americans and British fled there in the confusion of the American War of Independence 1776-83. It was they who chose the best places for their rich towns surrounded by parkland. After 1850 more and more French-speaking people settled in the area, and since 1950 they have dominated the entire Estrie region.
Granby, Canada
The little industrial town of Granby, the "Princess of Estrie", was founded in 1842. It owes its name to John Manners, the margrave of Granby, and is today the gastronomic capital of Estrie. Particularly charming are the open spaces such as Parc Pelletier. Also worth a visit is the Zoological Garden at 347 Avenue Bourget.
Parc du Mont-Orford
Parc du Mont-Orford covers an area of almost 40 sq. km (16 sq. mi.) at the foot of the 793 m (2602 ft) high Mont-Orford. This mountain is very popular with skiers in winter, and from its peak - accessible by means of a chair-lift - there is a wonderful view of Estrie, Lac Memphremagog and the Vermont heights.
Magog, Canada
The industrial town of Magog, also known as the "Jewel of Estrie", was founded by Loyalists in 1799. Because of its charming position on the north bank of Lac Memphremagog is popular with tourists. The green sheen of Lac Memphremagog, 52 km (32 mi.) long and 3-6 km (2-4 mi.) wide, a fifth of which forms part of the U.S. state of Vermont, is an ideal spot for quiet boat trips in summer.
St-Benoit-du-Lac
About 20km / 13mi south of Magog stands the Benedictine abbey of St-Benoît-du-Lac. This imposing Neo-Gothic building was consecrated by Paul Vannier in 1912. Some 60 monks live here today. Visitors are welcome to join in morning mass, held daily at 11am, and vespers each evening at 5pm.
Sherbrooke, Canada
Sherbrooke, the chief town in Estrie, lies surrounded by hills at the confluence of the Magog and St-François Rivers. The town owes its name to Lord Sherbrooke who was Governor of Canada from 1816 to 1818.The rock in the town center known as "Pin Solitaire" is a reminder of the time when the Iroquois and Abenaqui Indians lived in the area. In February 1592 the two tribes were unable to agree on the outcome of a battle, so a curious competition was held at this spot. One Iroquois and one Abenaqui had to run round and round a pine tree until one dropped from exhaustion. The Abenaqui lasted the better and so won the right to kill the Iroquois.
Musée des Sciences Naturelles
A visit is recommended to the Musée des Sciences Naturelles du Séminaire in Sherbrooke, one of the oldest museums in Québec province.The museum has an impressive collection with approximately 65,000 specimens. In addition to the permanent displays, the museum also features temporary exhibitions.
Drummondville, Canada
The important industrial town of Drummondville is Estrie's second largest town. It was founded in 1816 by the Scottish General Heriot.One of the town's main summer attractions is the Village Québécois d'Antan, where costumed interpreters bring the 19th Century back to life. Also of interest is the d'Arbre en Arbre Drummondville, a recreational park for children and adults.
Dummondville - Village Québécois
The "Village québécois d'antan" is well worth a visit. Reconstructed in the style of the pioneering period, staff dressed in period costume describe everyday life between the years 1840 and 1910.
Arthabaska, Canada
6km / 4mi east of the neighboring town of Victoriaville lies the little township of Arthabaska. Canada's first Prime Minister, Wilfred Laurier, had a house built here in 1877; situated at 16, Rue Laurier Quest, it today houses the Musée Laurier.
