Discover Beer and Outdoor Adventures in Canada’s Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships of Canada have always been a draw for Montrealers seeking a serene escape and for skiers who prefer tranquil backcountry slopes over crowded resorts. However, there’s an even better reason to visit now—craft beer, and plenty of it.
Québec now boasts over 150 craft breweries, with small towns like Dunham, Farnham, and Sutton becoming a holy trinity at the epicenter of this beer revolution. Just over an hour from Montréal, you will consistently encounter some of the province’s best brews alongside experimental releases that highlight the local ingredients of the Eastern Townships.
Getting There
The optimal way to explore these breweries is by car. You can either rent one—hopefully drawing straws to choose a designated driver—or opt for a guided tour so everyone can indulge in the experience. For guided tours, LA ROUTE DES BIÈRES offers fantastic eight-hour round trips from Montréal, with visits to four microbreweries and snacks at each location.
For those with more time and energy, cycling is another great option. The Eastern Townships serve as a hub for cycling enthusiasts, especially during the summer and early autumn when the scenery is at its best. Moreover, towns like Farnham have designated bike paths that accommodate casual riders. However, be wary, as the roads can be steep and winding, making a day of beer tasting challenging for cyclists.
Time for Beer
Regardless of whether you choose to cycle or drive, your first stop from Montréal should be the Farnham Ale and Lager. Renowned for its flagship IPAs, this brewery boldly prints each beer’s IBU (bitterness) directly on its cans. Although it may not be the most experimental brewery, Farnham’s beers are highly popular and provide an excellent introduction to Québec’s brewing styles, often being more affordable compared to other brews of similar quality.
After your tasting, to line your stomach, head to the neighboring Fromagerie des Cantons to sample their gourmet cheeses, many crafted fresh from raw or thermized milk. To snack like a local, skip the fancy selections and grab a bag of cheese curds to munch on during your travels. Locally known as “squeaky cheese,” this delicious treat is also the key ingredient in poutine.
Wine and More Beer
The town of Farnham isn’t solely dedicated to beer. Wine enthusiasts can indulge at the Vignobles Les Pervenches, an excellent winery located just ten minutes from Farnham Ale and Lager. The Eastern Townships is home to over 20 vineyards, many of which can also be explored via guided tours. Les Pervenches is regarded as one of the finest. Be aware that production is weather dependent, so it is wise to check online prior to your visit to ensure the vineyard is open.
Your next stop on the beer tour should be Dunham Brewery, often considered among the best breweries in the Eastern Townships. Dunham’s wild and farmhouse ales have earned global recognition, frequently taking home awards for their unique flavor profiles and high-quality ingredients. The brewery collaborates with Québec artists to design the labels for its bottles, providing each product with a distinct personality that reflects its flavors.
Take some time to soak in the atmosphere; on warm summer days, the outdoor patio is the perfect setting to enjoy the raspberry notes of your sour ale, all while watching the sun set. Additionally, you will find no shortage of snacks and regular live music, along with tasting events that only enhance the experience.
Time to Unwind with Cider and Even More Beer
While Dunham may mark the highlight of your tour, Auberge Sutton Brouërie offers a place to genuinely relax and escape urban life. Not only are their beers delightful, but the brewery also features a six-room boutique hotel. Each of the luxurious suites spans two floors, showcasing beautiful artwork from emerging artists. The first-rate restaurant serves hearty meals within a welcoming ambiance. Therefore, make sure to reserve your room in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Feeling rejuvenated after a restful night’s sleep and breakfast at the Auberge, it’s time to return to Montréal. However, do not forget to stop at the Vergers and Cidrerie Denis Charbonneau, a renowned apple orchard located in St Grégoire. While the cider alone is worth the detour, locals will insist that the homemade apple fritters are the real star. In the autumn, you can even tour the orchard and pick apples yourself to take home. They offer nearly 20 varieties, all of which far surpass the quality of grocery store apples.
If You Have Two Nights in the Eastern Townships
Consider extending your stay to combine beer tasting with some invigorating outdoor activities. From hiking and canoeing in the summer to cross-country skiing and ice fishing in the winter, the Eastern Townships offer a fantastic outdoor playground. Moreover, there’s truly no more Canadian way to enjoy your beer than by earning it through a full day of fresh air activities.
