Ancestral homes route

Revisiting vintage beauties!

Take to the road to discover manors, mansions, Victorian houses, ancestral homes and other vintage beauties. These buildings, put up between 1850 and 1920, stand as a testament to the Eastern Townships’ special history and unique American and British heritage. Nowadays, some are part of a heritage route while others have been revamped into B&Bs or museums—but all still have a story to tell. Find out for yourself!

Browse the map
Musée Beaulne

Musée Beaulne

96, rue de l’Union, Coaticook J1A 1Y9 819 849-6560 Website

Open all year long

The Beaulne Museum is housed in the Arthur-Osmore-Norton Castle, a historic residence built in 1912 by Arthur Osmore Norton who made his fortune thanks to the manufacture of the ball and gear jack. The permanent exhibition traces the fascinating history of the Norton family.

Recognized for the conservation and presentation of textiles and costumes, the Museum also works in the fields of regional heritage and visual arts.

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 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. 

 

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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.

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Louis S. St. Laurent National Historic Site

Louis S. St. Laurent National Historic Site

6790, route Louis-S.-St-Laurent, Compton J0B 1L0 1 888 773-8888 Website

Temporarily closed for the season. We look forward to seeing you in spring 2025!

This is Parks Canada’s only historic site in the Eastern Townships. Visit former Canadian Prime Minister’s native single-family home and the St-Laurent Store and Warehouse. Discover the local residents’ rural lifestyle of the turn of the 20th century. Watch the multimedia show and relive a dynamic an  underestimated page of our history!

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Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre

Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre

9 Rue Speid, Sherbrooke QC J1M 819-564-0409 Website

Temporarily closed from December 16, 2024 to February 9, 2025

Housed in a stately and elegant heritage house, Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre combines local history with cultural and artistic traditions. The centre is a unique establishment which offers exhibits of works by local and regional artists, concerts, workshops, guided tours, and more!

Enter the warm and elegant ambience of a distinguished home from the past. Each room has a unique charm, thanks to the many furnishings and antiques belonging to the Lennoxville-Ascot Historical and Museum Society. Guides in period costume will welcome you.

Outside, discover our exhibit on large panels and beautiful gardens, where you can experience the local tea tradition during the summer. 

We hope to see you soon!

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Tours of Sherbrooke : L'histoire à ciel ouvert

Tours of Sherbrooke : L'histoire à ciel ouvert

275, rue Dufferin, Sherbrooke J1H 4M5 819-821-5406 Email Website

Three independants tours of the streets of Sherbrooke’s Old-North Ward and downtown, presented by the Mhist-Musée d'histoire de Sherbrooke on BaladoDecouverte's application. In French only.

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Centre d'art de Richmond

Centre d'art de Richmond

1010, rue Principale Nord , Richmond J0B 2H0 819 826-2488 Website

Open all year long

The Centre d’art de Richmond, a performance venue and a Music School, was born from a vision: to offer a new life to the old Mont Saint-Patrice convent, dating back to 1884. Since 1982, the Centre d’art has offered a rich and diversified program! Established artists and rising stars in music, comedy, and storytelling perform in an intimate atmosphere. This local treasure, with its unique charm, offers proximity with the artists and creates moments of pure magic.

The Centre d'art de Richmond is entrusted with a social mission: to make music and arts accessible to the community. 

The Centre d'art de Richmond closes its premises for the summer period, but it organizes outdoor activities in partnership with various stakeholders, notably in downtown Richmond.

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 Slate Podcast of Pays de l’Ardoise

Slate Podcast of Pays de l’Ardoise

5, rue Belmont, Richmond J0B 2B0 819 826-3313 Website

Discover the English district of Richmond with its picturesque streets: Dufferin, Aberdeen and College. The architectural quality of their building’s slate roofing has given the
district significant historic interest. By taking the pedestrian tour, you will witness the rich heritage and cultural diversity left by its founders.
Anecdotes and historical facts of this historical epicentre are included.

Offered free of charge as a podcast: download it or play it live on your smartphone from the Slate Museum website.

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Danville's Heritage Tour

Danville's Heritage Tour

150 rue Water, Danville J0A 1N0 1 888 839-2911 Email Website

Take a stroll along the three heritage tours, which will reveal Danville’s exceptional charm with more than 66 buildings of heritage, historical, and cultural interest. The tours take you to buildings of neo-Queen Ann, American vernacular, mansard, neo-Italian, Second Empire, and Boomtown styles. 

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The Colby-Curtis museum

The Colby-Curtis museum

535 rue Dufferin, Stanstead J0B 3E0 819-876-7322 Website

Season 2024: March 16 to December 21 

On the impressive Dufferin street in Stanstead sits the Colby-Curtis museum, located in a sumptuous 19th century manor. Admirably preserved and filled with unique artefacts testifying to the affluence of the Anglo-Canadian elite, this house invites you to travel back in time.

Enjoy a traditional English tea while gazing at the Victorian garden!

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Heritage tour «On our Founders' Trails»

Heritage tour «On our Founders' Trails»

5491 Rue Foster, Waterloo J0E 2N0 450 539-4650 Email Website

Welcome to Waterloo!

Whether you are on foot or on your bike, here’s your chance to explore more than 150 years of history.

Heritage homes, places of worship and institutions are evidence of a golden age that has often fallen by the wayside.

From the tourist information booth, you will have easy access to all documents, the Artria Open Air Museum and the Yamaska River.

Available in English on BaladoDecouverte

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À la maison Campbell B&B

À la maison Campbell B&B

68, rue Bellevue, Magog J1X 3H2 1-888-843-7707 Email Website

Welcome to one of the most beautiful century-old homes in the region. The Campbell house was originally built in 1907 for Magog dentist Dr. Adams and his large family. Today, the Campbell B&B features five cosy rooms, each with a private bathroom. Previously owner of L'Abri'cot B&B in Knowlton, Danielle accommodates all types of diets. Creativity and recycling old furniture are also part of this home. Check it out, you’ll see!

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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.

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Manoir Maplewood

Manoir Maplewood

26 rue Clark, Waterloo J0E 2N0 450-920-1500 Email Website

In 1864 the Senator A.B. Foster’s family had this manor built and designed by the famous architect Sir John William Hopkins. All the specifics of a typical French manor can be found, front gate, library, chapel, a spacious living room, stables with a coach gate, large courtyard and a gazebo looking out on the property

Today, Manoir Maplewood combines the comfort and refinement of a hotel and the intimate and cosy atmosphere of a guest house.

Ten rooms and suites, tasty cuisine, gourmet breakfast, conference room and health centre are offered to our guests for an authentic and personalized experience…

«Crossing the threshold of ‘maplewood Manor is to witness an exceptional place with its own unique charm.»

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Merry House. Magog’s Citizen Site of Memory

Merry House. Magog’s Citizen Site of Memory

708, rue Principale Ouest , Magog J1X 2B3 819 201-0727 Email Website

Open all year long

Visit the oldest heritage house in downtown Magog, home of the town's founding family! The Merry House is a citizen site of memory that presents Magog’s history and that of the region from the time of the Aboriginal peoples and the American settlers, up to today.

Discover this gem of a site, which that offers animated and costumed activities, interactive exhibits, guided tours and year-round events.  A cool haven in summer, ideal for picnics, close to the bike path and walking trails, the site also offers free Wi-Fi.  Take advantage of its outdoor mobile experience to discover the region's history in a whole new way.

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Patrimonial circuit of the Canton de Shefford

Patrimonial circuit of the Canton de Shefford

245, chemin Picard , Shefford J2M 1J2 Website

In French only

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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

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