Canada’s Eastern Townships: Sutton
Sutton is a mountain village in Canada’s Eastern Townships known for its culture, gourmet tourism, and scenic landscapes. Browse some art galleries, enjoy the food and ambience in a lively bistro, and take in a bit of the local history.
Experience the outdoors and the beauty of the Sutton Mountain Range on a scenic trail. The village links to Sutton’s Parc d’Environnement Naturel, of Quebec’s most beautiful year-round trail networks.
The Townships Trail: Sutton
The Townships Trail runs along a marked tourist route of 31 towns and villages. Choose a circuit, drive the scenic back roads and bring history to life. Self-guided audio heritage tours are available to download to tablets and smartphones.
It is a delightful way to get a sense of local history —pioneers, trade and manufacturing, prohibition, and tourism. Or choose a theme like vintage homes or an English Tea Route.
Sutton’s Tourist Information Center has maps of the heritage tours or download in advance. Like to cycle or run? There are circuits for that. Or take it easy with a walking tour of the Loyalist history. Stroll by the interpretive panels that are in both French and English.
Sutton is one of the 13 villages or Cœurs Villageois (literally village hearts) that are known for local products, exceptional services, and array of activities and attractions. This mountain village welcomes visitors with its colorful flower displays, boutiques and art galleries, microbreweries, and jazz and blues festivals.
Snag an indoor or outdoor table if you can at Mollie’s Café Dinette Buvette(snack bar), a local favorite. Works by local artists line the walls and hand-written signs announce upcoming festivals and special events.
The nearby La Rumeur Affamée offers everything you could want for a picnic—freshly-baked bread and pastries, prepared foods, deli meats and what must be over 100 cheeses, mostly from Quebec. Add a tarte au strop d’érable (maple pie) to complete the meal.
For more, cross the street to a chocolaterie. Stop by Chez Matis traiteur for take-out and French pastries. Try a local brew.
Curious about curling? Check out the local club.
Go wine tasting, enjoy a spontaneous romantic picnic, or try one of the other experiences available at a unique nearby vineyard, Château Ste-Agnès. The site of weddings and other special events, it is distinct for its castle and chapel.
Stop and stay a while. Book the bed and breakfast package at a place like Le Pleasant Hotel and Café, a conveniently located boutique hotel with a sleek contemporary interior design inside a 20th century Victorian former residence. Winner of eight recent TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards, it has been ranked among the top small hotels in Canada, top romantic destinations and top for quality of service. It offers a convenient central location and cuisine creatively prepared from local products.
Stop to stay a while. Walk, run, cycle, or drive the circuits and trails. Or just sit back and enjoy fresh local foods and flavors. Sutton has it all.