Nestled just east of Montreal, the Eastern Townships offer a delightful escape from the city. This day trip promises to whisk travelers away to a land of serene abbeys, picturesque lakeside towns, and historic universities. With an expert guide leading the way, visitors can enjoy the region’s rich culture and natural beauty. From strolling through charming Magog to exploring the grand Sherbrooke, this excursion provides a well-rounded taste of the Eastern Townships’ many charms. What secrets await beyond the horizon?
Key Points
- A 9-hour small-group day trip from Montreal to explore the Eastern Townships region, including stops at Abbey Saint-Benoît-du-Lac, Magog, and Sherbrooke.
- Roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned bus with a bilingual guide providing cultural and historical insights throughout the tour.
- Opportunities to admire the natural beauty of the region, such as a photo stop at Orford Lake.
- Free time for lunch and exploration in the charming town of Magog at Park de Magog Bay.
- Comprehensive tour package with pickup from select hotels in downtown Montreal and complimentary bottle of water.
Trip Overview and Pricing
What does this day trip to the Eastern Townships entail? From Montreal, it’s a 9-hour small-group tour priced from $173.83 per person.
The tour provides round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned bus and a bilingual guide. Highlights include photo stops, visits to historic sites, local towns, and time for lunch.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The trip operates rain or shine, though the itinerary may change due to events or closures. With positive reviews for the exceptional guide, this day trip promises an immersive experience in the scenic Eastern Townships region.
Looking for more options in Magog? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The day trip begins with pickup from select hotels in downtown Montreal before embarking on a 1.5-hour bus ride to Austin, where guests will enjoy a photo stop at the picturesque Orford Lake.
Next, visitors will explore Saint Benedict Abbey, learning about monastic life and browsing monk-made products. In Magog, they’ll stroll around Park de Magog Bay and have free time for lunch.
The tour continues in North Hatley, admiring Lake Massawipi, before heading to Sherbrooke to visit Bishops University, Marché de la Gare, and the city’s historic landmarks.
The final stop is Jacques-Cartier Park before returning to Montreal.
Transportation and Guide
How does the transportation and guide work for this Eastern Townships day trip?
The tour provides transportation in an air-conditioned bus, which picks up participants from select hotels in downtown Montreal.
A bilingual guide, fluent in both English and French, accompanies the group throughout the excursion. The guide provides cultural and historical insights, ensuring a rich and informative experience.
A complimentary bottle of water is also included.
With the transportation and knowledgeable guide, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque Eastern Townships without worrying about logistics.
Important Information
Passengers should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and bring cash for any personal purchases.
Smoking, food, and alcohol are prohibited in the vehicle. The tour operates rain or shine, and the itinerary is subject to change due to events or closures.
Pets aren’t allowed on the bus.
This day trip is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the Eastern Townships region, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local products.
Participants can expect a well-organized and informative experience guided by a knowledgeable bilingual guide.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
A sizable 4.8/5 rating from 6 reviews attests to the overwhelmingly positive feedback for this day trip to the Eastern Townships.
Travelers highlight the region’s natural beauty, the guide’s exceptional service and knowledge, as well as the valuable cultural and historical insights provided throughout the tour.
Key customer review highlights include:
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"Our guide, Mounir, was outstanding – very knowledgeable and friendly."
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"Loved exploring the charming towns and scenic countryside. It was a wonderful day trip from Montreal."
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"This tour perfectly balanced history, nature, and local culture. Highly recommended!"
Exploring the Charming Townships
As the bus winds its way through the picturesque countryside, travelers are treated to a captivating glimpse into the charming Eastern Townships.
The first stop at Saint Benedict Abbey offers a unique opportunity to learn about monastic life and explore the monk-made products.
The quaint town of Magog enchants with its tranquil lakeside park, while North Hatley impresses with its stately homes and scenic Lake Massawippi.
In Sherbrooke, the group explores the city’s historic landmarks, including the impressive Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral, and discovers local delicacies at the bustling Marche de la Gare.
Throughout the journey, the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness shine.
Discovering Monastic Life at Saint Benedict Abbey
What awaits visitors at the Saint Benedict Abbey? A unique glimpse into monastic life.
Guests explore the abbey, learning about the monks’ daily routines:
Guests explore the abbey, learning about the monks’ daily routines: spiritual practices, handmade products, and architectural grandeur.
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Spiritual practices: Observe the monks’ scheduled prayers and meditation.
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Handmade products: Peruse the abbey’s selection of monk-made goods, from preserves to soaps.
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Architectural grandeur: Marvel at the abbey’s impressive Gothic-style architecture and serene grounds.
Through this intimate encounter, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the monastic way of life in the heart of the Eastern Townships.
Experiencing the Vibrant City of Sherbrooke
After exploring the quaint towns of the Eastern Townships, the day trip takes visitors to the vibrant city of Sherbrooke.
Here, they’ll visit Bishops University and the Marche de la Gare, a local marketplace featuring artisanal products.
The tour then leads them through the charming downtown, including the imposing City Hall and the grand Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral.
Before returning to Montreal, the group stops at Jacques-Cartier Park, taking in the city’s natural beauty.
Throughout the Sherbrooke segment, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the region’s history and culture, enhancing the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?
The pricing information doesn’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. The tour is priced at $173.83 per person, regardless of age or student status.
Can We Stop for Photo Opportunities Along the Way?
Yes, the tour includes photo stops along the way, such as at Orford Lake. The small group size and air-conditioned bus make it easy to hop out for quick photo opportunities throughout the scenic Eastern Townships region.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?
The tour doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions for the included lunch in Magog. Participants can likely choose from various options to accommodate their dietary needs during the free time for lunch.
Will We Have Free Time to Explore the Towns on Our Own?
Yes, the tour includes free time in Magog and North Hatley for participants to explore the towns on their own and find a restaurant for lunch. The itinerary allows for independent exploration of these picturesque townships.
Can We Choose to Skip Certain Stops on the Itinerary?
The itinerary is pre-set, so participants can’t skip specific stops. However, they’ll have free time to explore certain towns independently. The small group size allows for flexibility within the overall schedule.
The Sum Up
This day trip from Montreal offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Eastern Townships. Guests can experience the serenity of Saint Benedict Abbey, enjoy a scenic lunch in Magog, and explore the vibrant city of Sherbrooke, all while benefiting from round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable bilingual guide. It’s a fantastic way to take in the charming landscapes and local culture of this picturesque region.
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