The first settlers here (of European origin) were British loyalists who arrived in the late 18th century during the unpleasantries in the colonies to the south. It soon became home to many English immigrants. They were then joined by relocating French speaking Canadians who now make up the majority. Thus, one sees towns and streets with English names but hears French spoken in the shops and cafes.
Unlike much of rocky, mountainous New England, the gentle rolling hills here have rich soil and we saw lots of large dairy farms with bright green pastures.
There is also a scattering of mountains so the region is a popular year round destination for Canadians as it boasts skiing and other winter sports as well as boating, cycling and hiking in the summer.
On leaving Rumford, Maine we had a relaxing country drive to the border crossing at tiny Hereford, Quebec. When we were stopped at the Canadian border control, the officer checked our passports, looked at our vehicle, scratched his head and asked, "Did you drive all the way from Georgia in THAT?" We assured him that, yes we did and yes, Raymond is very reliable so we will be fine. I feel certain he told his wife over dinner that night, "You'll never believe what came across today!"
Arriving soon after in the town of Magog, we found it to be the perfect base for a weeklong exploration of the area. Our Airbnb was just a few blocks from the shores of Lake Memphremagog and a 10 minute drive to Mt Orford National Park.
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| Lake Memphremagog |
Anyone who has ever read a mystery by Louise Penny will know that Chief Inspector Gamache operates in the Eastern Townships. An abbey near Magog served as a model for her book, The Beautiful Mystery.
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| Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac |
Judy and I spent our days exploring the surrounding countryside, hiking in the national park and savoring the sunny, mid 70’s weather of a Canadian summer. We even attended a concert at the Orford Music Festival.
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| Étang aux Cerises (Cherry Pond) in the NP |
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| Hiking along a steep bit in the NP |
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| A dual purpose trail - we opted against snowshoes |
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| O, Canada! |
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