I’m excited to let you in on a little secret:
The Eastern Townships is home to some seriously stunning mountains. And trust me, they’re not just for postcard views; they truly showcase some of the best landscapes in our region. So before you get lost in the hustle and bustle of campus life, let me show you why these mountains should be at the top of your to-do list.
Mountains to Conquer
For those seeking a literal high, we have a wide range of mountains that are each adapted to different skill levels. So whether you are a casual hiker or are looking for a challenge, these mountains are for you!
Mont Orford
Drive 30 minutes from Bishop’s and you will find yourself at the popular Mont Orford. The casual trails here are very beginner-friendly as it’s up a green ski run. The trail typically remains dry and you’re not venturing through dense woods but rather following a well-cleared path; so, there’s no need for waterproof hiking boots.
Not a fan of hiking? Don’t worry because at Mont Orford they open up the chairlifts for people that bring you right up to the top, this comes at a small fee but definitely worth it for the views!
Mont Sutton
The Mont Sutton loop is about two hours long, where the first hour is all about cardio and the second hour all about the burn in your legs due to the descent. It is super pleasant on the way up and the views are absolutely beautiful; however, it does tend to get muddy during the spring and as you can see, you are surrounded by many dense trees which attracts a lot of mosquitoes (pro tip: bring bug spray and stick to the middle of the path! They won’t bother you then). It still is one of the best landscapes in our region!
I would only recommend this mountain to people who are on the more intermediate side of hiking because the descent route is a black diamond ski run (basically it’s very steep and quite a workout). You technically could avoid it by following the Alleghanys route downhill but there are better options for beginner hikers out there.
Mont Ham
In my opinion, this mountain has the best views due to the horizon being fully panoramic when you get to the summit. They offer several options for those with different skill levels. Some trails require a little bit of climbing but there’s always a rope stationed there to help you up. My personal favourite trail is up the Intrepid and down the Scenic.
The trail’s conditions can be muddy and slippery at times because there are a lot of rocks. As long as you have appropriate hiking footwear, you’ll be fine!
Mont Pinacle Trail
Beginners, this one’s for you! This is an incredibly rewarding hike for very little effort, many children are seen hiking this with their families. This is one of my favourite places to hike because I can bring my dog with me and the views of Lake Lyster are just amazing. You’ll frequently see a lot of people along the trails who are always super friendly.
There is a small fee to hike this mountain unless you are a Coaticook resident. When you park at the church you’ll see a booth stationed there with workers who will tell you where to go and pay (cash and card are accepted). When I went in 2022, it was around 5$.
Hiker Community
If you want to learn more about other hidden gems in the regions, I recommend downloading the app All Trails. It’s super cool and insightful to all the different trails. You get precise information on how long the hike will take, what to bring and things to look out for! They also provide a GPS of the trail while you’re trekking on it to make sure you don’t get lost. This app has so many reviews from other fellow hikers and it’s helped me discover some really cool spots.
As a local, I’ve had the privilege of exploring these peaks time and time again, and let me tell you, they never disappoint, and are always the best landscapes in our region. Happy hiking!
