🦫 Snow Is Back: Discover the Townships’ Top Cross-Country Routes

Hey there, Townshippers

Welcome back to Eastern Townships Now! This week, we step into the crisp quiet of early winter with a feature that celebrates one of the region’s great joys: cross-country skiing.

Along with this week’s main story, you’ll also find upcoming events, community news, a real estate spotlight, a local deal you won’t want to miss, and a fun question to help kick off winter with shared Townships spirit.

Let’s dive in.👇

Gliding Into Winter: Six Cross-Country Ski Trails That Define the Eastern Townships

As the first real snow settles across the Eastern Townships, the quiet rhythm of cross-country skiing returns, steady, peaceful, and deeply tied to the landscape. With more than 1,000 km of nordic trails in the region, there’s no shortage of places to explore, but a handful stand out for their atmosphere, terrain, and sheer winter magic. Here’s a tour of six remarkable routes that capture the season at its best.

At Parc national du Mont-Orford, skiers can roam through an impressive 76 km network that blends lake views, rolling forest paths, and glimpses of Mont Orford and Mont Chauve. The groomed classic and skate-ski trails make it ideal for everyone, from families trying nordic skiing for the first time to seasoned locals looking for a long workout.

A short drive south, Plein Air Sutton offers a completely different feel. Nestled in mature, shadowy forest below the Sutton Mountains, its shorter but varied trails create an intimate skiing experience, with routes ranging from easy glides to challenging climbs. Many skiers cap off their outing with a warm drink in Sutton village, making the outing as much about community as sport.

For those craving a more natural, backcountry vibe, the Vallée Ruiter in Potton delivers. Its 30 km of ungroomed, untracked loops offer a wilder experience where fresh snow feels untouched and silence becomes part of the journey. It’s a favourite for skiers who see winter as an escape rather than a workout.

In Granby, the Les Cèdres Golf Club transforms into a smooth, spacious nordic centre each winter. Its 31 km of wide, gently rolling trails are perfect for consistent pacing, technique practice, or simply enjoying a calm ski without tricky climbs or technical descents.

Higher up in the mountains, Parc national du Mont-Mégantic usually receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the region, often over seven metres per winter. Its intermediate-level loops, including the Cassiopée and Pléiades circuits, weave through dense snow-laden evergreens and create that classic “deep winter” feeling that keeps skiers coming back.

Finally, Sherbrooke’s Base plein air André-Nadeau offers a welcoming, close-to-town option with over 8 km of easy to moderate trails. With minimal elevation and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s an ideal place for newcomers or anyone looking for a relaxed afternoon outside.

Before heading out, most sites recommend checking trail conditions or making an online reservation via their official pages, all accessible through Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est’s guide. No matter which trail you choose, each offers its own winter personality, and a reminder that the Townships shine brightest when covered in snow. Find out more online 👉 easterntownships.org

🎤 Éric Lapointe – Entracte — Thu Nov 20 — Vieux Clocher, Magog: If you’ve only ever seen Éric Lapointe in full-electric rock mode, prepare for a surprise. On this tour he’s laid down the heavy armour and stripped things back with his album Entracte, an acoustic, intimate affair that puts the focus on vulnerability, the lyrics and the textures. It’s the rock icon revealed in a quieter light. Grab a seat and soak in the raw side of a star. Details 👉 vieuxclocher.com

🎄 Marché de Noël – Jardins d’Eastman — Fri–Sun Nov 21–23 — Eastman: Holiday spirit is wrapped up in warmth and mossy wood at this charming 3-day market. Local artisans and agro-food producers set up shop with thoughtful gifts, festive bites, and good vibes in a greenhouse setting to boot. Perfect for kicking off season’s hello with a fire-pit and friendly crowds. Details 👉 jardinseastman.com

🎶 Concert-Bénéfice – Duo Beija-Flor — Sat Nov 22 — Église Trinity United, Cookshire-Eaton: An evening of flute and guitar takes you on a global journey, tango, tzigane rhythms, European refinement and South American soul, all in support of a beautiful cause (a multisensory room for kids). Bring your curiosity and your heart. Details 👉 espaceculturelcookshireeaton.com

🎻 Orchestre Symphonique de Sherbrooke – “Messe des Morts” — Sun Nov 23 — Salle Maurice-O’Bready, Sherbrooke: For a Sunday matinee with substance, this presentation of the “Requiem” by François Dompierre is a deep dive into the human condition—classical, cinematic, and stirring. Great if you’re in the mood for something serious yet uplifting. Details 👉 ossherbrooke.com

😂 Comedy Club Lac-Brome — Thu Nov 27 — Théâtre de Lac-Brome (Knowlton): Time to loosen up—this comedy night serves up English-language stand-up in an easygoing, small-town theatre that makes everything feel a little more spontaneous. The lineup rotates, so there’s always that fun “Who are we getting tonight?” energy, but the Montreal Comedy Club crew reliably brings sharp sets and quick banter. Details 👉 ville.lac-brome.qc.ca

📚 Celebration of Local Authors at Book Fest: On Saturday November 22 2025, more than 35 English-language authors gathered at the third annual Townships Book Fest in Lennoxville (Hope Community Church). Events like this offer readers a chance to meet local writers, get signed copies, and connect with the creative community in the Townships. Source 👉 Townshippers.org

🌱 Growing Interest in Agritourism & Rural Living: A feature article titled Eastern Townships: “Where city dreams take root” describes how families are moving from urban areas, embracing farm-life, and building community in the region. It highlights shifting demographics, more local food production, creative land-use and tourism opportunities. Source 👉 Canadian Geographic

🏢 Federal Investment Supports Local Businesses: On October 24 2025, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced investments in four businesses in the Estrie region (which includes the Eastern Townships) to support growth and innovation. It shows local enterprise is being backed for expansion, which means new jobs, new services, and stronger economy. Source 👉 Government and Canada

🌿 Ville de Sherbrooke land “green country” accolade: A recent study singled out Sherbrooke for its environmental efforts and named it among the “pays palmarès” in the region. This highlights Sherbrooke’s leadership in green initiatives, residents may increasingly see environmentally-friendly public projects, improved parks, and more green planning. Source 👉 Radio Canada Estrie

📦 Annual Guignolée des médias launches in Estrie: This week marked the launch of the media-driven food-and-goods drive across the region, including Sherbrooke and surrounding communities. Locals can participate by dropping donations at designated points, helping families in need this season. Source 👉 La Tribune

If you’re looking for a stylish, move-in-ready home in Sherbrooke’s Fleurimont sector — this 2013 built semi-detached property might be your one. With 3 bedrooms (one in the basement), 2 full bathrooms plus a main-floor powder room, and around 1,467 sq ft of living space, it’s built for modern family life. The home is located on a large 10,889 sq ft lot, perfect for kids or a quiet yard.

Whether you’re planning your next family home, looking for space to grow into, or want a comfy, well-located spot, this is a strong contender.

👉 View the full listing here

How Townshippers Know Winter Has Arrived… ❄️

We all have that one moment when we know winter has officially settled into the Townships. Maybe it’s the first time you scrape the windshield with a loyalty card because the scraper’s “somewhere in the garage,” or when the neighbour’s wood stove starts puffing out that unmistakable smell.

So tell us:

“You know winter has officially arrived when ______.”

Hit reply with your answer — the funnier or more specific, the better — and we’ll feature our favourites next week!

Whether you’re gearing up for your first glide of the season or just settling in with a mug of something warm, we hope this week’s edition helps you feel a little more connected to the places, people, and small joys that make the Eastern Townships special.

Until next week, stay warm, stay curious, and keep discovering the Townships one story at a time. ✌️

- The Eastern Townships Now team 🦫