Vue aérienne de l'Abbaye Saint-Benoit-du-Lac par une belle journée d'été.
Photo credit: Mathieu Dupuis

6 must-sees to discover the heritage of the Eastern Townships

Set out on a road trip to see history, architecture, and iconic landscapes come together. Explore the areas around Magog, Sherbrooke and Lac-Mégantic to discover several remarkable buildings that bear witness to the rich cultural heritage that has shaped the region’s villages and towns. Nestled among hills, riverbanks and charming villages, these six must-see sites invite you to immerse yourself in the architectural heritage of the Eastern Townships.

01 Discover the must-sees
02 Good to know
03 Stay a while
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Discover the must-sees

1. The Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey: a multifaceted one-of-a-kind site
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Overlooking Lake Memphremagog, the Saint-Benoît-du-Lac Abbey is one of the most well-known heritage sites in the Eastern Townships. Its grand stone architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding rolling landscape. Guided tours are offered in the summer to learn more about its history.

A popular destination for foodies, the abbey has a shop on site of artisanal products, including cheeses, compotes and spreads. Its orchards are also open to visitors who want to pick their own apples in the fall. Wellness retreats are available too, thanks to the abbey’s lodging facilities.

2. The Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Beauvoir: a natural haven in Sherbrooke
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Perched above Sherbrooke, the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Beauvoir is the place to see one of the most beautiful views of the city and surrounding mountains in any season.

The site stands out with its vast grounds, which include a wooded area and walking trails perfect for contemplating nature. It is also a prime location for admiring spectacular sunsets. The small stone chapel, decorated with stained glass windows depicting various animals, among other things, nicely mirrors the charming natural setting of the site.

3. The Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral: a focal point in downtown Sherbrooke
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In the heart of downtown Sherbrooke, the Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral makes an impression with its distinctive architecture and elegant silhouette.

A visit to the Basilica-Cathedral fits in perfectly with a walking tour of Sherbrooke. Inside, there are many works of art, including magnificent stained glass windows in the nave and choir.

4. St. Luke’s Church: a legacy to the community
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Located in Waterloo, St. Luke’s Church built by the Anglican community, is a recognized historic monument of great architectural and artistic value.

Its neo-Gothic architecture, imposing bell tower and distinctive stained glass windows make it a landmark in the local urban landscape and one of the most original churches in the Eastern Townships.

5. The Sainte-Agnès Church: a heritage gem in Lac-Mégantic
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Overlooking downtown Lac-Mégantic, the Sainte-Agnès Church is a major architectural landmark for its community. The site also has a memorial dimension, with an installation set up in front of the building in memory of the victims of the 2013 rail disaster.

Built in the early 20th century, the church has an imposing façade and two asymmetrical bell towers. The landscaped grounds surrounding it contribute to making this site a focal point in the heart of the municipality.

6. The St-Vital de Lambton Church: a quaint presence in the heart of the village
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The St. Vital Church stands out with its elegant architecture and its location in the heart of Lambton. Its distinctive bell tower is featured prominently in the municipality’s logo.

Panels inside and outside this historic building present the history of the region. Complete a self-guided tour of the church with a walk around the village, all the way to Lake St-François, which promises breathtaking scenery.

Photo credit: Tourisme Mégantic
Photo credit: Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est, Stéphane Lemire
Devanture de l'Église Saint-Vital de Lambton, avec un arbre aux feuilles doré en avant-plan.
Photo credit: Église St-Vital-de-Lambton
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Good to know

Visit the Tourism Eastern Townships website for more discoveries.

Check the business hours of each location before you go.

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Discover the Eastern Townships
Learn more

Stay a while

Shaped by a long history and numerous traditions, the Eastern Townships are home to a wide range of religious and heritage sites that bear witness to a vibrant spiritual and cultural diversity. These sites, now considered regional icons, invite visitors to discover exceptional architecture as well as renowned agritourism products.

Learn more