🦫 From forest fields to community tables — this week in the Townships

Hey there, Townshippers

Feels good to be back in your inbox. Another week’s gone by in the Townships, and once again there’s plenty to share. Think of this as your Thursday catch-up: a quick tour of what’s happening, what’s worth seeing, and a few local wins to make you smile.

Grab a coffee (or something stronger) and let’s catch up. 🌞👇

On a late-winter morning in the Eastern Townships, the air turns sweet before you even see the steam. It rises in soft clouds above the forest at Sucrerie de la Montagne, where the centuries-old ritual of maple sugaring still unfolds much as it did generations ago.

Tucked into a wooded mountainside, this well-loved sugar shack has become a seasonal pilgrimage for locals and visitors alike. But beyond the long communal tables and the familiar feast, pea soup, tourtière, oreilles de crisse, it’s the atmosphere that lingers. Staff dressed in period clothing move between rooms lit by firelight, and outside, horse-drawn sleighs carry guests through snow-covered trails. It feels less like a restaurant and more like stepping into Quebec’s rural past.

The operation is rooted in tradition, but not frozen in time. Maple sap still travels from tree to boiler, where it’s reduced slowly over wood-fired evaporators. The process is patient and sensory: the scent of caramelizing sap, the rhythm of boiling, the watchful eye required to catch syrup at just the right moment. According to the team behind the shack, maintaining these methods is intentional, both for flavour and for cultural continuity.

What keeps places like this thriving isn’t just nostalgia; it’s community. Families return year after year, marking the transition from winter to spring with a shared meal and a walk in the woods. For many in the region, sugar season isn’t a novelty, it’s a marker of identity.

Across the Townships, smaller producers and family-run cabanes à sucre echo this same rhythm, even if on quieter scales. Together, they form a living network of tradition, one that continues to evolve as younger generations step in, balancing heritage with sustainability.

As the last snow begins to soften underfoot, the season is brief but deeply rooted. And for a few weeks each year, the forests of the Eastern Townships remind us that some of the sweetest things are also the simplest: sap, fire, and time.

🎤 Arnaud Soly — Bon Jus — Thu, Mar 19 — Sherbrooke (Théâtre Granada): One of Quebec’s sharpest comedic voices lands in Sherbrooke with his high-energy, observational stand-up. Arnaud Soly’s style blends absurdity, physical comedy, and razor timing—expect a packed room and plenty of crowd work. This is a great pick if you want something lively but still accessible, even if you’re not a hardcore comedy fan. Shows at Granada tend to sell quickly, so last-minute tickets may be limited. Perfect for a Thursday night outing that actually feels like a weekend kickoff. Details → https://www.easterntownships.org/events 

🎶 Noir Silence — On jase… — Fri, Mar 20 — Sherbrooke: A nostalgic but still electric night with Noir Silence, a staple of Quebec rock. This show leans into storytelling and connection, mixing classic hits with behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the band’s long career. Expect a crowd that knows the lyrics—and sings them. The intimate format makes it feel less like a concert, more like a shared memory with a live soundtrack. Great for both longtime fans and curious newcomers to QC rock. Indoor event, so weather-proof. Details → https://www.easterntownships.org/events 

🎻 Quatuor Cobalt (Chamber Music Night) — Fri, Mar 20 — Cowansville: A refined but welcoming classical evening featuring Quatuor Cobalt. The program typically blends well-known repertoire with contemporary works, making it engaging even if you’re not deep into classical music. The smaller venue setting means excellent acoustics and a close-up experience with the musicians. Ideal for a slower-paced night out or a cultural reset after a busy week. Often affordable compared to big-city concerts. Details → https://www.easterntownships.org/events 

🧠 Jouer avec son cerveau! (Interactive Brain Workshop) — Fri, Mar 20 — Sherbrooke: A hands-on, family-friendly event exploring how your brain works—through puzzles, challenges, and interactive demos. It’s designed to be playful and educational, making it a strong pick for teens, students, or curious adults. Expect stations or guided activities that test memory, perception, and problem-solving. Great indoor option if the weather turns. Bonus: usually low-cost or free. Details → https://www.easterntownships.org/events 

 🚧 Magog Preps Streets for Spring Repairs: The City of Magog has begun its annual spring transition plan, with crews already identifying priority zones for pothole repairs and pavement maintenance following the freeze-thaw cycle. Residents can expect increased roadwork activity over the next few weeks, especially on high-traffic arteries and residential streets that took a winter beating. The city is also encouraging citizens to report problem spots via its online portal to help crews respond faster. Source → https://www.ville.magog.qc.ca/

🌳 Sherbrooke Expands Tree Planting Push: Sherbrooke is continuing its urban canopy expansion with new tree planting plans rolling out this spring, building on recent environmental targets. The city is focusing on heat-vulnerable neighbourhoods and areas with lower tree coverage, aiming to improve shade, air quality, and stormwater management. Residents will soon be able to request trees for their properties or participate in distribution programs. Source → https://www.sherbrooke.ca/

🚴 Bromont Tunes Up Active Transport Routes: Bromont is gearing up for cycling season with maintenance and improvements planned for its extensive network of bike paths and multi-use trails. Municipal updates highlight upcoming surface repairs, signage upgrades, and connectivity improvements between key sectors of the town. The goal is to make routes safer and easier to navigate for both daily commuters and recreational users. Work is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks as snow fully clears. Source → https://www.bromont.net/

📚 Local Libraries Refresh Programs for Spring: Municipal libraries across the Townships—including in Coaticook and Granby—are rolling out updated programming for the spring season. Expect a mix of workshops, reading clubs, youth activities, and digital literacy sessions, many of which are free or low-cost. Several branches are also expanding hours slightly as daylight increases and foot traffic picks up. Registration for popular activities is opening soon, with details posted online and in-branch. Source → https://www.reseaubiblioestrie.qc.ca/

💧 Water Infrastructure Checks Underway Region-Wide: Several municipalities in the Eastern Townships are entering their annual inspection period for water systems, including hydrant flushing and infrastructure checks. Residents may notice brief drops in water pressure or slight discoloration during scheduled maintenance, which is normal and temporary. These preventative measures help ensure water quality and system reliability ahead of higher summer demand. Notices are being shared locally to keep residents informed of timing by sector. Source → https://www.mamh.gouv.qc.ca/

Bright, Modern Family Home in Rock Forest: A newly listed property in Sherbrooke’s sought-after Rock Forest sector is turning heads for its balance of space, style, and location. This single-family home offers a contemporary layout with abundant natural light, open living areas, and a well-designed kitchen that flows easily into the main living space—ideal for both everyday life and entertaining. Outside, the property features a generous lot with room to relax, garden, or host summer get-togethers. 

👉 View the full listing here

Two Truths and a Lie: Townships Edition

Can you spot the fake?

🍷 The Eastern Townships are home to Quebec’s very first wine route.

🚧 Coaticook is home to the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

🏔️ Mont-Orford is the tallest mountain in southern Quebec.

Hit reply and let us know, we’ll share the lie next week.

That’s the scoop for this week, but the Townships never really slow down.

By next Thursday, there’ll be more to celebrate, more to discover, and more stories to tell — and we’ll be here to share them with you. In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you: send us your tips, hidden gems, or even just a photo of how you’re spending these early spring days. It’s the replies, shares, and stories from you that keep this whole thing going.

Until next week, take care and make the most of it. ✌️

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫