6-Day Eastern Townships Road Trip for Active Families
If you’re looking for a trip that blends quiet countryside, charming towns, outdoor fun, and delicious local food, this 6-day Eastern Townships road trip checks every box. Located just over an hour from Montreal, this region of Quebec is full of beautiful bike paths, forest trails, rivers to float, and pretty villages to explore.
We spent a week on the road through the Eastern Townships of Quebec, and it turned into one of our favourite family trips. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy: riding bikes, playing in the water, or just sitting on a patio with a fresh bagel and a local beer (or lemonade for the kids).
Along the way, we visited some of the best towns in the Eastern Townships, including Bromont, Sutton, Knowlton, Waterloo and Granby. Each one had its own personality and plenty to keep the kids happy.
And I’m sharing our full 6-day itinerary.
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Day 1 – Bromont
🚗 Driving distance from Montreal to Bromont: 98 km from YUL to Bromont
Your Eastern Townships road trip starts in Bromont, a small town known for its bike trails and mountain charm. It’s also just a short drive from Montreal, making it a great first stop. It’s less than 100 km from Montreal, but expect some traffic.
Once in Bromont, get the bikes out of the car and start with a ride on La Villageoise bike trail. This paved loop is perfect for families. It connects the two village centers of Bromont, Old Bromont and the Adamsville sector.
The trail is mostly flat and shared with pedestrians. If you don’t have time to do the entire path (which is a bit more than 10 km), you can simply ride around Old Bromont. There are a few different free parking lots. I recommend a stop at Campus Germain-Désourdy. It has a great splash pad and playground. It’s a nice place to take a break before pedalling up toward Vieux-Bromont.
Once in the old village, take a stroll and visit the Musée du chocolat et de la confiserie de Bromont. It’s small but sweet, with fun displays and a tempting shop where you can grab a treat or two.
Dinner is easy at Microbrasserie À L’Abordage, located just a few blocks away. They serve burgers, poutines (the duck confit poutine is delicious), and local beers, all in a relaxed setting. It’s kid-friendly and usually busy with cyclists and locals.
Wrap up your day with a stop at Oaké Creamery, on Shefford Street just outside the heart of Old Bromont. Their ice cream is made in-house with local products. There’s always a fun seasonal flavour to try. You can enjoy your cone on their outdoor patio. There are a lot of games for the kids and small, little playhouse-style picnic tables. It’s super cute.
Day 2 – Bromont
Start your morning with a visit to Boulangerie Pâtisserie Canaël, one of the most popular bakeries in Bromont. It’s located on Rue Shefford, just outside Old Bromont’s main area. There is a parking lot in front. You’ll find buttery croissants, fresh baguettes, and delicious fruit danishes. Grab some pastries and coffee to go or enjoy a slow breakfast on-site.
Once you’re fueled up, it’s time for a morning of mountain biking. Bromont is renowned as a cycling hub and there are excellent options for both beginners and experienced riders.
Where to Ride:
- Centre National de Cyclisme de Bromont (CNCB): This is a great starting point, especially with kids. There are pumptracks, a skills park, and beginner-friendly trails. You can rent bikes onsite or bring your own.
- Mont Oak and Montagne d’Expériences: These are better suited for older children seeking a more challenging experience. Trails vary from easy to advanced, and the views are worth the climb.
If mountain biking isn’t your thing, you could also explore more of the L’Estriade trail system, which connects Bromont to Granby, Waterloo, and other nearby towns. It’s flat, paved, and great for all ages. We did the L’Estriade from Bromont to Waterloo and had a wonderful time (more on Waterloo below).
After your biking adventure, head back to town and get ready for dinner in one of the local restaurants on Shefford Street.
Day 3 – Sutton
🚗 Driving distance from Bromont to Sutton: 30 km
Today, you’ll trade bike paths for river floats and playgrounds for natural pools. Sutton offers a laid-back mix of outdoor fun and village charm that’s perfect for families looking to explore, relax, and play.
Start the day at Au Diable Vert, a mountain resort about 45 minutes from Bromont. It’s located south of Sutton, close to the USA border. One of the best family activities is tubing down the Missisquoi River. The water is shallow, the current is gentle, and the experience is simply enjoyable.
You’ll start with a short walk (around 10–15 minutes) through the forest with your tubes before reaching the river launch point. From there, the float takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll spend half the float pulling you to go faster and the other half spotting fish or singing made-up river songs. The two-hour tubing reservation typically allows for two full runs.
Pro-Tip: Book your time slot in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Also, bring water shoes, your bathing suit (or quick-dry clothes) and towels.
After your morning on the water, head into Sutton village, just a 15-minute drive from Au Diable Vert. It’s small but packed with charm, and great for a casual lunch.
I recommend Bagels Round Top, a cozy café with homemade bagels, house-made lemonades and sofas, and a welcoming, kid-friendly space (there is even a kids’ play zone inside). If the weather’s nice, grab a table on the terrace. The smoked meat bagel sandwich is a favourite.
After lunch, walk across the street for a well-deserved treat at Snöbol Bar à Glaces, where you’ll find some of the best local ice cream and sorbets in the area. The strawberry sorbet is a standout, especially on a hot summer day.
If you all still have energy to spare, your final stop today is La Marmite aux Sorcières, a hidden gem in the Parc Environnement Naturel de Sutton. This short forest trail (less than 500 metres from the parking lot) leads to a series of rock pools and waterfalls where you can wade, splash, and climb.
It’s not a traditional swimming spot, but it’s magical in its own way. Our kids could have spent hours hopping from rock to rock and dipping into the cool water.
Once again, have your water shoes.
Day 4 – Knowlton
🚗 Driving distance from Sutton to Knowlton: 20 km
Start your day at the Lac-Brome Museum. The museum offers a collection of heritage buildings that tell the story of the region. It’s a great place to learn about early settlers from Vermont, the arrival of British Home Children, and how the area developed over time.
But what really makes this museum stand out is its dedicated Children’s Museum, a kid-sized village where little ones can play in a model schoolhouse, pretend to shop in a general store, or try farm-themed activities. Our kids didn’t want to leave.
Once you’re done at the museum, hop on your bikes and ride the Lac-Brome Trail, a flat and scenic path that follows the lake toward Plage Douglass. This is one of the best beaches in the Eastern Townships for families, with calm water, lifeguards on duty, a designated swim zone, and lots of space for a picnic.
The ride to the beach is short and easy, and you can pack lunch or grab a bite at the beach canteen. There’s a grassy area with shade, changing facilities, and even kayak and paddleboard rentals if you want to extend your time on the water.
BONUS: Balnea Spa
If you have a babysitter, this is also a great moment to visit Balnea Spa, located just outside of town. The spa offers thermal circuits, forest views, and a peaceful setting overlooking the lake. For a night nearby, check out Beatnik Hotel, a quiet, modern spot close to the spa with plenty of space to unwind after a full day outside.
Day 5 – Granby
🚗 Driving distance from Knowlton to Granby: 40 km
You’re nearing the end of your Eastern Townships road trip, but it still packs in a full day of fun. Just 30 minutes from Waterloo, the town of Granby is home to one of Quebec’s most popular family attractions: the Zoo de Granby.
This isn’t just any zoo. It’s big, well-organized, and full of engaging spaces for kids of all ages. You’ll find over 1,000 animals from around the world, with habitats grouped by regions like Africa, South America, Oceania, and Asia. The zoo invests considerable effort in creating environments that are both immersive and educational, and the walking paths are well-shaded and easy to navigate with strollers.
In the summer, the onsite water park is a huge bonus. There are slides, splash zones, and a lazy river, so you’ll want to bring swimsuits and towels. You could easily spend half your day just cooling off and playing in the water.
Food options inside the zoo are decent (think burgers, pizza, and snacks), but you can also bring your own lunch and eat at one of the many picnic areas around the park.
Day 6 – Drive Back to Montreal
🚗 Driving distance from Granby to Montreal: 80 km
Before heading back to Montreal, make one last stop at Verger Champêtre, located just outside Granby. It’s more than just an orchard; it’s a farm experience with walking trails, animal encounters, and pick-your-own fruit depending on the season. The kids will love meeting the alpacas and goats, and you can stock up on homemade jams, apple treats, and local produce for the road.
After this peaceful stop, it’s time to make your way back to Montreal. The drive takes just under an hour and is a nice way to ease back into everyday life after vacation.
Final Thoughts: Road Tripping in the Eastern Townships
This Eastern Townships road trip gave us everything we love in a family getaway: scenic drives, charming towns, outdoor fun, great food, and space to slow down. And I hope you enjoy the region as much as we did. There are so many things to do in the Eastern Townships, and the mix of nature, culture, and local flavours makes it an ideal destination for families. You might not hit every single village in one visit, but that’s the beauty of it. Just take your time, enjoy the ride, and start planning your next visit to one of the best towns in Eastern Townships.
