Now that fall has arrived, the countryside is painted in glorious colours, courtesy of Mother Nature – every conceivable shade of yellow, red and burgundy! Known as a prime destination for outdoor lovers, the Townships offer fall activities and attractions by the score. The region has more than 1,300 km of hiking trails, four national parks, two regional parks and around 40 (easy-to reach) mountain peaks. A selection of places/activities where you can enjoy the fall colours are outlined below:

Mont Orford's annual Flambés des couleurs - a perennial fall favourite 

This event celebrating the fall colours takes place at Mont Orford, at the base of the mountain (where leaf peepers can enjoy various activities) and at the peak – by far the best spot for a panoramic overview of the countryside! Prime viewing can also be enjoyed from five lookout points that are part of a hiking circuit (until October 15). Photos

Inhale the fresh mountain air!

At our mountain resorts, visitors can take a bracing walk in the fresh air, along one of their many hiking trails, to combine a healthy activity with the breathtaking sight of nature's handiwork. Head for Mont Orford, Mont Sutton, Owl's Head or Bromont, montagne des experiences and relax in a chairlift (with your feet dangling over the edge!) as you're hoisted skywards to the summit…. Photos

The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America

Edging along the 50-metre high footbridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook you get a great view of the Coaticook Gorge, fringed by dazzling fall colours. The park has 19 kilometres of hiking trails, waterfalls, observation points and more… Photos

Etang Burbank – the home of a diversity of flora and fauna

During the fall season, nature really puts on a show at the Étang Burbank. Situated just outside the community of Danville, this eco-rich pond is home to a diversity of flora and fauna. (At this time of year, it throngs with migrating birds.) There are a number of walking trails (around 4km long) as well as a 290-metre boardwalk leading to a lookout point. Photos

Pedal power takes you through an open-air art gallery!

Haute-Yamaska, a popular family destination, boasts an extensive network of bike trails linking  Granby with Waterloo. They run through the parc national de la Yamaska and Artria, a unique, open-air art gallery. Cyclists who also appreciate culture, will be impressed by this outdoor collection of imposing works created by renowned artists. Photos

Ziplining at Mont Sutton

Another way to go leaf-peeping – albeit at high speed – is to swoosh down a zipline!  At Mont Sutton there are two different runs – the “giant” zipline which swoops across one kilometre and the “coaster” which, as its name suggests, twists and turns like a rollercoaster! A shot of adrenaline, but also a visual treat. Photos

Pedal across the treetops on the VéloVolant

Au Diable Vert offers a unique way to appreciate the fall colours. The VéloVolant is a type of “flying” bike suspended on a cable across the top of the trees, operated by each stroke of a pedal, allowing cyclists to observe the changing leaves up close and personal! A truly thrilling way to explore the Glen Sutton forest…. Photos

The view from Lake Memphremagog

Sail aboard the Le Grand Cru for a water view of the fall colours. Lake Memphremagog is ringed by tree-clad mountains and the blazing colours of the countryside, contrasted with the shimmering lake, are a truly magical sight! This elegant boat offers a choice of cruises featuring gourmet fare, such as brunch, a “bubbly” hour and dinner. Photos

Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

The Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac is one of the region's most photographed landmarks. The Benedictine monastery has a number of viewpoints from which you can see Lake Memphremagog, Mont Orford and the surrounding rural landscape, which make for some stunning images! The building has a unique architectural design, which attracts visitors from far and near, as do the food products (principally cider and cheese) made by the monks. Photos

Place de la Traversée in Val-des-Sources

This public square is an ideal spot for a picnic. It overlooks what used to be a mine shaft – now a sparkling lake – and at this time of the year, the site is bathed in fall colours.

The loftiest peak in the Eastern Townships

Situated along the Route des Sommets (The Summit Drive), Mont Gosford offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the region. The top of the mountain is 1,193 metres (3,914 feet) above sea level, making it the highest peak in the Eastern Townships. From the summit, hikers can gaze over the region of Megantic and the states of New Hampshire and Maine on the other side of the border. Photos

All aboard the Sherbus!

A 2-hour, guided tour aboard the Sherbus introduces visitors to some of the key attractions in Sherbrooke - new discoveries perhaps to non-residents! The themed tours take in city landmarks, as the guides pepper their descriptions with interesting anecdotes. Photos

The panoramic sheds circuit

Fancy a fall road trip? Head for the Circuit des sheds panoramiques.- a 150-km route with nine “sheds” (open-sided lookout points) that offer spectacular views over the countryside. Each shed has a historical description of the surrounding area. Photos

Sip on a beer against a backdrop of fall foliage

There are more than 30 microbreweries in the Eastern Townships. A number of them have terraces where you can sip on a pint (or two!) of beer while admiring the changing colours. The breweries include 11 comtés in Cookshire-Eaton, Moulin 7 in Val-des-Sources, l'Autre Brasserie in Bedford and La Ferme in Shefford. Photos

Panoramas and wines in the Vellons de Wadleigh

The fall season is harvest season! Discover the world of wine making at Vallons de Wadleigh, a family-run business in Ulverton. Visitors can sample their products on the terraces and take a walk along one of the nature trails. Photos

BTW, the Eastern Townships region is known as the “cradle” of viticulture in Quebec. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of wine making in the province, this year, there will be special events at several vineyards along the Route des vins de Brome-Missisquoi wine route. Don't miss out on the fall festivities!

To track the progress of the fall foliage, click on our interactive map.

About Tourism Eastern Townships

Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est (Tourism Eastern Townships) is one of 22 tourism associations (ATRs) in Quebec and the official representative of Quebec's Ministry of Tourism in the Eastern Townships. Since 1978, the TCE's mission has been to promote tourism development, marketing the region within Quebec and internationally. TCE brings together more than 500 members throughout the 9 regional county municipalities (MRCs) and in all sectors of the tourism industry: accommodation, restaurants, attractions, activities and events.

The Eastern Townships is the fourth most popular tourist destination in Quebec. The region attracts some 10 million visitors every year, accounting for 6.5 million overnight stays and spending more than $900 million annually. The tourism sector is also the region's fourth largest employer, accounting for 18,000 jobs.