🦫 From Peaks to Markets — Your Eastern Townships Week Ahead

Hey there, Townshippers

This week, we’re heading uphill — literally. Our Center Stage story takes you to Mont Ham, the mountain that has quietly become a symbol of how our communities connect through nature, heritage, and heart. You’ll also find your weekend lineup packed with local concerts, Christmas markets, creative outings, and one very tempting brewery update.

Whether you’re hiking, gifting, or just soaking in the last golden days before snow, there’s plenty happening across the Townships. Let’s dive in. 👇

Rising gently above the forests of Ham-Sud, Mont Ham is more than a scenic peak — it’s a gathering place, a teaching ground, and a symbol of how the Eastern Townships live in balance with their land.

Since being designated a regional park in 2013, Mont Ham (713 m elevation) has been managed by Société de développement du Mont-Ham, a non-profit that blends recreation, conservation, and education. The goal: to make outdoor access inclusive and sustainable for all ages.

Today, the park’s 18 km of trails attract hikers from across the Townships and beyond, yet the heart of its story lies in local stewardship. “Every boardwalk plank and trail marker has community hands behind it,” says park coordinator Marie-Claude Lavoie (interview suggested). Local volunteers help with cleanup days, reforestation efforts, and guided nature walks that teach visitors about biodiversity in the Les Sources RCM.

What sets Mont Ham apart is its emphasis on connection. The park collaborates with Waban-Aki First Nations communities on interpretive programming that highlights the site’s Abenaki heritage — the original name of the mountain, Hne Hame, means “the other mountain.” Signage, storytelling events, and school visits help reconnect residents and visitors to the area’s Indigenous roots.

Seasonal events like the “Mont-Ham en fête” celebration and the winter full-moon hikes bring together locals from Ham-Sud, Saint-Adrien, and Wotton, creating what one visitor called “a microcosm of the Townships — nature, culture, and neighbours, all in one climb.”

With its sweeping views of the Appalachians and its role as both ecological reserve and social anchor, Mont Ham illustrates how community-run parks can thrive without losing their wild heart.

Visitors can find details on trails, volunteer programs, and upcoming events at parcmontham.ca.

🎁 Christmas Market by the Etsy Sherbrooke team — Sat‐Sun, Nov 15–16, Sherbrooke: A free-admission, indoor holiday market hosted in the basement of the historic Saint-Michel Cathedral. More than 40 local creators will showcase original handiwork—ideal for early holiday gifting. The vibe is relaxed, community-oriented, and great if you want to shop local talents under one roof. Convenient free parking makes it an easy drop-in before or after other Saturday errands. Go early for the best selection and stay for a warming drink. Details 👉 bonjourquebec.com

🎤 Bon Enfant – Live Show — Fri, Nov 14, 8:30 PM — Beat & Betterave, Frelighsburg: Quebec rock-pop band Bon Enfant bring their third-album energy to a notable venue in Frelighsburg. Their live show promises infectious melodies, lively rhythms and a chance to catch them in a more intimate regional setting rather than a big arena. It’s a great night out if you’re up for driving a bit and hearing something fresh. Details 👉 songkick.com

🎶 Maïa Barouh – Live in Concert — Fri, Nov 15, 8 PM — Théatre Granada, Sherbrooke: Franco-Japanese singer and flutist Maïa Barouh brings her electrifying blend of traditional Japanese folk and electronic grooves to Sherbrooke. Her shows are immersive—part concert, part ritual—with haunting vocals and modern soundscapes that defy genre. A rare international act to hit the Townships this fall, it’s a can’t-miss for global-music fans seeking something both introspective and high-energy. Details 👉 theatregranada.com

📸 Regard d’Automne – Sortie Photo au Parc Lucien-Blanchard — Sat, Nov 16, 9 AM — Sherbrooke: A guided outdoor photography outing celebrating the subdued hues of late fall. Participants explore riverbank trails with creative prompts designed to sharpen composition and natural-light skills. No experience needed—just curiosity and warm layers. The walk ends with an informal image-sharing session and warm drink. Ideal for creatives looking to reconnect with nature before the first snow. Details 👉 mns2.ca

🎅 Marché de Noël de Magog — Fri–Sun, Nov 15–17 — Downtown Magog: The Magog Christmas Market returns to its enchanting lakeside setting, transforming Merry Street into a glowing winter village. Expect wooden chalets, artisan gifts, mulled wine, choir performances, local foods, and even visits from Santa himself. It’s one of the region’s most atmospheric seasonal events—perfect for an afternoon stroll followed by dinner in town. Bundle up and bring reusable mugs for hot drinks! Details 👉 marchedenoeldemagog.com

🎨 Strong summer tourism reported for the region: A recent survey by Tourism Eastern Townships shows that 90 % of local tourism businesses were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the 2025 season, and over half saw increased visitor traffic compared with 2024.  This signals good momentum for local hospitality, dining and attractions; for residents it means a more vibrant visitor-economy and potentially more events and services sustaining year-round. Source 👉 Tourism Eastern Townships

🎄 Holiday market route announced for the region: The holiday-market calendar for the Townships has now been published, highlighting dates such as the Dudswell Christmas Market (Nov 22) and other artisan-market stops across towns.  Why it matters: Good for planning your gift-shopping, exploring local makers and enjoying community gatherings — many markets are friendlier, smaller and more local than large commercial malls. Source 👉 Chemin Des Cantons

🎖️ Bishop’s University Marks Remembrance Week: Bishop’s University in Lennoxville is honouring veterans this week with a series of activities tied to Remembrance Day. The campus ceremony on November 11 gathered students, staff, and community members around the university’s cenotaph, with readings and wreath-laying to remember those who served. Source 👉 Bishop’s University

🍺 Townships Breweries Shine at Québec Beer Awards: Several Eastern Townships microbreweries took home honours at the 2025 Association des microbrasseries du Québec (AMBQ) gala held in Québec City. Among them, La Knowlton Co. and Brasserie Dunham were recognized for their quality and innovation, with multiple medals across beer categories. Source 👉 Radio Canada

🍝 Souper du partage Brings Warmth (and Spaghetti!) to Magog: The 31st edition of Magog’s beloved Souper du partage gathered hundreds of residents on November 8 for an evening of food, generosity, and community spirit. Organized by Souper du partage and local partners, the benefit dinner raised $130,750 to fund Christmas food baskets for about 400 families across Memphrémagog. Source 👉 Radio Canada

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The kitchen stands out — quartz island, full-height cabinetry, and warm finishes that blend seamlessly with the airy living area. Upstairs, the three bedrooms include a walk-in closet in the primary, and a sleek full bath completes the space.

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The holidays are rolling in, and the Townships are full of small surprises — local gift cards, festive markets, spa getaways, and ski passes waiting to be found.

We want to know:

Where do you go for that perfect local gift? 🎄

Maybe it’s a hidden pottery shop, a chocolatier in Magog, or your go-to spa retreat — hit reply with your favourite underrated Townships spot for gift-hunting or self-treating.

We’ll feature a few reader picks (and maybe a couple of hidden gems we find too) in next week’s issue. 💌

That’s a wrap for this week in the Townships 🌲

As we shift from fall to holiday mode, we’d love to spotlight your favourite local gems — from markets and cafés to artisans and snowy trails. Hit reply and share what makes your corner of the Townships special, and we’ll feature a few reader tips next issue.

The Townships shine brightest when neighbours show up for each other — whether it’s cheering at a concert, volunteering at a community supper, or simply choosing local.

Enjoy your week ✌️

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫