Things to do in Sherbrooke: must-see attractions

Visiting Sherbrooke, in the heart of the Eastern Townships

Located in southern Quebec, roughly 150 km from Montreal, Sherbrooke is the largest city in the Eastern Townships. Bordered by rivers and surrounded by rolling hills, it hits a balance between urban energy and natural surroundings. As a university town, it carries a youthful atmosphere and a varied cultural lineup. But what is there actually to do and see on a trip to Sherbrooke?

A lively cultural downtown

Downtown Sherbrooke is easy to explore on foot, with streets marked by colorful murals and independent coffee shops. Île Marie, right in the city center, makes a solid starting point for a walk along the Magog River. On the cultural side, the Sherbrooke Museum of Fine Arts showcases Quebec and Canadian artists, while the Nature and Science Museum appeals to fans of wildlife and geology.

Accessible parks and green spaces

Sherbrooke is a city where nature is always close by. Mont Bellevue Park, just minutes from downtown, serves as a popular spot for hiking, biking, and even skiing in the winter. On the east side of town, the Réal-D.-Carbonneau Marsh features an elevated boardwalk trail for watching local wildlife. For a more immersive experience, Mont-Orford National Park, a mere 30-minute drive away, stands out as a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Architectural and historical heritage

While Sherbrooke is not the oldest city in Quebec, it holds a few notable buildings. The Augustinian Monastery, converted into a wellness center, reflects the region's religious legacy. The Université de Sherbrooke, with its leafy campus, has anchored the city since the 1950s. Finally, the Lennoxville neighborhood, home to Bishop's University, shows off distinct British-inspired architecture.

A growing craft beer and food scene

As a university town, Sherbrooke offers a diverse culinary scene. You will find several microbreweries, such as Siboire Microbrewery, pouring local beers favored by residents. When it comes to Quebec specialties, several spots highlight poutine and maple-based dishes.

Local flavors inspired by the Quebec terroir

Sherbrooke gastronomy puts the spotlight on regional Quebec products. Among local favorites, tourtière, a spiced meat pie, is a winter staple. Cheese curds, used in poutine, come from several local cheese dairies. For drinks, craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous microbreweries scattered across town.

Where to eat?

• Antidote FoodLab (Downtown): Inventive cooking putting a modern spin on Quebec classics.
• Le Tapageur (Downtown): Known for steak tartare and a solid local beer selection.
• Siboire Microbrewery (Downtown): A casual spot to grab a craft beer paired with a solid burger.
• Daton Poutine (Downtown): The right place to test out a heavy-handed, classic poutine.

Where to stay?

• Grand Times Hotel Sherbrooke (Downtown): A modern property offering a view over Lac des Nations.
• OTL Gouverneur Sherbrooke (North): An upscale hotel featuring a spa and fine-dining restaurant.
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Sherbrooke (East): A balanced option combining comfort and reasonable rates.
• Motel Le Sablon (South): A straightforward option for tighter budgets.

When to go?

Sherbrooke welcomes visitors year-round, but the most pleasant stretch runs from May to October, when temperatures allow for outdoor activities. Fall turns especially dramatic with the brilliant foliage of the surrounding sugar maples. In winter, the city acts as a solid base for skiing and snow sports.

How to get there?

Sherbrooke sits about a 1 hr 30 min drive from Montreal. Direct flights to Sherbrooke do not exist, but coach buses connect the city to Montreal and Quebec City. By car, Highway 10 links the metropolis directly to the Eastern Townships.

How to get around?

Downtown Sherbrooke is simple to cover on foot. To explore the surrounding countryside, a car is essential, though local bus lines connect the different neighborhoods.