Sweet maple treats and snowy activities make Sherbrooke, Quebec a tantalizing locale.
Situated in southern Quebec and the Eastern Townships region (also known as the Estrie), Sherbrooke is a quaint town teeming with a rich cultural history. After checking off the symphony orchestra and reputable museums, head out for endless outdoor adventures that make it easy for Hipcampers to pack their days full of fun. Find an ideal campsite near Sherbrooke, and stop by one of the many traditional Sugar Shacks offering homemade maple syrup taffy sticks (freshly harvested from the tree and poured on a bed of snow). Or settle on an RV campsite, and wander through the downtown centre to view towering murals bringing life to vacant walls.
Magog is a small township about 30 minutes outside Sherbrooke with lakes on every side. Camping at Lac Magog provides close access to aquatic activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming. As winter unfolds, temperatures drop, making RV camping a prime choice. During this time, winter activities take advantage of the snow blanketing the landscape, with cross-country skiing, skating, and snowshoeing dominating the outdoor scene.
Take a short drive (roughly 30 minutes) to scope out Mont-Orford National Park. It promises tons of room for adventure with 55 kilometres of cross-country ski trails and multiple hiking trails. Stretch your legs after a long car ride with the La Super trail that reaches the peak of Mont Orford to witness stunning views of the Eastern Townships. Or take the Hybrid Lift—a gondola and chair lift system that transports passengers 850 metres up to the top of the mountain. Spaces fill up quickly, so book tickets online in advance.
Offering downhill and cross-country skiing, a snow tube park, tennis courts, dozens of hiking trails, and an archery range, it’s no surprise that Mont Bellevue is the largest park in Sherbrooke. The native ecosystem is bursting with biodiversity, making it an excellent spot for bird watching, even though it’s in the city. Bring or rent a mountain bike to cover as much terrain as possible, then head back to a Sherbrooke cabin for some R&R.
Every season in Sherbrooke has its benefits, but certain attractions are best seen during specific times. If rainy days and wet feet are a no-go, steer clear of springtime when all that snow starts melting (waterproof shoes are a must for March and April). If snowy activities are a top priority, the middle of winter is best. November to April will be cold, with the lowest temps seen in December, January, and February (-30°C is common). June, July, and August are prime months for swimming and fishing with temperatures hanging around 25°C.