A Dream Summer Week in the Eastern Townships: Itinerary from Sherbrooke
Set out to discover a part of Quebec where nature meets elegance, where every day becomes a truly exceptional moment. Spending a summer week in the Eastern Townships is more than just a seasonal getaway: it’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect with what truly matters, and marvel at the stunning landscapes, rich local flavours, and warm hospitality. Here’s an exclusive itinerary departing from Sherbrooke, crafted for travellers seeking refinement, disconnection, and inspiring discoveries.
Day 1 – Friday Evening: Arrival in Sherbrooke and Check-in at OTL Gouverneur
As soon as you arrive in Sherbrooke, start your stay in style by checking in at OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke, a high-end hotel that redefines the art of hospitality. A true gem, the hotel embodies modern elegance with its sleek room design, ultra-comfortable Moie Collection bedding, relaxing rain showers, and integrated technology for a seamless experience.
Every detail is designed for your well-being: from the indoor pool at PAŪS Spa Expérience, self-serve wine cellars to the prestigious surf & turf Boefish restaurant adjacent to the hotel, OTL is much more than just a place to stay, it’s a true invitation to unwind. Let yourself be enveloped in this atmosphere, a perfect prelude to a rejuvenating week.
Day 2 – Saturday: Explore Sherbrooke – A Cultural and Urban Escape in the Heart of the Eastern Townships
Begin your immersion in the region with a day of discovery in Sherbrooke, the beating heart of the Eastern Townships. The city charms visitors with its perfect balance of nature, culture, and quality of life. Walk along the Sherbrooke Mural Circuit, an outdoor art trail where over 15 giant frescoes tell the local story through vivid, colourful scenes.
Pause at a café to savour a perfectly roasted espresso, then explore one of the city's museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts or the Sherbrooke Museum of History. In the evening, stroll along Lac des Nations or settle on a terrace to enjoy local flavours in a cozy atmosphere. A day where city life meets poetry.
Day 3 – Sunday: Charming Villages and Majestic Lakes – Magog and North Hatley with Elegance
Take the road to two regional gems: Magog and North Hatley, jewels of Lake Memphremagog, Lake Magog and Lake Massawippi, where elegance meets tranquility. In Magog, wander along a lively main street lined with art galleries, artisan boutiques, gourmet cafés, and bakeries. The air is fresh, the rhythm peaceful, the smiles genuine.
Continue to North Hatley, a quaint village with British charm nestled on the water’s edge, where heritage homes and flower gardens create an idyllic backdrop. Enjoy a break with your feet in the water, opt for a lake cruise or a kayak ride, where silence reigns and nature reflects in the calm surface. A day marked by beauty and slowness.
Day 4 – Monday: Wonder in Coaticook – Legendary Ice Cream and Enchanted Forest
The day begins in Coaticook, a small village that’s become a major destination thanks to the magic of its natural park. Start with a gourmet stop at the Coaticook Dairy, famous across Quebec for its rich and creamy artisanal ice cream.
Then, be amazed by the Coaticook Gorge, which you’ll cross via one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world (169 metres/554 feet). The scenery is spectacular, with cliffs, rivers, and forest trails. Access the bridge by following the Gorge Trail, a moderate-level 3.5 km (1.5 hr) hike with 84 metres of elevation gain. Pets are allowed. In the evening, dive into another world with Foresta Lumina, a 2.6 km nighttime trail that transforms the forest into a luminous fairytale, where trees come to life and legends awaken. A magical experience (1–2 hours) for both kids and adults. We strongly recommend booking tickets for the Coaticook Gorge and Foresta Lumina in advance.
Day 5 – Tuesday: Local Flavours and Spirituality – A Day for the Soul and Palate
This fifth day invites you to savour the authenticity and richness of the Eastern Townships' terroir. Meet passionate local producers : rolling vineyards, fragrant orchards, artisanal cheese shops, and daring microbreweries welcome you for warm, flavourful tastings.
In the afternoon, enjoy a moment of peace and admiration at the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-du-Lac. This rare haven of serenity, set on the lake’s edge, will captivate you with its architecture, breathtaking views, and the sense of harmony it exudes. Walk the 2 km “Prayer Trail” through the forest, designed to encourage quiet reflection. Guided tours (60–70 minutes) are available Monday to Saturday from late June to late August at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. No reservation required, but it’s recommended to arrive a bit early to buy your ticket.
Day 6 – Wednesday: Nature and sports activities at Mont Orford
Today, reconnect with the land and your senses. Start with a hike at Mont-Orford, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Eastern Townships, where trails open onto breathtaking panoramas. Whether you choose a challenging ascent or a gentle walk, nature’s reward awaits. Most trails take between 1 h 15 and 4 h, with easy to intermediate levels, and many are dog-friendly. Hike in the morning, then relax at the beach on Lake Stukely or Fraser Lake with a well-earned picnic.
After your break, unwind under the sun, perfect your tan, or opt for an activity—rent a paddleboard, canoe, kayak, pedal boat or rowboat and glide across the water. Adventurous guests may prefer climbing the Pic aux Corbeaux, a wall for intermediate to expert climbers (some routes available to beginners). Access is via a 1.1 km approach trail. Note: no supervision is provided and you must bring your own gear.
Day 7 – Thursday: Wellness Break – Total Relaxation at PAŪS Spa Expérience
Halfway through our week-long itinerary around Sherbrooke, it’s time to slow down. Treat yourself to a full day of regeneration at PAŪS Spa Expérience, right next to OTL. This sleek spa offers a complete thermal experience: hot bath, Finnish sauna, hammam, polar shower, and relaxation zone.
Let your body unwind, your thoughts drift, and your tensions melt away. Complete the experience with a therapeutic massage or a luxurious facial like the Hydrafacial® or a gemstone treatment. A day of total surrender, a celebration of self
Day 8 – Friday: Vitality and Gourmet Pleasures – Cycling and Dinner at Boefish
Wake up your energy with a bike ride on Sherbrooke’s many trails. Several bike routes start from Sherbrooke and wind through rivers, forests, and peaceful neighbourhoods. Breathe deeply, take in the scenery, and recenter yourself. Bike rentals are available in Sherbrooke depending on your needs. BIXI bike-sharing offers a simple, per-minute solution with 25 stations across the city—perfect for short rides, like the 13 km Magog Loop. For longer rides, head to Ski Vélo Extrême, just 5 minutes by car (or 25 minutes on foot) from OTL. They offer affordable day or weekly rentals of used bikes—ideal for exploring longer routes.
In the evening, after an active day, book a table at Boefish, OTL’s signature restaurant. Let yourself be swept away by its cozy atmosphere and impeccable service. Enjoy perfectly aged ribeye, exceptional seafood, or creative dishes paired with fine wines. A night where every bite celebrates the art of living.
Day 9 – Saturday: Grand Natural Spectacle – Hiking and Stargazing at Mont Mégantic
On your penultimate day, explore Mont-Mégantic National Park, a sanctuary of wilderness and starry skies. Hike the quiet, rugged trails, observe local flora and fauna, then climb to the observatory for a celestial view like no other.
In the evening, visit the ASTROLab for a one-of-a-kind astrotourism experience. Observe stars, galaxies, nebulae… and take in the universe in all its splendour. A lesson in humility and beauty.
Day 10 – Sunday: A Gentle Morning, a Peaceful Farewell
The time has come to close this chapter… gently. Start the day with a personalized breakfast included with your room at OTL, where fresh pastries, fruits, homemade waffles and made-to-order omelettes make for a true morning feast.
Enjoy one last moment in the indoor pool, unwind once more in the hot tubs, then head back to your room. Take your time, savour the moment, and leave with lasting memories of an unforgettable summer week in the Eastern Townships.
