Brome-Missisquoi

At the Quebec-Vermont border, from the Sutton Mountains to Brome Lake, the Brome-Missisquoi regional municipal county offers magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains, forests, farmland, and waterways. As early as the end of the 18th century, Lake Champlain and Missisquoi Bay opened the way to settlement, making this corner of paradise the privileged cradle of Loyalists arriving from New England. Today, the American and British influences remain in the region’s architecture. The Townships Trail takes you to Bromont, Lac-Brome (Knowlton), Sutton, Cowansville, Standbridge East, Frelighsburg and Bedford.

The Brome-Missisquoi regional municipal county is proud to present the Brome Missisquoi Notebooks, a travel journal of text and images on the region’s history and heritage. Available at tourist information offices.

Browse the map
 Lac-Brome Museum and Children's Museum

Lac-Brome Museum and Children's Museum

130, rue Lakeside, Lac Brome (Knowlton) J0E 1V0 450 243-6782 Email Website

Season 2024: from May 18th to October 13th, every day, from 10 am to 5 pm

The museum is located in the heart of Knowlton (Town of  Brome Lake) on beautiful grounds. Easily accessible, the museum includes many buildings: the old fire station; an interactive children's museum; the Martin Annex which houses a War Museum; see an airplane from the First World War, a rare find and the only one with its original material; the former courthouse dating back to 1858, which today serves as the accredited Archives Centre (available by appointment only); the former Knowlton Academy, and more.

The museum dedicates the largest artifact collection of the first war in which lies outside the War Museum in Ottawa. The house of the founder of Knowlton was added to the site in October 2014.

The Lac-Brome Museum, a perfect place for history lovers, or for a memorable family outing. 

 

See More
Sutton

Sutton

27, rue Principale Nord, Sutton J0E 2K0 1 800 565-8455 Website

Constituted in 1802, the border municipality of Sutton, which covers 235 square kilometres, is renowned for its tranquil rural landscape. Loyalists started arriving here in 1799. Coming from New Hampshire, Richard Shepard was one of the first pioneers to clear the land. Later, in the 1840s, French-speaking settlers also came and brought their culture to the region.The municipality was granted town status in 1962.

An interpretive panel is located in front of the former Brunswick Inn (now the restaurant À la Fontaine), located at 30-A Principale Sud.

See More
Musée Bruck

Musée Bruck

225, rue Principale, Cowansville J2K 1J4 450 263-0141, poste 230 Website

September 28 to December 21: Thursday to Saturday, 12 am to 4 pm

Closed January 2025

 

Second empire style and built in 1874 as the Eastern Townships Bank, this remarkable building is a remarkable place to visit and is also the starting point of a heritage tour. Discover the Bruck-Lee permanent collection which consists of more than 75 works (paintings and sculptures). This collection was put together by the Cowansville Art Centre (1956-1979) and presents the works of Alexander Y. Jackson from Groupe des Sept and many artists from Beaver Hall Group.

Since 2009, Lee-Vermeille collection, following a sponsorship project, adds a contemporary component to the museum with its garden sculptures and paintings. The museum also hosts visual arts temporary exhibitions, mainly of artists living in the region.

Cowansville's  history began in 1798 with the arrival of the first settler, the son of a Loyalist named Jacob Ruiter. Cowansville gets its name from the Scotsman Peter Cowan, an influential businessman and later sheriff of the district of Bedford. The village was incorporated in 1876 and became a town in 1931. Cowansville is a bilingual, industrial town today and retains its Loyalist influences with magnificent buildings and affluent homes.

See More
The Missisquoi Museum

The Missisquoi Museum

2, rue River , Stanbridge East J0J 2H0 450 248-3153 Website Facebook

Season 2024: May 26 to October 20 

The first inhabitants of the area were former British settlers who wanted to remain loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution, moving to the Missisquoi area in 1797. The Loyalists cleared the land for cultivation, and thus started an agricultural industry that remains prosperous to this day. The towns in the area are renowned for their Loyalist architecture and origins.

Missisquoi County extended along the American border from Noyan in the west to Frelighsburg in the east and from Saint-Armand in the south to Farnham/Rainville in the north and also included the towns and municipalities of Bedford, Bedford Canton, Cowansville/Sweetsburg, Dunham/Lac Selby, Notre-Dame-de-Stanbridge, Philipsburg, Sainte-Sabine, Saint-Georges-de-Clarenceville, Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge/Mystic, Saint-Pierre-de-Véronne-à-Pike-River, Stanbridge East, Stanbridge Station and Venise-en-Québec.

The Museum contains more than 30,000 artefacts and documents relating to Missisquoi County’s history, located in 3 period  buildings: the Cornell Mill (1830) and Hodge’s General Store (1850) in Stanbridge East; and the Walbridge Barn (1881) located in  the charming hamlet of Mystic in the municipality of Saint-Ignace-de-Stanbridge.

See More
Bedford

Bedford

1, rue Principale , Bedford J0J 1A0 450 248-2440 Website

Long considered the county seat of Missisquoi, Bedford (1890) is located close to the Quebec border with Vermont. The first settler arrived in 1804.

At the end of the 19th century, Bedford was a significant trade centre with its train station, retail stores, agricultural society buildings, Bedford Times head office, branch of the Exchange Bank, office of the Dominion Telegraph Company, tannery, several manufacturing shops, and smelting works.

See More
Frelighsburg

Frelighsburg

1, Place de l’Hôtel de ville, Frelighsburg J0J 1C0 450 298-5133, poste 30 Website

Surrounding Pinnacle Mountain, the recent municipality of Frelighsburg is the result of a merger of townships and small villages. The original municipality of Frelighsburg was already established in 1845, however, and included the Protestant parish of Saint Armand East. The village is named after one of its first pioneers, Abram Freligh, who came from New York.

Apple production is a major part of the economy, and the village was designated among the most beautiful in Quebec.

See More
Au Diable Vert

Au Diable Vert

169 rue Staines, Glen Sutton J0E 2K0 450 538-5639 Website

We offer a wide variety of comfortable accommodations to suit all tastes. Guests can choose from one of our three luxury mountain view suites or one of our 31 four-season rustic cabins, including many perched high in the trees or stretching out over rocky cliffs. Our ability to offer something for every taste and budget is another reason for our success.

19km of private hiking trails with log bridges and interpretation panels. Snowshoe and Hok ski trails and rentals. Kayak excursions, paddleboard and tube rentals. Dogs welcome!

Another interesting activity the VeloVolant, is a pedal-propelled canopy cable ride that slowly allows visitors to glimpse forest life from above. A Canadian first, and only the third in the world!

Visit the ObservÉtoiles outdoor planetarium with augmented reality, the first in the World of its kind, situated in the middle of the Au Diable Vert Dark Sky Preserve. Young and old will be impressed with this new way of looking at the stars.

See More
Musée du Chocolat de la Confiserie Bromont

Musée du Chocolat de la Confiserie Bromont

679, rue Shefford, Bromont J2L 2K5 450-534-3893 Website

The Musée du chocolat de la Confiserie Bromont invites you to discover its unique country-style terrace, breakfasts and delicious meals, vast choice of desserts, fine chocolates made on the spot. Its gourmet shop offers a wide selection of chocolates and European delicacies. Visit our chocolate museum!

See More
Bromont heritage circuit

Bromont heritage circuit

15, boul. de Bromont, Bromont J2L 2K4 1 877 276-6668 Email Website

Two heritage circuits wind through Bromont: one in Vieux-Bromont and the other in the heart of the Adamsville district. The circuits feature 27 interpretation panels and three murals explaining the history and architecture of the buildings. Kick your tour up a notch with a BaladoDiscovery self-guided tour.

For more information, contact the Bromont tourist information office.

See More
Bedford's Autoguided Heritage Tour

Bedford's Autoguided Heritage Tour

1, rue Principale,, Bedford J0J 1A0 Website

Discover the pioneers, American and British loyalists, that settled down in Bedford in 1812. Take the tour on foot or by bike!

Pamphlets available at the city hall reception.

See More
Sutton heritage circuits

Sutton heritage circuits

27, rue Principale Nord, Sutton J0E 2K0 1 800 565-8455 Email Website

Three self-guided heritage circuits allow you to discover a page of the Eastern Townships’ rich history. The town circuit; rural circuit and the churches and cemeteries circuit. Stop by the Sutton tourism office to get a guide for these tours.

See More
“Les Belles Disparues” fresco mural tour

“Les Belles Disparues” fresco mural tour

175 rue Principale, Cowansville J2K 1J4 450-263-6101 Email Website

Lost treasures: Using the idea of old post cards, the Cowansville Historical Society has promoted colour urban scenes of the town to revive the memory of now-defunct buildings. The Society and its team of mural artists created seven giant detailed and colourful pieces that celebrate the history of downtown Cowansville.

Historical plaques such as museum panels accompany each mural and guide you through 40 years of history.

See More
A Tour of the Border Churches of Frelighsburg

A Tour of the Border Churches of Frelighsburg

1 Place de l'Hôtel de ville, Frelighsburg J0J 1C0 450 298-5630 Email Website

Seven bell towers in two border villages: Discover the history of the churches in Frelighsburg and Saint-Armand. Pamphlet available at the Frelighsburg Tourist Office and on the village website.

See More
Old-Bromont

Old-Bromont

15, boulevard de Bromont , Bromont J2L 2K4 1 877 276-6668 Email Website

Bromont’s contemporary history starts at the end of the 18th century with the arrival of Loyalists. It was then a preferred destination for Irish and French-speaking settlers, growing together in a harmonious community. The Town of Bromont was founded in 1964 and by the mid-1970s included parts of the townships of East Farnham, Brome, Granby, and Shefford, as well as the villages of West Shefford and Adamsville.

The Désourdy founding family members planned a two-pronged development: recreational tourism and high-tech industry. Bromont’s dynamic growth in the past 40 years has contributed significantly to the success of local industry, sports, culture, and tourism.

See More
Walking in the footsteps of the pioneers - Sutton Circuit

Walking in the footsteps of the pioneers - Sutton Circuit

27, rue Principale Nord, Sutton J0E 2K0 Email Website

Meander along Sutton’s back roads. Admire the scenery that charmed the early settlers of the Eastern Townships. Listen to music and sounds created especially for this circuit. Each of our self-guided heritage tours is a rendezvous with the history of Sutton. Hear voices from the past including a brothel madam, First World War soldiers and founders of the village, all brought to life by expert storytellers.

One of the three circuits is presented in a new format, as a radio drama, where every stage of the circuit adds a new element to the historical intrigue. The story is based on accounts by seniors in the community

See More
Heritage Tour of Cowansville

Heritage Tour of Cowansville

225 rue Principale, Cowansville J2K 1J4 Website

We have created a virtual circuit to let you discover various aspects of Cowansville’s history and heritage. Lined with majestic trees, the long Main street connects both poles while revealing all the required efforts that were necessary to create today’s flourishing town.

Along this unique route, you will travel back in time through the heart of a city in full growth. You will thus discover 24 unique sites, each revealing its own history. Wishing you great discoveries!

Brochures are available at the Cowansville Tourist Office and on the website.

See More
The Knowlton Circuit

The Knowlton Circuit

130, chemin Lakeside, Lac-Brome J0E 1V0 450 243-6782 Email Website

Self-guided walking tour. Free.
Step back in time and explore the magnificent built heritage of the village of Knowlton, founded in 1855. Well-preserved Victorian homes, municipal buildings, shops, schools and places of worship attest to the region’s rich past and its economic, industrial and cultural vitality.

Start your walk at the Lac-Brome Museum, continue along Lakeside Road and end on charming Victoria St. Interpretive panels illustrated with archival photos tell the story of each home and building. The route map is available at the Lac-Brome Museum and the Brome Lake Welcome Centre.

Podcast Lake Stories

See More
The Brome-Missisquoi Prohibition Heritage Trail

The Brome-Missisquoi Prohibition Heritage Trail

173, rue Principale, Cowansville J2K 1J3 Website

Through this audio-guided tour of  more than 130 km, discover the characters, anecdotes and the various places that marked the temperance and prohibition period throughout the border region of Brome-Missisquoi between 1848 and 1933.

On the route, you’ll be accompanied by the voice of the colourful Alfred Carpentier, a fictitious alcohol smuggler, but whose stories are indeed true.

The circuit stops at several steps of the Townships Trail: Cowansville, Lac-Brome, Sutton, Frelighsburg and Bedford.

See More

32, rue Principale Sud, Sutton J0E 2K0 (579) 534-8222 Email Website Facebook Instagram

See More
Lake Stories

Lake Stories

696, chemin Lakeside (Foster), Lac-Brome J0E 1R0 450-243-1221 Email Website

Interested in the history of Brome Lake and the surrounding area? From the Waban-Aki past, to the arrival of the Loyalists (including the Knowlton family) and the establishment of the region's leading institutions, let Louise Penny (EN) and Raymond Cloutier (FR) tell you the stories of the places, men and women who have shaped the history of Brome Lake.

See More
Loading...

DISCOVER ANOTHER REGION

Townships Trail map Haut-Saint-François Des Sources Val-Saint-François Sherbrooke Memphrémagog Haute-Yamaska Brome-Missisquoi