Quebec’s Eastern Townships (known locally as Les Cantons-de-l’Est) is one of the most inviting, family-friendly regions in Canada. Located just an hour southeast of Montréal, this picturesque area blends rolling farmland, pristine lakes, gentle mountains and postcard-perfect villages with French flair.
Families love it not only for its natural beauty, but also for its invitation to slow down while offering plenty of ways to explore, learn, eat and play together. And keep in mind that favorable exchange rates make vacations more affordable and give your travel dollars superior bang for the buck. You can do much more with less.
Things to do with Kids in the Eastern Townships
The Eastern Townships are particularly appealing for its enticing mix of outdoor adventure, hands-on learning, and accessible attractions. Whether your family prefers nature, culture, wildlife, or simply relaxing together, the region offers a welcoming, memory-making getaway for all ages.
Hands-On Discovery at Musée de l’Ingéniosité J. Armand Bombardier
Musée de l’Ingéniosité / Photo courtesy of Jean-Michel Naud
Located in Valcourt, the hometown of the legendary inventor Joseph-Armand Bombardier, this museum is a must-visit for families who appreciate creativity, mechanics, and hands-on fun. Kids can explore the story of Bombardier, whose breakthroughs revolutionized winter transportation with his development of the very first snowmobile.
This museum shines because it is highly interactive. Children can tinker with mechanisms, experiment with engineering challenges, and climb aboard real vehicles, including classic snowmobiles that spark smiles and curiosity. Temporary exhibits often include playful science and design themes that appeal to all ages.
Families walk away inspired by the inventions themselves and the idea that imagination and perseverance can change the world. It’s educational, inspiring, and surprisingly fun, even for kids who claim they “don’t like museums.”
Delicious Fun on a Family Farm at Fromagerie La Station
Mario Lemire at Fromagerie La Station / Photos by Michele Sponagle
A visit to Fromagerie La Station in Compton is a beautiful way to introduce children to Quebec’s world-renowned cheese culture. This fourth-generation family farm opens its doors for tours for visitors to meet the cows as they happily graze in lush pastures, learn about organic farming, and observe the cheesemaking process from milk to aging room.
Kids love seeing the barn and discovering how cheese is aged in the cave-like cellars. Parents love sampling Raclette de Compton, Alfred le Fermier, and other award-winning cheeses. The farm’s outdoor picnic area overlooking rolling green fields is perfect for a relaxed family lunch.
Of course, it’s a tasty stop, but it’s also educational, sustainable, and grounded in local tradition. It gives children a real connection to where food comes from, while giving parents the delicious reward of exceptional cheese.
Four-Season Adventure for All Ages in Mont-Orford National Park
Mont-Orford National Park / Photo courtesy of Charles Dion
Mont-Orford National Park is one of the Eastern Townships’ crown jewels and an essential stop for active families. Whether you visit in summer, fall, or winter, the park offers countless ways to explore the outdoors.
In summer, families can enjoy easy lakeside hiking trails, calm beaches for swimming, and canoe or paddleboard rentals. The trails range from stroller-friendly to adventurous, making it easy for families with kids of any age to participate. The mountain also has spectacular viewpoints that reward even the shortest legs.
In winter, the excitement shifts to skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country trails. Mont-Orford Ski Resort is known for being family-friendly, with learning zones, equipment rentals, and plenty of gentle runs for beginners.
No matter the season, Mont-Orford invites families to unplug and enjoy nature at their own pace. Pack a picnic, bring the camera, and prepare for fresh air and happy faces.
Spa Eastman, a Haven of Relaxation for Parents and Teens
Spa Eastman / Photo courtesy of Spa Eastman
While many spas cater primarily to adults, Spa Eastman uniquely welcomes families with older children, making it a refreshing stop on a family getaway. The spa offers relaxing soaking pools and Nordic-style thermotherapy, all set within pristine natural surroundings where mountains, forests, and gardens create an atmosphere of pure calm.
Parents will love the warm pools overlooking quiet woodland, while teens (the spa’s facilities are accessible from age 12) enjoy the soothing water circuits, peaceful views, and digital-detox vibe. The spa’s walking trails are perfect for a gentle family hike, and the on-site restaurant, known for its Tonique Cuisine, features delicious and wholesome dishes made from fresh local ingredients.
Spa Eastman is ideal for families who want to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect. After a morning of adventures in the Townships, spending a few restful hours soaking under the open sky is blissfully relaxing.
Stargazing & Science at the ASTROLab at Mont-Mégantic National Park
ASTROLab / Photo courtesy of Rémi Boucher
Mont-Mégantic is unlike any other national park in Quebec thanks to its remarkable dark-sky reserve — the first of its kind in the world. Families can enjoy daytime adventures such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and scenic lookouts, but the real magic begins when the sun goes down.
The park’s ASTROLab is an educational center devoted to astronomy and space science, and it is incredibly kid-friendly. Touchscreens, hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and guided presentations make it easy for kids to grasp big cosmic concepts. Families can attend telescope-viewing nights where astronomers help you explore planets, galaxies, and nebulae under some of the clearest skies in North America.
For curious minds of all ages, Mont-Mégantic offers a sense of wonder you simply can’t find elsewhere. It’s both awe-inspiring, deeply memorable, and a highlight of any family trip.
Meet the Adorable Residents of Domaine des Nobles Alpacas
Domaine des Nobles Alpagas / Photo courtesy of Tourisme Cantons de l’Est
If your family loves animals, Domaine des Nobles Alpacas in Racine is guaranteed to become a favorite stop. This warm, welcoming alpaca farm gives families the chance to get up close to cuddly, gentle alpacas, learn about their habits, and even feed them under the supervision of the farmers.
Kids adore the friendly animals, whose soft fleece and curious expressions make them especially photogenic. The farm’s guided tours explain how alpaca wool is harvested and transformed into cozy socks, scarves, and other products. The boutique offers beautiful, high-quality souvenirs and every purchase supports the animals’ care.
This is one of those experiences that effortlessly blends fun, learning, and heartwarming moments. Expect giggles, great photos, and children who will beg you to bring an alpaca home.
The Eastern Townships: A Family-Friendly Haven
The Eastern Townships is a region where families can relax, explore, taste, learn, and play together. From peaceful soaking pools and cuddly alpacas to science adventures and mountain trails, every day brings something new — and every attraction welcomes families with genuine warmth. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, educational discoveries, or simply time to reconnect, the Eastern Townships offers memories that will last long after the trip ends.
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About the Author: Michele Sponagle is a prolific Canadian travel journalist who has visited more than 70 countries. Based in a small town near Toronto, she has fished for piranha in the Amazon, tracked polar bears on foot in Canada’s far north and traveled over the Maasai Mara in Kenya in a hot air balloon. She’s always up for an adventure. Her work has appeared in many major media outlets, from Washington Post to Good Housekeeping and The Globe and Mail.
