What's to See in The Eastern Townships (Part 2 of 2)

Visiting The Eastern Townships means not missing Mont Orford and Coaticook even if they were both situated a few hours drive from our B&B. We looked forward to driving because the views were really a feast to our eyes. 

Jan and I got very Canadian and experienced apple picking ourselves. Apple farms and grape vineyards were scattered all over area. You need not look any further. 

Coaticook is even smaller than Magog. It is even quieter here than it was in Magog or Sherbrooke. Please don't judge us when I say we were just here for the ice cream.

Mont-Orford National Park was the highlight of our third day. The park was so huge, it was impossible to see everything in one or two days. The park has several camping sites for recreational vehicles. It also has a clear, unobstructed view of Lac Memphrémagog. It was only a day trip for Jan and I, but we instantly fell in love. So many things to see and do yet so little time.

leading through the inside of the national park

 

 

 

 

 

We chose the easy to medium trail, perfect for beginners who haven't hiked in a long time

We came, we saw, we conquered!

 

When the pandemic is over and we have the luxury of time, I would'nt mind visiting the place again. 

What's to See in The Eastern Townships (Part 1 of 2)

We had a short stay in The Eastern Townships, visiting four towns. Magog is where bed and breakfasts, summer homes, and cottages were aplenty. We decided to spend two nights here. The internet led us to a beautiful B&B called La Maison Verte in rue Merry, a short five-minute walk to downtown area. It is run by a lovely couple, who turned their beautiful sanctuary to a guest house. When we went there, there were two other couples spending the night. The hosts were attentive and kind. They were never intrusive. We were even surprised to always come home to a made up room.

quaint and beautiful facade of the B&B

 

I think they have four rooms in total. Each had a television & fridge (and a sink, because *pandemic*). You could see the beauty of each room, sparing no detail untouched. 

 

The breakfast was also another level. It was yummy and filling. They made the food themselves, even the bread. This alone takes the cake!

homemade strawberry and blueberry jam

 

their cute  reading nook <3 

 

the back view of their house

Bleu Lavande

From Magog, we headed to Bleu Lavande. After a scenic drive (with several oohs and ahhs), we arrived in the afternoon and thankfully there were less tourists making physical distancing possible. We came a few weeks after their harvest so there's less lavander to see but the beautiful view more than makes up for it. 

 

Jan and I had a picnic to enjoy the magnificent view right in front of our eyes.

Konnichiwa! :)

I was in hydrangeas-heaven!

Imagine yourself here- warm afternoon sun with cool breeze and nature all around you!

Visiting Magog, Quebec During the Pandemic

The pandemic engulfed my city and soon the whole world in just a matter of weeks, if not days. It forced the shutdown of numerous businesses and institutions like schools and daycare, churches/synagogues, banks, etc. It also saw the cancellation of flights and travels. Montreal, Quebec was in strict lockdown since the beginning of March this year. No one was allowed to go out except for essential workers. We can also go out only to do essential things like going to the supermarket, important hospital visits, and the like. 

Life at home was fairly normal, although it became a routine a few weeks into the quarantine period. I was into plants, arts and crafts, cooking, rearranging our furniture, cleaning, and other things I could think of just to while away my time. It did not matter that I was doing unproductive things like using my phone a lot (*ahem* Netflix and YouTube), what mattered most was trying to keep my sanity because of the unknown future. Life seemed to stop for me, so much so like the whole world on a standstill.

When the quarantine was lifted and we could travel, we took the chance to go somewhere we've never been. Magog in the Eastern Townships was on top of our list. We wanted to breathe in nature and all things green and quiet.

Magog was over an hour drive from Montreal.

 

 

 

 

We went inside this cute shop called Beau et Fou that sells just about anything for home, fashion, etc. We were so in love with their glassware. J'adore!

Magog is really just a small town that you can easily tour their downtown area in 15 minutes or less. I believe its close proximity to the lake and mountains make it a winner for tourists. Find a relaxing spot to enjoy a few hours and you already have yourself a peaceful vacation. 

This was our lunch view-- clear blue skies and the magnificent lake <3