Every year, I find myself drawn back to Quebec’s Eastern Townships—usually once in summer and again when the leaves start to turn.
Living in Ontario, it’s not too far for a road trip, and yet it feels so very different than home.
If you’re searching for the best towns in Eastern Townships to visit, you’ll want to explore the 10 Coeurs Villageois. Coeurs, meaning heart, and it certainly has that!
These small towns and villages each offer something a little different, from local art to cheese shops to lakeside walks. I’ve visited them all over the years, and I’ll share what makes each one worth the stop.
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What Are the Coeurs Villageois?
If you’re not familiar with the Coeurs Villageois initiative, it’s a tourism program created by Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est that highlights 10 standout towns in the Eastern Townships. Some of these designated towns change over the years.
These aren’t just places to pass through—they’ve been chosen for their strong sense of place, rich heritage, local culture, and visitor-friendly atmosphere.
Each village has something to say, whether it’s through its historic buildings, its creative artisans, or the people who take pride in calling it home.
What sets these towns apart is their authenticity. You’ll find family-run cafés, local art studios, regional markets, and scenic routes meant to be savoured. There’s a rhythm to life here that encourages you to slow down, look around, and really be in the moment.
That’s exactly why I love them.
I’m a slow traveller at heart. I live in Ontario, but my travels take me to Europe several times a year—places where culture, history, and community are deeply woven into everyday life. These Coeurs Villageois align so naturally with what my blog is all about: slowing down to notice the small details, meeting the locals, supporting the makers, and finding meaning in the journey—not just the destination.
10 Les Coeurs Villageois Quebec Villages
1. Dunham
This small town is one of the oldest in Quebec and the heart of the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route. I love stopping here for vineyard visits and apple picking in the fall.
- Where to drink: Dunham Microbrewery and the surrounding Eastern Townships wineries along the wine route like Vignoble du Ruisseau, Domaine Côtes d’Ardoise, The Orpailleur, Val Caudalies, and Clos Ste-Croix
- Where to eat: L’Épicerie-Café Dunham
- What to do:
- Visit the orchard, Domaine de Dunham, and pick your own fruit, or stop in at their market shop
2. Waterloo
Waterloo is a lively crossroads with a beautiful lake, walking paths, an outdoor art gallery and a strong bike scene. It’s a great place to slow down over lunch and enjoy the surrounding nature.
- Where to eat: Known for its delicious bakeries, drop by Phil’s – Beignes D’autrefois artisanal bakery or Gâteaux Duvoquic for their pretty cakes
- Where to drink: Robin – Bière Naturelle
- What to do:
- Walk the Heritage trail with 40 historic and architectural buildings
- Drive the Summit, one of the most scenic drives reaching a mountain peak
3. Eastman
With a focus on wellness and outdoor living, Eastman is a great base for spa retreats and lake walks. I enjoy its balance of nature, creativity, and good food while staying nearby.
- Where to eat: Café Bistro Les Trois Graces, Restaurant du Spa Eastman, La Station, and Dora’s Artisanal Bakery
- What to do:
- Hiking and biking on the Heritage trails
- Kayaking, fishing and ice fishing in the nearby four lakes
- Check out Théâtre de La Marjolaine, which introduced French summer theatre to Quebec, as well as the literary event, Eastman Correspondences
- Shop at Savonnerie des Diligences
4. Ayer’s Cliff
This village comes alive during its annual fair but stays friendly and low-key year-round. I like it for a quiet lunch stop or a stroll along the lake.
It has historical roots of being a stagecoach inn that hosted American travellers passing through continues today with a stream of steady traffic. That means it’s not as quiet and quaint as other villages, but is home Stanstead County Agricultural Fair, which is the oldest in Quebec.
- Where to eat: Café Folies, Le Riverain Restaurant at The Ripplecove Inn or Auberge Ayer’s Cliff
- What to do:
- Walk or bike the Tomifobia Nature Trail or the footpath along Lake Massawippi
- Head to Ayer’s Cliff public beach
5. Coaticook
Famous for its suspension bridge and the nighttime light trail at Foresta Lumina, Coaticook surprises me every time. And yes—the ice cream is worth the detour.
- Where to eat: Laiterie de Coaticook, for over 75 years, they’ve been making their delicious ice cream and cheeses
- Where to drink: Microbrasserie de Coaticook, Microbrasserie Hop Station
- What to do:
- Visit the biggest attraction, Parc de la Gorge, and walk along the highest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America (or so they say)
6. Cookshire-Eaton
Located in the Haut-Saint-François region, Cookshire-Eaton is where history and rural life meet. Its heritage homes, covered bridge, and strong Anglo-Quebecois roots make it a meaningful stop.
- Where to eat & drink: Brasserie 11 Comtes
- What to do:
- Check out the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery
- Find all four bell towers
- Visit the main attraction, Parc des Braves, where an arrangement of standing stones, just like those found in the UK. The legend is that they were believed to track the passages of the moon.
7. Danville
Danville stands out for its historic architecture and open-air art exhibits during the annual Symposium des Arts held in September. I’m always inspired by how this small town celebrates both heritage and creativity.
- Where to eat: Two spots in town include Mante du Carré or Binnerie du Carré
- What to do:
- Admire some art at Galerie G de BR
- Take the self-guided walking tour past some of the historical buildings
8. Scotstown
Tucked near Mont-Mégantic National Park, Scotstown has Scottish heritage and lush forest trails. It’s ideal for nature lovers and stargazers alike.
- Where to eat & drink: Scott Tea Room for a lovely afternoon tea
- What to do:
- Take one of the walking trails from the centre of town to explore historic homes or nature
- Bike on their well-known trails in either the Scots Marsh Regional Park or the Two Parks Circuit
9. Piopolis
This little-known gem on the edge of Lac Mégantic offers forest trails, mountain views, and lakeside serenity. This remote place is where to go when you want to truly disconnect and be surrounded by nature.
- Where to eat & drink: Grab a quick bite at the Old General Store or the village’s inn restaurant and pub – Auberge au Soleil Levant
- What to do:
- Walk along the lake’s pier
- Visit the historic fire hall, which now acts as the tourism office, for the area’s history
10. Lambton
Bordering Grand Lac Saint-François, Lambton is a peaceful lakeside village with strong Acadian roots. It’s one of my favourite places to unwind by the water or take a quiet walk.
- Where to eat: At Boulangerie Lambton, offering delicious baked goods
- What to do:
- Visit the Presbytery Art Gallery in a historic building that is shared with the local tourism office
More Villages Worth Visiting in the Eastern Townships
Other villages that I love to visit, and in previous years, many of these were former designated Coeurs Villageois.
1. Frelighsburg
Nestled at the foot of Mount Pinnacle, Frelighsburg feels like a postcard with its covered bridge and orchards. It’s a quiet spot with a strong artist community and great local cider.
- Where to eat: Café de Village, the once historic general store, is known for its specialty maple syrup pie, or Beat & Betterave, is part café and part cultural centre featuring local artists’ work
- What to Do:
- Visit the historic Grammar School, now serving as the tourism office
- Check out the thriving art community. It can be found everywhere – from parks to restaurants to hanging on the side of buildings
2. Lac-Brome
This English-speaking village feels like a step back in time with Victorian homes and antique shops. The lakeside trail and duck farm products are local favourites. It’s also a bit confusing, but it has merged with other neighbouring hamlets called Bondville, East Ville, Foster, Fulford, Iron Hill, Knowlton and West Brome.
Brome Lake also served as the inspiration for crime novelist Louise Penny’s famous village of Three Pines.
- Where to eat: Le Relais Bistro, Bistro West Brome, Le Sapin and Quilliams
- Where to drink: Leon Courville Winery or La Knowlton Co. microbrewery
- What to do:
- Head to Douglass Beach or Brome Lake
- Visit a lavender farm at Joie de Lavande
- Walk the self-guided historical trail, visit a museum and be sure to do the antique circuit for treasure hunting
- Shop at Domenica, my favourite little Italian grocery boutique shop
3. Sutton
A four-season destination surrounded by mountains, Sutton is known for hiking, skiing, and its vibrant arts scene. I always make time for its cafés and indie bookstores.
- Where to eat: Endless options, here are a couple I’ve tried, Le Pleasant Hotel & Café and La Galette for their sweet or savoury crepes
- Where to drink: Auberge Sutton Brouërie, L’Abordage Microbrasserie, Vignoble de la Chapelle Ste-Agnes, Vignoble Domaine Bresee
- What to do:
- The endless trails for cycling, mountain biking, hiking, cross-country and alpine skiing
- Shop for outdoor apparel and equipment along its main street
4. North Hatley
Set on the shores of Lake Massawippi, North Hatley feels like a resort village from another era. Its lakeside charm and boutique inns make it perfect for a restful overnight stay.
Many of the century-old homes have been turned into lovely inns and B&Bs, as well as, cute shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants.
- Where to stay (and dine): the Relais & Châteaux property of Manoir Hovey gained international attention when Condé Nast Traveller named it the top place to stay in Canada. Its restaurant, Le Hatley, is also a recommended place to dine for a special dinner
- Where to eat: Saveurs et Gourmandises
- What to do:
- Browse the boutique shops, including Galerie Jeannine Blais
- Enjoy a beach day at Pleasant View Beach
- Visit the North Hatley covered bridge on one of the sideroads outside of town
5. Stanstead
Stanstead sits right on the U.S. border—literally. The main street is divided down the middle between Canada and the United States, and the historic Haskell Free Library and Opera House (where the stage is in Canada and the audience sits in the US) straddles both countries. It’s one of the most unique villages I’ve ever visited.
- Where to eat: Café-bistro at the Auberge Le Sunshine
- Things to do in Eastern Townships:
- Visit the Stone Circle, Colby-Curtis Museum, Ye Olde Blacksmith
- Check out the art at Le Vieux Forgeron art galleries
6. Masonville Eastern Townships
Set in the Missisquoi Valley, Mansonville is a village with a unique round barn, only a handful left in the Eastern Townships.
- What to do:
- Visit Owl’s Head for alpine skiing, hiking, biking and golf courses
- Watch out for the Pont de la Frontière, the covered bridge near Potton
Final Thoughts
These are the best towns in the Eastern Townships for slow travellers like me—where heritage, nature, and community come together in the most meaningful way.
It’s all about the charm. Support the local makers and businesses that give each village its heart.
