Brome-Missisquoi

Summer season: All buildings are open to the public from May 16 to October 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter season: The Children's Museum and the temporary exhibition are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discover the fascinating history of Brome County!
Spend an afternoon diving into the past of Knowlton, the historic heart of Lac-Brome, and explore the lives of those who settled in Brome County. Learn more about the early industries, education, the Loyalists, and how people lived at the end of the 19th Century.

The Lac-Brome Museum, owned by the Brome County Historical Society, founded in 1897, features several historic buildings that will captivate visitors of all ages.

Among them are exhibitions on the trades and industries of the time, military life (including a Fokker DVII, a rare German biplane from World War I), early education, and British Home Children. Children will also enjoy the interactive Children’s
Museum, while the temporary exhibition hall offers a new theme to explore every year.

Just outside Knowlton, a five-minute drive will take you to Tibbits Hill School, a historic gem open to the public on Sunday afternoons during the summer.

Looking to dive deeper into your research or uncover unique archives? Visit the accredited Archives Centre located in the Old County Courthouse, open Monday to
Friday by appointment.

Sutton, founded in 1802, is a charming Quebec border municipality covering 235 km². Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, it is renowned for its pastoral landscapes and rich historical heritage. The first settlers, Loyalists from New Hampshire in 1799 (including Richard Shepard, one of the first pioneers to clear the land), were followed by French-speaking settlers in the 1840s, creating a culturally diverse community.

Downtown Sutton, with its boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, offers a warm, authentic atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Mont Sutton, renowned for its skiing in winter and hiking in summer. In addition, the Musée des communications et d'histoire de Sutton presents exhibitions on local history and communications. Whether you're passionate about history, art or nature, Sutton offers an enriching experience for all visitors.

The stop sign is located in front of the former Auberge Brunswick (now the restaurant À la Fontaine), at 30-A rue Principale Sud.

Open Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

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.

Season 2026: May to October

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

BaladoDécouverte circuit: accessible via app or website
Language: French only
Accessibility: year-round
Suggested transportation: on foot
Route: 1.89 km for the Vieux-Bromont circuit
Points of interest: 30 across two circuits
Target audience: for all ages

Bromont has much to offer history enthusiasts: the city's rich past is just waiting to be discovered, along with its time-honoured main streets and the distinctive architecture of its buildings, which bear witness to remarkable craftsmanship of bygone eras.

Explore
Set out to explore Vieux-Bromont and the heart of the Adamsville neighbourhood through two heritage circuits that highlight the city's most remarkable attractions. For the Vieux-Bromont circuit, the BaladoDécouverte app's interactive map will provide additional captivating information about each point of interest.

On site
Throughout your walk, interpretive panels and murals will shed light on the historical and architectural features of each point of interest. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how the city functioned in the past through a variety of colourful anecdotes.

Make the most of your visit
Download the BaladoDécouverte app in advance to access the circuit, benefit from an in-app guide throughout the activity, and make the most of your experience!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Self-guided circuit: guides available at the Sutton Tourist Information Office
Language: French and English
Accessibility: year-round
Suggested transportation: varies by tour
Route: 170 km spread across 6 circuits
Points of interest: 113 stops across 6 circuits (details below)
Target audience: for all ages

Boasting a wealth of natural, historical and cultural heritage, Sutton opens itself up fully through these highlights, revealing the vibrant past of its village core, the English influence of the region's early settlers, and the architecture of its most significant buildings.

Explore
Set out to discover the main attractions of the village of Sutton, the beauty and history of the surrounding landscapes, and the region's rich culture through three circuits that showcase these fascinating aspects of Sutton.

On site
At each point of interest, interpretive panels illustrated with archival photographs will provide context and deepen your understanding of what you are about to take in.

Make the most of your visit
Be sure to pick up the guides for all three circuits at the Sutton Tourist Welcome Centre to help you plan your visit and choose the circuits that interest you most!

Circuit 1 (audio) – In the Footsteps of the Pioneers: Tales of Sutton
•    Distance: 15 km
•    Stops: 18 stops
•    Duration: 2 h 30
•    Audio: 66 min

Circuit 2 (audio) – Memory of the Hamlets: Tales and Stories of Sutton
•    Distance: 23 km
•    Stops: 23 stops
•    Duration: 2 h 45
•    Audio: 58 min

Circuit 3 (audio) – If These Roads Could Talk: Stories of Sutton
•    Distance: 38 km (43 km if returning via Abercorn)
•    Stops: 24 stops
•    Duration: 3 h 30
•    Audio: 103 min

Circuit 4 – The Village Circuit
•    Distance: 4 km (on foot)
•    Stops: 16 stops
•    Duration: 1 h 15

Circuit 5 – The Rural Circuit
•    Distance: 33 km
•    Stops: 10 stops

Circuit 6  –  Heritage Tour of Churches And Cemeteries
•    Distance : Loop 1 : 45 km - Loop 2 : 54 km
•    Stops : 6 churches and 16 cemeteries

Audio-guided or self-guided circuit: accessible via app or website
Language: French
Accessibility: year-round
Suggested transportation: on foot, by bicycle or by car
Route: 5.2 km
Points of interest: 24
Target audience: for all ages

The city of Cowansville has a fascinating history shaped by friendship, rivalry between village cores, and steady growth. Through this circuit, the rich heritage of Cowansville is yours to discover!

Explore
Each stop along the route will be enriched with relevant and interesting information about the structures encountered and the history connected to them.

On site
Admire the striking architectural styles of the points of interest and the stories they have to tell. You will notice the lasting influence of the communities that played an active role in founding and building the city!

Make the most of your visit
Get the most out of your experience by using the audio guide, the brochure and the interactive map — your complete toolkit for discovering all the fascinating information about each point of interest and finding your way through the circuit.

Brochures are available at the Cowansville Tourist Office and on the 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

Audio-guided circuit: guide accessible via Spotify and website
Language: French
Accessibility: year-round
Suggested transportation: by car
Route: just over 130 km
Points of interest: 10 stops
Target audience: for all ages

Brome-Missisquoi played a significant role in the Eastern Townships during the era of Prohibition and the temperance movement. Through its magnificent landscapes, come discover a defining chapter in the development of this region.

Explore
In the company of the colourful fictional smuggler Alfred Carpentier, set out to meet the real characters, stories and anecdotes that shaped this border region between 1848 and 1933!

On site
At each location — several of which are featured on the Chemin des Cantons (Cowansville, Lac-Brome, Sutton, Frelighsburg and Bedford) — you will have the opportunity to explore the stunning surroundings while enjoying the narration of the excellent audio guide.

Make the most of your visit
Follow the audio guide to get the most out of this region and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Let Alfred Carpentier's narration draw you into his true stories!

Circuit with podcast and pamphlet: Accessible via website
Language: English and French 
Accessibility: Year-round
Suggested transportation: Walking (central village sector)
Route length: Approximately 2 km
Points of interest: 17
Target audience: All audiences

With this new podcast, the Town of Brome Lake offers visitors a unique perspective on its rich and layered past. Located in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Knowlton reveals its history through emblematic places and compelling stories rooted in the development of the village and its community.

Narrated by internationally renowned author Louise Penny and acclaimed actor Raymond Cloutier, Lake Stories brings to life the characters, buildings and events that have shaped Brome Lake’s identity over time.

EXPLORE
Discover the Knowlton Historical Circuit and explore a series of heritage sites highlighted through the Lake Stories podcast. Each episode is linked to a specific location identified on the circuit map, allowing visitors to follow the stories directly on site.

Using the BaladoDécouverte platform, access rich narrative and historical content on your mobile device, either online or offline. The circuit offers an engaging way to connect local history, architecture and personal stories, guided by two distinctive narrative voices.

ON SITE
The circuit is easily explored on foot and leads visitors through the historic heart of Knowlton. Along the way, you will encounter heritage buildings, former general stores, churches, inns and private residences that reflect the village’s Anglo-American roots and its role as a regional hub.

The suggested route allows for a leisurely discovery at your own pace and can be adapted depending on the time available. The Knowlton Historical Circuit is an ideal way to experience the village’s heritage while enjoying its welcoming atmosphere.

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Before your visit, take time to consult the circuit map and identify the episode starting points. You can also download the pamphlet and full transcripts to deepen your understanding of the stories shared throughout the circuit.

You can also download the podcast transcripts.

BaladoDécouverte Circuit: accessible via mobile app or website
Language: French and English
Accessibility: Year-round
Suggested transportation: Walking
Route length: 1.38 km
Points of interest: 15
Target audience: All audiences

Discover the hidden stories of Farnham, a town whose origins date back to the 1790s, when the first Loyalist settlers were recorded. Farnham is notably known for its military base and its railway station, which was once a key hub in Canada’s railway industry.

EXPLORE
The interactive BaladoDécouverte map gives you access to dynamic audio clips, archival photos, and texts that shed light on often little-known aspects of local history.

ON SITE
Explore the area on foot or by bike. A self-guided tour is available, including a suggested route for those who wish to venture off the beaten path. Along the way, admire institutional buildings, places of worship, and period homes once occupied by residents and businesses that shaped the city’s history, including the railway, which played a major role in the region’s development as early as 1858.

OPTIMIZE THE EXPERIENCE
The BaladoDécouverte mobile app allows you to enjoy an enhanced experience. You can preload the circuit and be guided and informed without an Internet connection. Your location can be displayed on your phone in real time, upon request, to help you find your way. When walking, the use of headphones is also recommended.